The popularity of online shopping is increasing so rapidly that it has started to impact the revenue of physical stores. During the lockdown, in particular, several businesses in the UK lost billions of dollars due to their limited online presence.An e-commerce development company in London can help businesses build a strong online presence to mitigate such losses.

Can you guess which device most shoppers use to complete their purchase and contribute to this outcome? If your answer is a smartphone, then you guessed right! Almost one-third of consumers use their mobile devices to make at least one purchase from an eCommerce app every week.

All these reports indicate a common fact: if your business doesn’t have an app, you can lose a considerable portion of your consumer base.

That’s why today’s post dives into the benefits, features and types of retail apps. In the following section, you’ll find all the critical details of app development in eCommerce to help you stay relevant and profitable in the market.

So, read on!

Importance of App Development In E-Commerce

When it comes to app development for eCommerce, business owners often ask: Why is having an app necessary when one can use a website?

Although both a website and an application have their perks, a website cannot replicate an app’s level of engagement and interactivity. E-commerce app features, such as seamless integration, fast loading speed and push notifications, allow you to deliver a personalised experience to users.

As a result, more than 80% of consumers prefer mobile apps over websites for online shopping. Experts have estimated that by 2027, 62% of the world’s eCommerce profit will come via mobile platforms.

Studies have also indicated that mobile app users are likelier to make repeat purchases than people who shop through websites. The customer retention rate is also higher for brands with dedicated shopping apps.

Furthermore, experts estimate that by 2025, 38.1% of all retail sales in the UK will be made online. According to Statista, the shopping spree can reach approximately £152 billion to $194.1 billion.

Besides increased sales and customer engagement, eCommerce apps have a few other benefits, including:

• The digital transformation stimulated by eCommerce app development optimises inventory management and operational efficiency.
• It enhances your market reach.
• Custom app development for eCommerce boosts conversions.
• It enables you to access advanced user analytics.
• You can use the user-friendly app design to deliver a personalised experience to users.
• It ensures improved user experience and greater brand awareness.

Types of App Development Services for E-Commerce

There are several different types of app development services, including native app development, hybrid app development, progressive web apps, custom app development, and cross-platform app development.

Each of these approaches involves different development procedures and offers distinct benefits.

For instance, native mobile app development for eCommerce refers to creating mobile applications for specific operating systems, like iOS and Android.

These apps are fast; they sync well with the platform’s guidelines and deliver a great user experience. However, developing native apps can be costly and time-consuming.

On the contrary, cross-app development in eCommerce means the app can be used on all operating systems. Since you don’t need different versions of the same app, the cost of developing cross-platform apps tends to be more affordable. However, these apps are more likely to experience performance issues.

You can opt for custom app development in London if you wish to get the best of both worlds. It will enable you to tailor the app’s features as per your business needs and enjoy:

• Enhanced user experience
• Improved performance and functionality
• Data-driven insights
• Flexibility and scalability

Key Features and Benefits Of E-Commerce Apps

eCommerce mobile app development means reaching more customers and ensuring a smooth customer journey. The app design must be equipped with practical, responsive features.

Here are the key functionalities your eCommerce app developers must include:

• Intuitive navigation with easy login and registration
• Secure and easy in-app payment gateways
• Personalised content for the best user experience
• User-friendly product categories
• Shopping cart, shipping options and order summary
• Wishlist and item availability in specific locations
• Integration of chatbots and augmented reality
• Member options and loyalty programs
• Status-checking options for returned and shipped products

These features are essential for functional app development solutions, which enjoy improved customer retention, enhanced brand loyalty, and increased sales conversion.

Best Practices in E-Commerce App Development

Creating an eCommerce app that stands out is not easy. An app development agency must follow several complex steps to make the app compelling for users.

Below, we highlight some of the best app development practices to help you craft an engaging app.

• Build consistent navigation for a user-friendly design
• Simplify the user interface with intuitive UI/UX
• Emphasise app testing and quality analysis for a secure and seamless user experience
• Optimise the images and other media for SEO
• Ensure responsive design
• Integration with other eCommerce platforms and back-end ERP systems
• Apply recognition pattern
• Ensure high loading speed

E-Commerce Growth Strategies through Mobile Apps

Once you have completed the eCommerce app integration into your chosen platform, it’s time to employ some strategies to grow its reach.

You can take several steps here to improve how your customers engage with the app. For instance, incorporate

• Features to send push notifications and personalised offers for better user engagement
• Streamline the app’s checkout process and product recommendations to increase sales conversions
• Launch loyalty programs to improve brand awareness

Examples

If you are looking for inspiration for engaging eCommerce app development in London, here are two examples that are nothing short of impressive:

• Ocean Vis Pilates: With seamless account creation and navigation features, the Ocean Vis Pilates app helps fitness enthusiasts keep track of their workout sessions and reach their fitness goals easily. It’s simple, responsive, intuitive, and easy to use.
• Wholesale Hub: Another app to take inspiration is Wholesale Hub. It does an excellent job of displaying wholesale properties to investors through comprehensive analytics, advanced search features and real-time property updates.

App Development Trends

With the boom in 5G technology and AI integrations, professional mobile app development company in london are shaping the future of app development trends. Some of those trends taking the spotlight are

• Enhanced security measures
• Cross-platform development
• Internet of Things integration
• Integration of AI, Meta Verse, AR and VR
• User-centric designs

Enhance User Engagement With A Feature-Rich E-Commerce App!

Although it’s an investment, an app development in eCommerce can significantly boost your business sales. It enables users to reach you anytime and anywhere, increasing engagement and loyalty.

At Webskitters Ltd., we help companies build functional, convenient, user-friendly and tailored app solutions to help them take advantage of the surge in online shopping. If you have any queries about mobile app development, contact us now!