Must Have Features For Ecommerce Mobile App
The world post-Covid has changed dramatically as compared to before. With 3.2 billion smartphone users worldwide, eCommerce apps have always been a good shopping option for a broad group of consumers but ever since we’ve been hit by the pandemic these apps have become a necessity instead of a luxury. Mobile app development companies have leveraged this shift in consumers’ shopping paradigm which has led to the boom in eCommerce apps.
With so many eCommerce apps striving to survive in today’s competitive market, one cannot help but wonder what makes some of the eCommerce apps better than the rest? The success of those apps lies in their ability to convert a lead into a customer which in turn is based on the fact that more than 48% of online consumers judge an eCommerce app based on its features and mobile responsive designs.
Certain eCommerce app features, if integrated the right way can make your application stand out in the crowd, make it more user-friendly, facilitate online buyer’s experience and successfully convert them into a customer.
So what are those features and how can a mobile app developer incorporate them into their app and make it more attractive for their target audience?
Let’s dig in!
1. Simplified Registration
Registration is the first step for any user while entering an eCommerce app. This is where you don’t want to scare the customer off by offering them lengthy log informs to fill.
A simplified and streamlined login process is what you need to create make the process hassle-free. Better yet, offer your customers a one-step login system with options to either create an account via email, phone number(s), and/or external accounts such as Facebook.
Allow them to save their login details for easy one-click logins in the future. Remember, the easier the entry point, the higher the retention and conversion rate, and the better sales you’ll get.
Moreover, do not make it essential for users to create an account in order to search through the app, allow them entry as a guest till the point they decide to make a purchase.
2. Product Gallery
Simply listing down products without proper images and details is a huge turn-off for users.
Make sure you have mentioned your products with correct names and description, be concise but ensure you don’t miss out on important details. Think from a consumer’s perspective.
Allow your eCommerce app users to view HD images of your products that can be zoomed in as well or alternatively you can give them the option of 3D viewing which will enhance their experience by many folds.
3. Advanced Product Filtering Options
Besides basic search options, which is a must, if you have an extensive product catalogue then consider going the advance route.
You need to make sure users get what they are looking for within the first 3–5 minutes of navigation. If they find themselves struggling with navigation options they’ll for sure abandon your app and go somewhere else.
Therefore, implement advance search options divided by categories, brands, type and filter options such as price, popularity, latest product etc.
4. Voice Search
Shopping via voice search is still in the beginning phase and currently it’s being used by experienced eCommerced websites.
This technology is based on artificial intelligence that allows users to search up products, navigate through the app and checkout using voice commands. The upside of this feature is going hands-free. Users can check in the app, navigate the pages and make a purchase while on the go.
5. Detailed Product Descriptions
When we say detailed product descriptions we do not mean unnecessarily long paragraphs of text.
While images are a must to enhance customers’ shopping experience and play a huge role in converting them into a lead, having concise and proper product descriptions is equally important because after the user has looked at all the images given, they are going to read what’s written under.
If you must write long descriptions, make sure you divide them into relevant clickable headings. By providing customers with extensive product information, you’ll reduce the risk of product returns, rash purchasing decisions, and client dissatisfaction.
6. Wishlist
This option may sound useless but it’s not.
It’s a common practice among online shoppers to browse through different websites and save products in a ‘Favourites’ or ‘Wishlist’ category so when they re-login they don’t have to go through finding the products from scratch.
Allowing uses to build a wishlist on your eCommerce app also allows them to compare products and their prices from multiple apps facilitating their buying journey.
7. Multiple Payment Methods
Not just one or two, multiple payment options are a must-have for your eCommerce app to increase customer loyalty.
Considering offering them COD (Cash on Delivery), ApplePay, GooglePay, PayPal, Debit and Credit Card options as payment. Card options are especially necessary when you are catering to not just local but international customers as well.
Which leads us to another important factor, make sure customers can view product prices and shop at checkout in their local currencies sparing them the hassle of currency conversion.
Finally..
You can add multiple other features to your eCommerce app besides these. The idea is to make the shopping journey and experience as smooth as possible for the customer. One slight hiccup and they’ll drop the cart and you won’t want that.