If you think that mobile apps are exclusive to the big brands such as Wal-Mart and the Bank of America, you couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, more and more small businesses today are developing mobile apps in order to follow the mobile trend, understanding that having an effective mobile strategy often involves more than simply having a mobile friendly website. When it comes to taking their marketing strategy to the next level, companies of any size are ahead of the game by having their own mobile app. We’ve listed some of the great reasons why your business should launch a mobile app as soon as possible.
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Customer Visibility
Statistics show that the average American spends at least two hours a day on their mobile device, and whilst only a few applications will probably make up the bulk of their main usage, it doesn’t change the fact that each user will need to unlock, scroll through their apps, and scan their mobile device to find the app that they want to use. Since the mind subconsciously records every image, text, and app icon that it comes across, being ‘in the way’ when users are scrolling through their apps to find the one they want to use can actually be an advantage to your company.
A Direct Marketing Channel
Apps provide a number of different functions from listing general information such as prices, booking forms, user accounts, search features, news feeds, direct messages and much more. One of the largest advantages to having a mobile app for your business is that all of the information that you’d like to provide your customers with is right there at their fingertips, including any special sales and promotions, which you could even notify your customers about through push notifications. This brings you even closer to a direct interaction with your customers and ensures that you stay updated with your marketing schemes.
Wider Range of Devices
Although having a mobile-friendly website allows users to view your site on a smartphone or tablet device, having an app ensures that it is even more optimised for use on these gadgets along with others. Many online shoppers prefer to use an app rather than the browser when it comes to making purchases, and developing a mobile app which users can easily download and use on all of their gadgets. Other devices such as Android TV boxes also support the majority of Android mobile apps, meaning that your content and products will be available to customers on an even wider platform.
Customer Loyalty
When it comes to on-hand information, it makes more sense to digitise any loyalty schemes that you have in place by launching a mobile app. Since more people are more likely to have their phones on them than the old point-collecting loyalty card, make sure your customers don’t miss out on collecting loyalty points by using their smartphone instead.
There are many more reasons why you should develop an app for your business! If you can think of any further benefits of having a mobile app, let us know in the comments.
