It’s crazy to think that Apple’s “There’s an App for That” commercial aired five years ago. It’s catchy and relevant, though, isn’t it? People still use the phrase when they introduce or talk about an app you’ll be happy (or confused) to know it exists—yes, there’s an app that tells you what ‘nearby ghosts’ are thinking. But you’re not about to build an app just to build one. You’re a smart business leader, and if you’re spending your time, money, and energy on this project, it’s got to revolve around your business goals and objectives for it to really pay off.
Developing a mobile app is certainly a worthwhile investment, but the return it provides varies according to use. Are you seeking to improve your customer service? Or are you more focused on streamlining sales and marketing? If you make the decision to develop an app, it should be for the right reasons.
The Benefits Of A Mobile App
Mobile apps are typically developed for the purpose of enhancing brand image – it’s a way to keep your business in front of your customers more often and be more accessible to them.
- Mobile Apps Are Easy
It’s much simpler for customers to slide open their phones, tap into a mobile app and hit a few quick buttons to place an order than to spend time navigating a web browser.
- Mobile Apps Offer Personalization
Some mobile apps are designed to deliver specific coupons and special offers. Customers love this concept of personalization. They aren’t bothered with information that falls outside their realm of interest.
- Mobile Apps Create A Buzz
With a mobile app, customers can easily share event notifications, updates and special deals via social networking sites, giving your company more exposure.
- Mobile Apps Customize The User Experience
When customers use a mobile app, it targets their precise location, which simplifies the purchasing process tremendously. It also allows you to collect that data from your customers or prospects, and market to them accordingly.
- Mobile Apps Build Brand Loyalty
A mobile app provides customers with constant, easy access to your brand. According to a study by Localytics, mobile app users are becoming more and more loyal to their mobile apps.
Again, if your company’s primary goal is to improve customer relations, developing a mobile app could be a valuable business move. But before you dive into development, there are additional questions to consider.
- Would My Company Benefit?
Virtually any type of content can be put into a mobile app – the trick is determining which benefits of a mobile app sync up with your business objectives. What does your business sell? Think about the purchase process from a customer’s standpoint: How would a mobile app enhance his or her experience with your company? It may be that the product or service you offer is more effectively purchased in person, in which case a mobile app might actually hinder the user experience.
- Does My Budget Allow For It?
The process of building an app is time-consuming and rather costly (if you want it done right), and your finances may not allow for such a project. But keep in mind: Mobile apps are customizable and improvable. They don’t have to be incredibly complex right off the bat – they just have to be compatible with your business goals. Consider talking it over with a knowledgeable professional before reaching any conclusions.
The decision to develop a mobile app boils down to the main goals for your business (are they revenue-focused or customer-focused?) and your budget. It’s a good idea to evaluate each area of your business to gauge your need for a mobile app. And even if you don’t have the time or budget to build a mobile app right now, don’t worry – this trend isn’t fading anytime soon.
To learn more about managing and maximizing your IT budget, as well as using innovative technology solutions customized for your business growth, contact us today.