People have been shopping for as long as they’ve been doing business. However, thanks to rapidly advancing technology, in recent years the way we shop has changed almost beyond recognition.
While technology had enabled e-commerce stores to reach more customers and bring in additional revenue, the pandemic forced many brick-and-mortar businesses to go digital, especially when it comes to shopping apps.
What’s a shopping app?
Put simply, a shopping app is a tool that customers can download from their app store onto their phone as an alternative shopping method. These apps can be used in addition to your online store and your brick-and-mortar location if you have one.
Apps make shopping convenient and safe for customers while also allowing them to keep track of their current orders and receive notifications about new products as they arrive. This keeps users engaged with your brand, but most importantly, the transparency of the ordering process also builds trust.
How Do Shopping Apps Change the Face of E-Commerce?
Shopping apps like Pocketfied have changed the face of e-commerce in several different ways:
Businesses of All Sizes Can Jump In:
Without the location factor, businesses of all sizes have a fairer chance to compete in the marketplace. Many shopping apps are inexpensive to launch and make it easier for local businesses to get the same look like a larger retail company for half the price.
Also, read | Top 8 Tips For Your eCommerce Store
Convenience for Both Businesses and Customers:
Not only do these apps bring the “store” directly to shoppers’ fingertips, but they also help businesses with inventory, orders, and customer services requests. It’s a win-win for everyone.
A More Customized Experience for Shoppers:
In a brick-and-mortar location, shoppers usually have to spend some time browsing, going through a few aisles before they find what they need. However, with a shopping app, they can customize the retail experience, filtering by size, colour, and even price to narrow down the results. This saves time and also makes the process of shopping feel more personal.
Using apps helps customers use their time efficiently and complete transactions more quickly. If they want to buy the same items again, they don’t have to browse online. Repeat purchases are simple with tools like Pocketfied. For example, if you are a fashionpreneur, your customers will appreciate getting regular updates on new collections.
Apps are also a great way to store your brand’s discount card: shoppers just scan a barcode to access rewards. Target even offers an automatic 1% back on in-app purchases.
More Chances to Make Sales:
Many online businesses struggle with abandoned carts. Mobile apps can send push notifications and updates on expiring discounts, reminding customers to keep shopping or proceed to checkout. Also, thanks to shortcuts like one-click payments and guest checkout, the convenience of shopping via the app could re-engage your cart abandoners. Shopping apps are another way to customize the shopping experience and make it easier for business owners to manage their stores.
If you own a brick-and-mortar business and you’re looking to expand online, Shopify is your best bet when starting out. After all, it only takes an hour to set up an online store with the Shopify website builder.
Unlike the marketplace, Shopify won’t sort out all the logistics for you. But it’s not going to take a sizable part of your profits like a marketplace would either. With Shopify, too, you can set up a service module to outsource logistics.
Launching a store on Shopify doesn’t require IT skills. From there, making a shopping app for your store is simple, straightforward, and won’t take too long. For example, if you have a designer hat store, you probably promote your product on Instagram, but you’re limited by geographical location.
Summary
Instagram is a great way to advertise your products, but not every follower will keep an eye on your updates and new collections. To sell more, you need to promote your product on the internet, so you’ll need a professional website for the store. Shopify solves this problem quickly and inexpensively. As soon as your website is up and running, launching a shopping up is just a matter of seconds.
E-commerce stores have nothing to worry about when it comes to business — people will always want to shop. However, people don’t want to spend too much time browsing before they find what they’re looking for. Ideally, businesses should be able to provide them with a customized and seamless experience.
Thanks to the emergence of shopping apps, entrepreneurs finally have the tools to make it a reality. Now the only question remains: Is your business up to the task?
