23rd May 201623rd May 16Jon Billingsley2 Minute Read

The Pros & Cons of E-commerce Mobile Apps

According to a recent report, mobiles and tablets now account for more than half of all online sales in the UK with a staggering 51% of UK online sales coming via mobile between November 2015 and January 2016.

Richard Tremellen from Capgemini believes that the figures reveal a significant shift for the online retail sector. “It reflects the work retailers have put into improving the customer experience on smartphones,” he said. “Not only have mobile platforms become more secure, but the payment process is also much slicker. The result is that smartphone conversion rates are 70-80 per cent higher than this time last year.”

Does your e-commerce store need an app?

With the rapid rise of mobile commerce, it’s crucial for e-commerce businesses to adapt to ensure that the needs of their mobile customers are taken into account. One of the best ways to do this is by launching a mobile app. However, apps aren’t for everyone so it’s important to consider the needs of your business and customers before you rush to develop an app for your store. To help you decide whether your e-commerce store needs an app, we’ve put together a list of pros and cons to help you gain a better understanding of what a mobile app could do for your business.

  • Pro: Mobile sales are booming – In January 2016, mobile sales grew at over seven times the rate of those via tablets and mobile now accounts for two-thirds of internet traffic – an 11% rise on 2014. Launching an app is a brilliant way of actively promoting, accommodating and encouraging this growing market.
  • Con: Maintenance – Mobile apps require a lot of TLC and maintenance and have to be built to accommodate each platform (iOS, Windows, Android). For many small business owners, this can prove to be too time consuming and costly.
  • Pro: Improved user experienceWell-designed apps dramatically enhance the user experience by enabling users to connect with your services from any location. This helps to build relationships, reinforce your brand’s image and increase your brand’s overall exposure.

Another Awesome Article: The Pros & Cons of Every Ecommerce Business Model

  • Con: High expectations – Competition in the app market is tough and even the major retailers struggle to keep up with the expectations of consumers. If you rush your app and roll it out before it’s perfect, people will not wait around for you to iron out the glitches, they will just leave a bad review and move on to a competitor’s app instead.
  • Pro: Functions offline – Unlike mobile websites, your app will function offline, so your customers will have access to your app 24/7.
  • Con: Low repeat use rate – With so many apps available, it can be difficult to create apps that engage users and encourage regular use.

Stay on the Cutting Edge

If you need help setting up your brand for voice commerce, Bing Digital can help. From eCommerce Conversion Rate Optimization Service to eCommerce Emergency Support Service, we can help your business stay up to date with all the latest developments in ecommerce.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements with one of our team.

Find out how we can help you

If you would like to discuss the possibilities, why don’t you give Bing Digital a call on 0800 802 1206 . Alternatively, complete a contact form and we’ll be in touch soon.

Related Articles

Enhance User Experience with UX/UI Best Practices

In today’s digital landscape, creating a powerful user experience (UX) is no longer just a nice-to-have. It is a pivotal aspect of your product’s success. Let’s explore how you can enhance user experience with top-notch UX/UI (User Interface) best practices. Understanding UX/UI UX is the process design teams use to create products that provide meaningful and relevant experiences to users. UI is the graphical layout of an application. It includes the buttons users click on,

Read Full Article

Boost Conversions with eCommerce Optimisation

The eCommerce world is more competitive than ever. In order to thrive, it’s crucial to focus on conversion optimisation. By adopting a strategic and calculated approach, you can maximise the impact of your eCommerce platform and propel your brand towards its financial goals. Understanding eCommerce Conversion Rates To boost conversions, you must first understand what a conversion rate is. In eCommerce, it refers to the percentage of site visitors who complete a desired action, such

Read Full Article

Stay Ahead of eCommerce Industry Trends

The eCommerce industry is one of the most dynamic sectors of the economy, with new trends and technologies emerging all the time. Businesses that stay ahead of these trends can gain a competitive edge and drive growth. Let’s explore some ways to keep abreast of the ever-evolving eCommerce landscape. Stay Informed Staying current with industry news is essential. Regularly checking trusted eCommerce news sources, attending webinars and conferences, and participating in industry forums can provide

Read Full Article

Let’s talk…

We just need a few basic details about you and the team will be in contact, if you already have a project in mind then just select yes below and provide a few details to get the ball rolling.

Do you have a project in mind already?

(Required)