An Exclusive Guide to Build a Highly Secured m-commerce App

As per Statista, there were about 4.57 billion smartphones available in 2018, which is about to touch 4.78 billion by the end of 2020. Interestingly, these numbers are only going to increase in the coming years too.  The ever-growing numbers of these smartphones makes m-commerce app the right platform for integrating with potential customers.  Mechanism […]

Updated 13 February 2024

Sitaram
Sitaram

CTO at Appventurez

As per Statista, there were about 4.57 billion smartphones available in 2018, which is about to touch 4.78 billion by the end of 2020. Interestingly, these numbers are only going to increase in the coming years too. 

The ever-growing numbers of these smartphones makes m-commerce app the right platform for integrating with potential customers. 

Mechanism of smartphones with m-commerce apps is simple- You want it, you get it.  And there are high chances that you might be reading all this in your smartphone, if not- then surely, your smart gadget might be right next to you!

Undeniably, mobile phones with m-commerce apps are the best way to connect with the target audience 24*7 and thus, branding the ideology too. 

Traditional approaches to connect with users like social media platforms, television advertisements, and more are in use but m-commerce apps are cherry on the top.

Here, m -commerce app development guide will help you in building a highly secure m-commerce app  detailing everything about it. 

Let’s get started with its definition- 

What are the m-Commerce Apps or What is m Commerce

A shift from websites to mobile phones revamped the eCommerce platform into an m-commerce app development platform. The comfort of selling and buying things online via websites now takes place through mobile phones. 

In short, m-commerce is the platform that allows businesses to layman buy and sell products or services via wireless network technologies. These wireless devices include tablets, smartphones, and others. The overall process makes everything faster and easier. 

M-commerce is simply an advanced version of e-commerce offering everything the same but in a compact way- through mobile phones. 

The platform is not limited to apparel, selling, and buying, it is more than that. It is also about- 

  • Sales
  • On-demand business solutions
  • Information Delivery 
  • Traffic updates
  • Monetary transactions
  • Mobile payments
  • Brokerage services
  • Activities nearby

M-commerce is in demand and has been a core part of many organizations and startups. To understand why it is- let’s have a look at some of its related statistics. 

M-commerce app Performance Statistics

mcommerce performance statistics

  1. Over 1.2 million users access the internet using their smartphones
  2. 90% of the messages are read within a few minutes
  3. M-commerce sales will account for 55% of e-commerce sales by the end of 2021.
  4. Over 60% of users search for a product before buying.
  5. 40% of people leave a page if it takes more than 4 seconds of loading time.
  6. Around 55% of the traffic comes from phones to websites.
  7. 40% of the U.S users use smartphones for online shopping only.

The M-commerce app development industry got a lot of pluses with an expectation to grow at an annual growth rate of 24.41% for 2018-2023.

The performance of the leading mobile app development company depends upon the number of mobile phones. 

We have been talking about m-commerce, the advanced version of e-commerce, but what is the silver lining between them is yet to be revealed. 

Let us go ahead and understand the difference between both the things-

What is the difference between m-commerce and e-commerce?

M-commerce is accessible anytime

E-commerce refers to electronic commerce whereas m-commerce is about mobile commerce and m -commerce app development. As the name suggests, e-commerce transacting activities take place via desktops, laptops, and web browsers. On the other hand, e-commerce activities can be done via phones and tablets. 

Users instead of taking laptops everywhere prefer to find solutions through mobile phones. And this is the reason why m-commerce is getting into the limelight. Mobile phones are just handy solutions to everything. 

E-commerce though still brings traffic but it is still less accessible as compared to mobile phones. Hence, m-commerce is a more compact solution. 

M-commerce is all about users

More than a desktop, a mobile phone is a right tool to understand the preferences, interests, and choices of the user. 

Also, by using Artificial Intelligence, it is easy to gain a more in-depth understanding of users and mobile phones. Through robust technology, knowing the user’s most active hours, transaction methods frequently purchase items, and so on. 

This, on the other hand, will make it easy to customize promotions and recommend exact solutions, the user is asking for. Once, the user gets the right solutions, a loyal customer is nowhere going. 

