Last year, Google released a rather startling statistic: 84% of Americans are shopping for something at any given time, in up to 6 retail categories.
This obviously made retailers optimistic in 2017, but it has been given new life in 2018. Recently, Google revisited this data to explore the new dominant channel in eCommerce: mobile. As it turns out, Google has surmised that creating a mobile retail channel is the perfect move for retailers to make in response to this stat. Here are the key takeaways Google recently published, with explanations of how Shopgate apps meet every expectation that the tech giant encourages retailers to meet.
#1: Smartphones and WiFi are everywhere—and your brand should cater to that.
This shouldn't surprise you—after all, you're likely one of the millions of Americans who spend at least two hours a day browsing their mobile devices. We've been warning you about the impact of the mobile takeover, writing about trends like the decline of desktop traffic and the fact that 66% of mobile purchases are made through apps. Shopgate recognizes these pressing numbers and industry shake-ups, which is why we're committed to building the most convenient and effective retail apps. With features like conversion-driving push notifications, technology like AdScanner to bridge your marketing channels, and other app-specific benefits, we provide the most modern response to the consumer obsession with mobile shopping.
#2: Despite their commitment to sophisticated technology, customers still need help shopping.
According to Google, half of all online shoppers keep some kind of list of the products they want to buy—whether that's in their texts, email, or digital assistant suct knowh as Siri. Shopgate has already introduced a way to meet this customer demand: our apps have favorite lists so your customers can flag their favorite products for future purchase. We also have built-in push notification abilities that allow you to automatically alert your customers to new deals or restocks of their starred products.
#3: Shoppers are impatient with slow mobile websites and apps.
One of the most lucrative features of a Shopgate app? They're simply faster, from start to cart. When you launch an app with us, your development timeline will be nine times faster than the average timeline. The speed doesn't stop there, either: Shopgate mobile apps are much faster than responsive web, and run efficiently on both iOS and Android devices. There's a reason that so many of our clients boast a 4 to 5 star rating on their apps—Shopgate apps simply work, and their efficiency helps to engage customers, convert sales, and keep shoppers coming back for more.
Finally, what's the last thing you need to know from the Google article? Shoppers aren't committed to a brand when they start searching for new products. The new age of eCommerce means that the top dog in marketing no longer gets the bone. While we may have once flocked to the biggest names in retail (CoverGirl, Michael Kors, or Adidas), we are now Googling much more vague shopping interests. Google cites that the occurrence of mobile searches like "sock brands" and "men's watch brands" have doubled the past two years. This should give retailers of all sizes confidence that their products aren't getting lost in the swarm.
Mobile is here to stay—and that can benefit all retail brands. Are you ready to take the plunge and mobilize your store?
Ready to convert sales and retain customers?
Request a free consultation today!
Autor: Sarah Meadows
Sarah manages content for the marketing department of Shopgate. Her previous experience includes creating content and handling public relations for public offices and organizations at her alma mater, the University of South Carolina. Sarah’s hobbies include following college football and looking for a good glass of sweet tea in Austin.
