How To Create a Mobile App For Your eCommerce Website

Introduction.

Creating a mobile app for your eCommerce website can be a game-changer for your business. It’s not just a trend—it’s become a necessity in the digital age.

Why? Because mobile devices are central to how people browse and shop online.

Mobile eCommerce sales are expected to make up 72.9% of total eCommerce sales by the end of 2024.

That’s a huge deal for any business owner looking to keep up with the competition and meet customers where they’re spending the most time: on their phones.

But what does it take to build a mobile app for your eCommerce website? Is it worth the time, money, and effort? And how can it elevate your business while keeping your customers happy and engaged?

These are some questions I’ll be answering as I walk you through the steps, challenges, and benefits of creating your app.

By the end, you’ll have a solid idea of whether it’s the right move for your business, what it entails, and how to make the process as smooth as possible.

Why Consider a Mobile App for Your eCommerce Business?

Having a mobile app isn’t just about looking modern or keeping up with your competitors. There are real benefits to your bottom line. Here are some key advantages:

Benefits of Having a Mobile App for eCommerce

Enhanced User Experience: Mobile apps are designed to be more intuitive and faster than browsing a website. They make it simple to scroll through products, apply filters, and complete purchases. This can increase customer satisfaction and encourage repeat business.
Faster Load Times: Apps generally load content quicker than mobile websites. This is crucial because research shows that 40% of users abandon a website if it takes longer than three seconds to load.
Personalized Content and Push Notifications: Apps allow for better customization and personalization. You can send users tailored offers and updates that make them feel valued, boosting engagement. For example, if someone frequently buys workout gear, you can send them a notification about a sale on running shoes.
Offline Access: Even when users aren’t connected to the internet, they can still browse a mobile app’s content. While they may not be able to purchase until they’re back online, it’s still a convenient feature.
Increased Conversion Rates: Mobile apps convert at a higher rate compared to websites. The more seamless the experience, the higher the chance a customer will follow through with a purchase. A study by Criteo found that mobile apps have a 3x higher conversion rate compared to mobile websites.
Building Customer Loyalty: By creating a mobile app, you’re offering something unique and more engaging. Features like loyalty programs, personalized recommendations, and exclusive offers help retain customers and keep them coming back.

Challenges of Developing a Mobile App

While the advantages are clear, there are some drawbacks you should consider before making a decision.

High Development Costs: Creating a mobile app can be expensive. Depending on the complexity, you could be looking at anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 or more. For small businesses, that’s a significant investment.
Time-Consuming: Building an app isn’t a quick project. From design and development to testing and launching, it could take months before your app is ready. You’ll also need to factor in time for updates and maintenance.
App Store Approval Process: After you build your app, you’ll need to get it approved by the App Store and Google Play. The process can be slow, and if your app doesn’t meet their guidelines, you may need to make changes before it can be published.
Ongoing Maintenance: Apps require regular updates to fix bugs, add new features, and ensure compatibility with the latest operating systems. This means additional time, effort, and money long after the app has launched.

How Do I Start Building a Mobile App?

If you decide that creating a mobile app is right for your eCommerce business, here’s how to get started:

1. Define Your Goals

Before you even think about hiring a developer, be clear on what you want to achieve. Is it to improve customer engagement, boost sales, or enhance the shopping experience? Your goals will shape the features and design of your app.

2. Choose Between a Custom App or a Template

There are two main options: you can either build a custom app from scratch or use an app builder platform.

Custom apps are more expensive but can be tailored to your exact needs. App builders are more affordable and quicker to launch, but they come with limitations in terms of customization.

3. Create a User-Friendly Design

Invest in a design that makes it easy for customers to navigate your store. The fewer clicks needed to make a purchase, the better. Make sure the layout is simple, visually appealing, and aligned with your brand.

4. Work with the Right Developers

If you’re going for a custom app, finding the right development team is crucial. Check their portfolio and read reviews to ensure they have experience in building eCommerce apps. Communication and collaboration are key, so don’t just go for the cheapest option.

5. Test, Test, Test!

Once your app is built, test it rigorously before launching. This includes checking for bugs, ensuring the app is fast and responsive, and making sure the design works well on different screen sizes.

6. Launch and Market Your App

Getting your app into the app stores is just the beginning. Use social media, email marketing, and your website to promote your app and incentivize downloads. Consider offering a special deal for users who shop through the app.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Better user experience
Increased conversion rates
Personalization through push notifications
Ability to work offline
Faster load times

Cons:

High initial development cost
Time-consuming process
Ongoing maintenance required
App store approval can be challenging

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to build a mobile app?

Costs can range from $10,000 to over $100,000, depending on the complexity, design, and features.

2. Can I build an app without coding experience?

Yes, there are app builders like Shopify’s App Builder, BuildFire, and Appy Pie that allow you to create an app without any coding knowledge. However, they have limitations.

3. How long does it take to develop a mobile app?

It can take anywhere from three to nine months, depending on the app’s complexity and the resources you have.

4. Do I need a mobile app, or is a mobile-responsive website enough?

A mobile-responsive website is important, but an app provides a more personalized, engaging experience. It depends on your business goals and budget.

5. How do I promote my app once it’s launched?

Use social media, email marketing, and even special discounts for app users. Make sure you have a strong marketing plan in place.

Conclusion

Building a mobile app for your eCommerce website has both significant advantages and notable challenges. It can help you stand out from the competition, improve user experience, and boost sales.

However, it’s essential to weigh the costs and ongoing maintenance needs. Are you ready to take the leap and invest in an app that could elevate your business, or do you feel your current setup is serving your customers just fine?

So, what do you think? Is a mobile app the next step for your eCommerce venture, or would you prefer to optimize your website further?