How To Develop E-commerce App For Mobile Phones

Introduction To E-commerce App Development

In this article, we will learn about the core features of an e-commerce app and the process of how to develop an e-commerce app. With all honesty, who does not like shopping and following the latest trends around the town? Just like the change in fashion trends, advances in product features, and transformation of traditional ways into technological ways, the world of shopping has also transformed rapidly during the time of Covid-19. When the world was going through a lockdown period, the need to develop platforms for online shopping came into the consideration of many app developers. And just like that, started the growing era of e-commerce platforms for shopping.

What Is E-Commerce Industry?

E-commerce is generally defined as a platform where the buying and selling of products is made possible through online digital channels. The intention of the e-commerce owners is to grow the community of regular customers to generate more and more sales and ensure user engagement. The Forbes report of e-commerce statistics of 2023 has shown that approximately 20.8% of retail purchases are expected to occur online, whereas, by 2026, this figure will surpass 26%. Four standard models of the e-commerce industry have been contributing to the growing stats of the industry. They are

• Business to Consumer (B2C) model of e-commerce
• Business to Business (B2B) model of e-commerce
• Consumer to Consumer (C2C) model of e-commerce
• Consumer to Business (C2B) model of e-commerce

How Is App Development Facilitating the E-commerce Industry?

Until now, it is clear that the standard mode of the e-commerce industry is online platforms. Many business owners utilize websites for this cause. But with the current rise in the development of different smartphone models with updated features came the increase in e-commerce app development. Smartphones are handy gadgets that are accessible everywhere. They do not require the user to plug in chargers or carry laptops and networking devices to places. The quality of convenience and efficiency makes mobile phones popular and feasible. Today’s e-commerce market is highly supported by the development of different mobile applications for e-commerce. Statistical reports in this regard have shown that almost 91% of online purchases are made through smartphones. The future predictions of mobile commerce state that by 2025, these sales are expected to account for $710 billion in commerce sales. It is pretty evident that the next significant evolution in the e-commerce industry is the ecommerce app development services for customers.

Key Features Of E-commerce Mobile Applications

A question to consider regarding the e-commerce evolution is that if it utilizes online platforms to buy and sell goods, then what makes a mobile application more convenient than a website? What features attract app users and are a must in e-commerce apps? Some of the latest important features of e-commerce app development are

1. One-Step Registration System

Users do not appreciate the lengthy requirements of registration or login features. The advanced feature of one-step registration enables customers to log in via existing accounts like Google or Facebook, their Gmail account, or phone numbers. This makes it easier to verify the registration and start the shopping experience.

2. Search Filters And Categories

The feature of search filters and categories is helpful for e-commerce businesses with long lists of catalogs or a massive variety of products. This feature enables the customers to search for the product they want quickly, their price preference, the latest products, and best-seller products in no time and extra work.

3. Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented Reality (AR) feature is an exciting trend making its way into e-commerce app development. With the help of AR, brands are now showcasing their products and their usability in real-life scenarios. This helps customers understand the type, nature, and benefits of buying and utilizing the product.

4. Multiple Payment Methods

Another feature that attracts users of e-commerce apps is the convenience of multiple payment methods. This provides a wide range of options like credit cards, debit cards, mobile wallets, and the typical cash on delivery. For someone who owns more than one method of payment, it is easier for users to switch between the modes depending on availability.

5. Offline Access To The App

Being able to purchase products online but without the necessity of an online network? Now that is something new and unique. The feature of offline access gives limited but necessary options for users to avail of certain application features.

6. Push Notifications

If you are an e-commerce app owner, you would for sure want your customers to keep coming back to your application or website. One of the ways to make sure this is to utilize the feature of push notification. The feature enables the customers to get constant reminders regarding the updates of applications, products, offers, promotions, discount vouchers, etc.

