Retailers have to be on the lookout for ways to stay competitive constantly. Increasing sales, boosting the conversion rate, implementing better inventory management solutions – there’s an almost endless list of strategies that online businesses can try to get to the top.
Taking advantage of technological advancements is always a good idea to get ahead of the competition. Custom web apps are a popular choice to achieve this. How can they help e-commerce businesses? Continue reading to find out.
What Are Custom Web Apps in E-commerce?
A custom web app in e-commerce is a type of software tailored specifically to meet a particular business’s unique needs and requirements and can be accessed through an Internet browser without installation. As opposed to regular, off-the-shelf applications, it can be designed to fit the already existing systems and infrastructure the business already has and to integrate seamlessly with other software and platforms, like inventory management systems, payment gateways, and others.
They are usually developed by a custom web app development company working closely with the client that requires the custom solution. Everything can be modified and adjusted to fit the specific goals and objectives of the business, thus making for a great solution that addresses the specific difficulties that online retailers face.
Main Benefits of Custom Web Apps
Custom web apps offer many advantages over pre-made solutions. While the specifics depend on the business type and the products the retailer offers, most are universal and can benefit virtually any e-commerce business.
Web apps combine what is best about websites and mobile apps, and offer you a chance to give your customers more than just a boring, static site. The same applies to web apps meant for internal company use – meeting your specific needs makes using the software easier and more efficient.
Flexibility and Customization
Businesses have complete control over what features and functionalities the app will have, and can request developers to modify or add new options as needed. Custom apps can be scaled up as the business grows and integrated with other software to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
The user interface and visuals can also be customized to perfectly align with your brand’s identity and message, making it a great way to establish brand consistency. A custom app can also be designed in a way that will make it more appealing to the target audience, making the user experience better and, in turn, increasing brand loyalty and encouraging repeat buyers.
Long-Term Savings
While hiring an enterprise software development company to create a tailored solution just for your business can be expensive, the initial investment has a high potential for long-term savings. As a custom web app can lead to increased customer satisfaction, higher conversion rate, and better overall efficiency, it can ultimately result in higher revenue and reduced costs.
Whether your app is something your business uses, like 3PL software, or a part of your online storefront meant for the customers, it can be highly beneficial in terms of budget management.
Better Shopping Experience
By using a web app as a part of your online store’s website, you can offer your shoppers something that sets you apart from your competitors. With unique functionalities that are tailored to fit the preferences of your target audience, you provide a more personalized and convenient shopping experience. This can give you a competitive edge in the market by building an image of a shop that truly values its customers and goes the extra mile to meet their needs.
If a custom web app used on a store’s page is built to be cross-platform compatible, shoppers can access the online store from their favorite devices without worrying about any limitations. Mobile commerce is expected to account for almost 70% of all e-commerce sales in 2024, so having a mobile-friendly web app instead of a classic website can be a great move to tap into this trend.
Safety and Security
As you are the one who decides what features go into your custom web app, you have the ability to choose the best security options available. If you do not have the expertise to decide which encryption methods or security measures would be the best to implement, you can ask your developers to provide recommendations based on their knowledge and experience.
Having a custom-built app is also a great way to address specific vulnerabilities and threats that your business might risk facing. In case of any safety issues, you can work with the development company you hired to resolve them immediately. Your app will likely be more secure than off-the-shelf solutions, as it can be patched and updated whenever a new threat is identified.
As you can see, there is no denying that custom web apps can be useful. In addition to being secure and reliable, they can save you money and reach a larger audience. Perfectly tailored to your needs, these apps can be a game-changer for your business.
Why Are Custom Apps Expensive?
Creating an app from scratch is a big process, and involves many different factors that can impact the cost. Some of those factors are the complexity of the project, the functionalities that need to be included, and the level of experience needed to develop the app. Additionally, skilled developers usually charge more than less experienced ones, which can also contribute to the higher cost of custom apps.
If you are looking for ways to save money on app development, you can contact IT consulting specialists who will advise you on cost-effective alternatives to what you require.
Leverage Custom Web Apps to Improve Your Business
Using custom web apps, whether for internal operations or to provide a better customer experience on your website, is a great way to grow and improve your business. The possibilities are almost endless when your app is custom-made to fit your exact requirements and business needs, so there is no doubt it is worth investing in one.
If you are looking for something that will resonate with your brand and help your online store thrive, custom web apps are definitely something you should look into.
