Genuine Reasons Why Your Business Needs Its Own Mobile Application
Top Reasons Why Your Business Needs Its Own Mobile App
Today, I’d like to discuss some reasons and scenario’s where you might by considering building a mobile application for your business, and I’ll try to explain just some of the benefits that can be achieved.
To begin with, if you are one of those who think that mobile apps are specifically meant for big name brands and blue chip retailers, you are sitting on the wrong side of the fence. A lot of small and midsize business ventures are trooping in for the mobile trend with the basic understanding that an effective mobile strategy is more than just having a mobile-friendly website – Which is an absolute must for ANY business, by the way.
Nowadays, as a matter of fact, you must have noticed that a lot of small business ventures you interrelate with in your daily life have their own dedicated mobile app – either the local restaurant or the Leisure Centre down the street. You might think that these companies are far ahead of the competition when it comes to moving their marketing to the next phase, but the reality is that they’ve recognised that Mobile Applications aren’t ‘the next big thing’, they are today’s necessity for many businesses and sectors!
I’m not going to say that Mobile Applications are suitable for every single sector, but in almost all Business to Consumer organisations there is usually a substantial benefit and resulting Return on Investment (ROI) by implementing a Mobile Application. Whether it be to drive loyalty through rewards and vouchers, raise your brand awareness by having an on-going presence on your customer’s smart phone or even to keep your customers informed of the latest news and offers – Consumers see the value in Mobile Apps and so should you!
With more than 71% of users downloading mobile applications to earn loyalty rewards & discounts, there is a clear value associated with providing a Mobile Application that serves special offers and rewards direct to your customers Smart Phones.
If you’re still wondering why anyone would want to build their own mobile application, highlighted below are just seven of the top benefits of starting your Mobile Journey sooner rather than later.
But aren’t Mobile Apps really expensive?
NO! Similar to Website Development, the development of Mobile Applications has come along leaps and bounds in recent years. With many open source frameworks and ‘off the shelf’ solutions available, developing an application is incredibly cost effective for most businesses. Speak to one of our Mobile Marketing Consultants for a no-obligation quotation!
1) Being visible to customers all the time
Per statistics, the average UK Citizen spends over two hours per day on his/her mobile device. Although probably only a few applications make up the greater part of this total usage, it does not change the fact that every user needs to unlock, scroll and scan their device for the apps they’re looking for.
Being ‘in the way’ can prove advantageous to your company because our minds unconsciously record all images and text (or well-designed app icons!) it comes across – even if it happens subconsciously!
2) Creates a direct marketing channel
Mobile Apps serve many purposes; they can provide general info, prices, booking forms, search features, user accounts, messengers, news feeds and a lot more.
One of the greatest benefits of having a mobile app for your business is that all the information you’d like to provide to your customers – including special sales and latest promotions – is available to them at a just a tap. With push notifications, you’re one step closer to a direct interaction between brand and consumer, and can easily remind customers about your products and services whenever it deems fit.
3) Providing value to your customers
Talking about timely information, how about going digital with that loyalty program you have in place?
Instead of sticking to the old point-collection card, make it an option for your customers to receive their rewards via your mobile app. What do you get? More downloads and more repeat customers. (Speak to us about creating an online service that allows you to quickly create smartphone-based loyalty programs in a matter of days.)
4) Brand awareness and recognition
Building a mobile app for your business can significantly contribute towards your brand awareness.
I’d like to break this topic into two points, the combination of which makes your app a real winner;
Brand: a mobile app is like an empty billboard sign. You can do whatever you wish with it; you can make it stylish, hip, functional, shocking or informative. But what you really hope for is to build an app that has features your customers will love to use whilst being well branded and beautifully designed.
Recognition: the more often you can get your customers to use your app, the earlier and more frequently they will be inclined to purchase your products and/or services, this is known as ‘effective frequency’ in advertising; as a rule of thumb, hearing and/or seeing your brand about 20 times is almost guaranteed to get your brand noticed.
5) Improves customer engagement
Irrespective of what you sell – be it flowers or spa services – your customers need a way to contact you.
Having a messaging – or help desk – feature within your app can really make a difference in the way you connect with your customers. Think about it; how many customers would prefer communicating with you through texts or messaging than through phone? Surprisingly, more than 52% of consumers prefer to communicate with a brand via text based communication (emails, messaging and text messages) than picking up the phone. Can you afford to alienate 50% of your audience by forcing them to pick up the phone to make a reservation, enquire about a product / service or request a quotation?
Our business operates a chat service. Believe it or not, it doesn’t cost us a penny! Our chat service is run by Tawk.to – I’d recommend you look at them (No, we are not affiliated with them) and see what you think. It is completely free for the basic software, with optional add-ons which are also reasonable priced.
More than 60% of our enquiries come through our chat portal, and with Mobile Applications available – We never need to miss a single enquiry! From 6am until 11pm, we man our website chat system wherever we are in the world! How fantastic is that!
6) Stay ahead of the competition
Mobile apps at the small business level are still a rare occurrence these days, and this is where you can take a huge leap ahead of your competitors. Be the first in your town to provide a mobile app to your customers. They’ll be amazed by your ingenious approach and you will reap the benefits.…
7) Build customer loyalty
Finally, the most important reason why you should consider creating your own mobile app is fostering and reinforcing customer loyalty.
With all the noise, out there – roadside banners, billboards, flashing signs, newspaper ads, flyers, coupons, websites, website banners, Facebook ads as well as email marketing – we are gradually losing our impact on customers because of the huge amount of advertising surrounding us all.
Now is the time to revisit ‘making a true and sincere connection with your customers’ and converting them from faceless customers, to long-term loyal lovers of your products and/or services. I’m not saying a mobile app is an automatic business saver but it can be a way of staying closer to your customers and being just a ‘tap’ away all times – There aren’t any other Marketing Channels that can offer that!
