What is the first thing you do when you hear about an online sale? Do you run to your desktop to check items on sale, or do you pick up your phone?

We can wager that the average consumer would go for the latter, and the stats are there to back it up as over 72.9 percent of eCommerce sales occur on mobile devices. The convenience and portability of our mobile devices make them so easy to use for our online shopping.

The impact of mobile commerce dominance is making its way into Black Friday sales. In other words, the data shows that 44% of online sales this Black Friday came from mobile devices, a 10.6 percent YoY increment. It is clear that most consumers like to make purchase decisions from mobile devices. Therefore, eCommerce brands must focus on mobile-first strategies and utilize the already established features and best practices to cater to mobile users.

Features of a Mobile-Friendly Website

The popularity of the words “mobile-first strategy” increased in 2009 but, the words ultimately mean a brand's strategy to conduct business with a mobile approach in mind. Businesses that adopt the mobile-first strategy employ techniques better suited for mobile access over desktop access. A mobile-first strategy is forward-thinking, considering that people spend more time on their phones. A mobile-first strategy must consider the following consumer pain points.

• Ease of navigation
• Simplicity in its color palette
• Responds well to swipes and phone gestures
• Compatible with touch ID
• An adaptable user interface

Mobile-First Strategy: Why is It Crucial?

There are lots of hype surrounding mobile-first designs and strategies and for good reasons. eCommerce brands are, therefore, encouraged to adopt mobile-first strategies for the following reasons.

1. It increases Customer Reach

The number of mobile users has increased so much: that mobile users account for almost 70% of the global population. A mobile-first strategy increases the market reach of eCommerce businesses.

2. It Builds Strong Links to Your Customers

A mobile-first strategy helps build a stronger brand presence. The easy access consumers have to their mobile phones makes it easier for them to visit your businesses' from these devices, as against a desktop. Most mobile users refresh their apps up to 10 times daily, making a mobile presence beneficial.

3. It Creates New Revenue Channels for Your Business

The mobile-first strategy provides more room for monetization than the website. A mobile approach opens your business up to other means to generate revenue. These include; referral bonuses, free and premium features. A free and premium distinction provides a double opportunity to generate income. The free version will be supported through in-app ads, while the premium will be ad-free, where customers pay to access product information first.

4. It enables you to Gain Crucial Data Insight

A mobile-first strategy provides helpful information on user behavior. If done correctly, it can aid in the development of new objectives that will ensure user satisfaction and ultimately increase sales over time. The data will depict the in-app features that users like; while providing customized shopping experiences.

5. It Provides a Superior Customer Experience

The best thing about mobile-first strategy is; how it creates individual user experiences with the app. The user interface on mobile apps should be crafted so that each user has an experience that suits them. Engaging UX options increase the overall reputation of your brand.

Crucial Points in Developing a Mobile-First Strategy

The truth is many eCommerce brands get it wrong when it comes to adopting a working mobile-first strategy that ultimately impacts the user experience negatively. Our extensive research and experience shows eCommerce brands can get the best of their mobile-first strategy by adhering to the following;

• Avoid Putting Long Videos on the App

The allure of a mobile-first strategy is in products being right in the palm of consumers. The mobile app should have short and direct CTA’s and information. Including long videos on the app destroys why we use mobile apps. Instead, add links to the app that redirects users to the website for long videos.

• Adhere to the “One Purpose for Each Page” Principle

With easy navigation being one of the core features of a mobile-first strategy, a page with multiple purposes can confuse users derail them from your desired conversion goals.

• Keep your CTAs Consistent and Simplistic

Consistency in your mobile platform promotes a unified and seamless mobile experience. The simplicity encourages user returns because they can easily navigate the app and find what they desire. Your CTA's should be short and promote actions that will increase conversions.

• Consider the Size of Touchscreen Targets

Finger sizes differ and are less accurate than a mouse mobile apps should therefore have easily accessible icons. These icons can be tailored to the average size of a touchscreen device.

• Implement chatbots

Chatbots will provide users with the information needed to easily navigate your mobile app, addressing any issues they may have. Using chatbots is one of the ways you can increase the user experience. The best part is that chatbots can provide answers 24/7. For instance, AllValue’s mobile-optimized design includes a messenger capability that allows it to act as customer service, ensuring that your customers get answers at all times.

Conclusion

Mobile devices have made many things more accessible to users and, your eCommerce business should be one of those things. A mobile-first strategy opens your brand to a larger audience guaranteed to visit your platform frequently. Rather than going through the complexities of engaging a developer for your eCommerce brand features and upgrades, visit AllValue.

AllValue is an eCommerce software tool that simplifies all tips and tricks you need to achieve success. The features include website creation, third-party app integration, payment outlet development, and mobile-first web design. AllValue’s mobile-first strategy includes website customization to reflect your brand's ideals while creating a personalized experience for each user. Visit AllValue today to begin your free 30-day trial for your mobile-first strategy.