The reason for creating a mobile app for an online store has to be real. If you have decided that you need it just because everyone around you is talking about the unprecedented growth of mobile traffic, then we must warn you that it′s not that simple, and just by developing an app you won′t get orders from it by magic. Before you start developing a mobile app for a store, it′s important to assess the need for the app, the benefits, and your capabilities.

1. Competitors
Do a competitive analysis. You probably know your closest niche neighbors and regularly follow the innovations they′re introducing. If a mobile app is among them, that′s a real reason to invest in mobile app development. Why? Because a mobile app is a competitive advantage, and if you don′t have one, you′re missing out on customers. It′s also worthwhile, though, to monitor whether their app is a success. If not, then you either have a good chance of making a better offer to users, or for your niche app is not exactly what customers need.

2. Goals
Determine the goals you′re going to achieve with your mobile app. The goals should be in the plane of your business and not limited to the mobile app itself. Meaning getting ten thousand downloads is a bad goal, increasing the average number of orders by 30% is a good goal. After all, ideally the development of a mobile app for an online store should have an impact on the business as a whole. For example, the average time for order processing is reduced, and there is an opportunity to increase the total volume of sales without increasing staff.

3. The desire to invest
A mobile app can′t survive on its own, without your help. If you throw it out on the Internet and wait for it to pay off, you′re wasting a lot of time and money. Therefore, when you start developing an application, start thinking about a strategy for its implementation, promotion on the Internet, in social networks and through offline channels. You should have a plan of how to present your app, and a team that is happy to do it.