Expanding your customer base and increasing revenue can be accomplished by converting your PlentyMarkets store into a mobile app.
In light of the thriving mobile ecommerce trend, businesses must adapt to the evolving consumer preferences. While creating a custom native app can be expensive, there's an alternative option: using a PlentyMarkets mobile app builder.
By making use of this tool, you can effortlessly build a fully functional and top-quality mobile app for your PlentyMarkets store without draining your finances.
Read on to discover the step-by-step process.
Within a span of five years, mobile has solidified its position in the ecommerce sector, taking up more than 72% of the market share, surpassing the previous mark of just over 52%.
Mobile now possesses more than 50% of the market share in contrast to desktop and tablet devices.
In addition, 15% of Americans presently exclusively use smartphones as their means of accessing the internet. This indicates the direction ecommerce is headed, with customers not only embracing mobile as a priority but also relying solely on it.
Simply optimizing your site for mobile isn't enough; it's just the beginning. Mobile apps offer users a better experience on their smartphones and tablets, resulting in improvements in various important metrics, such as:
Additional statistics indicate that individuals using ecommerce mobile apps are twice as likely to revisit the store within a 30-day period compared to those who access the platform through mobile browsers.
Additionally, mobile apps provide the advantage of using mobile push notifications, which achieve an average open rate of 20% and a click-through rate of 28%.
Mobile apps also serve as an effective tool for nurturing and retaining loyal, repeat customers.
Is it a requirement to convert your PlentyMarkets store into a mobile app? Maybe not. But, a PlentyMarkets mobile app can offer significant benefits to your business.
Creating a mobile app directly from PlentyMarkets is not an option. PlentyMarkets is specifically built for webstores. To build a mobile app using PlentyMarkets, you'll need something additional to bridge the gap.
Here are a few alternatives:
If you have a PlentyMarkets store, you can transform it into an app using one of the methods mentioned above.
It's important to consider that the third option of hiring developers to build native apps may not be suitable for most store owners. The primary reason for this is the cost associated with mobile apps. Building a native app can range from $30,000 to $150,000, and this cost is for just one operating system. To launch apps for both Android and iOS (which is recommended), you would need to double this expense.
Developing an app is a time-consuming, complex, and costly process in general. The complexity increases further when your developers need to build an API and establish a connection between the backend of your apps and your PlentyMarkets store.
Considering the financial aspect, it is understandable that you may not have the budget for this, especially when taking into account the annual costs of maintaining and running your app.
Many fail to consider the ongoing yearly expenses associated with launching an app. The regular upkeep and maintenance, encompassing tasks like OS updates, PlentyMarkets updates, bug fixes, as well as the introduction of new features and enhancements, typically amount to approximately 15-20% of the initial cost each year.
In certain cases, these expenses can be even higher. During the launch of their apps, Rainbow Apparel conducted thorough research, and David Cost, the VP of Marketing, discovered that the annual cost could reach up to one million dollars.
"If we possessed unlimited time and financial resources, we would likely opt for a custom native app. However, the yearly maintenance alone would cost between half a million and a million dollars."
- David Cost, VP of Marketing, Rainbow Apparel
Let's adopt a conservative estimate and assume that building apps for both mobile platforms incurs a cost of $150,000. Based on this estimate, the annual expense for updates and maintenance would amount to approximately $30,000.
For most store owners, this financial commitment is too substantial. Plus, the management of multiple platforms moving forward, in addition to one's website, can become a significant burden. It triples the workload whenever modifications to the site are desired, needlessly introducing complexity into the workflow.
The most recommended approach is to convert your PlentyMarkets store into an app using a dedicated mobile app builder for PlentyMarkets.
By opting for a mobile app builder designed for PlentyMarkets, you can convert your current PlentyMarkets website into a mobile app that delivers a native-like feel. Users can conveniently download and install this app on their mobile devices.
When you opt for established mobile app builders, you can expect to receive a mobile app that encompasses a substantial portion, approximately 90-95%, of the functionalities available in a native app. This comes at a reduced cost and with minimal hassle.
However, it's important to understand that not all available options are suitable for building high-traffic, premium mobile apps that leave a positive impression of your brand.
Well-known brands with large budgets at their disposal (like Nike, Target and Zara) can adored to employ professionals to code their shopping app right from the beginning.
If you lack these necessary resources, MobiLoud is the perfect solution for createing an app. It's an easy, affordable, and fast option. Furthermore, it guarantees that app maintenance is more economical and convenient over time.
Here's a guide outlining the process step by step.
There are two ways you can get started.
Regardless of which option you choose, you'll discover that 90% of the app creation work is already completed, as long as your site is optimized for mobile devices.
If you require assistance with optimizing your site, simply let us know, and we'll be more than happy to help. This step is crucial to ensure a seamless process moving forward.
Once you're ready to start building, sign up to MobiLoud and benefit from our 60-day money-back guarantee. There's also no need for a long-term commitment.
After on boarding, our team will work with you to configure and design your app. Keep in mind that a substantial amount of the work has already been done. You won't have to build a new UI from the ground up; instead, you'll make a few adjustments to achieve a native app appearance and user experience.
Upon design approval, we'll start building your mobile app. We handle all the technical aspects, so there's no need for you to engage in coding or possess any coding expertise.
If you'd like our team to oversee the entire process, from beginning to end, we're more than capable of doing so. Our comprehensive package includes all the necessary components to configure, design, and publish your app, giving you the opportunity to take a hands-off approach.
After finishing the final touches to your app, it’s time to release it to the public. It's important to have a well-executed launch plan that will attract people to download and use it.
We provide assets to enhance your app store descriptions, create impactful launch announcements for your website and email subscribers, and generate attention-grabbing press releases, among other resources.
You can also leverage additional features at no extra expense, such as clever app banners and app-exclusive discounts, to incentivize your existing customers to shop through the app.
Finally, we'll make your apps available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
The submission process for these app stores is famously challenging, especially for those who are new to app ownership and development. However, our team has a wealth of experience with thousands of submissions and is well-versed in the process.
Rest assured that we will handle the entire app submission process with Apple and Google on your behalf. With our 100% app approval guarantee, you can trust us to navigate the process successfully. We are equipped to handle multiple submissions if needed, and we will recommend and implement any necessary changes. You can sit back and relax while we take care of all the heavy lifting.
Once your app listings are live, you can officially start receiving downloads and enjoying all the advantages that come with having your own PlentyMarkets mobile app.
The mobile era is upon us. Most likely, the majority of your current revenue comes from mobile, and if not, it will soon.
Simply having a mobile-optimized website for your PlentyMarkets store is not enough. To fully capitalize on the revenue potential of your mobile users, it's wise to offer your own branded app.
Today, transforming your PlentyMarkets store into a mobile app is easier than ever before, as long as you follow the right approach. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on mobile developers, MobiLoud provides an extremely accessible and user-friendly solution.
Let's explore some of the key benefits you can enjoy by using MobiLoud's PlentyMarkets app builder:
With this simple, code-free app builder, you can launch your own shopping apps and join the ranks of the world's leading brands in the app stores.
Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you in launching an app for your PlentyMarkets store. Book a free, personalized demo, and one of our app professionals will guide you through the entire process.