How to Develop an eCommerce App: A Detailed Guide

If you want to learn how to develop an eCommerce app for your online business, you are at the right place.

Whether you’re a startup looking to launch your first eCommerce app or an established business looking to upgrade your online presence, this blog has everything that you want.

Space-O Technologies being a leading mobile app development company for more than a decade, have experience in developing eCommerce stores. So, we have written the process of eCommerce mobile app development to guide you further.

But, first, let’s understand the data about the growing eCommerce mobile app market.

Let’s get started.

eCommerce App Market Statistics and Trends

Whether you’re considering how to build an ecommerce app or evaluating the right approach for your business, understanding the market landscape is essential. Below are three critical statistics that demonstrate why investing in ecommerce app development services is no longer optional; it’s essential:

• The global eCommerce market is projected to reach $83.26 trillion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.9% from 2024 to 2030. [Grand View Research]
• 73% of consumers prefer shopping on mobile apps rather than mobile websites. [Cropink]
• 47% of customers prefer using live chat for customer support, making it the dominant support channel. Phone support ranks second at 21.6%, followed by email at 14%, self-service portals at 10%, and social media support at just 4.8%. [Hostinger]

Now that you understand why ecommerce apps matter, let’s explore exactly how to build an ecommerce app successfully. In the next section, we’ll walk you through the proven 7-step process to develop an ecommerce app, from market research to launch.

So, now let’s get started and create an e-commerce app that will take your business to the next level.

How to Develop an eCommerce Mobile App for Your B2B or B2C Business in 7 Steps

Here are the steps that help you to build eCommerce mobile platform even without a coding experience.

Let’s start with step 1.

1. Perform Market Research for Developing an eCommerce App

   The first step is to define the target market for your eCommerce mobile platform.

   Know whether you are targeting B2B customers or B2C customers or both. B2B(business-to-business) customers and B2C(business-to-consumer) customers have different needs and preferences when it comes to purchasing and using products or services.

   • B2C – Focuses on individual needs and preferences. Eg: Amazon, eBay, Etsy
   • B2B – Looks for solutions that streamline operations, improve efficiencies, and drive business results. Eg: Alibaba, SAP, Grainger, Thomasnet

   Once you know whom you are targeting (B2B or B2C), perform in-depth research about your target audience.

   While finding out the target audience, make a list with the following points:

   • What are the pain points of your customer? (Eg: tracking issues, limited payment options, or product information)
   • For which demographics (age, gender, location, and interests) will your app be suitable?
   • What are the interests and preferences of your customers(Eg: sports, apparel, luxury goods)
   • Who are your competitors? (Know features, limitations, and USP in-depth)

   Once you have collected data on your target audience, create buyer personas that represent your ideal customer. These personas should include details such as age, gender, income level, interests, values, and purchasing habits.

   Example: If you are planning to develop a

   Fashion and Beauty App: The target audience for fashion and beauty apps can include women and men aged 18-45 who are interested in fashion, beauty, and grooming.

   This age group may have a moderate to high-income level and can be interested in purchasing high-quality, fashionable clothing and beauty products.

   For instance,

   Sephora: Sephora’s target audiences are women and men who are interested in beauty and skincare products. This beauty brand offers a variety of high-quality cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance products from a range of brands, as well as their own in-house brand.

   Apart from this, one more thing you need to do is a SWOT analysis of your eCommerce app.
   SWOT: Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat
   SWOT analysis helps you to make the right decisions as per your goals, and maximize your chances of success

   Strengths	Weaknesses	Opportunities	Threats
   Internal factors that give the business a competitive advantage.	Internal factors put the business at a disadvantage compared to competitors.	External factors that can be leveraged for business growth.	External factors that can negatively impact the business.
   Examples: a strong brand, loyal customer base, and efficient supply chain.	Examples: outdated technology, limited resources, and high employee turnover.	Examples: emerging market trends, untapped customer segments, and partnerships.	Examples: increased competition, economic downturns, and changes in regulations.

   The right background research helps you gain in-depth information about your target audience. And that will shape how your product evolves.

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2. Plan the Functionalities and Features of Your Mobile eCommerce App

   To identify the features of your eCommerce mobile app, it’s important to consider what you want to offer your customers. Carefully consider which features to include in their app based on their target audience, business goals, and budget.

