Consider this statistic: by 2022, there will be as many as 20 billion mobile devices in the world (The Economist). About 2 million apps are currently already on iTunes and Google Play. Are you thinking of developing a useful application for your company? Maybe it’s time to consider some “App Appeals”! Here are some of the top reasons why it might be a great idea to build a mobile app for your business.
Generate additional sales
Mobile apps can generate additional revenue for your business in three distinct ways: First, since most people currently use mobile devices, apps encourage repeat orders from customers even when they’re away from home. The sheer simplicity and convenience of apps compared to visiting a traditional website makes it easier for consumers to purchase. Second, the business can benefit from a new ad revenue stream right through apps. Third, the app itself may be so compelling that it can require payment for the download!
Reduce costs for services
The mobile apps allow customers to access basic information and purchase without having to call call-centers. Some apps also allow you to click on the “Visual IVR” menu, avoiding wasting time and money listening to queued prompts during calls. Automation obviously reduces maintenance costs.
Reduce your marketing costs
Another great hidden advantage of app development lies in the low cost of marketing: compared to traditional advertising and direct marketing, push notifications received from customers who have downloaded your app are quite inexpensive. This is particularly useful when you decide to announce an event or a new product offer.
Improve the customer experience
Unlike mobile apps, many websites don’t look perfect on smartphone screens, which are specially designed for small screens. They are easier to look at and simpler for the customer to use. The apps also offer immediate access to contact channels: with a single click, the customer can conveniently call or start a webchat with the switchboard. Users who have activated their position will be able to be geo-localized by the app in real-time, which will be able to provide detailed information and indications on the specific location.
Gain the competitive advantage
While most businesses have adapted to the rich world of apps, perhaps your business is still positioned in a modest niche where competitors don’t offer cutting-edge apps. If so, you can turn the situation to your advantage as a differentiator. You can also customize the app with unique features, which others don’t have. The possibilities are truly endless; you just need to know how to grasp them!
Broaden your market coverage
Without the backing of a well-developed app, you could lose an entire segment of the market that simply prefers to do business by operating that way. A quick ploy to understand if you are positioned in a mobile-dependent market is to look at the percentage of visitors who access your website via smartphone. It also uses common sense, which might suggest, for example, that young consumers are more likely to want to transact through a modern app than mature B2B shoppers.
Create loyalty
What is a better way to create interest with your customers than to put the brand directly in the pocket of users? Unlike websites designed for mobile devices, apps are always visible on the user’s phone home screen. Customers are more likely to interact with businesses at their fingertips repeatedly, so apps are a great tool for building customer loyalty.
Improve speed
Apps developed for mobile devices open faster than an elaborate mobile website; many basic app options are, in fact, usable even without a stable internet connection. In today’s complicated digital world, we are dealing with a real race to deliver services and products to the customer in the fastest way possible, where the winner of the competition will undoubtedly gain more customers.
Get feedback
You can easily get useful information from your customers, by running a simple “in-app” survey or by analyzing the reviews left by users directly in the App Store.
Maintain control of the customer relationship
Apps are a platform that allows you to have a direct relationship with the customer without intermediaries. You’re more likely to be able to keep hooked shoppers once you know who they are, where they are, and how to reach them.
Mobile apps may not be the best move for every business. However, the choice represents enormous general advantages and an easily calculated ROI (Return of Investment).
