Should You Develop Your Own App?
In today’s tech driven, mobile obsessed society, there is literally an app for everything. Whilst the mobile takeover was a huge and scary headline for many back in 2014, three years on, it is very much a reality. The number of mobile users globally has transcended the amount of people browsing via desktop, and for good reason.
We live in a world where everything is available on the go, so why shouldn’t your business? Many companies, of varying sizes and niches, have developed apps specific to their brands to reach their target audience, but for those yet to join the app-pidemic, the question is – is it really worth it?
A few stats to get us started…
The number of smartphone users is increasing daily – 80% of internet users own a smartphone – and with almost 2 million apps to choose from in the Apple App Store and even more (over 2.2 million) in Google Play, the number of applications available to this growing population is following the same upward trend.
Whilst the popularity of application use exploded as expected amongst 18- to 24-year-olds, usage is growing rapidly within other age groups, including 25- to 34-year-olds, 35- to 44-year-olds, 45- to 54-year-olds, and those aged over 55 years of age. This statistic alone is evidence that businesses can tap into their core demographic with app development, whatever the age of their target customer. All these statistics go without mentioning the use of tablets, which add further leverage for the development of business specific apps.
Is an app right for me?
As with any marketing investment, there are plus points and downsides to pursuing mobile app development for business. The cost implication is of course one factor that deters businesses from taking the plunge. Developers know the importance of mobile apps, and the development of such a platform is considered on par with the creation of a new website. However, as Google and other search engines favour a more user friendly experience and rank accordingly, making such an investment could generate enough leads (and more) to recoup the initial development cost.
With a mobile app, you will also discover a happier customer base thanks to the more convenient experience on offer. Many businesses enjoy improved customer loyalty and associated repeat business as a result. There are other ways to generate extra revenue through an app too, with many customers happy to pay a small fee for added convenience. A better user journey, especially throughout the checkout process, also means faster transactions for your customers, higher levels of conversion for you and also better recognition for your wider brand.
Top tips for business app creation
Creating a business app isn’t easy, and only by delivering real value and a great range of features can you rest assured that it is a beneficial investment for your business. There are many factors that go into successful app creation – from the correct addition of features and pushing of notifications to app testing and software maintenance – but by employing a professional you can make sure all these areas are handled successfully, a robust system created and an intuitive user experience embraced by all your target audience.
Finding better ways to connect your business with its audience is a vital part of proceedings for all. Keep an eye on our blog, take a gander at our social networks or pick up the phone and give us a call for further advice.
