In the United States, the number of smartphones is expected to go over 220 million within the next 2 years. Such an astronomical figure has changed the way many things operate, including online sales and shopping. People who used to spend long hours going through stores and trying things on are turning to the virtual selection that can be done from their phone. Thus, those businesses that have facilitated app-accessible strategies have seen tremendous benefits. Andrew Knight New Canaan discusses.
Capitalizing on the Trend
Although marketers are fully aware of the ramification of the trend, people sometimes fail to take full advantage of it. According to App Annie, an average user spends over two hours on various apps every day. This further translates to 2-4 hours spent on shopping apps alone every month, a 44% increase in the first half of 2017. Thus, what are some best ways to make money from such a changing environment of sales?
- Leaving Mobile Websites
In order to enjoy users spending more time in apps, one should obviously have an app. Days of people getting online to look at the “mobile-friendly” version of some brand’s website are in the past. People prefer possessing an app that will allow them to access it through the home screen of their device, get notifications from it, and purchase straight from. The watered-down website versions used to be a great effort to reach people back in the early 2010s, yet no longer is this the case. Every business looking to increase online sales should focus all their attention on creating a multi-screen platform that will mimic the website in an app-friendly tone.
- Impulse Brings in Millions
When one purchases a product from Amazon, per se, they will be shown a screen with other products that users purchased in addition. Though this may seem like a simple way of upselling, it is a thoroughly planned and data-supported impulse buying strategy. Those who buy a set of plates will be offered to look at some cutlery because, naturally, people need both. Thus, Amazon is capturing sales that people did not even intend on making originally which is called impulse buying. This is the same concept that every online selling app should have. Some of the ways to showcase it:
- Offering free shipping for a certain overall amount of money spent
- Displaying products that normally go together
- Showing statistics about other users who purchased similar items
- Data Drives the World
A popular saying goes “Knowledge is Power”. Well, in 2017, information is knowledge which means that information is power. Going off of the last idea, to be able to make predictions and check out suggestions, the business must be able to analyze previous purchases. What are the most common items bought in certain areas? What time of the year do some items sell the best? What do people buy together? All of these questions must be answered and backed up with thorough research of previous transactions. The scope of that analysis should not go beyond ethical boundaries, however, as that would endanger customer’s loyalty.
- Technology Sometimes Fails
Just like Apple has to do updates to their iOS every time that a new operating system is released, most apps will have to improve over time. Glitches and errors are expected which means that people will need help getting over the problems they cause. This is when an outstanding customer service should be implemented. Just like buyers prefer to access shopping through home screen apps, they do not want to waste time looking for customer service numbers or e-mails all over the internet. A good app should contain such information within it. Consequently, the downtime will be minimized and buying can continue rapidly!
- Safety and Privacy
In order for people to purchase things online, they must be reassured that their safety will not be hindered. Since online buying requires an e-mail, an address, usually a phone number, and payment information, a hacker would have all they need to get an insight into someone’s life. The customer must be 100% confident in the stability and security of the company’s operation. This can be achieved by disclosing what type of encryption system is in place or using third-party, safe check out windows. Additionally, an online store that gives away a professional vibe will instill confidence upon view.
- Loyalty and Payment Methods
People like to be a part of something. This is why almost every product-based business has member programs. These can range from gather points to being a part of a draw for gift cards. Apps should enable people to get involved through things like the aforementioned as they will generate customer loyalty. Furthermore, paying for things should be done in multiple ways. Some users only have credit cards and zero debit cards (vice-versa applies). Others prefer to increase safety by using Paypal. In order to get the most out of a transaction, a company should enable as many payment options as possible to cover all their basis.
A Fine Time to Get More Customers
In reality, there has been no better time in history to reach millions of people. A simple yet customized e-mail that can be generated by outside companies can increase brand awareness exponentially. Apps operate in a very similar manner by providing people with an easily accessible outlet to get informed and buy on. Nevertheless, almost limitless time must be dedicated to keeping an app up to date and ensuring it possesses what modern users need to trust it which, in turn, means they will use it.