M-commerce interacts every time

Using beacon technology, a mobile app can notify users to visit the store as soon as he/she enters the stop. These solutions engraved into m-commerce solutions can push relevant information to the users.

mobile,internet and social media usage

Time-specific and location-based content ensure better user engagement. At the same time, e-commerce comes with certain limitations, like- they cannot reach to the user whenever required. 

This results in moving from traditional to the modern approach with the introduction of m-commerce. No doubt, m-commerce is simply revolutionizing the overall shopping experience. 

What are the types of m-commerce

The types of m-commerce apps are divided into 4 different categories like- 

  • On-Demand Businesses
  • Mobile Banking
  • Online Shopping
  • Online Payments

On-demand businesses

On-demand businesses are increasing every day after the launch of Uber. This mobile-based on-demand solution allows users to order anything via mobile apps while receiving the product and services at their doorstep. 

No doubt, on-demand businesses have given an edge to the m-commerce domain majorly. 

Mobile banking

What’s better than having an overall look at the banking data in a single mobile click? This is the reason, m-commerce financial apps let one do all their banking related transactions through apps too. 

A mobile handy banking and financial services related information is available to the user via m-commerce financial mobile app- another edge giving factor to the m-commerce app development domain. 

Mobile payments

Who would have predicted the future of payment industry will be all about digital transactions a few years ago? The mode of payments has taken another shape in the form of digital transactions. 

use of mobile apps

Via m-commerce app development platforms, paying for the expenses comes with various payment options too. These options are the best way to offer unmatched convenience and insights to user’s buying and transactional patterns. 

The ease and convenience simply enhance user satisfaction and thus results in more demand for robust and secure m-commerce apps.

Online shopping

Both e-commerce and mobile commerce apps have given the freedom to buy goods and services from any corner of the world. But what’s advanced about m commerce app development is the ease of accessing the app anytime, that too handy. 

most used social media platform

Unlike laptops and desktops, smartphones are enough to render some service to users without the need to hold heavy sets. 

Attending to the core understanding of how m-commerce is becoming part of every startup or big hat organization. But, what are the benefits of m-commerce that can still highlight its importance? 

Let’s gauge the benefits of m-commerce for every business that is planning to get started with an application. Meanwhile, those who have apps for their business can still count on the benefits of m-commerce. 

Benefits of m-commerce over e-commerce

No doubt, the m-commerce industry is growing and this is the reason, businesses are investing nicely into it. Also, the revenue generated from such apps is also noticeable. 

The question of whether to invest firstly into m-commerce before e-commerce is a worthy investment or not for startups, the following scrolls will provide you a detailed answer.

Let’s start-

High-end convenience

Would you believe someone who says that they don’t use a mobile phone? Well, it is hard to believe today, the maximum number of people uses their phone for everything. 

Comparing the ease of mobile phones with desktops and laptops, the latter options are majorly used for professional work. This makes mobile phones, not just the option for professional work but also an ultimate choice for other miscellaneous works too.

My cellphone is my best friend. It’s my lifeline to the outside world – Carrie Underwood, American Singer, and Songwriter”

This resulted in making m-commerce strengthful as compared to e-commerce. 

Unlimited payment options

As m-commerce is growing, hence, it is coming with more payment options for more convenience. With a plethora of options, users can make payments via Credit/debits cards, cash on delivery, wallets, PayPal, Amazon Pay, and many others. 

Furthermore, one-click payment options are the showstopper of m-commerce that has taken the domain to a whole new level. Customers, now, by scanning their cards can fill in the information instead of filling manually. After the scanning process, a confirmation is required for further processes.

Along with payment options, these m-commerce apps also serve multiple purposes. Payment of electricity bills, transferring money, paying utility bills, and others can be done easily using m-commerce apps.

Strategic Customer Relationships

When it comes to how to increase app user engagement level, m-c0mmerce takes the front seat and offers the best experience to the users. 

The use of push notifications, the role of chatbots in making enterprises efficient along with customization, and more help to refine the user experience. 

Also, with the integration of AI, getting more depth-wise user buying patterns can be tracked, which will further help organizations to offer a more enhanced experience and convenience. Hence, there is no denying that AI as a Service is going to be a big technology in the coming future. 

