Mobile E-commerce App Development Guide: Benefits, Trends, Features, and Cost

In a world where smartphones are almost an extension of ourselves, having a mobile e-commerce app has transitioned from a luxury to a vital necessity. In our digital age, establishing a robust online presence for businesses is more important than ever. 

Recent figures from Statista reveal that mobile commerce sales represented 65.2% of all retail sales worldwide. Embracing this shift is not just trendy, it is crucial for succeeding in today’s competitive market.

Therefore, through this blog, now is the ideal time to explore the world of e-commerce software development and harness the opportunities available at your customers’ fingertips. 

We will outline the costs, necessary steps, and fundamental features for creating a state-of-the-art mobile e-commerce app in 2024, ensuring that strategic decisions are impactful and informed. Plus, our mobile commerce development Bangalore experts added some bonus tips. 

Get Ready to Unlock the Secrets of Mobile Commerce World Success. 

What is Mobile E-commerce App Development? 

Mobile e-commerce app development is the intricate process of designing and building a mobile application tailored for online retail businesses. This development entails crafting an intuitive and engaging user interface that enhances the customer’s shopping experience. 

Through the app, users can effortlessly browse an extensive catalog of products, easily make purchases with secure payment options, track their orders in real time, and interact with the business through features like customer support and personalized recommendations. The goal is to provide a smooth and satisfying shopping journey for users, all from the convenience of their mobile devices.

The Need for E-commerce Mobile Application Development: 5 Reasons to Consider 

With several industries leading the e-commerce app development business today, like Amazon, and many brands hopping in the trend of designing mobile apps dedicated to their business, there are various reasons to learn the importance of retail software development. 

#Reason 1- High Customer Engagement 

Customized shopping experiences, targeted notifications, and exclusive offers are ways to add value for your customers. Mobile apps enable a high level of customization and engagement, which can result in increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, incorporating AI into customer engagement strategies can enhance personalization and effectiveness.

For instance, the Starbucks mobile app lets customers order and pay for their beverages on time, get rewards, and earn personalized offers according to their drink preferences. 

#Reason 2- Competitive Brand Advantage 

Competitive advantage shows the organization’s commitment to delivering a modern and convenient shopping experience to the clients, setting itself apart from competitors who have not adopted mobile e-commerce to harden their brand.

For instance, Nike has gained a competitive edge through its e-commerce mobile app. The mobile application provides a seamless shopping experience, with functionalities like custom product recommendations, new and exclusive releases, and in-app reservations for limited-edition shoes. 

#Reason 3- Accessibility 

Instead of third-party sources or websites, a dedicated mobile app allows customers to shop anytime, anywhere, without the need to visit a physical store or open a web browser. This convenience leads to higher customer engagement and increases the chances of impulse purchases.

For instance, Amazon, the largest e-commerce giant, is known for its mobile app, providing unmatched accessibility. The mobile application lets visitors browse and choose from a wide collection of online products, track orders, and use features such as one-click purchase and voice search. 

#Reason 4- Increased User Experience 

E-commerce app development provides a smooth user interface, to allow customers to navigate through products, purchase, and interact with the brand. A seamless user experience can also enhance customer retention and conversion rates.

For instance, Airbnb takes user experience motivation for mobile applications. The app is well-designed and user-centric to contribute the most to its success and customer happiness.

#Reason 5- Multiple Marketing Opportunities 

Push notifications are messages delivered directly to customers’ devices through your app, keeping them updated on new products, promotions, and discounts. This direct communication channel can greatly enhance your marketing efforts and boost sales compared to methods like email, social media, or website pop-ups.

For instance, Sephora, a popular cosmetics brand, uses mobile app development to unlock different marketing opportunities. The app offers customers custom beauty recommendations, virtual try-ons, and exclusive discounts and rewards. 

Sephora’s loyalty program allows customers to earn rewards and receive personalized notifications.

Types of E-commerce Mobile Applications

Learning about e-commerce mobile application development is crucial to picking the best one for your organization and benefiting from it.

• Hybrid Applications 

Hybrid applications are common apps developed using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript covered in a native container. The container allows them to be installed and accessed like native apps. The application provides cross-platform compatibility, fast development time, and low costs. 

• Native Applications 

Native apps are designed for operating systems such as iOS or Android to offer the finest performance and user experience. The native apps can access device-specific features and platform capabilities. Yet, developing native apps for numerous platforms is time-consuming and expensive.

• Progressive Web Applications 

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are web applications that users can access through a web browser similar to native apps. They are responsive, fast, and capable of functioning offline. 

PWAs are platform-independent, which means they can run on any device with a modern web browser. However, they might have limited access to certain device-specific features.