7. Other Features

Other attractive features that elevate the shopping experience through mobile applications are the wishlist feature, AI voice assistant, fast checkout method, track record of the order, product reviews and information, speedy customer service, etc.

 A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Develop E-Commerce App

E-commerce app development is a simple process. Still, it does require focus, dedication, and details in the initial stages of the development process. If you have taken all the precautionary measures during the process, your mobile application will be ready to launch into the market for customer usage. Some essential steps to make a functional e-commerce mobile app include

1. Market And Audience Research

The first step to ecommerce app development is to conduct proper market research and understand your target audience. Knowing what your app competitors offer with their apps, their strengths and weaknesses, and user feedback will help you take important notes of dos and don’ts for your app. Another step is to understand the audience, who will be the future app users. Conducting surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other methods helps you know the needs of users and their valuable feedback to keep in mind and builds customer security.

2. Identify The Goals And Objectives

The next step is to identify goals and objectives for your application. You should know what kind of app you want to create, what the app will provide to the users, and how your application will benefit the user community and mark its identity in the market.

3. Make Important Decisions Beforehand

Some crucial decisions help you reach your destination quickly. Before getting into the designing phase of the application, make sure you select the platform for deployment of the app. There are platforms like Android, iOS, or other cross-platforms where you can launch the app. It is necessary to understand the requirements of these platforms. Another decision is to select a method of monetization for your application that will help you in increasing the ROI (Return on Investment) rate of your application. Setting up the database, CMS software, programming language, and data analysis tools, forming a professional team, and having the availability of gadgets are also among the list of essential steps to be taken before developing the app.

4. Make A Design Plan For The App

Once your initial requirements and decisions regarding the e-commerce app development have been made, it is now time to devise a plan of action to be followed. In this phase, you will divide the responsibilities amongst the team members, make sure the final product of the application is completed in a theoretical form, and a timeline is strictly followed to reach the launch date.

5. Start With The Initial Development Phase

The initial phase of development follows the plan of action made by the app development team. In this stage, you will design and develop the UI/UX design of the application, which will give you an understanding of graphical features, technical features, layout, theme, and other vital aspects of the app. In simpler terms, this phase will take care of the backend and frontend system of the app development journey.

6. Launch The MVP

MVP is known as the Minimum Viable Product of your creation that you can present to a group of testers who will use your application and provide their valuable feedback for betterment and modification. These testers can be the professional experts available on the team as well as some outsiders with app utilization experience.

7. Modify The Changes

After releasing the MVP and taking into account the errors or bugs in the functionality of your e-commerce app development, it is now time to take the help of an expert QA tester on your team who has a basic understanding of the errors of the application and will use technical tools to debug and fix the errors. This step can take time, as you never know how much testing and modification the application will require.

8. Launch And Monitor

The last step after the final testing and modification of the e-commerce app is to launch the app in the market for customer usage. The journey does not end here. Always remember that the world of technology takes little time to change or update its features. Therefore, it is crucial to keep checking your application for customer services and feedback and update it in time so that the users will always be energized and comfortable using an outdated application.

The Industry Of Mobile App Development

As we all know, the world is witnessing a ravishing thunder of advanced e-commerce, and do you know what is detonating such a boom? The answer is e-commerce apps with the ongoing advancements and rapid changes in the e-commerce app development industry. The industry will undergo many advances and evolutionary changes to succeed and progress. If you have an idea or are looking for some help with support, this is your time to reach out to a mobile app development company and avail yourself of its valuable solutions.

Conclusion

Many mobile app developmental companies are providing highly experienced developers who can build all kinds of custom e-commerce apps for your business based on your requirements. Most businesses have developed and gained raging success using mobile apps and created a brand image in customers’ minds through customized apps with the collaboration of mobile app developing companies. Give your business a chance to build state-of-the-art solutions that provide flawless mobile experience to all consumers and audiences who are landing on your website and mobile applications. Generate additional revenue and create more opportunities for your business to grow with speed.