48% of people in the US say they are addicted to their smartphones. Most people can’t stand the idea of leaving home without their phones. We rely on them to get information, stay in touch, and for entertainment.
With our reliance on mobile phones, businesses are trying to market to customers who prefer connecting with brands via smartphones. One way brands are successfully connecting with customers is through business apps.
A business app is a mobile experience created by a business for customers to interact with their brand. Read on to determine if developing a business app is right for your business.
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Do You Need an App?
Before diving into wireframes, coding, and features, you need to determine if designing an app will be worth it for your business. Do your research and ask yourself the following questions.
Will an app improve your customer’s experience? There are billions of apps in the Apple and Google Play stores, and so you want to be sure your app is worth the space on their phone. If your customers don’t interact with your app, it will waste time and money.
Are other businesses in your industry using apps? If your competitors use apps to market and make sales, an app could also boost your business. Find out what features competitors are missing to help your app stand out.
Would your app offer a different experience than a mobile website? Responsive mobile websites are easier to create and maintain than an app. If an app doesn’t provide something new, it might not be worth the effort.
Benefits of a Business App
Business apps create new marketing opportunities and boost your customer’s experience. Here are some other benefits of an app.
Connects Customers With Your Business
A mobile app gives your customers access to a ton of information about your business at their fingertips. Customers can find the answers they need or get in touch with your business easier. Special features can encourage them to engage more with your brand and provide a better experience.
Provides Valuable Insights
Mobile apps often require users to sign in. So, your brand can gather data about your customers and track their habits. User behavior can help your business create buyer personas that guide marketing strategy.
Builds Loyalty
If you have a loyalty program or are thinking about launching one, an app is a great way to reward customers and get them involved. An app creates a space for your community of customers to interact with your business daily. Daily interaction allows your brand to build a stronger relationship with your customers.
Designing an App
App design requires not only technical knowledge but also knowledge of design and user experience. When designing, consider your customer’s needs and your end goal. A bug-free app with a good user experience design is essential to reap the benefits.
You want transitions between a customer using your app and other interactions with your brand to be seamless. Any disconnect between them can hurt your customer’s experience.
How Much Does App Development Cost?
If your business doesn’t have the proper knowledge to build a business app, outsourcing your app design is a cost-effective solution. Cost depends on where your app is developed, the coding language, and your features’ complexity. Mobile app development companies often have different plans and packages of services to choose from.
When picking an app developer, it’s important to work with a company that understands your vision. Always look at their portfolio to determine if their work matches your ideas.
Launch Your Business App
Customers today are more mobile than ever. A business app can help you leverage your customer’s everyday habits for your brand. With a unique experience to offer customers, a business app can help boost your brand and set you apart from the competition.
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