   Quick Tip:

   Check the top reviews section of eCommerce apps on Google Play Store and Apple Play Store. Often, users share their feedback and expectations related to the app’s functionality in these sections.

   By analyzing these comments, you can gain valuable insights into what features and functionalities are most important to users.

   Here we have made a list of basic and advanced features for you to integrate into your eCommerce business.

   Basic features to integrate into your marketplace app.

   Feature	Description	Benefits
   Product Catalog	A searchable list of products with descriptions, images, and prices	Makes it easy for customers to find and browse products
   Shopping Cart	Allows customers to add products to a virtual cart and view their total cost	Streamlines the purchase process for customers
   Payment Gateway	A secure online system that allows customers to make payments using various methods (credit card, PayPal, etc.)	Facilitates safe and convenient transactions for customers
   Order Tracking	Allows customers to track their orders from the time of purchase to delivery	Enhances transparency and customer satisfaction
   Customer Support	Provides customer support via email, phone, or chat	Helps resolve customer issues and builds trust
   Reviews and Ratings	Enables customers to leave reviews and ratings for products and services	Helps build social proof and enhances the credibility of the business
   Analytics	Provides insights into customer behavior, sales performance, and other key metrics	Helps your businesses make data-driven decisions.
   Social Media Integration	Allows customers to share products they like on social media and make purchases directly from social media platforms.	Expands the reach of your business and encourage social media engagement
   Multi-Currency Support	Allows customers to view product prices and make purchases in their local currency.	Increases the global reach of the business and reduces barriers to purchase for international customers

   Advance features to integrate into your eCommerce mobile app

   Feature	Description	Benefits
   Personalized Product Recommendations	Machine learning algorithms can be used to analyze customer behavior and purchase history to suggest personalized product recommendations.	Increases customer satisfaction and encourages repeat business
   Augmented Reality	Using AR, customers can virtually try on clothing, visualize furniture in their homes, or see how makeup products look on their faces before making a purchase.	Enhances the shopping experience and reduces the number of product returns
   Chatbots	AI-powered chatbots can assist customers with inquiries, offer product recommendations, and process transactions.	Provides 24/7 customer support and reduces the workload of customer service staff
   One-click Checkout	Allows customers to complete a purchase with just one click, without having to enter payment or shipping information again.	Streamlines the purchase process and reduces cart abandonment
   Voice Search	Allows customers to search for products and make purchases using voice commands.	Enhances accessibility and provides a more convenient shopping experience
   Subscription Model	Allows customers to subscribe to products they regularly purchase and receive them at regular intervals.	Encourages customer loyalty and provides a steady source of revenue for the business

   Apart from these features you can also improve your ecommerce app by integrating OpenAI powered ecommerce advanced search which will improve the quality of your ecommerce search results and thus lead to better user engagement. For a better understanding you can read our case study on how we increased revenue from ecommerce search solution built using OpenAI.

   You must take note that including too many features can be overwhelming for users, while too few can limit functionality and hinder growth.

   By selecting the right combination of features, you can make an ecommerce app that meets the needs of your customers.

3. Choose an eCommerce App Development Path

   When it comes to choosing an eCommerce mobile app development path, there are two main options:

   1. Selecting an ecommerce development company to create a custom eCommerce store.
   2. Choosing a low-code app development platform.

   Let’s discuss both approaches in detail.

   Selecting an app development company to create a custom eCommerce store

   eCommerce app development companies have a dedicated team who possesses the skills and experience to create high-quality custom store mobile apps.

   If you choose an app development company,

   • You get a range of services beyond just eCommerce mobile app development, including testing, deployment, and ongoing support.
   • Ensures that your eCommerce store runs smoothly and any issues can be quickly resolved.
   • The team can use advanced and basic technology stacks by considering the factors like scalability, security, and user experience.

   Choosing a low-code app development platform to develop eCommerce Store

   Appy Pie, AppSheet, and Shopify are some of the drag-and-drop eCommerce website builders that help you to create a store without any technical efforts. Just choose the templates, and drag-and-drop elements and your app is ready in no time.

