Capture customers on the go with mobile commerce apps

Mobile commerce and apps will be one of the most important touchpoints for B2B and B2C companies.

The key to digital success

Did you know that over 73% of all purchases are made through mobile devices?

In today’s fast-paced world, your customers’ search for new products, services, or items often begins on a mobile device, such as a tablet or smartphone and this trend is only gaining momentum.

That’s why it is crucial to have a powerful mobile app that seamlessly connects you with your customers, allowing them to browse, discover, and make purchases with just a few taps on their screens – whether your company operates in the B2B or B2C market.

5 types of commerce apps

Commerce apps come in various forms and cater to diverse needs, allowing businesses to reach customers, streamline transactions, and offer personalised shopping experiences.

Here are the five different types of commerce apps that you can consider for your business:

1. Mobile apps for b2c end users

Designed for consumers and focus on driving sales, enhancing customer loyalty, and supporting physical in-store sales. They provide a user-friendly platform for:

  • Browsing products and making purchases with seamless payment options.
  • Accessing loyalty programs or discounts.
  • Offering personalised recommendations and order tracking.
2. Mobile apps for b2b end users

Aims to provide sales functionalities with on-the-go flexibility. They are typically used by sales representatives or professionals who need to access product catalogs, manage orders, and communicate with clients while working remotely. These apps enable B2B users to:

  • Streamline the sales process,
  • Track customer interactions
  • Manage account information conveniently from their mobile devices.
3. Point of sale (POS) apps

POS apps are designed for use on iPads or mobile devices in physical stores. They support store personnel in:

  • Effectively assisting customers and providing personalised recommendations
  • Processing payments and completing transactions seamlessly
  • Managing inventory and processing orders.
4. Touchscreen apps

Specifically designed for touch-enabled screens and are commonly used in retail stores, events, or outdoor locations. They often feature:

  • Endless aisles, allowing customers to browse and explore a wider range of products beyond what is physically available in the store
  • Interactive product catalogs
  • Virtual try-on features
  • Additional product information to engage and assist customers in their decision-making process.
5. VR or AR apps

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) apps provide immersive and interactive experiences for users.

For example, Apple Visionpro or Nike’s Fit App are forward-looking examples of a VR/AR apps that could potentially revolutionise how customers visualise and interact with products before making a purchase. These apps enable users to:

  • Virtually try on products
  • Visualise them in their environment
  • Gain a more realistic understanding of size, fit, or functionality.

4 benefits of mobile apps

1. The Ultimate First-Party Data Goldmine

Mobile apps can provide a well of valuable first-party-data. Track user behaviors, preferences, and interactions, and leverage this information to tailor personalised experiences that captivate and convert. 

With mobile applications, you can effortlessly bridge the gap between anonymous and known customers. This enables you to empower your marketing efforts with real identities and thereby deliver targeted messaging and build lasting relationships. 

As Google increases restrictions on cookies, the importance of first-party data obtained via mobile app will become even more critical for businesses aiming to understand their customers and provide relevant, tailored experiences.

 

2. Increased conversion rates

Studies show that mobile apps deliver conversion rates 2-3 times higher than traditional web channels. By seamlessly integrating intuitive interfaces, optimised checkout processes, and personalised offers, mobile apps drive customers to effortlessly complete purchases. 

But it gets better – with the use of universal linking, where users open apps directly from Google searches, we see up to 4.5 times higher conversion rates. Additionally, the ease of biometrics enables speedier logins and checkouts, further enhancing the user experience and reducing friction in the purchasing journey.

3. Real-Time Unified Commerce

With mobile apps, you can experience the true power of real-time unified commerce. Seamlessly synchronise inventory, pricing, and promotions across all channels in real-time, ensuring consistent messaging and superior customer experiences.

This allows you to unlock new opportunities for growth and streamline operations. 

