Before we get into the specifics of how a mobile app can benefit a business, let’s take a look at some data.
- There are 7 billion mobile users worldwide
- For internet users aged 16 to 64:
- 92% of the time someone is on their cell phone, they are on a mobile app, and only 8% they are on a web browser.
- 81% of them searched for a product/service online
- 77% of them purchased a product online, and 55% of them did it through their cell phone.
- 69% of them opened a shopping app on their mobile device
Responsive Ecommerce Website vs. Mobile App
According to the statistics above, an app accounts for 92% of time spent on mobile devices. While many businesses may struggle to choose between having a mobile app and having a responsive site, it is not a hard decision.
A responsive website is one that visitors may browse and navigate on their mobile devices without losing any functionalities compared to a desktop user. A mobile-friendly website is required, but a mobile app more advantages.
- A Mobile app is faster than a mobile responsive website
- A Mobile app is user friendly and easier to navigate
- Gain better insight about your long term customers and their behavior
Nowadays, most businesses have a responsive website. When compared to a mobile app, it is less expensive and easier to develop. However, a responsive website cannot be used in place of a mobile app.
The Benefits of Mobile App in Today’s Business Environment
Customer engagement
A well-designed mobile app is simpler to use and navigate than a website or web app. A mobile app condenses a plethora of helpful functionality onto a small screen that can be accessible and extended with a few simple taps. For example, assume you have an e-commerce site and want to create a mobile app for it. Customers can use the app to view, filter, save, provide/access comments, submit queries, buy, return, pay, track, contact customer service, and much more after installing it. To put it simply, a well-designed mobile app is more user-friendly and thus more engaging.
Increased Revenue
Brand Recognizability
A mobile app will raise brand awareness and present it to the digital world. Instead of investing in costly and traditional methods of brand promotion, such as billboards and tv commercials, small and medium-sized businesses can adopt technological methods of brand promotion, which are less expensive and more successful. There are many ways for your company to entice users to install your app on their phones. Many businesses provide discounts in exchange for the downloading of their mobile app. You can even provide your clients with more discount coupons if they get someone else to install your mobile app via a referral code.
After a user installs your mobile application, there are several ways to improve the value and consumer experience. Not only do you gain a larger consumer base, but you also have the potential to establish your company as a trustworthy brand. Customer satisfaction is what gives any firm a strong brand image.
Improved Customer Behavior Analysis
Allows for customer feedback and promotes transparency
Customer feedback from those who have received your services or goods is a crucial step in gaining new consumers and satisfying existing ones. After a customer conducts a commercial transaction with your organization, one of two things can happen: they can be satisfied with the product/service, or they can be unsatisfied with their experience. While the former situation would increase the legitimacy of your firm, the latter will allow you to correct any flaws.
In any case, a transparent business deal would take place. Many e-commerce enterprises that have mobile applications include features such as order monitoring, refund policies, and customer service support. These qualities enable transparency and ethical business practices, which encourage customers to engage with your firm and feel at peace when purchasing goods/services from it.
Increases Brand Loyalty by Providing Value to Customers
Every company wants its clients to stick with them and not switch to a competitor’s brand. Offering a membership or loyalty card that awards them points every time they buy something from the firm is an effective approach to retain clients. Most businesses, including KFC and Starbucks, use this strategy to retain clients.
With a mobile app, one may digitally add value to their clients by delivering rewards for each transaction they make. Customers will be encouraged to buy more because they will be able to redeem their rewards for free products at the end. And who does not like a free or heavily discounted product or service?
ROI
- Defined target audience, goals and expectations are a must
- Instead of focusing on customer growth, focus on customer satisfaction and retention
- When launching an app, start with a basic version
- To develop your mobile app, hire a trusted company with a track record of success
What Should You Think About Before Developing a Mobile App?
Consider the following questions before developing a mobile application for your company. What is the primary function of your app? What monetary and technological resources would be necessary to create a mobile app? What are your objectives for the mobile app?
Do not try to create a mobile app just because it is trendy and everyone else is. Consider the advantages you could gain from having a mobile app at your disposal. Having a mobile app at your disposal indeed opens a wealth of potential. It will allow you to better communicate with clients, raise brand awareness for your organization, and even simplify transaction processes and expand your reach. However, before investing, a corporation should think and plan.
