Whether you’re looking to get into the eCommerce game or expand your existing business, building an eCommerce app can be a worthwhile investment.
Mobile eCommerce apps are totally trending. Get this: around 2.71 billion users across the globe are predicted to shop online in 2024 for all sorts of goods and services. That’s a massive crowd of potential customers ready to check out what your app has to offer!
Of course, e-commerce mobile app development isn’t an easy task, but it’s certainly doable. But how do you go about creating an app from scratch?
In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know and do to have a successful eCommerce app development. Let’s get started!
5 Trends in eCommerce Mobile Apps in 2024
Given all the buzz on eCommerce apps, one might assume that every type of app is already taken. But this isn’t the case! There are still plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs to create innovative and useful apps.
To get ahead of the competition, keep up to date on trends in the eCommerce mobile app industry.
Here are the trends to plan for if you’re looking to build your eCommerce app idea this year:
5G
At the end of 2023, over 1.5 billion 5G connections were lighting up across the globe. This is the quickest any mobile tech has taken off! And guess what? It’s expected to pump almost $1 trillion into the world economy by 2030.
With the rollout of 5G, more and more shoppers will be able to access high-speed networks for faster eCommerce experiences.
This will provide enhanced mobile streaming capabilities and faster delivery speeds, so be sure to plan for 5G capabilities before you create an eCommerce app.
Rampant Use of Augmented Reality
The use of Augmented Reality (AR) in eCommerce apps is expected to skyrocket.
The eCommerce business is already seeing the benefits of AR. IKEA and Houzz use this technology to allow potential customers to see how furniture would look in their houses before buying.
This trend improves customer experience, and you’ll want to consider if you’re building an eCommerce app for your furniture business.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are two of the biggest buzzwords in tech. And in 2024, these technologies might be able to develop an e-commerce app with little to no human intervention!
Aside from that, these tools can be used to automate customer interactions, personalize product recommendations, and optimize marketing campaigns.
By leveraging AI development and ML in your eCommerce app, you can create a better shopping experience and drive more conversions.
Chatbots
Many companies, such as Lyft, Spotify, and Pizza Hut, have started using chatbot technology to automate customer service inquiries in their mobile eCommerce app.
Chatbots can handle basic customer service tasks such as answering FAQs, providing product recommendations, and issuing refunds. Users have favored the convenience and speed of chatbots, so it’s worth considering for your eCommerce app.
One-Click Purchasing
Amazon has the exclusive right to make payments in a single click. This is a convenience that many of your customers may be looking for, so it’s worth researching one-click payment solutions for your app.
Users will find this incredibly helpful since they won’t have to fill out lengthy forms or store their payment information.
These are the top eCommerce trends for the upcoming years. If you’re creating an eCommerce app, be sure to include these tools and technologies for the best chance of succeeding in your digital transformation.
The 6 Factors to Consider in Your eCommerce App Development
Before you can start your eCommerce app development process, there are a few key factors you’ll need to consider.
Let’s go over them here:
Business Model of Your App
Before you scout for a software development team, you need to have a solid understanding of your business model.
Your app’s business model will dictate how you want to develop your app. There are four business models for eCommerce apps:
- Business to business (B2B): B2B applications offer goods or services from one business to another.
- Business to consumer (B2C): B2C apps provide goods or services directly to consumers.
- Consumer to business (C2B): In C2B apps, consumers offer goods or services to businesses.
- Consumer to consumer (C2C): C2C apps enable consumers to trade goods or services with other individuals.
Once you’ve identified which business model your app will use, you can begin designing it accordingly.
eCommerce Platform of Your App
Choosing which of the mobile platforms to develop your app for is a critical decision. You’ll need to consider which platform has the most user base and offers the best features for your application.
Android and iOS are the two most popular mobile platforms, and both offer their own unique benefits. The former currently has over 2.7 billion active users, while the latter has approximately 1.2 billion users.
You could also go the route of developing an app that would run on both app stores, iOS and Android. This is often the most cost-effective option since you can target most smartphone users!
Choose Your Stack Carefully
Your stack will determine how easily your online store app can be built and how well it will perform. Selecting the right stack is essential for successful eCommerce app development.
The most popular technologies used in eCommerce app development include React Native, Node.js, and MongoDB. Be sure to research each of these stacks carefully before you make your decision.
