ECommerce in the USA is one of the fastest-growing online industries. In 2022, eCommerce sales in the USA are expected to reach $794.5 billion. While many internal and external factors are driving this growth, one of the most important is the increasing adoption of headless commerce and its use of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).
To take advantage of these headless commerce solutions and growth, businesses must provide their customers with a seamless and convenient shopping experience, which is where progressive web apps come in. Progressive web apps (PWAs) are websites that function like native mobile apps. They are built using modern web technologies and can be installed on a user’s home screen without going through an app store.
PWAs are web apps that offer a native app-like experience to users. They are developed using modern web technologies, such as HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, and can be installed on devices like smartphones and tablets.
PWAs in the USA are fast, reliable, and engaging and offer many of the same features as native apps, including push notifications, offline mode, and access to device hardware. But unlike native apps, PWAs are cross-platform and can be developed quickly and cheaply.
PWAs in the USA are becoming increasingly popular in the eCommerce world as they offer several benefits over traditional web apps and native apps.
Why is headless commerce growing so rapidly?
In recent years, headless commerce has grown rapidly in popularity. This type of commerce refers to a decoupled architecture, where the frontend and backend are completely separate. This allows for greater flexibility and scalability, as well as a better user experience.
There are a number of reasons why headless commerce is growing so rapidly.
- It provides businesses with the ability to create unique and customized experiences for their customers.
- It allows businesses to quickly and easily scale their operations.
- It enables businesses to more easily integrate with third-party applications and services.
- Headless commerce provides businesses with greater control over their data.
As a result of these factors, headless commerce is expected to continue to grow in popularity in the years to come.
Benefits of PWAs for eCommerce businesses
Some of the benefits of PWAs for eCommerce businesses include:
PWAs improve website performance
PWAs load faster and are more responsive than traditional websites because PWAs use caching to store resources locally on the user’s device. This cache means the website can be accessed offline or in low-connectivity areas.
PWAs provide a more engaging user experience
PWAs feel like a native app, providing users with a more immersive and enjoyable experience. Additionally, push notifications, and home screen shortcuts can further engage users and keep them returning to your website.
PWAs increase conversion rates
Because of their improved performance and engaging user experience, PWAs have been shown to increase conversion rates. One study found that AliExpress saw a 104% increase in conversions after implementing a PWA.
There are many benefits to using PWAs in eCommerce, including improved performance, a more engaging user experience, and increased conversion rates. If you’re looking to improve your website, consider implementing a PWA.
What are the risks associated with using PWAs in eCommerce?
There are some risks associated with using PWAs in eCommerce, such as:
PWAs can be challenging to develop
PWAs require a greater understanding of web technologies than traditional websites, making them more difficult and time-consuming to develop.
PWAs may not be compatible with all devices
PWAs are still a new technology, and as such, they may not be compatible with all devices. This compatibility issue will likely improve over time as the technology becomes more widespread.
How can you mitigate these risks?
There are some creative ways to mitigate the risks associated with using PWAs in eCommerce, such as:
Hiring an experienced development team
If you’re worried about the difficulty of developing a PWA, consider hiring an experienced development team. A team with experience in developing PWAs will be able to overcome any challenges and create a high-quality website.
Testing your PWA on multiple devices
Before launching your PWA, testing it on multiple devices is essential to ensure compatibility, helping you identify potential problems and address them before launch.
The best platforms for PWAs in the USA
Many platforms support PWAs in the USA. Some of the best include:
Shopify
Shopify is a popular and widely used eCommerce platform in the USA that enables businesses to create online stores. Shopify also has a PWA app that you can use to create PWAs.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce is another popular eCommerce platform that enables businesses to create online stores. BigCommerce also has a PWA app that you can use to create PWAs.
Magento
Magento is an open-source eCommerce platform in the USA that enables businesses to create online stores. Magento also has a PWA Studio that you can use to create PWAs.
How to make the most of your PWAs in eCommerce
There are some things you can do to make the most of your PWAs in eCommerce, such as:
Ensuring fast loading times
One of the primary and most noted benefits of PWAs is that they load faster than traditional websites. Consider using a caching plugin or service to ensure that your PWA loads quickly.
Improving engagement
Push notifications and home screen shortcuts can help improve engagement with your PWA. Use these features to keep users coming back to your website.
The bottom line
Switching to a PWA can be a great way to improve your eCommerce business. However, it’s essential to consider the risks and challenges associated with PWAs before making the switch. Hiring an experienced development team and testing your PWA on multiple devices can help mitigate these risks. Additionally, platforms such as Shopify, BigCommerce, and Magento offer support for PWAs. Utilizing some of the best practices for PWAs can help you make the most of your PWA in eCommerce.
