Many small business owners have become used to using their websites as a valuable marketing tool. However, these days, having a website site is not enough. With the increase in the use of mobile devices, now it’s necessary to also have a mobile app, as users continue the shift to using mobile devices, such as smartphones.
According to a Gallup survey, nearly three quarters of Americans check their mobile phones at least once an hour. And about 90% of this time is spend on mobile apps.
What does this mean for your small business? The increase in smartphone usage means that mobile apps are fast becoming a key marketing tool for companies of all sizes, including small businesses. Not only do the apps increase customer engagement, they also result in more repeat visits, online transactions and more.
Mobile apps are becoming the way to develop and maintain customer relationships. Apps make it easy and fast to stay in touch with customers and respond to their inquiries quickly.
Many business owners believe that developing and maintaining an app is too expensive and view it as unnecessary when it comes to business expenses. However, these are mistaken beliefs. Let’s take a look at reasons investing in a mobile app can be good for your business.
1) Maintain contact and increase engagement with customers: as noted earlier, mobile apps make it easier and faster to engage with customers in real time. This makes it easier for your company and your customers to quickly resolve issues via the app, rather than through lengthy emails or numerous phone calls.
2) A mobile app makes it easier to promote services and products: it’s a fact that businesses with a mobile app make a better impression than those that don’t. A branded mobile app can make your company stand out, while frequent updates can keep customers interested in your products and services.
Mobile apps are also often cheaper than using other advertising methods such as billboards, Facebook & Google ads, newspaper ads, etc.
3) Give your customers a voice: a mobile app is a great way to give your customer a voice. They’ll feel they have a say when it comes to buying products and services, which helps increase engagement with your business, while also increasing sales.
For instance, if a customer purchases a product, but has a problem with the product, they can quickly get in touch with the company and resolve the problem. Another use of the app could allow customers to leave reviews, suggestions or even a complaint.
Giving customers a voice is a valuable engagement and marketing tool for your small business.
4) Expand customer base: after your new app is available in the various app stores, more people will have a chance to hear about your company and its products & services. As a result, the business may see an increase in sales.
It’s easy to integrate mobile apps with social media and app stores, which increases the number of people who may hear about your small business. This is a great way to expand your customer base.
5) Sell even faster: just as customer engagement is faster with a mobile app, sales can also become even faster. For instance, you can offer “limited time” promotional vouchers via the app to loyal customers. Not only may you see faster sales, but you may also see an increase in sales. The app also helps get the word out about your business.
6) Allows for improvisation: mobile apps give you real-time data from customers, meaning you can quickly learn what’s working and what isn’t. With this knowledge, you have the advantage of working to quickly make changes to things that aren’t working as well. You also have the opportunity to use similar tactics as competitors, all in real-time, making this a fast and easy way to adapt and improvise according to the market needs.
7) Business analytics in real-time: we just looked at how real-time analytics can help your business. In addition, it’s a great way to collect business data. For instance, your app can track user engagement, the number of downloads, which products customers are most interested in, etc.
This valuable data can help your business to focus on those products and services customers prefer. You can also use the data to ensure your products & services are customer oriented — meaning they meet the needs/wants of your customers.
8) Increase on ROI: if you’re concerned about the cost of developing a mobile app, then be sure to discuss this with the developer. Make sure to identify all the costs involved, which will avoid any hidden costs from popping later in the building process.
In addition, you can already see the tremendous value a business mobile app can have for your company (in the points previously covered). You’ll definitely see an increase on return of investment with the use of a branded mobile app for your business.
9) A wonderful marketing tool: not only will a mobile business app be a wonderful marketing tool for your company, you’ll find that the company’s image will be more positive, too. The business will give a more professional impression, making your business stand out from the rest.
10) Company information easily accessed: in addition, your app can share business details such as address, contact, information, etc. This makes it much easier for customers to get in touch, when they have all the information at their fingertips.
As you can see, a mobile app for your small business has many benefits. In addition, the business will be “future ready,” by having an app that be developed as new capabilities develop.
If you’re ready to build an app for your small business, be sure to reach out to a professional web developer who offers services in your specific industry.
The right developer will help you build a branded app that makes it easier to engage customers, increase sales, and more. A mobile app is no longer an option for small businesses; it’s a necessary marketing tool for today’s highly mobile-using customers.