Why your e-commerce business needs an app
We’re getting straight to the point with this blog post. A mobile e-commerce app can benefit your business in many ways. To list a few, you can see an increase in sales and conversions, as well as improve your customer loyalty strategies. So without further ado, if you have an e-commerce business in 2020 and are looking to increase your revenue and brand awareness, this is the blog for you.
To begin with, we’ll look into four of the main benefits of building an e-commerce app for your online business.
1. Shoppers prefer apps to mobile browsers.
Mobile apps vs responsive websites is an argument that has been had by many over the past 15 years or so. Its outcome has become clearer as the years have gone on. No statistic is clearer than, 78% of users surveyed “claimed to they would rather use a mobile app than access a store via a mobile browser”. In all honesty, we were very surprised that the figure wasn’t a lot higher.
Ecommerce applications ultimately are far more convenient, easy to use, and more trustworthy, especially when you are dealing with returning customers. For instance, by using a mobile app you don’t need to remember the website and all of your information. In turn, this makes the purchase process quick and easy. It can all be done in a few simple steps.
2. Boost customer loyalty.
If a user downloads your e-coomerce app, they are already more invested and ready to buy. They will spend longer on your app if the user journey benefits them. Therefore, it gives you more time to reach them, to impress them, and to convert them. So, what strategies and methods can you use to increase customer loyalty? Below we have highlighted just a few ways:
- Exclusive content
Apps allow you to send more personalised content and offers direct to customers.
- Push Notifications
Allowing you to contact your user 24/7 with reminders, offers, and new releases can build trust and loyalty.
- Rewards Systems
Apps allow you to gamify the purchasing process through rewards and loyalty programs that benefit the user.
- Advanced Support
Via the use of chatbots and other support methods, apps can make the process more personalised as well as more informative.
These are all ways to boost customer loyalty that a mobile e-commerce app can offer that most websites cannot.
3. Increased conversion rates.
Simply put, mobile apps can make the shopping process simpler. As well as that, through the use of good UX and simple navigation, conversion rates can skyrocket compared to websites. Something that websites find harder to do. Studies show that on average, mobile apps convert at a 157% higher rate than the mobile web. So if you are looking for better conversion rates and a way to increase your ROI, go mobile too.
Here are some more reasons why conversion rates are higher on mobile:
- Better personalisation
- Easier communication
- Offline app functionality
- Push notifications (especially for Cart notifications)
- Easier usability and payment options.
4. Higher average order value
It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what makes people spend more on mobile devices than they do on websites. The first thing that comes to mind is simply comfort. If the user is relaxed, comfortable, and not distracted (at home relaxing) they are more likely to spend more time interacting with the brand. However, there are a few reasons that we believe make mobile the most profitable platform.
- Push Notifications.
As mentioned previously in this blog post, push notifications are an extremely powerful tool for conversion. However, one of the most important uses of this tool is letting the user know when something is in stock. This can not only lead to a direct purchase, but it can also lead to further items being bought. - One-click ordering
The simpler the user journey, the more effective the platform becomes. Something that mobile apps can do really effectively. For starters, apps can add features like ‘Buy Now’ as they already store their payment details from previous purchases. This is very effective for returning customers that know the interface and a familiar and loyal to the brand. And, as mentioned previously, if someone downloads the app they already know the brand. - Easy payment.
Apps allow for further types of payment that websites can not offer. For example, adding Apple Pay or Google wallet will allow users to purchase products from you e-commerce store without having to remember their card details or have them to hand. Meaning that you never miss a buying opportunity.
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