Why your e-commerce sucess depends on mobile apps

The rapid increase in mobile commerce is dramatically reshaping the retail landscape.

In 2023, smartphones accounted for 66% of online orders, according to Statista, marking a substantial shift from traditional desktop shopping to mobile platforms.

This transition has comfortably placed shopping at consumers’ fingertips, transforming not just when, but how we choose to shop. Let’s explore why this evolution is more than a mere trend—it's becoming our new way of life. 

What attracts consumers to choose mobile apps for their shopping?

• Universal Access: The appeal of mobile apps lies in their ability to integrate seamlessly into our daily routines. Whether stuck in morning traffic or waiting for a coffee, the modern shopper relishes the ability to make purchases on-the-go.
• Speed: Mobile apps are built for fast performance, allowing you to quickly move from looking at items to making a purchase in just a few seconds. This quick process helps make everyone's shopping experience smoother and more enjoyable.
• Personalized Shopping: Mobile apps use advanced algorithms to create a shopping experience that feels tailor-made for you. They analyze your past purchases and browsing habits to predict what you might like next, suggesting products that match your personal taste and making each shopping session relevant to your interests.
• Prompt Updates: With push notifications, shoppers receive quick updates on new arrivals and special offers. This keeps them connected and well-informed about the latest shopping opportunities ensuring they never miss out on a great deal.
• Streamlined Transactions: By storing payment information securely, they allow for quick, one-touch purchases. It eliminates the inconvenience of filling out lengthy forms and forgetting passwords, making your checkout experience quick and effortless. 

Now it's clear that a mobile app for every e-commerce business is not just an option—it's a necessity in 2024. 

Here are 8 achievements your e-comm business will attain with its custom mobile app:

1. Superior User Experience: A swift and seamless user experience not only boosts customer satisfaction but also retains them significantly. Mobile apps, known for their faster content loading compared to mobile web browsers, markedly enhance user satisfaction. This is crucial because, as a recent Google study highlights, over 50% of mobile visitors will abandon a site if it takes longer than three seconds to load. By ensuring quicker load times, apps effectively reduce bounce rates, keeping users engaged and more likely to return. 
2. Higher Conversion Rates: Mobile apps have a conversion rate that is three times higher than mobile websites, according to a study by Criteo. This research also reveals that app users view 4.2 times more products per session compared to mobile website users.This demonstrates the effectiveness of mobile apps in streamlining the purchasing process and driving sales.
3. Higher Average Order Value: According to App Annie, users spend 20% more on average per purchase in-app compared to other platforms. This demonstrates the potential of mobile apps to drive increased revenue per user.
4. Valuable insights from Data Analytics: Mobile apps allow for detailed tracking and analysis of user interactions. App data can help businesses refine their marketing strategies and improve customer satisfaction by offering more personalized services. 46% of customers will buy more when given a personalized experience, according to Forbes Advisor. 
5. Enhanced Customer Loyalty: Mobile apps increase customer retention rates by 5x compared to mobile websites, reports Adobe. Integrating loyalty programs can further enhance this effect, with apps providing an easy platform for customers to accumulate and redeem rewards.
6. Offline Capabilities: Mobile applications offer offline capabilities, enabling users to access product information and previously loaded data even without an internet connection. This functionality enhances the shopping experience and fosters increased user engagement.
7. Increased Brand Visibility: Apps are always present on a user’s device, providing constant reminders of your brand. This continuous presence can help improve brand  loyalty, leading to more frequent purchases.
8. Meeting Mobile-First Consumer Expectations: With over 58% of site visits worldwide from mobile devices, as per Statista, having an app ensures that businesses meet modern consumer expectations and capitalize on mobile traffic.

The evolution of technology continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in mobile commerce.

While today’s mobile apps improve efficiency and personalization, the following emerging technologies are revolutionizing how we perceive and interact with mobile commerce:

• Augmented Reality: Enhance the online shopping experience by allowing users to visualize products in their own space. For instance, furniture stores like IKEA offer an AR feature where customers can see how a sofa would look in their living room before making a purchase. This not only entertains but significantly aids in the decision-making process, leading to higher customer satisfaction and increased sales.
• Voice Search and Shopping: As voice-activated devices grow in popularity, integrating voice search into mobile apps can streamline the shopping process, making it faster and more user-friendly. This feature is particularly appealing to on-the-go shoppers who value convenience and speed, and has been shown to boost conversion rates.
• Blockchain for Enhanced Security: In an era where data breaches are a real concern, implementing blockchain technology can enhance payment security and transparency. This builds trust with users who prioritize data privacy, ensuring their personal and payment information remains secure.

The future is mobile! 

As we've navigated through the numerous advantages of mobile apps—from enhancing user experience with personalized shopping and streamlined transactions to integrating cutting-edge technologies like AR and voice search—it's evident that by adopting these technologies, businesses are not only preparing for the future—they are shaping it.

Are you inspired by the possibilities of mobile commerce? Now is the perfect time to explore how mobile technology can elevate your brand. Book a consultation with one of our experts today, and let's start shaping the future of your business in the mobile commerce space together.