eCommerce Mobile App vs Website: Which is Better Solution in 2022?
Today the covid 19 has created a scenario where a majority of retailers are embracing online purchases in order to avoid physical visits giving utmost flexibility to their customers. Also, this year has seen tremendous eCommerce start-ups rise, replacing the traditional shopping concept.
The eCommerce business is at an immense boom each day even after the impact of a sudden pandemic outbreak. The eCommerce businesses experienced the success voyage with their websites which changed slightly with the entry of mobile app development. Today more eCommerce stores are developing their applications to cope up with their own websites.
eCommerce website & Mobile Application Development
Most of the websites adapt to mobile devices with extra features that are specifically designed for mobile solutions. Using the Google Play Store or the Apple Store, you may download or install mobile applications on your smartphone or other devices which is compatible and comparatively simpler. These data can be effectively downloaded within the application, and a few of these mobile applications do not require an internet connection.
There are two options to enter the eCommerce market. Either create an eCommerce website or create an eCommerce mobile application. An e-commerce website is made up of a domain name that can be accessed by anybody with an internet connection. Whereas a mobile application is made up of mobile devices that run on the two common operating systems, ie., Android and iOS. However, in order to browse through your products and make a purchase, the consumer must first download the application.
Is it better to use a Mobile application or Website?
At present, smartphone usage is steadily expanding, and according to surveys, 70% of consumers use their phones to make online transactions. And obviously, the question arises: which is the better solution for your eCommerce store?
Unfortunately in this case, we don’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. It is highly dependent on a variety of factors, including your business objectives and marketing requirements. The budget, the target audience, and the type of the business are a few of those factors to consider. We do have some eCommerce giants such as Amazon, eBay and Flipkart, and other organizations that focus on both the strategies – Mobile app and website. However, considering cost, timeline, and staffing constraints, this isn’t viable for every firm.
Let’s check out some parameters that lead us to a conclusion.
Timeline & Budget
eCommerce mobile application development which is flexible on both iOS and Android smartphones is usually expensive with a longer duration of the development process than constructing an eCommerce website. The CMS choices such as Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, etc., provide ready-made exclusive eCommerce themes and plugins. They can provide you with cost-effective options while building your website in a week or less.
User Experience
Although the user experience may appear to be inconsequential, it is critical for client retention. The eCommerce process involves multiple transactions, which leads to complicated issues. A bad UX will eventually cause users to abandon your website or delete your eCommerce application. eCommerce websites may deliver a good user experience, but nothing beats an eCommerce mobile app when it comes to personalized user experience. Customers wait with websites whereas, Mobile apps get you advertisements, notifications, discount offers, coupons or scratch cards, real-time order monitoring, with better security, with a single click.
Search Engine Optimization
Everybody craves organic traffic for free. This is where eCommerce mobile applications miss out completely. Optimizing your eCommerce website for Google and other search engines can drive tremendous traffic and various content marketing strategies which in turn helps to increase your reach and brand awareness.
But for now, Application SEO or ASO (App store optimization) helps companies to optimize their application description and name towards higher rankings in app store search results. This has more ways to travel to reach the way we do it with websites, like optimizing content, title, tags, etc. that would bring a lucrative ROI for your eCommerce business.
Offline Usability
What about using your eCommerce when not connected to the internet? Mobile applications help in storing data on devices that can be accessed anytime which is not possible with websites. Even though this data may not consist of all the information but some necessary stuff like recent products, browsing history, order ID’s and invoices which can often be necessary to refer.
Advertising & Marketing
To increase your sales, both marketing and ads are really important. Social media and other digital channels come into force here that enroute customers to your eCommerce platform. Also, people do install and use random mobile applications unless and until it drives their attention with some really wow- factor. Some prefer websites due to this, as they could quickly make a purchase within a few clicks rather than downloading numerous apps.
In short,
Opting for an eCommerce mobile app or website depends on the requirements and potential outcome. eCommerce websites are really necessary for having an online presence that offers various personalized user experiences at blazing speed.
Ideally, both a website and an application have some amazing characteristics and advantages that the other one doesn’t. If it’s possible, you should keep both, so you don’t miss out on any crucial parameters. However, the two are acceptable and you can’t predict a better answer. So if you’re still confused, you can reach any software consultants or an e-Commerce application development company that could provide you with tailored eCommerce solutions analyzing your business needs and requirements.