   It offers a simple and faster approach but we do not suggest you go for free Android or iPhone app builders because:

   • You can’t get the same level of customization that an app development company can provide.
   • Integrating payment gateways, advanced AI-based features, and third-party can be difficult.
   • You can’t access the new and latest technologies, tools, and techniques.
   • Security is compromised, and pre-built templates and generic code are used, making it vulnerable to hacks and cyber attacks.

   However, if you have an extremely limited budget, a low-code platform can be a viable option for you. Recently, we tested a popular free app-building platform to create a WebView app with our website’s URL, but the resulting APK was 67.31MB, laggy, and had watermarks.

   We don’t oppose app builders, but it’s important to choose them carefully. Pick a plan that offers enough freedom to customize and optimize your app as needed.

4. Design the UI/UX of Your Marketplace App

   If you choose an app development company to build your online store, the business analyst team creates a wireframe and mockups to build the skeleton of the app. Once the wireframing is completed, the UI/UX team of the app development company creates a design by following the design guidelines of the App Store and Play Store.

   An experienced web designing professional knows how to align the logo, colors, fonts, images, and other visual elements that show your brand identity. You can even hire our UI/UX design team as our team creates a user-friendly interface, and even ensures that your eCommerce mobile app is responsive across different screen sizes. In fact, we recently created a design for an online bookstore, Sahanbooks in Somaliland.

   If you have selected eCommerce website builders or SaaS platforms, you have to choose the theme and categorize your product. If you are building a marketplace app or eCommerce website from scratch, customize the template by designing it in a way that is attractive and easy to read.

5. Development of Your Online Store

   In the mobile app development process, the development phase is the most important stage; if you choose a mobile app development company

   Once the planning and designing are complete, the eCommerce mobile app development team starts coding your iOS, Android, or cross-platform app. The team writes the code for the front end and back end of the app, integrating various APIs, and adding the necessary features and functionality.

   With the use of programming languages like Kotlin, Java, Swift, Flutter, and React Native, the eCommerce mobile app development team creates a scalable app for you.

   Technology Stack for Developing eCommerce Mobile App

   Technology	Purpose
   PHP, Python	Backend programming language
   Laravel, CodeIgniter	PHP frameworks
   MySQL, PostgreSQL	Relational databases
   MongoDB	NoSQL database
   HTML, CSS, JavaScript	Frontend development
   jQuery, React, Angular	JavaScript frameworks
   Bootstrap, Foundation	CSS frameworks
   Apache, Nginx	Web servers
   Git	Version control
   AWS, Google Cloud, Azure	Cloud hosting services
   Stripe, PayPal, Authorize.Net	Payment gateways
   SSL Certificate	Security
   Swift, Kotlin	Native mobile app development
   Android, iOS	Mobile operating systems
   React Native, Flutter	Cross-platform

   While creating your app, a project manager is a point of contact to discuss the whereabouts of your software. For communication, multiple tools are used including Skype, Slack, Asana, and phone calls.

   You can also consider Space-O as your reliable eCommerce mobile app development partner because of our experience in developing eCommerce apps. Recently we designed and developed an online store for dental supplies. This marketplace enables customers to browse and buy from over 1,30,000 of their dental products.

   So far, we have developed over 4400 iOS and Android apps. You will be surprised to know that Space-O has 96% job success on Upwork. Recently, we developed 4 apps for one of our clients named Gabrial Muller in France. And, here is the testimonial he shared showcasing how happy he was working with Space-O Technologies.

   

   On the other hand, if you have chosen an app builder, the ecommerce application development process will be different. You will have to use the platform’s drag-and-drop interface to create your app. While this process may be simpler, it also means you have less control over the final product. You will have to work with the app builder’s templates and features, and you may not be able to add more complex functionalities that a custom-built app could provide.

   Regardless of which path you choose, the key is to focus on creating an app that meets the needs of your customers and delivers a seamless shopping experience.

6. Testing of Your Native eCommerce App

   After the development phase of your mobile eCommerce app is complete, the app development team will perform various testing procedures to ensure that the app is free from errors and functions smoothly. Testing helps identify and resolve any issues before the app is launched in the market.

   If you have hired an eCommerce testing team or custom app development company, they will complete the entire app by doing mobile app performance testing such as unit testing, mobile device testing, and functional testing depending on the needs of the business.

