The internet has evolved over the decades. As it has, so has one aspect of the mobile app market: e-commerce.
As e-commerce has changed, so has the way we sell products, do promotions, and influence or attract customers. On the other hand, buyers see products with new perspectives and the way they shop is changing.
With the growing mobile app market, online shopping providers are no longer limited to web platforms. Instead, they can make use of mobile shopping apps. At the rate at which customers are using e-commerce apps, it is estimated that U.S. sales will reach around $434 billion for the year 2017.
Shopping from desktops declined to just 55% from 60% compared with the previous year, and 2015 saw an exponential increase of mobile users.
Stores are improving the buyer-seller relationship when it comes to mobile apps. Retailers are using customer comfort to redefine shopping. They are smoothing the checkout process by integrating desktop sites with apps, giving consumers an amazing shopping experience with just a click.
There’s no comparison between desktops and mobile when it comes to how satisfied people are with their shopping experiences. The changes mobile apps have made to e-commerce include:
- New marketplaces
- Mobile-friendly shopping
- New horizons in advertising and marketing
New Marketplaces – Anywhere, Anytime Shopping
Over the past decade, new online marketplaces have become popular hubs for retailers, marketers, and customers. Amazon initiated online shopping back in 2001. The company continues to innovate in the e-commerce market, most recently with its drone delivery services.
Online marketplaces provide consumers with a wide range of products. Customers are also able to compare prices, brands, and customer reviews before purchasing, as well as have access to considerable discounts. What’s even better is that with mobile apps, these new marketplaces are at customers’ fingertips.
Mobile-Friendly Shopping
The most important recent innovation in e-commerce in past years is the ability to shop via mobile. Mobile commerce, or m-Commerce, has seen a rapid shift from responsive websites to mobile applications. People now experience the complete spectrum of interactive and engaging shopping through small screens.
According to eMarketer: By 2019, some 71% of U.S. consumers will have a smartphone, compared to 59% todayClick To TweetPush notifications are a luxury that people get on mobile phones. Every new product update, offer, and promotion enables customer reengagement. These advances have almost replaced traditional e-commerce sources.
Social Shopping – Let Customers Do the Promotions
Social media is a powerful marketing platform from which shopping apps are ultimately benefiting. Current digital media marketing and online promotions have entirely replaced traditional marketing methodologies. They have introduced a new shopping approach – social shopping.
Also, these platforms let your customers speak about your products, adding authenticity to your services. Some solutions allow social users to leave product reviews the brand can then use on their own site or reshare.
All kinds of channels, such as email, social media, and online games, provide access to e-commerce apps. Twitter has come up with a “Buy Now” button so that brands can let customers know about their products and even purchase them in real time.
The Future of E-commerce
While the e-commerce market continues to benefit from mobile apps, the future lies in augmented and virtual reality. Augmented reality makes it possible for the customer to thoroughly consider his needs. If you are shopping for furniture, you can use your mobile camera to determine where specific pieces might go in your house.
Augmented reality is making the user point of view limitless. Even the top brands are working on implementing this incredible technology.
In the meantime, the world of the mobile app is significantly expanding as shopping apps create new domains for e-commerce.