With the digitalization of the world around us, e-commerce has changed into mobile commerce, m-commerce.

Whether for startups building a cliental or older businesses seeking to attract new customers, e-commerce app development is the key to success for all. This notion gives rise to one question: What is the ideal approach to setting up an e-commerce application?

This article provides the ultimate guideline to answer the question.

What Is Mobile Commerce App?

Electronic commerce is commonly known as e-commerce. It was invented in 1979 by an English inventor, innovator, and entrepreneur Michael Aldrich. Decades later, e-commerce has changed to mobile commerce (commonly known as m-commerce).

E-commerce means providing services from an online marketplace. The contemporary brick-and-mortar businesses have converted to online stores. This gave rise to the need for building mobile commerce apps.

Reasons to make an E-commerce app

Covid-19 has changed user perspectives. Now, online shopping has replaced in-store buying. The need to develop an online presence is vital now more than ever.

Here are some reasons to make a mobile app:

• A chance to reach a larger audience.
• Faster access for the consumer.
• The company can collect data effectively.
• Firms can test new features on live market users. Doing so, makes the up-gradation of mobile apps more accessible.

Emerging E-commerce Trends in 2022

Many latest technologies have taken over the e-commerce market. Described below are some of the most emerging trends of 2022.

Omni-channel Shopping / social media commerce

Omni-channel shopping means taking your business on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. In 2022, it is the most critical element of e-commerce. Reason being, social media commerce changes the consumers’ buying experience.

Artificial intelligence 

When it comes to e-commerce app development, artificial intelligence (AI) is the most valuable attribute. Now, big data algorithms help brands to understand what the customer wants.

AR and VR

The same customer-driven approach is used in artificial reality and virtual reality. Also, building an immersive customer experience is the key to AR/VR. Great companies like Ikea and Amazon use it to enhance their sales.

Block-chain technology

Block-chain is another technology that has changed the customer-paying experience. Also, block-chain gives people a variety of payment methods to use and enhances sales.

PWAs

Progressive web app (PWA) is a new trend in the e-commerce development market. It is a website that behaves like a mobile app. It is used to stimulate business sales.

PWA is a cheaper solution to building a mobile application. However, this technology requires expertise. Digitrends has experts in designing the best progressive website application.

One-click purchase

Customers are satisfied when they don’t have to retype their payment details, called the one-click purchase method. A single-click payment method is an emerging trend in e-commerce.

Chatbots

Human interaction is the key to image building. Therefore, chatbots are created to answer customer queries promptly. The aim is to build stronger bonds between the brand and its consumers. Also, it helps brands to gather analytical data.

Gamification

Gamification has taken the shopping experience to a whole new level. It uses human tendency to socialize and help users enrich their customer experience.

7 Steps of How to Build an E-commerce App

Now that we know how important it is to build a market presence through a mobile app. The next question is – how to go about it?

It is crucial to ensure that are necessary steps are being followed.

Here are 7 step guidelines for building an e-commerce app:

1- Research 

Every company focuses on the research stage. Many rising firms, like Digitrends, make sure to analyze the competitors before application production.

For app development, research has two aspects:

i.  Decide your niche – an expert area with which you will work.

ii. Competitor market analysis – Conduct an in-depth market review to see what your competitors are making.

Knowing what you are competing with is essential to creating a mark on the map.

2-   Set some goals

 Goal setting is another significant step toward app building. But before you set goals, ask yourself:

• What problems will my app solve?
• What is the target audience for this app?
• How can I know if this app will be successful?

Setting goals before developing app gives a vision for your company.

3- Platform selection

Choosing the right technology is the next step toward mobile app development. However, there are some factors to consider here:

• Cost of in-app production and marketing.
• Selecting the correct content management system (CMS).
• Forming a scalable framework

Once you have all the above information in hand, you need to decide if an Android app is required or an iOS app.

Selecting the right developers is also essential at this level. So choose a globally accredited company like Digitrends.co. They hold both android and iOS experts under one roof.

4-   Defining the features

You know what questions are to be raised at this level and what operating system is needed. The next question to ask is how can I solve the market issue?

Now, gather your team and brainstorm ideas. Collect all the essential requirements that the user wants. Keep in mind that consumers are becoming more mobile dependent. Hence, target features that are user-friendly and accessible.

Some of the features to analyze for developing an e-commerce app are:

• Push notifications
• One-click payments
• Graphically appealing look book
• A rating system
• Social media integration.

5-  MVP creation 

Setting a minimum viable product (MVP) bar is crucial to listing the key features. This stage will give an idea of what features will be targeted first. After this, constant revisions will advance the components.

6- Feedback 

Once the MVP is released, start taking user feedback. This step helps in improving the e-commerce app. Moreover, this stage points out potential hazards and problems the consumer faces.

7-  Iterate 

Finally, iteration is the last but ongoing process of e-commerce app development. Mobile app development is a constantly evolving process. So, keep modifying to cater to the market needs.  

Conclusion 

The E-commerce market has emerged since the outburst of COVID-19 pandemic. Nowadays, people shop and buy services online. So, every business should have an online presence.

Thus, startups should create an e-commerce app to gain opportunities and boost sales.

If you are looking for a service provider to create a mobile app. Digitrends.co is a great place to contact.