Mobile apps are an inseparable part of the e-commerce experience and mobile shopping is almost as natural as breathing. According to a recent report, 79% of smartphone users have made a purchase using their mobile device in the last 6 months. By 2021, mobile ecommerce sales are expected to account for 54% of total ecommerce sales in the US.
As an online merchant, your mobile app is no less important than your website. Both should be user friendly and enable pleasurable shopping experiences and seamless payment solutions for global purchasers.
Here is a list of features that will help make your mobile app both inviting and practical, and keep your customers coming back for repeat experiences:
Responsive design for all devices
When developing your app, take into consideration that there is a large range of screen sizes from small compacts to large tablets. Make sure your design is responsive so that the user experience will be optimal for all devices.
Quick uploading, smooth operation
With the proliferation of devices and apps, users have very little patience for an app that is slow to upload or tends to malfunction. Keep in mind that there are an awful lot of competing apps waiting to snatch your customers away. Don’t expect them to sit around and wait until your app uploads. Make it snappy!
Personal interaction with users
The name of the game these days is interaction on every channel. As consumers use their mobile phones for multiple purposes for hours every day, your mobile app is an important way to engage with potential customers. Make sure to include a tool for your customers to interact with your brand, whether they want answers to questions or have a bone to pick with you. Respond quickly to their comments.
Easy and extensive payment options
A core component of a smooth mobile app shopping experience is easy payment capabilities. Your checkout page should include a short purchase form and a variety of payment options from credit cards and debit cards to e-wallets and alternative payments that are popular in each of your markets. Advanced payment solutions offer smooth credit card processing at every location to increase acceptances and decrease chargebacks.
Enhanced security
Mobile phones are particularly vulnerable to hacking. Sophisticated payment solutions use advanced security measures such as 3D Secure, tokenization and data encryption, adjustable fraud detection and other steps to deter attackers. In addition, they offers PCI compliance, which takes the onus off the merchant. The ability to offer a robust and secure shopping app is vital to your customers’ peace of mind.
Once you successfully create a positive customer experience and incur long lasting trust, your are well on your way to ensuring brand loyalty and return shoppers.