Mobile applications have contributed to a hand-held revolution, keeping customers engaged with your brand even when on the move. More and more businesses are finding it beneficial to acquire a mobile app for their smart phone-equipped customers. Businesses realize the importance of having multiple ways to reach customers and potential clients. In the last year, mobile searches have skyrocketed by more than 400 percent. With such astonishing statistics, it’s only natural for small businesses to want to create their own mobile app.
Why Create a Mobile App?
Businesses can put mobile development to good use to reach new markets and a wider audience to boost profitability. Mobile apps can help to establish interaction between a company and customers by providing a convenient tool in the palms of their hands. This reduces the customers’ needs for on-site visits and the business can benefit from the extra revenue stream.
From Craigslist to Twitter, there is truly an app to make every business easier to access. If you can create an app that provides value to your customers, then your business may certainly benefit from having one. A useful app can help to increase business income, build brand loyalty and better engage your audience. Apps take the “wait” out of mobile devices, as they don’t require a connection, since most of the information is stored within the application. In a not-so-patient society, this feature is highly valuable to many customers.
Plan and Execute Your App Idea
Once you’ve done your homework and have decided to create a mobile app for your business, it’s time to plan, execute and implement your idea. Whether your app is free and being used for advertising or marketing purposes or is set at a flat fee, be sure that it’s useful. People are most likely to continue using an app that they find useful than a novelty app.
Many businesses are afraid to alienate potential clients, but most successful apps are targeted towards specific niches, such as pet owners or college students. Niche apps often have less competition–making marketing simpler–and are easier to use because of their focused content. Due to the increasing numbers of apps being created each day, it’s still important to execute tactics to market your app. This can be a combination of traditional strategies (digital/print ads) and fresh strategies (blogging, Facebook, etc.).
What to Look for in a Designer?
In most cases, a business will hire a mobile app designer with experience in the specific field in which you are planning the app. Businesses can begin their search by asking referrals offline or through their social media contacts. Interview independent designers or firms to find out what the design process is like, your involvement, how many employees will be working on the app, the expected turnaround and any associated fees.
When consulting with a mobile app designer, there are several things you’ll need to determine. Do you want an app that works across all platforms, including the iPhone, Blackberry and Android – or do you want to focus on a single platform to save money? A professional designer can help you determine which is best for your business and aid in the app approval process by each of the mobile application stores, including iTunes, before it can be hosted for download.
When it comes to mobile applications, the competition can be tough, making it essential to develop an app that is highly useful, attractive and user-friendly. Otherwise, it may fail to attract attention and achieve its main goal – to reach audiences. Businesses of all sizes and from any niches can benefit from developing a mobile app.
