With mobile devices now accounting for the majority of online shopping traffic, ecommerce brands can’t afford to ignore the importance of mobile apps. Whether you’re looking to drive conversions, build customer loyalty, or simply keep up with competitors, choosing the right type of app can be a game-changer for your business.
Yet not all apps are created equal.
From native apps that deliver top-tier performance to cost-effective web apps and versatile hybrid options, each approach comes with its own strengths and limitations. Understanding these differences is crucial for building an ecommerce app that not only looks good but also works seamlessly and drives results.
The different types of mobile apps
Native apps
Native apps are developed specifically for a single platform, such as iOS or Android. They are built using platform-specific programming languages like Swift for iOS and Kotlin or Java for Android. This means they can fully leverage device features such as the camera, GPS, and push notifications, delivering a smooth and responsive user experience.
One of the main advantages of native apps is their superior performance. They typically offer faster load times, better responsiveness, and seamless integration with device functionalities. However, they require separate development for each platform, which can increase both the initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs.
Web apps
Web apps, or progressive web apps (PWAs), are essentially mobile-optimised websites that run inside a web browser. They use standard web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, allowing them to work across multiple devices and platforms without the need for separate builds.
Web apps are cost-effective to develop and maintain, as they only require a single codebase. They are also easily discoverable via search engines, which can enhance your site’s SEO. However, they often lack the same level of access to device features as native apps, and they may not perform as well in areas with poor connectivity.
Hybrid apps
Hybrid apps blend elements of both native and web apps using frameworks like React Native or Flutter, which allow developers to write code once and deploy it on multiple platforms. Hybrid apps run inside a native container, giving them access to some device features while sharing much of the underlying codebase.
The key benefit of hybrid apps is their versatility, which results in a faster time-to-market compared to native apps. However, they may not achieve the same performance and smooth user experience as fully native apps, particularly for complex interactions or graphics-heavy features.
Why your e-commerce business needs a mobile app
A dedicated app can transform how your ecommerce brand engages with customers.
Mobile apps offer a level of convenience, speed, and personalisation that mobile websites often struggle to match. By providing a seamless shopping experience, complete with push notifications, faster checkout, and offline access, an app can significantly boost customer loyalty and repeat purchases. Additionally, apps give you direct access to valuable data and insights, helping you better understand customer behaviour and preferences.
Choosing the right type of mobile app for your e-commerce brand
- Define your budget and timeline
- Understanding your target audience
- Device functionality
- Evaluate performance requirements
- Assess SEO and discoverability
- Plain for maintenance and website updates
- Align and connect with business goals
- Customer expectations and preferences
Mobile web design and development
Does your website do your business justice when it’s viewed on a mobile or tablet?
If not, then it’s time to get our web designers and developers on board to fix that for you!
Based in Nottingham, Imaginaire is a digital marketing agency specialising in responsive and highly converting web design.
To get a free website review, or find out more about our services drop us a message or give us a call on 0115 697 1541.
