How “Super Apps” May Help Give Your Customers What They Want, When & How They Want It
Everyone knows that consumer preferences play a big role in how commerce works. Nowadays, shoppers are looking for super easy ways to get to goods and services, no matter where they are or what time it is. They want a shopping experience that's made just for them, available all day, every day.
So, how can commerce adapt to meet these demands in our digital age?
As some experts have posited, so-called “super apps” might just be the solution. But, is this approach the right fit for your business? Let's take a look.
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How Consumer Habits are Changing
Since the covid-19 crisis, there's been a big shift in how people shop and handle their money. Things like geopolitical changes, more people going digital, and economic ups and downs are changing how people make payments.
A recent survey by Accenture examined the shopping preferences of 16,000 people across countries in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. What they found is that more than half of respondents used digital ways to pay, like digital wallets.
These new methods are pushing traditional banks out of the center of the picture in the customer's shopping experience. Traditional payment methods like credit and debit are still common, of course. But, these new and fancy options are quickly gaining popularity.
Customers want shopping to be easy and quick, and they want to be able to pay however they like, whenever they want, and wherever they are. That's why a lot of merchants and online marketplaces are looking to super apps as a solution.
Could Super Apps Transform eCommerce?
“Super apps” are platforms that have evolved from straightforward, single-use applications into all-in-one platforms brimming with a variety of services and features. These apps blend functionalities such as messaging, social media, payment processing, and shopping into one handy application.
The potential of super apps to shake up commerce is huge. They provide a single platform, on which users can do everything from chatting to shopping. This one-stop-shop approach can boost user engagement, as people find everything they need in one place, reducing the hassle of switching between apps. For merchants, this means greater visibility and a chance to reach a broader audience.
However, the true impact of super apps on global commerce hinges on how they're received by the market and how consumers adapt to them. In some parts of the world, like Asia, super apps like WeChat and Grab are already a big part of daily life.
If this trend catches on globally, super apps could indeed revolutionize how we think about and engage in online commerce, leading to a more connected and efficient digital marketplace. But it's also important to keep in mind that different regions have different tech habits and preferences, which could influence how widely these super apps are embraced.
What Features Might Attract Consumers to Super Apps?
Super apps have some really cool features that can make shopping online a much better experience for consumers. Here are a few things that might really draw people in:
For merchants looking to keep up in today's fast-moving online world, super apps are something to seriously think about. It has the potential to make your online store better and more appealing to customers by being faster and more flexible. This way, you can quickly change your store to match what your customers want and like, keeping your brand up to date and attractive.
Another great thing is how it easily works with different platforms and gadgets. More people can shop from your store in a way that feels smooth and connected. Plus, as your business grows, your online store can grow with it without needing a big makeover.
What To Consider Before Embracing Super Apps
If you're a business owner eyeing this trend, it's essential to take your time, explore features in-depth, ask questions, and test out demos. When optimizing your eCommerce website for super apps, or for any other new technology, here a few are things to keep an eye on:
At the end of the day, exploring the ramifications of the super app-enabled future is a smart move for merchants who want to stay ahead and do well online. It could be key to growing your business and keeping your customers happy.