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Want to stand out from the crowd, win users over and drive your online business straight to success? I bet you do! But to make that happen, you need to bring something extra to the table.
Since the eCommerce app development market is expanding at a breakneck speed with international giants shaking up the industry, it’s much more challenging to succeed than a few years ago. That’s why your eCommerce app needs to be spot-on and customer-centred.
Check out this list of the most important features your eCommerce mobile app should have. With them, you will provide a seamless customer experience and make users keep returning to your business to buy your products.
26 features to include in eCommerce mobile apps
Here are the most popular features to add to your customer-centred mobile commerce app. It’s time to use the latest tech solutions to boost your online business and conquer the eCommerce industry!
1. Simplified registration process
When it comes to mobile applications, the first impression makes a difference. For that reason, you need to simplify the onboarding process and make it hassle-free and painless for your potential customers. Otherwise, you will discourage them from getting to know your business and lose them before they even get the chance to see your offer.
It’s safe to say that there’s practically nothing more irritating than an overly complex and multi-step registration process. So the best solution you can implement into your eCommerce app is the possibility to use personal email (Gmail) or social media accounts (like Facebook or Twitter) for registration.
By simplifying the onboarding process, you make online shopping easier and more accessible, leading to more sales.
2. Advanced in-app search engine
A search engine is a feature that virtually no self-respecting eCommerce business can do without.
Over time, your online store will contain hundreds or even thousands of products. So without a well-functioning search engine, mobile users won’t be able to find what they came for (or at least it will be more challenging for them).
When building a search engine for your mobile commerce solution, follow best practices to make the most out of it:
- Make the search engine visible and easily accessible.
- Provide additional filtering and sorting options to tailor searches precisely to customer needs.
- Consider introducing AI-based solutions to provide advanced search capability, such as voice, barcode or image recognition systems.
- Introduce autocomplete options.
- Make the in-app search engine able to correct errors and understand the user’s intent efficiently.
3. Voice recognition system
Voice commerce is spreading at lightning speed. A few years ago, making purchases through voice commands seemed nothing short of impossible. Times have changed, and now eCommerce titans include this future-proof feature in their apps.
We can say with certainty that voice commerce has an extremely bright future and will continue to grow in the following years as well. Last year, the value of eCommerce transactions done by voice assistants amounted to $4.6 billion worldwide, and it’s estimated that it will reach $19.4 billion in 2023.
Voice recognition software may give extra value to eCommerce apps. Not only does this feature make the voice search more convenient but also may speed up and facilitate the purchasing process.
4. AR (Augmented Reality) solutions
In recent years, Augmented Reality has taken the mobile industry by storm. And we can expect that this AI-powered feature will get only more powerful and widely applied in the coming years.
But what exactly is Augmented Reality, and why might it become such a game-changer in eCommerce? I’m sure you’ve seen or even used various face filters on Instagram and Snapchat or set a virtual background during your Zoom call. That’s exactly what AR is all about – this technology detects elements on images or videos to generate interactive simulations of the real world.
Importantly, AR is currently being applied in numerous industries, and eCommerce is no exception. Online stores like IKEA or Sephora use this solution to show customers whether furniture will fit perfectly in their living rooms or an eyeshadow palette will match a skin tone.
Consider AR for your eCommerce app, as this future-proof Artificial Intelligence technology solution will give you a competitive edge and take customer experience to a whole new level.
5. Personalised product recommendations
It should come as no surprise that mobile users leave all kinds of traces when interacting with digital products. It can be personal data (age, gender, location), interests, viewed or purchased products, etc. All of this data is collected and processed to learn more about each specific user. This way, online stores may tailor products that will most probably attract user attention and, consequently, encourage them to buy another product or display more personalised marketing campaigns.
Crucially, product recommendations can bring tangible financial benefits to eCommerce businesses. As Google reports, a personalised approach to customers may significantly maximise revenue. What’s more, 63% of smartphone users are more willing to make a purchase on a website or mobile app that displays relevant product recommendations.
It leads to one conclusion: introducing personalised product recommendations is definitely worth the effort and may boost your sales in the long run if done correctly.
6. Product ratings & reviews
Reviews and ratings play a major role in our decision-making process, whether when choosing a hotel in Greece for your holiday, a pair of new fancy sneakers or outdoor furniture or any number of other things. We all read user reviews, believe them and support our customer choices based on other users’ opinions. For that reason, positive feedback can contribute to boosting your in-app sales.
