In 2021, the mobile app market was worth a huge $187.5 billion. It’s also predicted to grow at a yearly rate of 13.4%! One aspect of this market relates to native apps.
It is no surprise that the majority of eCommerce transactions are conducted online through a browser-based platform in this digital age. However, the use of native apps for eCommerce is also becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason.
People can download and install a native app onto their devices. These apps offer a number of benefits over browser-based online eCommerce solutions. This article will explore 20 benefits of using an offline native app for eCommerce versus a browser-only online eCommerce solution.
Read on to get the lowdown.
1. Improved User Experience
One of the main advantages of native apps is the improved user experience they offer.
You install native apps on a device to use. As a result, they can provide a more intuitive and seamless experience for the user. Some devices you can install these apps on include smartphones, tablets, or desktop computers.
In contrast, browser-based online eCommerce solutions are not optimized for specific devices and can often be difficult to navigate and use. This can lead to frustration for the user and may even result in them abandoning their purchase.
2. Faster Loading Times
Native apps tend to have faster loading times compared to browser-based online eCommerce solutions. This is because you store native apps locally on the device, whereas browser-based solutions require the downloading of data from the internet.
Faster loading times are crucial for providing a positive user experience. This is because users are generally unwilling to wait more than a few seconds for a page to load. If a page takes too long to load, users are likely to abandon the purchase and move on to a competitor.
3. Enhanced Security
Another benefit of native apps is the enhanced security they offer. Native apps are installed directly onto the device and are not accessible through a web browser. This means they are less vulnerable to security threats such as hacking and malware.
You access browser-based online eCommerce solutions through the internet and so they can be more vulnerable to security threats. This can be a concern for both the business and the customer. The reason is that sensitive information such as payment details is at risk of being compromised.
4. Improved Personalization
Native apps can gather more information about what a user likes and how they shop, which helps make the shopping experience better. This data can help the app give personalized recommendations and suggestions to the user, which can make them more likely to buy something.
Browser-based online stores that work through the internet cannot gather as much information about the user’s preferences and shopping habits. These stores are not installed on the user’s device, so they cannot offer the same level of personalized recommendations and suggestions.
5. Offline Access
One of the major benefits of native apps is the ability to access them offline. This is particularly useful for eCommerce-related activities, as it means users can browse and line up purchases even when they do not have an internet connection.
A browser-based online eCommerce solution requires an internet connection to access it. This can be a major limitation for users, as it means they are unable to make purchases if they do not have an internet connection.
6. Push Notifications
Native apps have the ability to send push notifications to the user’s device. Push notifications are a powerful tool for engaging with customers. You can use them to send updates, promotions, and other relevant information.
With many browser-based online eCommerce, brands do not have the ability to send push notifications, which means they are unable to engage with users in the same way.
7. Improved Search Functionality
Native apps often have excellent search functionality. This is because native apps have access to the device’s hardware, which can be used to improve the search experience.
For example, a native app could use the device’s camera to allow users to search for products using an image. Or it could use the device’s GPS to provide location-based search results.
Browser-based online eCommerce solutions do not have access to the device’s hardware. Thus, they are limited in their search functionality.
With less search functionality, it can make it more difficult for users to find the products they are looking for. This can lead to frustration and potentially result in abandoned purchases.
8. Simplified Checkout Process
Native apps can often simplify the checkout process for the user. This is because they have the ability to store payment and shipping information.
This means the user does not have to enter this information every time they make a purchase. This can save time and make the checkout process more convenient for the user.
With browser-based solutions, you do not have the ability to store payment and shipping information. Instead, the user has to enter this information every time they make a purchase. This may discourage users from completing their purchases.
9. Increased Brand Loyalty
Native apps can help to increase brand loyalty. They can do this by providing a more personalized shopping experience for the user.
By using a native app, businesses can create a direct and ongoing connection with their customers. This can foster a sense of loyalty and encourage repeat purchases.
In contrast, browser-based solutions do not offer the same level of personalization. The result is it can be more difficult for businesses to establish a strong connection with their customers.
10. Improved Analytics and Tracking
Native apps can provide businesses with improved analytics and tracking capabilities. This is because native apps have access to a wider range of data on the user’s behavior and preferences. You can use this to gain insights into how the app is being used and what changes can be made to improve the user experience.
A browser-based solution is limited in the data it can collect. This makes it more difficult for businesses to gain insights into how people use the platform. It’s also harder to know what changes to make to improve the user experience.
