Websites for eCommerce or m-commerce, aren't mutually exclusive, both serve different audiences and play various roles in the consumer journey. What's important is that you don't forget about mobile experiences while planning your eCommerce strategy.

Eight out of ten Americans shop online, and 51 percent shop on their mobile devices. Even as you read this, your organization is likely missing out on crucial conversions if you aren't utilizing mobile visitors.

While a responsive website is a great place to start when it comes to m-commerce, having a mobile app has several advantages over having a mobile website. Here is a list of compelling reasons why you should invest in mobile app development.

Better user experience 

Even if you have a responsive website, the browser will prompt the user to sign in to their account before they can proceed with their shopping. When it comes to mobile apps, the user information is stored in the app so users only have to sign in once after downloading it.

Because consumers don't have to sign in every time they shop, the ease of use is higher, and user happiness is higher as a result. In comparison to a website mobile apps allow users to navigate between several tabs, making navigation and overall user experience easier.

Access to phone native features

Mobile apps may take advantage of the phone's unique capabilities, which isn't possible with mobile websites. The user experience is enhanced by the incorporation of built-in smartphone components such as GPS and cameras. An app-only feature is interactive shopping using augmented and virtual reality.

Another benefit is the availability of native apps for offline use. While the apps do take up space on the user's smartphone, they may be utilized even when the phone is not connected to the internet, allowing consumers to purchase on the move.

Using mobile apps as marketing channels

Mobile apps allow you to provide customers with a cohesive omnichannel experience. Apps can enable social media integration, which merges several client involvement channels. Customers' preferences are maintained in the app, resulting in customized material being delivered to the appropriate customers.

Geofencing & push notifications delivered to a user's device when they are near physical stores or when a special deal is available can also lead to a more engaged consumer base.

Multiple payment options

The most serious problem that retailers face is shopping cart abandonment. Customers are more likely to abandon their shopping carts in-store or on an eCommerce platform if the checkout process appears to be lengthy.

By making the checkout process interactive, mobile apps reduce friction. Mobile wallets' huge draw stems solely from their ability to conduct transactions quickly and smoothly. By enabling speedier authentication, features like fingerprint scanning and facial recognition help remove friction from the checkout and payment process.

Customer experience

Technology and mobile apps are inextricably linked. Augmented reality is already being incorporated into smartphone apps, with companies like IKEA and Sephora leading the charge. AR/VR integration in apps makes them more interactive, which leads to more compelling customer experiences.

Apps also enable the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the form of chatbots to assist customers in finding their desired items and completing the checkout process. Personalized shopping assistants powered by machine-learning algorithms will soon be the standard, making shopping simple and enjoyable – just the way it should be.

Building brand image 

Brand image is an important part of communicating and marketing your company to a large audience. Giving adequate, competent, and quality services while maintaining your market presence is a crucial step in building a brand image. Customers should consider you a one-stop-shop for all of their requirements. A mobile app gives customers a sense of presence because it is available at their fingertips. It promotes the picture of a market entity that is approachable, available, and regularly contacted, which helps to establish a brand image.

New technology trends 

A company's technology transformations do not happen overnight. They're the outcome of small efforts that lead to the company embracing modern interfaces and providing better services. Building a mobile application is a first step toward adopting innovative procedures, technology, and views to improve the services offered. The market is currently shifting from mobile applications to the Internet of Things. 

This exposes the company to commonly used devices on which services can be incorporated and sold as a packaged product, resulting in smooth service delivery. Examples include the inclusion of healthcare services in a wristwatch, the ability for your refrigerator to keep track of your grocery list, and a spoken communication-driven Assistant device that connects to all of your home's equipment. Developing a mobile app for your company would be the first step toward more advanced service delivery methods.

Though this appears to be an exhaustive list, several minor points support and emphasize the importance of mobile applications for businesses. The time has come to align your requirements for a mobile app and look for an appropriate team to help you bring your services to life at a low cost.

Conclusion

Mobile eCommerce can help you with anything from customer retention to customer attraction.

The year 2022 is yours if you've made up your mind and are willing to invest in a mobile eCommerce app. This post-pandemic period will aid your eCommerce in increasing online sales.