Also know, Why to invest in AI application development for more precise decision making. 

Content for Customers

Smartphones are becoming closer to people around the world and this is the reason for offering them services via it is the best thing. 

amount of time spent on mobile apps

Also, not just as a medium of entertainment, a smartphone can also track when the user is active, at which he/she actively uses the phone, what are the most seen apps, videos, and so on. 

worldwide online content activities

By gaining such insights, organizations can provide tailor-made solutions to the users for more ease. For example- a user wants a black colored dress, she the next moment will find a dress with 10% off or more!

And this is how the mechanism of phones and m-commerce works.

Shop faster

By eliminating unnecessary steps to make a purchase, m-commerce apps reduce the time to shop and ultimately lets users shop faster. 

Also, online stores are made with well-defined categories, allowing users to directly visit particular categories. Once reached the category, the next step is clicking at the product and it goes straight to the shopping cart. The third step is to make a payment. 

Apart from that, a separate message for tracking the product is also sent to the users. This lets organizations gain customer loyalty and transparency. 

Better shopping experience

M-commerce apps are gaining popularity and momentum due to offering the same what is being demanded by the users. The offered service or things are also rendered at exactly the same time, the user asks for. 

The ease stops users from switching to another app while creating a sense of loyalty towards the brand or organization too. M-commerce apps simply bridge the gap between what is required and what delivered, thus enhancing the shopping experience. 

Now that you have gained the benefits of m-commerce apps, investing it in can be a great thing to go for long term benefits. Meanwhile, on the other hand, there is something that usually bothers startups and organizations before finally nodding yes to m-commerce apps- i.e. security issues. 

Data theft, external digital thefts, losing important documents, cybersecurity issues, and more becomes a hindrance. These aspects on the other hand concern users if they are using safe apps or not.

Here is what the scenario looks like- 

Cybersecurity issues Affecting Businesses

cybersecurity issues faced by business

The above infographic is proof of why it is still dicey for organizations to invest in the same.

However, for eliminating such issues, creating a highly secured m-commerce app for the business is what really matters. This is the reason, we follow a few required things to get started with. 

Have a look at- 

How to build a highly secured m-commerce app

Opt for firm cryptography

It is always noticed that single broken cryptography can become the biggest reason for a data breach in the app’s security. 

To safeguard the app from data breach issues, it is essential that when building an enterprise mobility solution, each and every m commerce app development algorithm is designed to keep third parties or other malicious parties away from the app.

Binary protection

For the robust development of an m-commerce app, binary protection should be definitely considered. 

On the other hand, it should always be kept in mind that whatever advanced technologies you are using is also open to hackers. They always look for the smallest loophole for stealing the data. Hence, to cut all the chaos and threat, binary protection is the tool.

Authentication

One time authentication of user information is not enough to safeguard their data from everyday data breachers, and thefts. For safeguarding the users, it is essential to do the authentication process all over again whenever the user is making changes in his/her profile. 

Also, the monetary transaction or personal data changes calls for authentication too. Ensure you are not losing the grip on any of them. 

However, when doing an authentication process, make sure you are not doing more than what’s required. Maintain a balance between what should be asked and what can offend users. 

Patches

Safeguarding and securing the app even after a mobile app launch checklist is a never-ending process. Hence, security patches should be done continuously as and when required. 

Also, to safeguard m-commerce apps from future obstacles, ensure you keep updating security measures as per the requirement. 

Reviewing codes

Each and every element of the m-commerce apps should be tested properly. Meanwhile, when it comes to reviewing codes, ensure the reviewing process is done by the experts only. Let the expert analyze and figure out issues if there are any.

The experts can simply figure out vulnerable areas of code like authentications, authorization, cryptography, database access, and many others. Using the mobile app testing guide, you can make your app robust and free from errors. 

Injecting attacks

Duplication of accounts on the same device also creates havoc for the mobile application. Apart from that, it is important not to trust inputs shared by users fully. 

For safeguarding apps from such issues, it is essential to filter the user data and inputs entered/shared by them. For that matter, you can simply use different levels of cross authentication and filtration. 

