If you run an e-commerce store, you will probably know the significance of reaching out to mobile customers. After all, countless consumers prefer to buy on the go. A responsive website gives you a start, but an e-commerce app is essential to take the shopping experiences a notch higher. It also boosts sales and retention as potential shoppers have your store at their fingertips. Moreover, you must invest in an app because the competitors have it. If the idea of the development costs sounds daunting, you need not worry because it is possible to build an e-commerce app on a budget. Here are some tips to help.
Set clear goals
When the budget is tight, it makes sense to set clear goals for a project. Start by identifying your target audience , their preferred devices, and the objective of the app. Also, check the competitors’ apps to get an idea of the ideal features for your product. This way, you can create a list of must-haves and trim the frivolous features to fit the app into your limited budget.
Develop an MVP
After defining the features for your e-commerce app, you must consider taking a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach. It means rolling out a product with a basic set of features sufficient for your target audience. You need not rush into full-fledged development with bells and whistles. Rather, start small and add more features down the line to save money today and invest more once your product does well in the market.
Collaborate with an expert
This one is a no-brainer because hiring an in-house team is far more expensive than collaborating with experts. Luckily, you can find many Software and App Development Companies specializing in e-commerce apps. You can opt for custom development to get a product within your budget. Set clear requirements and seek suggestions for saving more as you go. These experts have extensive experience, so they can help you achieve more with less.
Pick your platform wisely
Another tip for developing your e-commerce app within budget is to pick your platform wisely. Targeting both Android and iOS platforms at the same time can elevate the cost of development. It makes sense to stick with one platform at the beginning, depending on the preference of your target audience. Alternatively, you can choose a cross-platform development strategy if you wish to cover both platforms without investing in separate apps for them.
Consider maintenance costs
When you budget for your e-commerce app, be realistic from the start. Costs may extend beyond development as you will need to maintain and upgrade your app down the line. Ensure to consider the app maintenance costs while deciding on the budget. Typically, maintenance costs include bug fixes , upgrades, minor tweaks, and feature enhancements. You cannot skip on these if you want to excel with UX and get the users hooked.
Developing an e-commerce app on a tight budget is absolutely possible, provided you take the right approach. Follow these easy tips, and you can create a profitable one to take your sales and retention to the next level.
This is a Sponsored Post – the author has requested this post be shared on Women in Ecommerce – WECAI.org and WE were compensated for sharing.
