This article will highlight the benefits of mobile apps for businesses and how to determine if an SMB requires a mobile app. We offer a four-pointer list of tips and tricks to help small businesses succeed in the mobile app domain.
Global mobile app revenues reached over 365 billion U.S. Dollars in 2018, and are expected to rise to 935 billion U.S. Dollars by 2023. The mobile market is unstoppable at the moment and will not slow down in the near future. This encourages many small businesses to develop a mobile app.
Recent research has also shown that 90% of mobile time spent by users is spent on apps. You might think, “I need a mobile app for my company too.” It’s like saying that everyone loves pizza so I should open a pizza restaurant.
While it is true that more people are downloading and using apps, this does not mean that they will be creating an app. Your users must download and use the app in order for a mobile app success. Before you decide on developing a mobile app, your business needs to first determine who the app is for, what its goals are, and if it has the resources necessary to make it successful.
Let’s first look at the benefits of a mobile application. Next, we will discuss how SMBs can determine if they require an app.
Mobile app development is a great option for small businesses. Why are mobile apps important?
[1] Creates loyal customers
Businesses are all about reciprocity and mobile apps have become a vital medium for interaction between customers and brands. You can get people to download your app by using strategies that don’t encourage them to delete it.
Your customers will appreciate a mobile app. Your customers can interact with you in real time. Your customers get immediate responses and you’re always there for them.
Mobile apps let us conduct great customer loyalty programs. How does loyalty programs work? Based on what your customers purchase, you can award them points. These points can be added up and deducted as money for the next transaction. These loyalty programs are only available for mobile apps. This encourages people to download them.
[2] Mark recognition
Branding is what a mobile app does. Apps can be an extension of your brand. Once they are in your customers’ personal space, your brand creates its own niche and gains value.
Your brand can create a mobile app that portrays your brand. This image will be what people associate with your business when they hear your name.
Trust is the foundation of a strong brand. Trust is a key ingredient in establishing a strong brand. It allows you to introduce new products easily, increase credibility, and gives you a competitive advantage on the market.
[3] Targeted Marketing
Onboarding collects the first set of personal information, such as name and age. After customers have started using the app, additional details such as customer preferences, budget, holistic customer behavior, and other information can be analyzed.
This data pool will allow for targeted, personalized marketing strategies to be developed for different customer groups. Targeted business strategies can improve audience experience and marketing, while also building brand awareness and loyalty.
This marketing strategy allows you to speak directly with a targeted audience and attract high-quality leads. This will help you distinguish your brand from other brands in the niche.
Another thing that makes mobile apps stand out from all others is their ability to access the device’s built-in features (camera and location, for example). Businesses can also leverage device capabilities to provide personalized experiences for their customers.
[4] Enhance customer interaction
Today’s businesses understand the importance of customer interaction. They are using multiple channels to communicate and interact with customers.
Customers value convenience and mobile apps make it easy for businesses to offer that. Users have instant access to all kinds of information via mobile apps. Mobile apps offer everything, from contact information to how-to articles.
You can also create forums for your customers to discuss products and services. They can then search for a store locator, and a map will direct them to the store.
Chat is also an easy way for customers to contact customer service representatives. This is also useful for customers who need answers to FAQs (e.g., When will my order arrive?). They can track their order easily with the help of a live chat, without having to contact a representative.
Live chats mean that customers are not placed on hold to get assistance. This increases customer engagement and convenience by offering 24×7 support.
[5] Increase sales & revenue
Sales will improve as customer engagement and customer experience increases. The customer experience will improve by making the entire purchase process easier, more intuitive, and more user-friendly. This increases sales.
You can also monetize apps on mobile that help businesses make more revenue. Your users will pay more if they feel that you are doing a great job and provide them with value.
There are several mobile app monetization options:
- Freemium
- In-app purchases
- Advertisements generate revenue
- Upgrade to Remove Ads
- Affiliate Programs
- Sponsorships
- Loyalty Rewards and Coupons
Other benefits of developing mobile apps include:
- Inform customers about new products and offers
- Standing out from the rest
- Visibility improved
We now know that mobile apps can be a great tool for your business. Let’s find out what conditions one should consider when developing a mobile app.
When is it a good idea to invest in a mobile application?
[1] Your customer base is already loyal. This is a sign that you have built a website, and it continues to gain traction.
[2] Your e-commerce site is up and running. You want your customers to be able to shop from their smartphones.
[3] Your customers love to check their dashboard every day.
[4] You are certain that your app concept will improve the efficiency and productivity your internal and external stakeholders.
[5] You want to gain access to user’s device capabilities (like GPS, click-to call, cameras or scanners), maybe because you are building a food delivery app.
[6] You want to create a dynamic, content-based interactive forum which requires a mobile application.
[7] You want to create an interactive game-based app.
If you’re just starting out, and don’t have a large user base, consider a web application. A web app is a website which behaves as an app. If your product idea is well-known, you should wait to see if it offers anything new or if people buy it before making an app.
A mobile app requires constant maintenance and updates. This is why the budget plays an important role. You should have enough money to build an app. You should also ensure that you have the financial means to hire a professional app developer.
Conclusion:
Businesses must adapt to changing consumer behavior. Businesses, large and small alike, are moving rapidly towards mobile app development.
Mobile apps are expensive, but they offer great value if you do it right. Mobile apps offer valuable opportunities for lead generation and customer interaction. Consider your goals and ensure that your app solves the problem. Small business mobile app development requires a detailed analysis of the requirements, simple design and lots of testing. These are the essential elements for your small business app to be successful in this competitive market.