Common Features of Every Successful Ecommerce App Development Company
Do you wonder how Amazon shows you the perfect tech gadget you needed? How in the world does Shein know your fashion sense better than you do?
Why does checkout at Etsy feel so easy? Or why the thing that you added to your cart on Temu but didn’t buy… pops up as a Facebook ad?
Sorry to break it to you: It’s definitely NOT a coincidence!
All these ecom apps are using something called smart features. These top shopping apps are built to feel easy, fast, and addictive even. These e-commerce companies know what keeps people shopping and makes them come back to shop more.
But, What is an Ecommerce App Development Company?
Before we talk about these innovative features, let’s make it clear what an ecommerce app development company does. An Ecommerce app dev company is basically a company that builds shopping apps for phones like Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, and Temu. It helps businesses create apps that are easy to use, load fast, and look nice.
Why? So people enjoy their shopping experience and return to the app to shop for more. The ecom app dev company also manages everything (from the app design to the payment process).
What Features Have We Noticed in Successful Ecommerce App Development Company Apps?
Now that we know what an ecom app dev company is, let’s talk about the top features that these companies use to make people shop more. We will also mention real-life examples of famous apps that you know about that use these simple features to their advantage. So without further ado, let’s get into it!
1. Easy Sign-Up and Login
It’s no surprise that nobody likes filling long forms. So the best apps are those that make it easy to shop and even quicker to log in.
- Sign up with a phone number or email
- Use social logins like Google or Facebook
- Add fingerprint or Face ID for faster access
Example: On Amazon, people log in with a fingerprint or face scan on their phone. Simple and no typing needed!
2. Smart Search and Filters
Tech has made us less patient. Shoppers want to find a product fast. To solve this problem, a strong search feature helps users get what they need without wasting time.
- Search bar with auto-suggestions
- Filters for price, size, color, etc.
- Voice search for quick searching
Example: Walmart’s app offers filters and voice search. This makes it easy to find products even if you’re not sure of the exact name.
3. Product Reviews and Ratings
It’s no surprise that most people read reviews before buying from an app or a specific vendor. Ratings and reviews are a helpful way in which people decide what to buy, from where, and what to skip.
- Star ratings for each product
- Written reviews from real buyers
- Photos shared by customers
Example: Etsy shows customer reviews with original pictures of the products. This shows interested people what exactly they can expect from the product.
4. Easy Checkout Process
Does your app have a long and boring checkout process? No wonder you are not making any sales! The best ecommerce stores have a short and smooth checkout process.
- Guest checkout (no need to sign up!)
- One-click payment for returning users
- Shipping info that is auto-filled
Example: Shein, which is a leading fast fashion app allows one-click ordering with saved cards. This makes the checkout super quick!
5. Multiple Payment Options
Does your app give various payment options? It should. If people don’t find their preferred payment option, they may abandon their carts. This would lead to bad experiences for potential customers with your app. You must include different payment options other than cash, like:
- Credit/debit cards
- Wallets like PayPal, Apple Pay
- “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) options
Example: Target’s app accepts PayPal, Klarna (BNPL), and credit cards for easier payments.
6. Real-Time Order Tracking
Don’t you want to know where your order is one day after you place it? Most people do, and a tracking feature in your ecommerce app makes people feel more in control.
- Real-time updates on delivery status
- Push notifications when the order is shipped or delivered
- Estimated delivery time
Example: Domino’s, a famous pizza chain app, lets you track your pizza from oven to door with real-time updates.
7. Personalized Recommendations
Now with AI, ecom apps show you similar or complementary products to what you have added to your cart. Does this make you click? Probably, yes. Thats the power of personalised recommendations!
- AI suggests items based on past behavior
- “You May Also Like” sections
- Recommendations based on location or season
Example: Amazon recommends items based on your browsing and purchase history. This helps you find what you didn’t even know you wanted!
8. In-App Chat Support
Got a question? Ask right away without leaving the app. How? With the chat support feature in the app.
- Live chat with customer service
- 24/7 chatbot for quick answers
- Support for order issues or refunds
Example: Nike’s app offers live chat during checkout to help with size questions or shipping info.
9. Push Notifications
Do you ever get notifications of deals from your fav food delivery app? A reminder at the right time can make people click.
- Reminding people about items left in their cart
- Alerting users about sales or discounts
- Notifying users when sold-out items are back in stock
Example: Zara, another fast fashion brand’s app sends push alerts when an item you saved is back in stock or is going on sale.
10. Wishlist and Save for Later
Do you have a wishlist at your favorite clothing store? If not a clothing store, then a niche gadget store? Successful ecommerce apps let you save items so you don’t forget them.
- Wishlist for favorite items
- “Save for Later” button in the cart
- Notifications when saved items drop in price
Example: ASOS lets their customers save clothes in a wishlist and sends them alerts if those items go on sale.
What Should You Add to Your Ecommerce App?
You don’t need to build every feature on day one. Start with the basics like fast login, smooth checkout, and smart search. Then, gradually add features like chat support and personalized offers. These features are proven by leading ecommerce and mobile app development services to convert app visitors into loyal customers.