People shop online a lot. Clothes, books, electronics, and even groceries – whatever you need to buy, there’s a good chance that you can find it online. This trend has been growing for years, but with the COVID-19 pandemic causing so many people to stay home, it skyrocketed in 2020.
According to Oberlo’s statistics, there are 2.64 billion digital shoppers today, with that number expected to only increase over the next few years. In other words, the eCommerce market is huge and growing bigger every day, making it an incredibly attractive proposition for anybody looking to start their own business.
But what does it take to start an eCommerce business? The answer is simple: develop an eCommerce app.
In this article, we’ll discuss the process of developing an eCommerce app from scratch. We’ll talk about the technology stack you need, how to find a reliable developer, and the different steps involved in getting your eCommerce app up and running.
What Is an Ecommerce App?
An eCommerce app is a piece of software that facilitates online transactions. It enables users to buy and sell goods and services over the Internet, providing a secure and convenient way to do business. An eCommerce app can also be used to manage inventory, process payments, track orders, and generate reports.
At its core, an eCommerce app is designed to make shopping easier for consumers by giving them access to an online store where they can browse items, add them to their cart, and complete the checkout process quickly and securely. The app also offers a variety of features, such as product filters and reviews, that help customers find what they need quickly.
Some popular eCommerce apps include Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and AliExpress. All of these apps are developed using a combination of technologies, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, React, and others.
How To Build An ECommerce App In 8 Steps
Now that you know the basics of eCommerce app development, let’s look at how you can build your own. Here are 8 steps that will help you get your eCommerce app up and running:
Research The Market
Researching the market is key to launching any successful eCommerce app. It involves analyzing the competition, researching customer needs and preferences, understanding target markets, and looking at available marketing channels.
Market research also gives valuable insights into pricing strategies, product features, and user experience. This helps you understand what works (and what doesn’t) in the current market, giving you a better chance at success.
Define Your Business Goals
Defining your business goals is essential for any goal-oriented eCommerce project. It allows you to focus on the core objectives and identify key areas of improvement. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What’s the main problem I’m trying to solve?
- Who is my target customers?
- How do I understand if my app is successful?
Answering these questions will help create a roadmap that can guide every decision made during the development process, allowing you to focus more on what matters most: building an effective eCommerce app that meets customer needs while delivering tangible results.
Choose A Platform To Develop The App On
One of the most important decisions when developing an eCommerce app is selecting a platform. The choice of tech stack will determine how easy or difficult it is to implement features and ensure a smooth user experience.
When choosing a platform, you need to consider which languages and frameworks best match your business goals. For example, if you’re looking for a more robust, feature-rich app, you might want to look at React Native or Node.js. If you need something simpler and faster to build, you may choose to go with HTML5 and CSS3.
Design The App UX/UI
Once you’ve chosen a platform, it’s time to design the app. This includes creating wireframes for each page and designing an intuitive user interface (UI). The key here is to create something that resonates with your target audience.
A great UI should be easy to use, visually appealing, and optimized for mobile and desktop devices. It should also be consistent throughout the app, making it easier for customers to find what they’re looking for quickly and without confusion.
Create The App Backend
The backend of your eCommerce app is where all the data-driven features live. This includes everything from order management to user accounts and payment processing.
Creating the backend requires a deep understanding of databases, API integration, and server-side programming languages such as Ruby on Rails or Python. If you’re an experienced developer, you may be able to do this yourself. Otherwise, it’s best to outsource this part of the project to an experienced development team.
Develop The Frontend
Once you have the backend of your eCommerce app ready, it’s time to start developing the frontend. This involves creating a visually appealing and easy-to-use interface that customers can interact with.
Developing the frontend requires knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (depending on the platform you choose). You can also use frameworks such as React or Angular for easier development.
Payment System and Shipping Solution Integration
Payment systems and shipping solutions are essential for any eCommerce app. They allow customers to pay for products and have them delivered to their doorstep.
There are a variety of payment gateways to choose from, such as Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Wallet. You should also look into integrating a reliable shipping solution, such as FedEx or UPS. This will make it easier for customers to track their orders and get them delivered quickly.
Test, Debug, and Release Your App
The last step in the development process is testing, debugging, and releasing your eCommerce app.
Testing ensures that everything works as expected and all issues have been addressed. Debugging helps identify and fix any errors or bugs in the code. And finally, once you’re confident that the app is ready to go, you can release it to the public.
Also Read How to Reduce Mobile App Development Cost
Don’t Want To Build An App From Scratch? Let SynergyWorks Help!
Creating an eCommerce app is definitely a lucrative and exciting venture. However, it’s also an incredibly complex and time-consuming process. For those who don’t have the resources or experience to build from scratch, SynergyWorks is here to help.
We specialize in building custom eCommerce apps tailored to your unique business needs. Our team of experienced developers can help you create a stunning and user-friendly app that will make your business stand out from the competition.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help you take your business to the next level.
About Author
Shikha Taman
Shikha Taman is the founder & CEO of SynergyWorks Solutions. With over 12 years of experience in the industry. She has extensive knowledge of software engineering, project management, client management, and business strategy. She strives to ensure all the products developed are always up-to-date with materializing technologies to remain competitive in today’s marketplace.