According to Bizrate Insights, over 45% of all U.S. shoppers make purchases via the use of retail apps, at least once a month.
Think about how many apps you may personally use, such as EBay, Amazon, Walmart or Groupon. These companies utilize apps to encourage sales and build customer loyalty. Chances are, you’ve likely made at least one purchase using an app in the past few months.
And according to Criteo Inc, app-based shoppers are three times more likely to make a purchase after viewing a product detail page than even mobile web shoppers!
In the world of e-commerce, apps are certainly changing the landscape of online shopping.
Take a look at the infographic below for a visual example:
One of the best ways to interact with on-the-go consumers is by offering them an app that makes it easy to browse and purchase your products.
Consider just how many people don’t have the time to sit at the computer when evaluating products. If you want to boost sales and build a loyal customer base, you need to cater to the busy parent, the on-the-go professional, and the younger crowd of customers that spend hours of their day on mobile devices.
Here are a few more reasons why it’s important to consider creating an app as a digital extension of your brand:
Apps Simplify the Purchasing Process
Once a person becomes comfortable using an app, chances are they’ll continue to use it every time they purchase, or connect to your community or online store. Apps make shopping fast and easy, especially for those with limited time.
Apps Provide Invaluable Customer Data
Apps allow you to collect important customer data, including purchase histories, email addresses, as well as age and location demographics. This information can be invaluable when creating ad campaigns or marketing initiatives, allowing you to better target your audience.
Reward Apps Build Loyalty
Consumers love a bargain and they also appreciate being rewarded for purchasing through your store. In fact, loyalty-based reward apps are so popular that customers will often remain with the brands that offer them reward incentives even when the prices of products are higher than competing companies that fail to offer an app!
Tip: Consider creating a loyalty based app that rewards users with special discounts and coupons as well as providing them with the ability to keep track of the rewards/points so they’re encouraged to continue shopping with you.
This is one of the easiest ways to improve customer retention and build a trusted brand.
So how can you build an app for your e-commerce website in order to boost sales and satisfy the ever-growing demand from mobile shoppers?
Here are a few ways to get started:
Appy Pie:
With their ecommerce app builder, you can integrate your current product listing from your website right into your new ecommerce app so that customers can buy and sell from within the app. Engage with your customers through effective push notifications from App Builder Appy Pie, and keep them updated regarding new offers and products.
Visit: https://www.appypie.com/e-commerce-app-builder
Adiante Apps:
Create an e-commerce app quickly and easily even if you have zero experience building applications!
With Adiante Apps, you can:
- Integrate your online shop
- Send notifications about the newest offers and items added into your inventory
- Create exclusive coupons
- Guide with GPS your customers to your physical location
- Show pictures and videos of your facilities
- Create satisfaction surveys about your products
- Integrate your social networks (twitter, facebook)
and many more things...
Visit: https://www.adianteapps.com/info/make-your-online-shop-app
Top Recommended: Shopify
One of the easiest ways to build an app for your store is by combining the power of Shopify with the mobile app creator available here: https://apps.shopify.com/plobalapps-mobile-application and here: http://www.shoutem.com/app/e-commerce
Spend some time evaluating the different app development options in order to find the one that works best for you. Then create an app that encourages customer engagement and loyalty.
Here are a few other ways to develop your app:
Hire a Developer
You can easily hire an app developer from marketplaces like www.upwork.com and www.Freelancer.com. Just make sure that your developer is available for ongoing support and updates whenever needed.
Hire an Agency
If your budget allows for it, you could outsource your app to an agency who would be responsible for providing maintenance, updates, bug fixes and security protocols. Agencies can also work on developing future enhancements and personalization options which can add value to a customer’s experience.
Here is a list of available agencies to help you get started: https://experts.shopify.com/developers
