The barriers to online purchases are rapidly fading as e-commerce software development continues evolving. Although most studies show that delivery fees are still a significant barrier, emerging trends such as augmented reality and one-click purchase integrated into app development makes online shopping more cost-effective and appealing to new audiences.
If you are in the software industry, you should know what keeps e-commerce thriving amid the ever-growing demand for a more accessible, engaging, and affordable shopping experience. In this article, we will explore some of the important trends that you should consider in developing user-centric ecommerce apps, something like The Dollar Shave Club app, built by the Uptech team.
3 Things To Consider Before Developing A Mobile E-commerce App
Before we talk about the current trends, let’s go over three key points to consider as you crystallize your app idea and take the first steps toward building an e-commerce app.
● Data Security
The standard in e-commerce software development is to create systems that collect people’s personal information including their residential address, credit card number, or mobile phone number to make smooth purchases. That information must be protected even after customers have stopped using your app or website.
For better security, we recommend using a private cloud with custom access rules. You can restrict particular services to premium subscribers. Also, set up an alarm system to quickly alert you to emergencies so you can react quickly to reduce harm.
● Scalability
From the beginning, it’s important to think about how your app can serve more users, and this consideration should shape your choices regarding the technology stack and service providers. For example, in the early stages of app development, a cross-platform approach might be more cost-effective and allow for quicker growth by targeting both major mobile platforms. As your user base grows and your app becomes more successful, you may invest in developing native apps to take full advantage of platform-specific features.
● Stability
Your app performance can go down, but it should be in rare cases. Users will be disappointed and frustrated when they constantly face stability issues or encounter frequent app crashes due to technical problems such as inefficient code or server overloads.
To maintain stable app performance:
- Run QA tests that can give real-time monitoring and analytics
- Be like Google by educating users on app requirements and best practices
- Provide users with easy ways to report issues and feedback
- Stay current with security updates
5 Trends In ECommerce App Development
● AR Experience
Augmented reality shopping is gradually taking hold. One in five respondents to a Statista global survey want it for an enjoyable shopping experience, and about a third of them are interested in using AR to see how products might look on them. Through electronic devices like smartphones and virtual reality headsets, augmented reality shopping allows customers to experiment with and try on products virtually.
● Big Data
Using big data algorithms to track users’ actions on e-commerce apps is becoming commonplace in e-commerce software development. The data gathered by these algorithms are used to provide product recommendations and personalize the shopping experience. Users now find it increasingly convenient and enjoyable to discover products that match their preferences. Businesses can now make data-focused decisions for the growth of their product and services.
● One-Click Purchase
One-click purchase is when an e-commerce app keeps your payment info to make buying easy. It’s important for a smooth shopping experience. When this happens, you won’t need to type in your payment details each time, saving you time and making shopping hassle-free.
One common trend is that users can manage their one-click purchase settings, including the choice to turn this feature on or off.
● AI Chatbots
AI chatbot functionality is much easier to add to e-commerce platforms these days. For example, you will find dozens of third-party software available to integrate chatbots into Shopify and Amazon stores. Startups also find it increasingly feasible to incorporate AI chatbot solutions into their e-commerce software development as the technology becomes more user-friendly and affordable.
● Social Media Commerce
Social Media Commerce is a rapidly growing trend where companies blend their product offerings into popular social media platforms like Facebook, Whatsapp and Instagram. This integration allows users to explore and purchase products directly within the app. With this, they can turn casual social media browsing into a shopping opportunity.
Summary
Having an app can benefit your business in many ways, like reaching users quickly and staying competitive. We’ve explored industry leaders and trends, but the key is to focus on customers and their needs for a successful e-commerce app. And the best way to know your customers and their needs is to monitor the trends.
