Webshop first, app shop next

Mobile First as a web development and design principle can’t be ignored any more, when 30-50 percent of the turnover of online shops come from mobile devices.  Our magazine interviewed Zsigmond Máriás, managing director of Loginet Systems Kft.

Zsigmond Máriás
managing director
Loginet Systems Kft

– Loginet has been developing software products for more than 10 years. In one sentence how would you explain the difference between the market now and ten years ago?

– There are two big differences: there is no economic recession at the moment, so companies are willing to invest and they prioritise digitalisation. The other thing is that good professionals are expensive to employ, plus they are hard to find as well.

– Many development projects spring form the digital transformation process. Are there too many service providers or is the demand still bigger than the supply?

– There are few high-capacity companies in the domain of e-commerce – there are too many ‘small fish’. Small web developer companies are cheaper, but their customers don’t get continuous service. Those firms where online sales is an important channel and can gain a competitive advantage via innovative digital solutions, need personalised software solutions, dedicated customer management and continuous service.

– ‘Mobile First’ is becoming a buzzword in web development and design. Has the market reacted to this trend on the demand and supply sides?

– Absolutely, although I have seen only a few mobile first design projects, where the design optimised for mobile devices was prepared earlier than the desktop version. At LogiNet the starting point is always Mobile First, focusing on user experience and behaviour.

– Is there any research data which indicate that shoppers like to use smartphone applications for buying online? In which segments does this trend prevail?

– For instance in the United Kingdom 50 percent of purchases are made via a branded app. Users like app shops because they are comfortable and fast, and there are personalised offers made using push notifications. Consumers spend 3-4 times more time in app shops – which are also important from a brand building perspective. According to a study by Criteo, companies with an app shop and a budget for app marketing can increase sales by up to 30 percent in just a year. Our experience is that launching an app shop is likely to pay off in the case of FMCG products, the telecom market and online marketplaces. //