[Also read: Python vs Java: A Deep Dive in Their Differences]
API Integrations
What are API integrations? They are the glue that connects all of your eCommerce app’s components together. APIs enable you to access data from third-party applications, such as payment processors and shipping providers.
For example, if you want to offer customers a seamless checkout experience, you’ll need an API integration with a reputable payment system integration like Stripe or PayPal.
Integrating your eCommerce app with APIs is key to providing a seamless experience. You can use them to automate tasks, integrate external services, and enable payment processing.
Payment Gateways
If you wish to monetize your e-commerce app, you must include a secure payment gateway to process payments from your customers. This can be done via credit and debit cards, as well as other payment methods such as PayPal and Apple Pay.
It is one of the key features that will determine whether or not your customers will trust your app with their financial information. So, be sure to choose a reliable payment gateway.
Consider low fees, quick processing times, and maximum security to ensure the best experience for your users.
[Also read: 9 App Monetization Strategies That Work]
The Type of Development Methodology Used
Finally, you’ll need to decide which type of development methodology to use for your app creation. There are several approaches:
Waterfall Methodology
The Waterfall Method is well-known for being one of the most prevalent software development techniques. This rigid, linear process entails a series of successive stages, from requirements gathering to design, implementation, and verification through maintenance, all centered around clear objectives.
Agile Methodology
By utilizing the agile development methodology, teams can reduce risks posed by bugs, cost overruns, and fluctuating requirements when introducing new features. Agile development is focused on quick iterations, frequent testing and releasing, and embracing changes instead of fighting them.
Rapid Application Development (RAD) Methodology
The RAD method contains four phases: requirements planning, user design, construction, and cutover. It’s a condensed development process that produces a high-quality system with low investment costs.
DevOps Deployment Methodology
This method focuses on organizational transformation, which promotes better communication between the divisions in charge of various aspects of the development life cycle, such as building, quality assurance, and operations.
By understanding the various trends, factors, and methodologies in eCommerce app development, you’ll be able to create an effective app that meets your business needs.
Creating an eCommerce app can be a complicated process, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and technologies, your app can reach its maximum potential.
5 Reasons to Build eCommerce Apps Today
The eCommerce app market is becoming increasingly popular as more customers move away from traditional shopping methods and embrace the convenience of eCommerce.
It’s time to tap into the market and take advantage of the numerous opportunities that come with eCommerce apps!
Here are reasons to jump on the eCommerce mobile app bandwagon:
1. More and more people are shopping online
There’s no denying that online shopping is becoming more and more popular. Australia reached an unprecedented level of online spending in 2021 with a staggering $62.3 billion, and analysts forecast the amount will double within five years.
As more and more people turn to the Internet for their shopping needs, it’s important that businesses have an e-commerce mobile app presence to stay competitive. So, if you want to stay ahead of the game, invest in your own e-commerce app!
2. You can reach a global audience
Another great reason to invest in a mobile e-Commerce app is that you can reach a global audience with ease. With an app, no geographical boundaries are holding you back from selling your products or services to anyone in the world.
If you want your business to have a global presence, an eCommerce app is a perfect way to get started. Consider the languages and currencies you’ll need to support to maximize your reach.
3. E-commerce apps are convenient
In today’s fast-paced world, people want convenience, and they want it now. Whether they’re grabbing lunch on their way to work or shopping for clothes in their downtime, customers expect every process to be quick and efficient.
Putting your products and services in an e-commerce app provides customers with the convenience they’re looking for. They can easily browse and buy what they need from their phone, no matter where they are.
4. You can offer a personalized experience
Successful eCommerce apps make it easy for customers to find products and services tailored to their needs. By using customer data and analytics, you can provide a personalized experience that is tailored to each individual customer.
For example, you can recommend products based on their purchase history or send them discounts and promotions that are relevant to their interests. Personalization is a surefire way to keep customers coming back for more!
5. E-commerce apps are cost-effective
Finally, eCommerce apps are a cost-effective way to do business. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar stores, you don’t have the same overhead costs associated with an eCommerce app.
With eCommerce mobile apps, there’s no need to pay for rent, utilities, or staff salaries—you can run your business entirely from your computer! So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to reach customers, you won’t regret this investment.
Now that we’ve covered the many reasons why you should invest in an eCommerce app, it’s time to get started with eCommerce mobile app development!
9 Steps on How to Build Your eCommerce App
With all things considered, you can now begin your e-commerce application development!