The Steps of Developing E-commerce Mobile Application 

Here is a step-by-step e-commerce mobile development process.

1. Define your business goals and audience. 

The first step in mobile application development is identifying your business purposes and target audience. Business owners make informed decisions throughout the app development process and ensure that the app meets all your business goals and target customers’ needs.

2. Do the required market research. 

Study the market to learn about the new trends, user preferences, and competitor offerings. Find the company’s extraordinary selling points and determine how the mobile app can differentiate itself in the market.

3. Design UI and UX

Never forget a UX audit process and connect with a skilled UI/UX team to create a visually appealing interface for your e-commerce mobile app. The app design should focus on your brand identity and allow customers to navigate and interact with the application.

4. Choose the mobile app development platform. 

Select the e-commerce app development platform that meets your requirements and budget. You can choose from native app development, hybrid app development, or progressive web app development. Also, decide on one or more subtypes to make the app fit your niche.

5. Incorporate third-party services 

Integrate required third-party services into your mobile app like payment gateways, analytics, social media platforms, and customer support strategies to improve the overall app functionality and the user experience.

6. Test 

Use various quality assurance services for your mobile app to identify and fix bugs or other issues. Consult app development experts for functional and usability testing to ensure the app works perfectly across different devices and operating systems.

7. Take customer feedback and update the app 

Get user reviews to understand how your app is performing and focus on areas for improvement. Also, update your app according to the customer’s feedback and the latest market trends.

Choosing the Best E-commerce Mobile Application Development Platform 

Before choosing the best e-commerce platforms for your business, consider the factors listed below. 

1. Personalization

Choose a platform that lets you personalize the mobile app according to your business’s needs and unique features.

2. Scalability 

Pick a platform that handles your current and future organizational requirements as you grow.

3. Security

Select a platform with rich safety features to protect customer data and sensitive information.

4. Integration

Find a platform that supports third-party integration services such as good payment gateways, shipping providers, and other analytics tools.

5. Mobile Responsiveness 

The platform must offer responsive design abilities, ensuring the mobile app works seamlessly across various mobile phones and screen sizes.

6. Mobile App Developer Support 

Go for e-commerce platforms that provide an active community, comprehensive documentation, and e-commerce app developer support for assistance.

There is only one option after considering all the factors.

Business organizations select custom mobile app development services using frameworks like React Native or Flutter to design e-commerce mobile apps. Custom application development provides the right control over the mobile app’s functionality. It also incorporates unique features, personalizing the user interface, and integrating third-party services. 

However, custom app development requires a skilled team that delivers proper time and resources rather than opting for pre-built platforms.  One such organization to choose when searching for the the best e-commerce app development team is Indglobal Digital Private Limited, the leading mobile app development company in Bangalore. 

With us, you get the perfect team to deliver the best e-commerce mobile app development services at budget-friendly prices. So, without further ado, meet our developers today and let them start with your project.

The E-commerce Application Development Cost 

The e-commerce app development cost depends on various factors, such as the app complexity, the features required to design the application, the development platform chosen, and the location of the development team. 

A separate effort for iPhone and Android for native app development is seen to increase costs as compared to hybrid or progressive web app development. Native applications deliver the best performance and provide access to platform-specific features.

Therefore, developing an e-commerce mobile app varies from $20,000 to $50,000. Designing more complex apps with advanced features can cost around $100,000.

It is essential to note that maintenance, updates, and other expenses should also be added to e-commerce mobile app development costs. 

Indglobal Digital Private Limited- Your Reliable Partner for All-Round E-commerce App Development 

Indglobal Digital Private Limited is a reputable app development agency specializing in e-commerce app development. With our expertise and experience, we can assist our clients throughout the mobile e-commerce app development process. Our dedicated team of versatile developers, designers, and strategists adapts to your business needs and provides advanced yet affordable solutions, regardless of your business’s scale.

At Indglobal, we possess the expertise to assist you throughout the e-commerce mobile app development process, creating a customized e-commerce mobile app that caters to your specific needs. From the initial concept to deployment and ongoing support, our team will be with you every step of the way to ensure the success of your project. 

Conclusion 

Creating a user-friendly e-commerce app is an exhilarating journey that demands time, effort, and planning. But don’t worry if things do not unfold exactly as you envisioned—they often come with unexpected twists. That is why diving deep into e-commerce app development is essential. We are thrilled to share this guide, designed to clear up your uncertainties and kindle your creativity.

As you navigate the complexities of your project, it is important to partner with a reliable e-commerce app development Bangalore service provider that matches your vision. If you are on the hunt for the perfect team, we are here to help. 

Let us embark on this exciting experience together.