 

4. Take your omni-experience to new heights

With a mobile app, you can seamlessly blend the digital and physical realms, by connecting your physical stores, online platforms, and mobile experiences. By doing this, you can create a unified data ecosystem that optimises experiences at any touchpoint across your omnichannel.  

Moreover, by linking your POS system to your mobile app, you can enhance your clienteling efforts and deliver personalised experiences such as tailored recommendations and offers, endless aisles, and other interactive features that engage and delight your customers.  

The Dynamic duo of apps and social media

Magic happens when commerce apps and social media come together. Commerce apps bring transactions to life, while social media apps amplify your brand’s story, values, and personality.

By boosting user interactions between your commerce app and social media, you create a powerful feedback loop where engagement on social media drives traffic to your commerce app, and successful transactions generate organic advocacy on social media.  

Nowhere is your brand’s content easier to share on social media than from your mobile app.  

What does this mean in numbers?

Mobile compared to web 

of traffic comes from mobile
higher conversion rate
Lower acquisition costs
more products viewed
higher ROAS
Higher retention rate

work we've done with our clients

At IMPACT, we specialise in developing cutting-edge commerce mobile apps tailored to meet the unique needs of your business.

Our team of skilled professionals will work closely with you to design and build a feature-rich app that reflects your brand identity and offers a seamless user experience.

AO's award winning app

AO, one of Denmark’s leading construction wholesalers, understands the importance of exceptional customer service, available 24/7, every day of the year.

That’s why we’ve helped them develop the AO365 app—a digital-meets-physical solution that caters to the needs of their customers, primarily installers, who often work outside regular store hours.

The success of the AO365 app is evident in AO’s impressive digital revenue growth. In 2021 alone, they achieved a record increase of 536 million DKK, bringing their total to 2.4 billion DKK. Moreover, digital sales now account for over 50% of their total turnover, reaching an all-time high.

Learn more about AO’s app-success here.

Bog & Idé's hybrid-app

With a mission to provide personal experiences in a market dominated by big players, Bog & Idé saw an opportunity to revamp its online presence and add another touch point to the customer journey. The bookstore receives 70% of its traffic from mobile devices and is beginning to experience the effects of the growing streaming market.

Therefore, we partnered up with Bog & Idé to develop a hybrid app that combines audiobook streaming, online shopping, and a digital customer universe – the first of its kind in the market.

Since launch in June 2022, the app has contributed to increased turnover and has had more than 1.1 million sessions distributed amongst 92k users. In short: customers spend more time with Bog & Idé and buy more.

Teaser: we also helped Bog & Idé set up a customer loyalty program. Want to learn more? Read the whole case here. 

HOW CARL RAS BOOSTED THEIR TURNOVER

As a part of their digital renewal Carl Ras needed an easy-to-use app for B2B and B2C purposes. The challenge was to create an app capable of handlining more than 40.000 item numbers, various interests, and user-friendly features for craftsmen.

Our UX and Design Team was in close dialogue with Carl Ras during the process and developed multiple prototypes to secure the best and most valuable solution.

The result was a seamless and easy-to-use B2B app focusing on navigation and an intuitive customer universe. The solution has boosted Carl Ras’s online revenue growth by 35%, increased the average order value by 10% and heightened the conversion rate by 20%.

FROM NEMLIG.COM TO NEMLIG APP

With the nemlig.com app, customers can buy groceries at any time and everywhere. From their first touchpoint with the app, customers’ needs are considered. Filters, intelligent search functions and personalised content all remove the pains connected with grocery shopping.

In App Store, the app scores 4.6 out of 5. And even more impressive: The app has won both The Danish Digital Award and e-handelsprisen. IMPACT has overseen the development – click here to learn more about the nemlig.com app.

Want to learn more? Watch our webinar: How successful commerce apps are built

Learn how nemlig.com and Carl Ras have had great success with digital commerce apps. Read more here.

Want to know more about mobile commerce apps?

Connect with Ask. He’s happy to tell you more.

Ask Ullerup er Director, Group Strategy & Innovation. Partner i IMPACT