11. Greater Customization
Native apps can be more customizable compared to browser-based online eCommerce solutions. This is because native apps have access to the device’s hardware and operating system.
A user may be able to tailor the app to their specific needs and preferences. For example, a native app could allow the user to change the layout and appearance of the app, or customize the functionality to suit their needs.
12. Better Integration with Other Apps
Native apps can be better integrated with other apps on the device. The result is the shopping experience becomes more convenient for the user. For example, a native app could allow the user to share products with friends through social media.
In contrast, browser-based options are not as integrated with other apps on the device. This means that the shopping experience may not be as convenient for the user.
13. Better User Retention
Native apps tend to have better user retention. This is because you install native apps directly onto your device.
When someone does this, it makes the app more visible and accessible to the user. As a result, users are more likely to return to the app and make repeat purchases.
14. Greater Revenue Potential
Native apps have the potential to generate more revenue compared to browser-based online eCommerce solutions. This is because native apps can offer a more engaging shopping experience.
The result may be increased sales and customer loyalty. In addition, native apps can offer paid upgrades, which can provide additional sources of revenue.
15. Increased Customer Satisfaction
Native apps can lead to increased customer satisfaction, whatever your industry. This is because native apps can offer a more seamless shopping experience.
A customer may feel more valued when using a native app. In addition, native apps can provide easy access to customer service and support, which can help to resolve any issues the customer may have.
16. Greater Control for Businesses
Native apps offer greater control for businesses. The reason for this is that native apps are owned and controlled by the business.
A business will have the ability to make changes and updates to the app as needed. In contrast, browser-based online eCommerce solutions are controlled by the platform provider. So businesses using a browser-based option will have limited control of the platform.
17. Improved Marketing Opportunities
Native apps offer improved marketing opportunities. This is because native apps have the ability to send push notifications and gather data on the user’s preferences and behavior.
A business can use all this info to target marketing campaigns better. In addition, native apps can be used to promote special offers and discounts to the user, which can help to drive sales.
18. Greater Brand Awareness
Native apps can help to increase brand awareness compared to browser-based online eCommerce solutions. This reason is that native apps are installed directly onto the user’s device, which means they are more visible and accessible to the user.
As a result, native apps can help to increase brand awareness by providing a constant presence on the user’s device. Furthermore, native apps can be used to promote the brand through the use of logos and branding elements, which can help to build recognition and loyalty.
Browser-based online eCommerce solutions are accessed through a web browser, which means they are not as visible and accessible to the user. As a result, they may not be as effective at building brand awareness and loyalty.
19. Greater User Privacy
Native apps offer greater privacy compared to browser-based online eCommerce solutions. This is because native apps are device-installed and do not rely on the internet for access. Native apps do not have to transmit sensitive data over the internet, which can reduce the risk of data breaches and protect the privacy of the user.
Most browser-based solutions rely solely on the transmission of data over the internet. This can increase the risk of data breaches and expose the user’s privacy to potential threats.
20. Improved User Loyalty
Native apps may improve user loyalty compared to browser-based solutions. Native apps offer a more personalized and convenient shopping experience, which can foster a sense of loyalty and encourage repeat purchases.
Push notifications and personalized recommendations can keep the user engaged and encourage them to return to the app. On the flip side, most browser-based online eCommerce solutions do not have the same level of personalization and convenience. This can make it more difficult for businesses to establish a strong connection with their customers and foster loyalty.
Native App Options to Consider
There are several options to consider when choosing a native app for your eCommerce business.
A custom native app is one that is specifically designed and developed for your business. This option allows you to have complete control over the design and functionality of the app, but it may require more time and resources to develop.
An off-the-shelf native app is a pre-developed app that can be customized to fit the needs of your business. This option is generally faster and less expensive than a custom native app, but it may not offer the same level of customization.
A hybrid native app is a combination of a custom app and an off-the-shelf app. This option allows for some level of customization, but it may not offer the same performance as a fully custom app.
It’s important to consider your business’s needs and resources when deciding which native app option is best for you. A custom app may be the best choice for businesses with specific needs and the resources to invest in development, while an off-the-shelf app may be a more cost-effective option for smaller businesses.
Develop a Native App for Your Business
Now you know 20 clear benefits of why you should opt for a native app over any browser-based solution. The overall result may be that your company will become more competitive and generate more revenue.
OrdrTakr is a highly advanced and customizable app that you can use for your business. If you want to start selling smarter, we recommend that you check out our app right here.