Monetize Your App by Adding Ecommerce: Costs and Benefits

Are you looking to expand your app’s revenue by integrating your ecommerce store into it?

If your business already has an ecommerce store or is considering launching one, incorporating it into your app can significantly boost your monetization strategy.

Here's how you can do it, what it costs, and the potential revenue you can generate.

Why Incorporate Ecommerce into Your App?

1. Enhanced User Experience
   Incorporating ecommerce within your app allows users to shop without leaving the platform. This seamless experience not only keeps users engaged but also increases the likelihood of conversions. Offering products and services directly related to your app’s content further enhances user satisfaction, making the shopping experience feel natural rather than intrusive.
   
   
2. Brand Loyalty and Engagement
   When users make purchases through your app, they build a stronger connection with your brand. This deeper engagement increases the chances of repeat purchases and long-term loyalty. Your app becomes more than just a tool—it transforms into a community of dedicated users and brand advocates.
   
   
3. Higher Conversion Rates
   Ecommerce integration within apps tends to result in higher conversion rates. You could even offer your app for free and still monetize effectively through ecommerce sales, making it a win-win situation.

Once ecommerce is integrated into your app, it’s essential to promote the feature. Use app updates, in-app notifications, and other marketing channels to let users know about new offerings. Spark initial interest with special promotions or discounts to encourage purchases and engagement.

How to Calculate Ecommerce App Revenue

To estimate the potential revenue from ecommerce in your app, you can use this simple formula:

Users x Conversion Rate x Average Order Value = Revenue

If your app isn't solely dedicated to ecommerce, you may need to adjust your conversion rate expectations.

Your app could also include multiple revenue streams – like ads or in-app purchases.

To help you estimate the total revenue of your app, we’ve created a Google Sheet with sections for revenue estimation, development costs, profitability, and ROI.

You can access it here – just make a copy of it to make it editable.

What Is the Average Monthly Revenue for Ecommerce Apps?

Data on specific ecommerce app revenue is limited, but for ecommerce stores overall, most Amazon sellers generate at least $1,000 per month. Meanwhile, direct-to-consumer ecommerce startups report average annual revenues of around $930k within the first two years of operation.

In the US, mcommerce consisted 7.6% of the total retail sales in 2023. In the UK, the number was 16.8%.

The mobile commerce market has seen a steady increase globally – reaching 3.88 trillion dollars in revenue in 2023.

Costs of Integrating Online Store Into Your App

Building a native ecommerce app from scratch with custom development can cost anywhere from $16,000 to $500,000, depending on the complexity.

However, if:

1. Your ecommerce store is just one component of your app
2. The app is built using no code app development, and
3. Your online store is integrated using web views

...it offers a more affordable solution.

A web view allows you to display web content inside your app, creating a seamless experience where users can browse and shop without leaving the app.

If you build your app with Choicely, adding web views is part of overall service with no extra costs. This is the case whether you opt for the self-service model or a white glove solution.

How to Incorporate Your Ecommerce Store into an App

You can easily integrate your ecommerce store into your app using a no-code app builder like Choicely. Our platform allows you to add ecommerce functionality with minimal effort.

Here’s how:

1. You can incorporate your ecommerce store via web views, making the store part of your app’s content.

3. When you’re ready to launch, we’ll help you publish your app. Your subscription plan is based on user volume: more users, more revenue.

Need help with development? Our team is available to build the app for you. Just book a free demo meeting—no strings attached.