Shopping via mobile apps is much more convenient than from websites. Hence, it is an excellent tool for increasing sales. From small businesses to large e-commerce giants are focussing on their mobile apps. Read along to know why? 

Especial, why your Small Business should have a mobile e-commerce app?

In today's world, the market has become very competitive. There are various similar products available in every segment of the market. There is immense competition between brands. 

Every brand is trying to innovate new features, methods to sell, or schemes to attract customers and increase sales. One of the ways to do that is to create a mobile app for your brand.

Why are apps required?

A mobile app for your website store is a simple way to increase your sales, reinforce your client base, and give your brand a boost. Mobile apps increase customer engagement. Many small and medium businesses are using apps to improve their sales. It helps in increasing the level of accessibility the customers have to them.

The mobile app's main aim is to provide the experience of a seamless connection and interaction with the brand, products, and owners.

Mobile apps are a valuable tool for modern business.

Why do people prefer an app over a website?

It is much more convenient to shop via apps than via websites. Customers do not have to remember the URL. They can use the app whenever they want. A survey showed that 78% of people prefer to shop via apps.

From the major fashion chains such as H&M, Zara to supermarket chains like Spacers and Big Bazaar, all have created a mobile application for their store so that people can conveniently shop from their homes.

Even major e-commerce sites such as Amazon and Flipkart have their mobile apps available.

If I have a website store, is it necessary to create an app?

Creating a website store is necessary for promoting your brand and taking your business to the next level. But for shopping, the customer has to launch a web browser, enter the URL and wait for the site to load. It is a slightly lengthy process.

Whereas if you have an app, people can simply download it. Plus, it only takes a second to launch a mobile app. Moreover, the app on the phone screen will constantly keep reminding people about your brand and your products. Hence, that will help in maintaining brand loyalty.

So even if you have a website store, creating an app will be an added advantage.

The era of online shopping

In 2019 it was estimated that there are 1.92 billion digital buyers and e-commerce sales account for 14.1% of retail purchases. Around 2 billion people had made purchases from a mobile device in 2019. About $1 in every $4 generated in e-commerce comes from mobile, with annual spending exceeding $35 billion.

In 2020 due to the spread of the coronavirus, people have started purchasing more online from apps.

Convenience in apps

Mobile apps provide a much faster alternative than mobile web browsing. It is very convenient to purchase goods and services from mobile apps. Here people can create their personal accounts and save their details such as name, address, and mobile number.

They can also add various items in the cart and save some for later without the fear that it won't get saved and disappear—result in faster checkout.

On mobile apps, it is effortless to pay money online. Various mobile wallets can be linked with apps so that with one click, the money gets safely transferred. You can also save your credit/debit cards and pay securely and quickly!

Cheaper marketing

If you have a mobile app for your brand, you do not have to send emails and SMS to notify people about the latest offers and products.

All you have to do is send a push notification via the app. It will notify people about the latest offers and urge people to open the app. Make the notifications personalized by adding their name.

A notification like "Hey Rohini, 50% off on selected products today! Check the products now" can create a feeling of urgency. It will make users browse your app and purchase.

You can also send notifications of items the customer added to their cart or viewed. 

Tracking, return, and exchange.

Customers can easily track orders on the phone and return and exchange it easily. It is a quick and organized way. Customers can also call customer service if you have any queries.

Some tips for creating an ideal app

Creating an app might be an added work, but it's worth it!

• Logo - Always keep the brand logo as the app icon. Try to make it original and write the name of the brand, if possible.
• Design - Design the app interface properly. As it will be viewed on a smaller screen, please don't make it cluttered. Please keep it simple yet appealing to the eye.
• Catalog – Create a catalog dropbox where you add links to the various sections of your apps. This will make it easier for the customer to navigate through your app.
• Navigation - App navigation makes or breaks the sale. If the app is easily navigable, the customer will easily find the products they need and purchase it!
• Easy checkout - Keep checkout as simple as possible. Keep options like "buy now" or "order now" in bolds so that it is easy to locate. 
• App experience – The app should be such that it makes the customer's shopping experience enjoyable. This creates a good brand image. People will feel satisfied when they purchase from you. 

I want to conclude by saying that you have to be on top of your game to stay relevant in today's digital era, or the other brands will eat you up!

At Shimbi Labs, we can build your best e-commerce app either for Ninjin Store or your own customized mobile e-commerce app for android and iOS running all devices. Send inquiry.