This is how you will be creating a highly secured m-commerce app and something which we thoroughly follow for each type of application. 

With it, now let us understand what features of mobile commerce apps should definitely be added. 

Features of Mobile Commerce Apps to be Added

Personalization

The very first m commerce app features user love in their mobile commerce app is app personalization. When they are done with downloading the app, offer them various social media integration sign-up options for a smooth mobile app onboarding experience. 

Even though they are signing up from other social media platforms, you can still gain their usage habits. Once you gain insights like their gender, location, preference, and others, you can offer them tailored made experience. For that matter, you can also offer them suggestions and recommendations too. 

This will result in enhanced user experience and loyalty. Follow these UX techniques for great results.

Elimination of bugs & errors

Even a single glitch or crash in the app can turn off users and force them to switch to another application. Hence, for the flawless performance of the app and active user base, ensure your app is free from errors and bugs. Ensure this feature among other m commerce app features is executed precisely. 

importance of mobile app performance

 

As you have sent a lot of resources, cost, time, and more ensure you are offering a robust and great app to the users. A mobile app usability guide here can help you gain more knowledge. 

Sales & discounts

Users love sales and discounts, hence, show them this on the very first glance. 

Also, using push notifications, notify them of the deal and discounts on their favorite product or service. The strategy always works and maximum times closes the sale too. 

Product descriptions

The product description is important as people often read the description first or search about it before buying the actual product. 

But as you are selling things and products via m-commerce apps, ensure you are not filling the screen space with too much information. Describe the product detail with a concise description. Remove unnecessary information and use bullet points for more clarity. 

Product Images

Images are the first thing that catches the attention, hence, make sure you are showing the product image nicely. Show lots and lots of clear and big product images. 

Blurred or fewer images turn off the users and let them question the quality of the product too. 

Also, as users cannot touch, check, or wear the product but can only see, ensure you are giving them the option of zooming in the image too. 

Customer service

Users always come up with questions that bother them, and it is your responsibility to solve them too. 

Answer their queries as and when they ask for it, don’t force them to Google and check sites for solutions. 

Offer live chat, chatbot related service, or calling facility. Let no questions unanswered. 

Payment medium

By saving the necessary details of the users and other transactional-based information, you can offer them an easy and quick payment gateway. As it’s your m-commerce app and not a website, the small buttons and other parameters are quite frustrating. 

Hence, for a smooth and easy experience, ensure you are securely saving their monetary information and letting them make transactions with ample payment options. 

Order tracking

Once the confirmation of the product, let them track the order too. Offer them separate messages or mail regarding the same and remember you are also updating the tracking details too. 

These are a few important features whereas barcode scanning, loyalty programs, product rating & reviews, membership options, wishlist, shopping cart, and others are an obvious part of any e-commerce app. 

With it, we have reached a point where challenges always take place. 

Challenges with m commerce highly Secured Apps

New devices

Almost every day a smartphone is released in the market. And no doubt, each phone comes up with various different hardware and software, processing speed, screen size, and others. This implies that the m-commerce solution should also come with constant upgrades for compatibility criteria. 

This can be seen as a challenge with m-commerce apps. Hence, you know things to ask from a mobile app development agency for a smoother pace. 

Difference screen sizes

As compared to laptops and desktops, mobile phones are smaller. M-commerce platforms thus require smart and great designing. 

This shows it is important not to fill the app with too much information or unnecessary details. Ensure you are filling the phone screen with information as per the screen size only. 

Also, fill your app with images from different angles with a zoom-in option too. Apart from that, keep in mind, optimize the content and facilities as per multiple devices too. 

To curb such challenges, hire an experienced mobile commerce app development company. 

Security

The above infographic showcased the risk of data theft, threats and others is another major challenge for m-commerce solutions. 

As users are filling their information in your application with personal details, transactional details too, hence, it becomes essential to offer robust security too. 

Distractions

Cut the distractions from all corners of the app for a smooth m-commerce application. Scrolling through the website is still easy as compared to scrolling and searching for things from mobile phones. 

Thus, distractions in mobile phones with lots of information or ads can become a distraction. 

Hence, removing distractions is also important. 