With that in mind, you should never neglect the immense power of product reviews and ratings and let your customers share their experiences about your business and your products. It’s one of the most effective ways that social proof can be used in your eCommerce app.
7. Secure in-app payments
When placing an online order in a store, customers need to be constantly assured that everything has gone smoothly, hassle-free and securely. For that reason, it’s crucial to implement payment options that are fully verified, safe and without the risk of any leakage of payment data.
It’s also an excellent solution to include multiple payment options so that users can choose the most convenient one. These can be:
- Credit cards
- Online transfers
- Mobile wallets (PayPal, Amazon Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay)
Keep in mind that app users who cannot find a preferable payment option will be more likely to leave your app without placing an order. A wide variety of secure payment options streamlines the purchasing process and improves customer experience. The stakes are high here!
8. Different shipping options
Since you give your customers a selection of payment methods, why not offer them some shipping options as well?
There are numerous shopping options you can choose for your app. Your final choice will depend mainly on the country you operate in and the type of package you want to ship. If possible, also try to introduce eco-friendly delivery solutions – such an option will undoubtedly be highly appreciated by customers.
Allow users to choose the most suitable shipping option for them and let them enter the shipping address without any hassle – it will enhance their experience and accelerate the buying process. Here, you can also inform about each option’s delivery cost and the estimated delivery date.
9. Personalised content
I’ve already mentioned personalised product recommendations as one of the eCommerce mobile app features. However, personalisation comes in many different shapes and is not limited only to the products displayed but even to communications with users.
As I’ve said, you gather a massive amount of data about users, so make good use of it and show only relevant and skillfully targeted messages. These can be articles, opt-in forms or simply a welcome message with a customer’s name.
Personalisation is the driving force in eCommerce market and may become a key to your business success. By implementing this feature, you will provide a much more positive user experience, leading to much higher customer loyalty.
10. Easy access to customer service
Users want to feel well taken care of and be assured that their needs are always a top priority. Providing excellent customer service is a must for every eCommerce business. This way, you can win users over, earn brand loyalty and maintain your customer base.
Customer support may be served in mobile apps in many different ways. You can choose between:
- Live chat support – users can reach out to customer care assistants and get a personalised solution to their problems.
- Email support
- Telephone support
- FAQ – a section that responds to the most pressing issues.
Remember that customer service is no longer ‘a nice to have’, it’s definitely a must. It’s also essential to make your customer support section always visible and easily reachable in your mobile app.
10. Social media integration
Integrating social media platforms into a mobile app can benefit eCommerce businesses. One significant advantage is the ability to tap into the large user bases of social media platforms. By integrating with social media platforms, businesses can reach out to potential customers who might not have discovered their products or services.
Moreover, social media integration can help in building brand awareness and driving engagement. By allowing customers to share their purchases through social media accounts, eCommerce businesses can amplify their reach and engage with their customers more personally.
11. Barcode scanning
This feature will be a perfect solution for every eCommerce business selling its goods both online and offline. The main idea behind barcode scanning in a mobile shopping app is quite simple. Just imagine the situation: customers who find a product in a brick-and-mortar store do not always necessarily buy it immediately, and they might prefer to buy it another time. It’s a matter of their preferences.
With barcode scanning, they may save the product in a mobile app and return to it after a while. What’s more, they don’t need to ask a shop assistant for more detailed information about the product – instead, they can easily find it in an eCommerce app. Quite convenient, right?
12. Wishlist
Sometimes, users browse online stores looking for inspirations and goods to purchase someday (or when the season sale comes). Having that in mind, it is crucial to develop a wishlist section in your eCommerce application. With this feature, users will easily return to products they have already viewed, liked and considered buying.
Notice that adding the wishlist feature has become the new norm in eCommerce. So if you still haven’t included it in your app, you have no time to lose.
13. User-friendly product descriptions
Empower your customers with detailed product descriptions that go beyond the basics. Give them all the information they need at their fingertips. Incorporate immersive narratives highlighting each product’s unique value and story, fostering a deeper connection and understanding.
