Mobile apps are taking over websites and the number of mobile consumers is growing constantly. There are billions of smartphone users around the world. Such users are relying highly on mobile apps for most of their daily needs.
Mobile apps are taking over websites and the number of mobile consumers is growing constantly. There are billions of smartphone users around the world. Such users are relying highly on mobile apps for most of their daily needs.
A huge number of apps are being uploaded by businesses and downloaded by consumers each day. This sudden surge has led businesses to turn to ‘app only’ sales strategy. Most of them are also getting apps for their websites and catering to both the markets.
If you own an online business, it is high time for you to look for a WooCommerce mobile app builder and convert your online store to app. Stay tuned to know more about the best and the most efficient DIY mobile app maker.
Moreover, let us first discuss why many online shopping sites are becoming mobile apps only. We will also discover what made them take this decision and how high the stakes were.
Ten advantages of apps over websites
The top ten reasons and factors responsible for the popularity of apps have been discussed below:
#1 The mobile market is constantly expanding
Surveys and statistics show that app usage is on a constant growth trajectory. The mCommerce industry is set to generate huge revenue as the number of mobile app users is crossing 3 billion. People are spending more time and money on apps than websites, and hence making it a more viable market place.
#2 Apps draw more loyal and long-term customers
Unlike websites, apps do not suffer the ‘buy and bye’ setback. Once an app is downloaded on a user’s phone, it stays there, thereby leveraging the chances of repeat purchases. Marketing messages and offers also earn more attention and provoke more actions on mobile apps. All this leads to better brand recognition and value and ensures wholesome success.
#3 The cart abandon rates are lower on mobile apps
On an average, the cart abandonment rates for different medium stand at 20% for apps, 68% for desktops and 97% for mobile sites. Clearly, mobile apps have a really low cart abandonment rate, thereby making it more beneficial. It is also seen that due to ease of upselling, cross-selling and buying, basket sizes also tend to be bigger for app customers.
#4 The number of returning customers is higher
The customers who return for second, third or n number of purchases, are called the returning customers. It has been observed that they are twice more likely to return to a mobile app than to the desktop sites. It is easier to sell to returning and existing customers and they are more likely to generate higher revenues for you. Hence, it is important to keep them returning for more and apps can help you in achieving it.
#5 Apps generate higher revenues and returns
The average order value on mobile apps is 140% higher as compared to websites. The increased basket size, longer session times and higher visit frequencies, all ensure more returns. The rate of ROI (Returns on Investment) is also higher on apps as compared to websites. It implies that every investment that you make on your app, ensures better profits and returns than your online stores.
#6 The ‘app only’ strategy decreases migration
Not every individual is too fond of change, especially when it comes to choosing their eCommerce platform. People often look for one stop solution that has the quality and ability to hook them. One might shop on a website and close the window never to return again. But with apps, the case is different. If your products and your app match their standard of expectations, they will not abandon you or uninstall your app and move ahead to your competitors.
#7 Apps ensure absolute control for business owners
Unlike websites, mobile apps run in a virtually more controlled environment. It is easier to track changes, monitor purchase patterns of customers, track peak buying hours, and get more empirical and accurately viable data on apps. This provides business owners with an end-to-end control and helps them make more profit-oriented decisions. The data related to app ratings, reviews, installs and uninstalls helps them to set new marketing goals and achieve them.
#8 Marketing becomes effortless on mobile apps
Marketing messages, push notifications, offer alerts, and endeavours similar to that, are more likely to get better attention on apps. The click-through rates for such messages is higher for mobile apps as compared to websites. Hence, it becomes easier for businesses to populate and popularize their products and deals on mobile apps and earn better conversions.
#9 The strategy helps reduce wastage of resources
One of the most convincing reasons for businesses to go ‘app only’ is the reduction in investment on maintenance. The dissipation, scattering and wastage of resources is reduced as they work on a more wholesome and coherent platform when it comes to apps. Besides other viable sales strategies, this saving approach also makes businesses economically sound and enriched, and hence favours them in the long run.
#10 Apps are the ultimate future of retail industry
Many businesses are abandoning their shopping websites and going app only because they want to redirect their efforts towards being future ready. As the world is confining on our palmtops, the future will certainly be shaped by mobile phones. Just like any other industry, in the coming time, the retail sector will also be dependent on apps for holistic success. Hence, investing in apps is making them prepared for the future.
Tracing the past examples…
While there are many eCommerce stores that are doing well with their ‘app only’ approach, many have failed too. For instance, Flipkart decided to shut down its mobile app and went ‘app only’ in 2015.
Analysts and experts believe that it was not a very favourable decision because it was taken at the wrong time. A couple of years ago, the ‘mobile only’ age was still flourishing and was yet to ripen. Hence, Flipkart’s decision was way ahead of its time and failed to encourage customer affinity towards this plan.
Another example is that of a leading Indian fashion and lifestyle e-tailer brand, Myntra. The website kept directing consumers to app stores, thereby creating a compulsion of app usage. The success or failure of it is a matter of deep analysis, but eventually many customers downloaded the app at that time and might still have it.
Many such brands took the risk but faltered due to one reason or the other. However, the scenario has changed rapidly and people are now embracing app technology for better.
Smartphones and internet data have become cheaper and more accessible, and it is easier and more convenient for people to use many apps in their phone today.
It’s time to take the safer & smarter road
All the various aspects related to the ‘app only’ approach of businesses have been analysed thoroughly. While we discussed a number of advantages of this strategy, we also learned about the fate of the businesses who opted for this approach in the past.
In light of our study and our discoveries, we can say that one should move ahead with a combined strategy. It is advisable to be on both the platforms and to complement your online stores with mobile apps.
While websites ensure that you hold a strong identity and enjoy good exposure when it comes to Google searches, apps ensure ease for your customers and make your future ready. One completes the other and lets you enjoy a 360-degree level of success.
If you are worried about the initial investment and the budget required for the maintenance of apps, take our advice. Ditch the traditional and outdated methods and opt for more modern and affordable solutions.
Complement your website by creating an app with AppMySite free online app maker. You can easily sign up for the platform and build your app in a code free environment. Create, preview and publish your app and woo your potential customers who are mobile-friendly.
If you already own an online store, it is the best time to get an app too, and become an all-rounder. Hurry! Tap into the mobile market and claim your territory now!
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