   The following are some of the testing procedures that may be carried out:

   App Testing Methods	Description
   Functional Testing	This testing procedure checks if all the features and functions of the app are working correctly.
   Performance Testing	Performance testing checks the app’s performance in different scenarios and ensures that it performs well under various conditions, such as high traffic.
   Usability Testing	This testing procedure ensures that the app is user-friendly and easy to use for the target audience.
   Security Testing	Security testing checks the app for vulnerabilities and ensures that it is secure from potential attacks.
   Compatibility Testing	Compatibility testing checks if the app works correctly across different mobile devices, platforms, and operating systems.
   Regression Testing	Regression testing checks if any new changes or updates made to the app have not affected the previously working features.

   By conducting these tests, the development team can ensure that the app is of high quality and meets the user’s expectations, leading to a successful launch in the market.

   However, if you’re developing an eCommerce app from scratch with the help of an app builder, it is recommended to preview the complete website before launching and ensure that all the web controls work as they should.

Find the Right eCommerce App Developers for Your Project

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7. Deployment of Your eCommerce App on the App Stores

   After the testing phase is completed, the app is ready to deploy.

   The deployment phase involves the following steps:

   • Hosting the app on a server: The app needs to be hosted on a server like AWS that can handle the traffic and provide a fast and reliable experience to users.
   • Publishing the app on app stores: Your app will be published on the respective app stores such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. This process involves meeting certain guidelines and requirements set by the app stores.

   Once the app is hosted and published, it can be made live and available for users to download and use.

   It is important to monitor the app’s performance after deployment and make necessary updates and improvements to provide a better user experience. Upgrade your eCommerce app at regular intervals by adding features, and customizing design, description, and images. This not only enhances the shopping experience of your eCommerce store but also increases customer loyalty.

   Once your app is deployed, you’ll need to promote it to reach your target audience and increase app downloads and usage. Consider using social media, email marketing, and other digital marketing strategies to promote your app. Set up analytics and monitoring tools to track app performance, and user behavior, and identify areas for improvement.

   Till here, you know how to launch your eCommerce app from scratch now.

   But, we are still missing one of the most important points – eCommerce app development cost and timeline.

   When you read the next step, you won’t have further questions regarding eCommerce application development cost and timeline.

How Much Does it Cost to Make an eCommerce Mobile App?

The cost of developing eCommerce mobile apps can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the

• Features and functionality,
• Complexity of the design,
• Technology stack,
• Location of the development team.

In general, the cost of developing an eCommerce can range from $10,000 to $500,000 or more.

Here is the rough bifurcation of cost to build an eCommerce app.

As you have got idea of eCommerce app development cost, let’s now learn in detail about each phase timeline.

How Much Time Does it Take to Create an eCommerce App?

Similar to cost, the time required to build an eCommerce app depends on various factors, such as the complexity of the app, features and functionality, technology stack, team size, and more.

Generally, eCommerce application development takes around 4 to 12+ months.

Here’s a table outlining the estimated development time for simple, medium, and complex mobile eCommerce apps:

If you have advanced features in mind, and want to get a personalized quote for your cost and timeline, contact us. Our senior eCommerce app development consultant guides you with the strategies and provides you detail with the complete cost bifurcation for your online store.

You are now clear with the development cost and steps to build an eCommerce app solution.

Ecommerce Platforms Developed by Space-O

Top Material: A Leading eCommerce App

Material.sa is an eCommerce mobile app for beverages and household items, developed using Kotlin, Swift, Laravel, and MySQL. With over 10,000 downloads, Material delivers a smooth shopping experience with a diverse product catalog ranging from beverages to household essentials and home appliances.

Learn More

AI-powered eCommerce Search Bot

eComChat is an eCommerce search bot like ChatGPT that utilizes OpenAI libraries and NLP algorithms to process user queries from a database of 20,000 eCommerce products. It eliminates zero search result queries and enhances product discovery, boosting the online store’s speed by 23%.

Learn More

eCommerce Marketplace Development for Waste Management Equipment

Parts Express is an eCommerce marketplace like Amazon that connects buyers and sellers in the waste management equipment industry across the USA, built using Laravel, PHP 8.1, and MySQL with AWS cloud hosting.

