For modern-day e-commerce businesses, the sky is the limit. People, after all, are making online purchases more than ever.

Your e-commerce business cannot arrive at its full potential with just a website. On evaluating the latest e-commerce trends, you will realise that everything is moving in the mobile direction. That is why an e-commerce app becomes an absolute necessity for any e-commerce business.

According to recent research, 95% of individuals all across the globe have a mobile phone, and around 80% of the population have a smartphone. Take a look around. Everybody is glued to their phones 24/7.

So, how can you leverage the statistics to escalate sales? Build an e-commerce mobile app!

In the following writeup we will discuss the 8 most crucial steps that need to be followed while moving forward with the development of an e-commerce app.

What is an E-commerce App?

Before we dive into the specific steps to developing an app lets quickly get some understanding of the origin of the term “e-commerce”.

Electronic commerce was introduced by an English entrepreneur about 40 years ago. Even though the idea did not get much support earlier, later it became an integral part of everyone’s life.

E-commerce means trading commercial products on online marketplaces. To buy something, one needs to make an electronic transaction through his/her computer or smartphone.

The E-commerce industry grew a lot due to technological development, globalization, and people’s urge for a better experience and a wide range of choices. Today, the e-commerce market needs to shift from brick-and-mortar stores and attain an online presence. And this is where the app comes in.

How to Build an E-Commerce App?

1. Research

Research always tops the list – no one should ignore its significance. Set aside a couple of hours to conduct thorough research on your competitors and users. Doing so will help you evaluate your target audience’s behavioral patterns. It will also help you realize which feature set and app platform relates to your target audience the most.

1. Set Goals

The core of e-commerce app development depends on how well you set goals for your business. Ask yourself the below three questions to set goals within a short period.

• What issues are you trying to resolve?
• Who are you selling your products to?
• How to understand if your approach is successful?

1. Select the Correct Platform

Make sure to be aware of the ins and outs of your organization before choosing the technology for your e-commerce app development. Closely observe the inventory and development costs. Then select the database, content management system or CMS, and a scalable layout.

Keep in mind this information when selecting a platform to launch your app – Android, iOS, or both. You must opt for the platform where your target audience spends most of their time.

When developing an e-commerce app on Android, you need the following –

• Programming language – Java or Kotlin
• Android UI
• Application development tools – Android Studio
• UI framework – Jetpack Compose

For iOS, you will need –

• Programming language – Swift or Objective-C
• UI framework – Swift UI
• Application development tools – App Code, X Code

For cross-platform e-commerce apps, you must invest in programming tools like React Native, Xamarin (C#), Flutter, etc.

1. Outline Feature Set

As you already know the expert opinions, trends, what your target audience wants, and what your competitors are doing, you have surely realized which features can satisfy the end users seamlessly. Go ahead and incorporate them.

The top features that all successful e-commerce apps are as follows –

• Easy registration and login.
• Product categorization
• Detailed descriptions
• Shopping cart
• Shipping options
• Secure payment gateways
• Order Summary
• Wishlist
• Membership options
• Discounts and flash sales reminders
• Personalized recommendations

Everyone loves an app that is loaded with features that they need. Better features impress the users and also give a smooth, hassle-free experience.