Shopping by App: Why the Trend in E-commerce is Moving Towards Mobile Shopping Apps

E-commerce is booming, and with it the demand for a better mobile experience is increasing. Customers expect fast loading times, intuitive navigation and a smooth checkout process. In this context, more and more online retailers are turning to an e-commerce mobile app to set themselves apart from the competition. But is it really worthwhile for online retailers to have their own app? And what advantages does it offer over a classic responsive website?

In this article, we explain why a mobile shopping app can be the next logical step for your online business and how you can create an app for your Shopify store with Stikky.

What is an E-commerce Mobile App?

A mobile app in e-commerce is a native application that has been specially developed for online retail. This is traditionally downloaded to a smartphone or tablet via app stores such as Google Play or the Apple App Store. Shopping apps in e-commerce map all the functions of an online store - from product and category pages to filters, watch lists and checkouts.

In contrast to a responsive website, however, shopping apps offer additional functions such as push notifications or personalized offers, thereby increasing customer loyalty and conversion rates. They also enable offline functionality so that users can access content even without an internet connection.

Features of a Successful E-commerce Store App

For a mobile shopping app to be successful, it should have the following functions:

1. Push notifications: They enable direct and targeted communication with customers by informing them about current offers, discounts or unfinished shopping carts.

2. Fast checkout: Optimized payment processes ensure a smooth and efficient checkout, reducing abandoned purchases and speeding up the checkout process.

3. Wishlist function: Users can save products for future purchases, which increases the return rate and the likelihood of a subsequent purchase.

4. Deep linking: Customers are taken directly to specific products or categories, making navigation within the app easier and improving the user experience.

5. Advanced filter and search functions: Intelligent filter and search options enable a more targeted product selection and help users find the product they are looking for more quickly.

6. Intelligent retargeting: Automated marketing campaigns target users with individual offers and motivate them to return to the app.

7. In-app support and chat function: Customers have direct access to customer service and can quickly receive support with questions or problems.

8. Personalization and recommendations: The app analyzes user behavior and displays tailored product recommendations to increase the relevance of offers.

9. Loyalty programs and rewards: Users are rewarded by earning loyalty points or redeeming discounts for repeat purchases, which strengthens customer loyalty.

10. Cross-device synchronization: The shopping cart and order history are seamlessly synchronized across different devices, allowing users to access their saved products at any time.

11. Multilingualism and currency options: The app can be used in multiple languages and offers different currency options to best serve international customers.

Why a Mobile E-commerce Application Can be Useful for You

According to the digital marketing platform Think with Google, 64% of online retail now takes place on mobile devices. It therefore also makes sense for you as an online retailer to think about creating a shopping app.

The benefits of an e-commerce app go far beyond an optimized user experience:

• Increasing customer loyalty: Users who install an app interact with the brand more frequently and show greater brand loyalty.

• Increased repurchase rate: existing customers return more quickly and make repeat purchases.

• More sales through personalized offers: Tailored recommendations and offers increase shopping cart value.

• Greater visibility in the App Store: Additional marketing opportunities and greater reach through presence in the App Store.

Successful Companies with the Best E-commerce Apps

Many major brands are adopting a mobile-first approach and have already shown how a mobile e-commerce app can increase a company's success:

• Zalando: Uses personalized push messages to increase customer loyalty and send targeted offers that win users back and motivate them to buy.

• H&M: Allows users to scan products in stores and buy directly in the app, seamlessly integrating the shopping experience between online and offline.

• Nike: Connects the app to offline stores, providing a unique and personalized shopping experience that spans both physical and digital commerce.

• Amazon: Perfects one-click checkout in the mobile app to speed up the purchase process and enable easier fulfillment.

These brands show how a well-developed mobile e-commerce app improves the shopping experience and leads to sustainable success.

How Shopify Merchants Create Their Own Shopping App - with Stikky

The Stikky App is a powerful Shopify Shop App that allows merchants to quickly and easily create a mobile app for e-commerce. It offers a seamless Stikky App integration with Shopify and enables an optimized mobile experience for customers.

Benefits of the Stikky Mobile App:

• Easy setup and Shopify integration

• Customized branding for a professional look and feel

• Automatic synchronization of products and orders

• Extended marketing and retargeting options

Integration of the Stikky App

The Stikky app can be easily integrated into a Shopify store:

1. Connect store: Products, customers and orders are synchronized.

2. Customize the design: The app is customized to match the store's branding.

3. App launch: Your app is published in the App Store and Google Play Store.

4. Marketing and optimization: Push campaigns, analyses and other marketing functions can then be used.

Stikky App Pricing: Costs and Tariffs

The Stikky app offers flexible pricing options, depending on turnover and the desired functions.

Detailed information on the current tariffs can be found here.

Stikky App: Successful App Stories

Our customers successfully rely on the Stikky app:

• Asphaltgold: The brand was able to generate app engagement with limited-edition products. The sneaker retailer optimized its mobile shopping experience, improved customer lifetime value and at the same time gained new customers through the promotion.

• LFDY: The streetwear brand used the app for a seamless shopping experience and increased customer loyalty through targeted mobile marketing strategies.

Conclusion

Mobile commerce is an important part of online retail. The Stikky app helps Shopify merchants to improve the user experience and increase sales. A native app ensures stronger customer loyalty and an optimized shopping experience.