Crafting product descriptions that are both informative and engaging can significantly impact your app’s usability. By providing clear, concise, and detailed descriptions, you help customers make informed decisions effortlessly, enhancing their shopping experience.
14. Product gallery
Elevate the visual appeal of your products with a dynamic product gallery. High-resolution images, 360-degree views, and videos can provide a comprehensive look, allowing customers to explore every detail as if they were physically examining the item. This visual feast not only enhances the shopping experience but also reduces the hesitation in the purchasing process.
15. Detailed order summary
Streamline the checkout process with a clear and concise order summary. Transparency is critical in the checkout process. A detailed order summary, including item descriptions, prices, discounts, and total cost, reassures customers and builds trust. This clarity can be the difference between a completed purchase and an abandoned cart.
16. Invoice with company data
Facilitate seamless transactions for your business customers by enabling the ordering of invoices and the addition of company data directly within the app. This functionality caters to business purchasers’ specific needs and simplifies the buying process, encouraging repeat business transactions.
17. Intuitive returns
Design a straightforward and hassle-free returns process. By simplifying returns, you demonstrate a commitment to customer service, encouraging loyalty.
Clear instructions, easy-to-navigate forms, and immediate confirmation of return requests can significantly enhance customer satisfaction, turning potentially harmful experiences into opportunities for positive engagement.
18. Real-time shipping status
Keep your customers informed with real-time shipping status updates. From order confirmation to delivery, timely notifications ensure customers feel connected and reassured throughout the shipping process.
This transparency builds trust and reduces customer service inquiries. Keeping customers informed every step of the way with real-time shipping updates enhances the shopping experience.
19. Item availability
Nothing dampens the shopping spirit like finding the perfect item to discover it’s out of stock. Our solution? A real-time item availability feature informs shoppers of the stock status and offers the option to receive reminders when their heart’s desire is back in store. This approach ensures that your customers stay engaged and reduces the chance of them seeking alternatives elsewhere.
20. Membership
Offer exclusive membership options that provide unique benefits. From early access to new products and special discounts to personalized shopping experiences, memberships transform ordinary buyers into loyal brand advocates. It’s an investment in the relationship with your customers, fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty that goes beyond the transactional.
21. Loyalty programs
Reward your customers with a loyalty program that offers points, discounts, or gifts based on their shopping behavior. Personalized rewards acknowledge and appreciate customer loyalty and motivate continued engagement and purchases. It’s a way to say ‘thank you’ to your customers, encouraging repeat business by making every order count towards something more.
22. Flash sales
Create excitement and urgency with flash sales and discounts. Timed offers or limited-quantity deals can drive traffic, boost sales, and create a buzz around your brand. It’s a win-win: customers feel they’re getting more value, while businesses see a spike in activity and sales.
23. Integration with an online store
Ensure a seamless shopping experience by integrating your mobile app with your online store. This allows customers to switch between devices effortlessly, maintaining their shopping cart and preferences, thus enhancing the overall user experience.
24. Buy Now, Pay Later
In an era where flexibility is key, offering customers a “Buy Now, Pay Later” option is more than a convenience—it’s a strategy. Incorporate flexible payment options like to accommodate customers’ financial needs. This feature can increase purchase power and conversion rates by offering customers the flexibility to spread the cost over time without deterring immediate sales.
Source: https://www.marqetspace.ie/klarna/
25. CTV Advertising
Leverage Connected TV (CTV) advertising to reach a broader audience. By integrating your eCommerce platform with CTV, you can deliver targeted ads to potential customers on their TVs, combining the power of digital precision with the impact of big-screen advertising.
26. One-click purchase
In an era where time is of the essence, the ability to purchase with a single click is a game-changer. This feature streamlines the buying process, significantly reducing the time and friction associated with multiple-step checkouts. One-click purchasing can dramatically increase conversion rates and enhance the overall user experience by remembering user preferences and payment information securely.
Build a successful eCommerce mobile app today!
I have listed the most essential features practically every eCommerce app should have. With them, you will create a unique customer experience from start to finish and make your customers keep returning to your business instead of rushing toward your competitors. Make sure, however, that the mobile app features you build fully correspond with your business goals and reflect what you want to accomplish.
Need a functional, intuitive and feature-packed mobile shopping app? Our experts will help your business grow and conquer the eCommerce industry! Contact us today and get an estimate for your digital project!
