If you think that mobile apps are only for the big names in the corporate world, think again…
More and more small to medium-sized businesses are taking advantage of mobile real estate, and for good reason!
If you think about it, the core functionality of your smart device isn’t just to make phone calls or send text messages. It’s also to run a variety of applications that serve all types of convenient purposes. This convenience alone goes beyond your average mobile-friendly website, as a mobile app is essentially a modern-day brochure for products and services.
From the coffee shop around the corner to your local gym, any company or brand that builds its own mobile app creates massive authority and increased awareness.
Here’s why:
The Rise in Mobile Apps
When you take a look at the numbers, in just one year (2020-2021), there was a 132% increase in the number of apps installed. Additionally, 57% of all digital media usage comes from apps while 48% of our daily online activity is conducted via mobile devices. Lastly, roughly 49% of people open the same apps upwards of 11 times each day.
Thanks to the coronavirus outbreak, the majority of the population was confined to the walls of their own homes. This has had a direct impact on mobile app usage and its subsequent trends, especially for on-demand businesses such as delivery services as well as social media apps that kept us entertained and informed.
Among the most popular types of apps in the ranks, video conferencing apps like ZOOM and designated school apps became essential to our everyday lives. What’s more, is that many people also use streaming services that come in the form of apps, which can be used among each smart device from mobile to tablet, to desktop, to regular wifi-enabled TV.
Most importantly, mobile apps have transformed the way business is performed, making mobile app development essential for online businesses today in 2022.
Such apps enable everyday consumers to shop with ease and get the information they need for virtually all products and services, including alerts for news, events, offers, and so on. They also allow for easier purchase activity as they allow customers to store information and create wish lists for a more streamlined shopping experience.
Now apps are a critical component for business growth while also delivering relevant and significant exposure for brands far and wide.
The Benefits of Having a Mobile App For Your Business
If you still think that creating a mobile app for your business or branded content isn’t worth your time, check out the following benefits of having one:
They create more visibility
The average adult spends around three hours and 43 minutes on their mobile devices. It doesn’t matter if they’re only using the same three apps the whole time, they still have to swipe through their list of apps to get to the one they want.
In other words, by simply being present on a user’s phone is enough to gain an advantage for your business or brand. Plus, most users are reluctant to delete apps after downloading them and placing them where they belong (it’s an aesthetic thing) which means if they download your app, you’re there for the long haul, and they’ll see you every time they unlock their screens.
They provide a direct marketing channel
Mobile apps serve a ton of different functions. They can offer up general information, booking forms, pricing, search features, message exchanges, news feeds, user accounts, learning tools, and so much more.
However, one of the greatest benefits of having your own mobile app is that you can connect directly with your customer or follower base, providing them with all the information you’d like. For example, new content, new news, new offers, and so on. It’s all right there at their fingertips, and with the enablement of push notifications, you have a direct line to remind them of who you are and what you’re offering.
They bring more value to your customers
Aside from providing people with a direct line to your content, products, or services, a mobile app also provides your consumer base with more value.
This value typically comes in the form of a loyalty or points program, making it more advantageous for people to download your app and continue to return for more.
They build brand recognition
Brand awareness is brought to the forefront when you build a mobile app. Here’s how it works:
Starting with your brand, the little mobile app square that sits on a person’s device acts as a billboard sign. You can make it look, however you want to obtain that attention-grabbing aesthetic. On the inside, you can fill it with more aesthetics and features that your customers will love and enjoy using. The goal is to achieve a beautiful design that’s well-branded and intuitive in use.
Onto the recognition, the more you can get people engaged with your app, the more inclined they’ll be to buy into your products, services, or content. This is called effective frequency, and the rule of thumb is that you need your brand to be seen and/or heard at least 20 times to get noticed.
Well, if you can get people to download your app and enjoy using it, they’ll see it all the time and keep on using it!
They improve engagement and loyalty
If your customers or followers can message customer service, or you’re using your app, it can really change your relationship with them. This is because a “chat” or “help” feature can make them feel like your app is like a virtual store where their questions can be answered and concerns addressed.
Additionally, with all the ways we hit people over the head — pop-ups and other disruptive ads, email marketing campaigns, and even ads that seem to be “following you everywhere,” we’re beginning to lose our impact on customers simply due to banner blindness and irritation. A mobile app allows you to generate a genuine connection with your customers that says “I’m just a tap away when you need me. Oh, and don’t forget about those points you’ve been racking up!”
It’s that simple.
Ultimately, mobile apps are like address books for your favorite businesses. If you want to keep in these over saturated markets, designing a unique mobile app is the best way to separate yourself from the competition and earn a designated space on peoples’ mobile device screens — and in their hearts.
Thanks for reading!
My team and I would love to learn more about your unique idea and provide a FREE estimate on what it would require to bring it to life!