To help make the process easier and more efficient, let’s go over the basic steps you need to take to build an e-Commerce app:
1. Start with a great idea for an app
You can skip this part if you already have an idea for your eCommerce app. Otherwise, start by researching the latest trends and figuring out what users need that isn’t currently being provided.
Consider brainstorming with your team and think about what users would find helpful or desirable in a mobile commerce app. Then, create a vision document that outlines your app’s goals, objectives, and features.
2. Define your business goals
You’ll need to identify your core business goals for the app. Think about what you want to achieve, who your target audience is, and how you’ll monetize the app.
Once you have a clear vision of what your app should do, put them in writing and share it with your team. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page.
3. Choose the right business model and platform
As discussed earlier, it’s important to select a suitable business model and platform. This will determine the type of features and functions your app will have, as well as how it will be built and marketed.
If you’re uncertain about which way to go, pay attention to development costs and inventory requirements, and choose wisely when selecting a Content Management System (CMS), database platform, and scalable framework.
When determining if you should launch an Android app, an iOS app, or both, these vital factors will come into play. Obviously, the mobile platform that your target audience frequents is also essential to consider.
4. Identify the features you want to include
Once you’ve decided on your app’s platform, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty. What features should be included in your eCommerce app?
To give you an idea, here are the common features of an eCommerce app:
– Sign up/Login
– Search bar and filtering
– Order tracking
– Shopping cart
– Payment gateway integration
– Push notifications
– User profiles, accounts, and loyalty programs
– Customer reviews
5. Design the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX)
Now it’s time to create the visual side of your eCommerce app. Design a user-friendly UI and UX that is intuitive, attractive, and easy to navigate.
Your UI design will take center stage. This is the part of your app that users interact with and see on their device screens. It should be intuitive and easy to navigate. It’s also important to ensure that your app is optimized for multiple devices and screen sizes.
Your UX design should be equally as important. Your users should feel comfortable with the app’s flow and be able to get what they need without much effort or confusion quickly.
Hiring a team of experienced designers can help make this process easier. They will ensure that your app meets all the latest mobile commerce trends. This includes using a combination of principles such as flat design, minimalist design, and responsive design.
With an experienced e-commerce mobile application team beside you, you’ll be able to create a unique interface that is both user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing.
6. Find the right development team
With your app’s design figured out, it’s time to find the right e-commerce app development company. Choose a team with an extensive portfolio of eCommerce apps and the right expertise.
It’s also important to pick a team that understands your vision and works well with your creative ideas. Select a team that is committed to meeting and exceeding your expectations.
Who should be part of your mobile app development team?
– Full-stack Developer
– Front-end Developer
– Back-end Developer
– UI/UX Designer
– Quality Assurance Engineer
– Project Manager
7. Test your app thoroughly before launching it
Performance testing and user testing are essential to ensure your app works as it should. Your team should conduct a series of tests, including quality assurance (QA) testing, to make sure everything works smoothly.
You should also test the app on different devices and browsers to ensure that it looks and functions correctly across all platforms.
Also, you should consider using a beta version of your app to get early feedback from potential users before launching it. This will help you make the necessary changes and adjustments before launching your app to the public.
8. Launch your eCommerce app
Once everything is in place, it’s time to launch your eCommerce app. This is always an exciting moment!
Before you do so, get the word out by promoting it on social media, through email marketing campaigns, and other channels.
You’ll want to create buzz about your app even before it’s officially released. This will help get people excited and ready to download your app when it goes live.
9. Monitor and analyze your app performance
Once your eCommerce app is launched, don’t forget to monitor how it’s performing. Track the number of downloads and daily active users, as well as user engagement metrics, to see how people are using your app.
Also, set up tracking and analytics solutions so that you can gain insights into user behavior. This will help you understand which features are being utilized the most and what adjustments need to be made to improve your app.
Let’s Develop Your eCommerce Mobile App!
By now, it should be clear that there are plenty of advantages to having an eCommerce mobile app for business. Not only do these apps provide a more immersive and convenient experience for users, but they also give businesses a competitive edge.
At StarTechUP, we have a team of experienced eCommerce app developers and designers who specialize in creating world-class mobile apps. Our team would be more than happy to develop a custom-made eCommerce mobile app tailored specifically to your business needs!
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level with an eCommerce mobile app, get in touch with us today!
