How to Convert Your E-Commerce Store into M-Commerce App

“If you have a business, you should have a mobile app”- this trend is accepted in every industry sector, and the eCommerce sector is not an exception! Continuously increasing number of smartphone users across the world has given a rise to m-commerce or mobile commerce. What’s more, people’s changing shopping behavior is also in favor of mobile devices, which contributes to the growth of m-commerce.

As per an official survey, the global m-commerce market will grow at a CAGR of 27% during the five-year period of 2019 to 2024.

Ease-of-use, swift processing, and high security are some of the reasons why people prefer mobile commerce apps. E-Commerce web development is here to stay. But, it is beneficial for you to come up with a feature-rich m-commerce app along with a seamlessly-running eCommerce website.

Technological advancements can be leveraged in the best possible way through a user-friendly app. What you get is a competitive edge and an opportunity to expand your business manifolds when you convert an eCommerce website into an m-commerce app.

It is fair to mention that developing an m-commerce app from scratch is pricey especially if you own a startup or a small to mid-size retail business. But, you can convert your existing website into an app to reduce costs and development time.

Sounds good? Let’s see how to convert your existing eCommerce website into an m-commerce app.

Aspects to keep in mind while converting eCommerce website into m-commerce app

• Identify the platform

These days many platforms are available for eCommerce website development. Magento, OpenCart, and WooCommerce are to name a few. You need to find out the platform on which your existing website is built. You can ask the eCommerce development company about the platform of your online shop. The company will then determine the necessary steps to build an m-commerce app.

• Maintain look and feel

This is the most important aspect to consider while converting your existing website into an app. You need to ensure that the look and feel of your mobile commerce app is identical to that of an existing eCommerce website. Your website and app are online representatives of your business and contribute to building a brand. Therefore, it is necessary that both of them have similar appearance and performance.

Consistency in the user interface across the entire app assists your customers or app users to remain familiar when they switch from website to app. The theme, colors, and key features should remain familiar with the consistent performance in the mobile commerce app.

Also Read- How to Make Interactive Mobile Apps to Improve Your Business?

• Define key features

There is a vast difference between the way the website works and a mobile app works. It is, therefore, necessary to decide the key features and functionality of the app before converting your existing website into an m-commerce app. For example, mobile apps should have features like a simple registration process using the email address or social media accounts, push notifications, order tracking, payment gateways, and customer support.

• Develop and integrate APIs

The mobile app development company develops APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) based on the CMS used for your existing eCommerce website. You can also hire eCommerce developers with app development expertise to develop an app with the same database being used for the website.

APIs built by developers can act as a bridge between the components of your app and website for seamless interaction. It is necessary to check whether APIs are integrated properly with the app because they fetch static and dynamic information between the eCommerce website and an m-commerce app. For example, when you reduce the price of an item on the website, it should be reflected in the app as well. Proper API integration makes it possible.

• Testing of app

Image Source

Testing is essential to ensure a smooth and seamless performance of the m-commerce app. Whether you have opted for a native app that works either on Android or iOS, or a cross-platform app that runs across both these platforms, extensive testing is necessary to ensure flawless functionality.

What’s more, your m-commerce app should be compliant with prevalent laws and guidelines. Bugs should also be patched so that the app users do not face any issues.

• Launch and promote

The final stage is launching your m-commerce app. Once your app is ready for the market, you can launch it separately or through app stores. Here, it is better to launch through Google Play Store or Apple App Store because it gives your app a fair chance to reach a huge audience worldwide.

Last but not least, you need to promote your m-commerce app to boost initial downloads. You can promote it during and after the development phase through your existing website, PRs, and other online means.

Concluding Lines

E-commerce websites are highly effective to boost your business online. However, mobile apps have more benefits than dynamic websites in this technology-driven age. Apart from offering more convenience and speedy process anywhere, m-commerce apps can provide an excellent user experience every time. You can generate more revenue through a flawless and future-ready m-commerce app.

Time is just right to turn your existing eCommerce website into an app and make the most of the thriving mobile platform. Just consult a reputed eCommerce website development company to get more details.

At Semaphore, our team of experienced developers can come up with innovative and user-friendly websites for your online business. Do you want to transform your existing eCommerce website into a feature-rich m-Commerce app? We are happy to help you! Just send us your requirements through info@semaphore-software.com. We will get back to you soon.