Learn More

How to Monetize Your eCommerce App

Many entrepreneurs ask: “How to develop an ecommerce app that actually makes money?” The answer depends on choosing the right revenue model that aligns with your business goals and customer expectations.

Here are for popular monetization models to generate revenue from your eCommerce app:

Choose commission-based if you want low risk and a growing marketplace. Choose subscriptions for predictable revenue and loyal customers. Choose delivery fees for on-demand categories. Choose markup if you have capital and want direct control. Most successful mobile ecommerce app development combines two or more models, commission-based revenue + subscription tier.

When you create an ecommerce app, start with one or two revenue streams that naturally complement your primary model. Once your core monetization is optimized (6-12 months in), layer on streams using ecommerce mobile app development best practices.

Emerging eCommerce App Development Trends

The ecommerce landscape evolves constantly. Understanding emerging trends is critical when you’re planning how to build an ecommerce mobile app that remains competitive. Technology, consumer behavior, and market dynamics are reshaping what successful apps look like.

Here’s what’s driving innovation in mobile app development for ecommerce right now.

1. AI-Powered Shopping Experience Personalization

Artificial intelligence is moving from “nice to have” to essential. Machine learning algorithms analyze user behavior to deliver hyper-personalized product recommendations, custom pricing, and tailored search results.

Amazon’s recommendation engine is a significant revenue driver for the company. Personalization increases average order value, making this trend non-negotiable for any serious ecommerce app.

2. Augmented Reality (AR) Try-Ons

AR integration is no longer experimental. Sephora lets customers virtually try makeup, IKEA visualizes furniture in homes, and Nike previews shoes. AR significantly reduces return rates and dramatically increases purchase confidence.

If you’re building a fashion, beauty, or home goods app, AR capabilities directly impact conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

3. Voice Commerce and Search

“Alexa, order my usual coffee beans” is becoming mainstream. Walmart, Amazon, and Target enable voice shopping through their apps and smart home integration. Voice search optimization works differently from text search.

Voice commerce offers accessibility for elderly users and hands-free convenience for busy shoppers, a growing market segment.

4. Omnichannel Integration

Customers expect seamless experiences across app, web, and physical stores. They browse on the app, purchase on the website, and return to a store. Successful apps sync inventory, pricing, and customer profiles in real-time across all channels.

This reduces operational complexity while improving customer lifetime value.

5. Subscription and Loyalty Features

One-time purchases are being replaced by recurring revenue models. Subscriptions for groceries, beauty products, and supplies drive predictable revenue and improve retention. Apps like Birchbox and Costco+ built entire revenue streams on subscriptions.

Loyalty programs with points, exclusive discounts, and early sales access increase customer lifetime value significantly.

6. Sustainability and Ethical Shopping

Younger consumers increasingly prefer brands demonstrating environmental responsibility. Patagonia’s app emphasizes repair services and sustainable materials, building brand loyalty beyond just transactional relationships.

Highlighting sustainable products and carbon-neutral shipping gains competitive advantages.

7. Social Commerce Integration

Shopping directly within social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp) is becoming standard. Users discover products through influencer content and purchase without leaving the app. This integration reduces friction in the purchase journey and captures impulse purchases.

When you create an ecommerce app, these trends shape development priorities based on your business model. The strongest ecommerce app development strategy involves identifying which trends matter most to your users. Partnering with experienced ecommerce application development services helps you execute the right trends exceptionally well.

Let Us Help to Build an eCommerce App for Your Business

Developing an eCommerce app is not an easy task. But with the right team of developers and a solid plan in place, you can create a high-quality app that meets the needs of your customers.

Whether you’re looking to start a new mobile Commerce venture or improve an existing one- we can help you. Our team of experts can guide you through every step of the development process, from planning to deployment.

However, suppose you need any guidance or want to get the answer to a question about creating an eCommerce app – consult us.

If you get in touch with us you will get

• eCommerce app idea validation
• 30-min free consultation
• Cost and timeline for mobile Commerce app development
• Signed NDA to protect your idea

By choosing Space-O Technologies., you can be confident in the quality of your eCommerce app. So why wait? Get in touch with Space-O Technologies. today and start developing your eCommerce app.