Managing directors of trading companies often ask me if a dedicated eCommerce app makes sense for their business. There are indeed some legitimate questions regarding this. An app is more complex to develop and maintain than a mobile website. Additionally, two separate platforms, Android and iOS, need to be supported.
Apps are often recommended by agencies, especially when mobile phone sensors are primarily required. Support for the camera, location sensors, and GPS receivers is indeed better and easier to integrate in apps.
However, I question this “main argument”. Because if that were truly decisive, Twitter, LinkedIn, and similar services would not have dedicated apps. The sensors are only marginally used there. The reason for the aforementioned service providers is the enhanced user-friendliness that apps offer.
My company ieffects always recommends apps when target groups need to work very intensively with their mobile phones, either permanently or sporadically. Simplicity and speed are significantly better achieved in apps than with mobile websites.
An eCommerce App for Wholesale
Especially for technical wholesalers, for example, who want to differentiate themselves from competitors and simplify their customers’ daily lives, the flexibility and user-friendliness of an app certainly outweigh other considerations. Users will love the app experience, which leads to higher customer loyalty and overall strengthens brand value.
Thanks to our systematic product development and over a decade of experience, such apps can also be realized cost-effectively. But remember: a mobile website is always a good complement. This can often be implemented with standard software now. And the app’s download link has to be found somewhere 🙂
In your opinion, what is the advantage or disadvantage of a native eCommerce app?