What is the Cost of m-commerce App Development?

Be it how much does app development cost or an m-commerce app, there are several factors that come into consideration. Those factors include-

Meanwhile, here is the rough cost division of m-commerce app development-

mcommerce app development time and cost

 

Meanwhile, here is the stage-wise time required for the m commerce app development. 

mcommerce app development stages

So, the cost of m- commerce app takes around 600-900 hours to complete. Adding features, functionality or others can be decided prior to a streamlined m commerce app development. 

Also, for the m commerce app development projects, one can also opt for outsource app development and ensure you are also asking for NDA too. 

How to get started with an m commerce App Design

Simple sign up

These days, the new sign up process mobile commerce trends are all about minimalism. Never force your user to fill in the lengthy signup process before getting started with the core functionality of the app.

Offer them social media integration options too and if required, ask only the important questions. Skip forces users for more and detailed information. 

Meanwhile, keep the signup screen decent and less chaotic. The more elements shown in the process can distract users. 

Call to action button 

You are developing m commerce apps for sale and revenue purposes, ensuring it encourages users to buy the product. For that, give sufficient space and prominent color to the call to action button. 

Design is not just how it looks and feels like. The design is how it works – Steve Jobs

Also, ensure you are using the right color combination along with placing it rightly too. 

Colors choice

Colors hit differently to different people and stimulate different emotions. Logo design trends are the right thing to understand the importance of the right color balance. 

Hence, when designing for the app, make sure you are using not just the right color but also the one that matches the ideology of your brand too. 

Easy navigation

As mobile screens are small, pushing information in it is a strategic thing. For making your app compete with the other apps, ensure you are making it with a simple navigation mechanism. 

Avoid filling too much information, and categorize products for preciseness. 

Give your users the chance to navigate the app easily while finding his/her product easily. 

The right font

Fonts are equally important. Using the right font can trigger an audience better while showcasing the ideology of the app whereas using funky or not relatable fonts can hit the audience differently. 

If your fonts are difficult to read, users will skip reading it and switch to an easier app. If your fonts are too easy, users will think your app is not worthy. Hence, choosing an absolute font might look challenging but not impossible. 

With it, it is now the time to have a look at the mobile commerce trends that are evolving in the market before ending the topic. 

Top Mobile Commerce Trends for 2020 and coming years

Geofencing

Geofencing, one of the m commerce trends uses Radio Frequency Identification and GPS for setting up geographical boundaries. Organizations can use it for defining boundaries through longitude and latitude. 

The technology helps organizations to set promotional messages or schedule posts as and when the user steps into the geographic area set. The practice encourages users to purchase. 

No denying, in the coming year, geofencing for the m-commerce app is going to revolutionize the domain. 

Chatbots

Chatbots were the part of m commerce apps and it will remain the core part of it. As users want a solution to their problem instantly, hence, chatbots powered by AI can answer the user with the right solutions and recommendations. 

Also, chatbots can handle large numbers of queries at a time without any glitch or error. The use of chatbots helps brands and organizations to answer the users and solve the query fully. Hence, chatbots will remain an integral part of the mobile commerce trends.

Voice search 

Searching products through voice is still in use and it will remain in the trend list. Check out how voice search will improve your apple app store experience, ultimately helping tech giants of customer loyalty. 

By eliminating the need to type, voice research offers the right answers, that too in different dialects. 

Take the leverage of voice search for your app to be a leading competitor in the list of top apps. 

Augmented reality

AR is not new for the m-commerces apps, but with the advancement in technology and techniques, they will remain the top contenders for mobile commerce trends. 

By offering AR options, users can check the product virtually and check if that product will look good on them or not. 

For your m-commerce app, you should integrate this feature for a better experience. 

Now, we have covered almost all the major points related to secured m-commerce applications. 
But if you are still in doubt and want to discuss more, connect with our experts today.

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    Sitaram
    Sitaram

    CTO at Appventurez

    CTO and Co-Founder at Appventurez, Sitaram Sharma has 10+ years of experience in providing world-class digital solutions. As a CTO, he brought his expertise ranging from product enhancements to advanced technological integrations, while focusing on the consistent growth of the team.