No one can go without a smartphone any longer. While there are a few holdouts who are still clinging to their flip phone glories, app development companies are not concerned with them. They can play Snake all they want. Meanwhile, those who are accustomed to using smartphones can utilize them for just about any purpose that they can think of.
Retailers have had to adjust and so have
app developers. eCommerce apps are simply the way of the world now. The landscape is constantly changing, though. The strategies that were once effective in the past are not going to remain useful. App development companies that would like to remain at the forefront of the eCommerce revolution must take the time to learn more about the latest trends.
1. A Greater Focus on the Consumer Experience
This is the sort of trend that should be timeless. The customer is always right and this principle definitely extends into the world of mobile app development.
Top app development companies have to consider every consumer problem that needs to be addressed before their clients can sell their goods and services. This is an important trend for the smaller companies out there to keep in mind.
In many instances, a smaller company cannot afford all of the bells and whistles that are going to be described in this guide. That's why the simple things make such a huge difference. The mobile app should be as speedy as possible. Multi channel service is also a major plus. This keeps the customer from having to wait too long for a response.
2. Cloud Integration
Today's business is all about cloud integration. Cloud storage is a common topic of discussion because it is something that the average person is always looking for. The cloud has a number of effects on the process of app development. A retailer is going to keep much of their data in the cloud and this includes their mobile apps. Storing a mobile app in the cloud comes with no shortage of benefits.
For starters, the performance level of the app is going to be increased significantly. The client is also able to reduce the costs that are associated with hosting. These savings are then passed down to the customer. As an app grows faster, the customer experience improves. Any trend that leads to a much speedier app is a trend that should be paid attention to at all times.
3. Chat Bots Powered By Artificial Intelligence
Human customer support staffing comes with limitations. A company may not have the resources to keep staffers on call at all times. This can lead to certain difficulties once it comes time to learn more about the issues that a customer is facing. Thanks to artificial intelligence, all of that is now changing.
Chat bots that are powered by AI do not need time off or benefits. They are available around the clock, so that a consumer can receive the help they need.
These types of conversations are over with more quickly, allowing the consumer's problems to be dealt with even faster. In many instances, eCommerce orders are not going to be completed until the consumer has received the answers they want. This is a trend that is directly linked to conversions. Chat bots are now a pivotal aspect of any user interface design and cannot be ignored for any reason.
4. New Payment Gateways
An eCommerce retailer may have the best goods and services in their chosen niche but their payment gateways might be lacking. Credit cards and debit cards are still be used but there is a shift taking place. eCommerce retailers cannot focus on the ways of old. They will need to make sure that they are catering to every segment of their target audience.
The more payment options that a company can offer, the better their chances of having a strong relationship with the consumer. Digital wallets are gaining in popularity. Google Pay and Apple Pay are relied upon more than ever. Cryptocurrency is also becoming more and more prevalent. The more options that an eCommerce retailer provides for their customers, the more likely their target audience is to complete a purchase.
5. Using The IoT To Collect Information
The Internet of Things creates a more connected world and eCommerce retailers would do well to find out more about how they can be assisted. Those who prioritize app development will want to make sure that they are getting the most out of the Internet of Things. When devices are connected, they are able to share information with each other more easily than ever before. This provides opportunities for forward thinking eCommerce retailers.
Once the retailer has a series of specific findings to work with when it comes to their customers, they can tailor their marketing efforts accordingly. The retailer also receives data about their target audience's offline activities. As the number of devices that are connected to the Internet of Things continues to expand, the prevalence of this trend will only continue to grow in kind.
Ecommerce app development is constantly shifting. The retailers that remain abreast of the latest changes are able to position themselves for future success. Mobile devices are not going anywhere anytime soon. The basic features and navigation must be present but the apps that integrate the aforementioned trends in the most seamless way possible will experience the most success.
