You’re mistaken if you assume mobile apps are exclusive for huge brands like Walmart and Bank of America. More small and mid-size businesses are adopting the mobile trend, realising that a successful mobile strategy requires more than simply a mobile-friendly website, and that their company requires a mobile app. (mobile app)
In fact, many small companies you contact with on a regular basis now have their own dedicated mobile app—whether it’s the corner coffeeshop or the downtown beauty clinic. When it comes to bringing their digital marketing to the next level, these businesses are ahead of the pack.
If you’re still not convinced that you should build your own mobile app, consider the following seven advantages of doing so sooner rather than later.
1. Always be visible to customers. (mobile app)
According to statistics, the average American adult spends 3 hours and 43 minutes every day on their mobile device. While only a few apps are likely to account for the majority of this total usage, it doesn’t change the reality that each user must unlock, scroll, and scan their device for the apps they want. Being “in the way” can work in your company’s favour, because our minds unconsciously record every image and text (or well-designed app icon!) it sees.
2. Develop a direct marketing strategy. (mobile app)
Apps can provide a variety of services, including basic information, prices, booking forms, search tools, user accounts, messengers, news feeds, and more.
One of the main advantages of having a mobile app is that it puts all of the information you want to give your clients at their fingertips, including special offers and promotions. You can quickly remind clients about your products and services whenever it makes sense with push notifications, which brings you even closer to a direct engagement.
3. Give your customers something of worth (mobile app)
While we’re on the subject of on-hand data, how about digitising your existing loyalty programme? Make it feasible for your clients to collect their rewards via your mobile app rather than using the old point-collection card. What’s the end result? More downloads and consumers that return.
4. Increase brand awareness
A mobile app for your company might help you raise brand awareness significantly. I’d like to divide this topic into two parts, which when combined will make your software a true winner:
Brand. A mobile app is similar to a billboard sign with no content. You can make it fashionable, hip, useful, bold, or educational in any way you desire. But what you actually want to do is create an app with features that your consumers will enjoy, as well as one that is well-branded and attractively designed.
Recognition. Customers will be more likely to acquire your product and/or service if you can engage them with your app on a regular basis. This is known as the “effective frequency” in advertising: as a rule of thumb, hearing and/or seeing your brand around 20 times will get you recognised.
5. Increase customer satisfaction
Your customers need a way to contact you, whether you’re selling flowers or spa services. Including a messaging (or help desk) option in your app can drastically improve how you engage with your clients. Consider OpenTable, which constructed its whole business model around this premise. Instead of phoning a restaurant for a table, you may book one on their site in fewer than five clicks. Consider this: how many of your consumers would rather contact with you by text than via phone?
6. Make yourself stand out from the crowd
Mobile apps for small businesses are still uncommon these days, and this is where you can get a leg up on your competitors. Be the first in your neighbourhood to provide your consumers with a mobile app. Your forward-thinking approach will impress them!
7. Foster a sense of loyalty among your customers.
Last but not least, consumer loyalty is the most significant reason to consider developing your own mobile app. Because of the massive volume of advertising surrounding us all—roadside banners, billboards, flashing signs, newspaper ads, flyers, coupons, websites, website banners, Facebook ads, and email marketing—we gradually lose our impact on customers.
It’s time to get back to building genuine relationships with your customers and turning them into ardent fans of your product or service. I’m not suggesting that a mobile app will save your company, but it can help you stay in touch with your clients and be just a “fingertip” away at all times.
Mobile apps have become commonplace for almost all businesses, regardless of how you go about it. The decision you make today will lay the groundwork for your company’s future success. It’s up to you to decide if you want to be among the first.
