Web and Mobile App: Does Your Business Need It?

People are learning very quickly that pretty much everything is only one click away. Why? Because the Internet made it happen. Information is more accessible nowadays; people can apply to jobs and buy stuff online. Businesses are catching on to the trend, so now there is pretty much a website for everything. But having a website isn't enough for some companies, for example, online stores or communication platforms can serve their audience better through a web app or a mobile app instead of just a mobile version of their website.

There are countless apps in Google Play Store (for Android) and the App Store (for iOS). There seems to be an app for everything nowadays. Apps are popular with people because they offer convenience. Imagine how much easier it is to order food from fast-food chains using their app rather than going to a physical branch or through calls.

Influence of Mobile Apps and Web Apps in the Business Industry

As mentioned previously, apps make life much easier for their users. Apps like Udemy make it easier for people to access educational materials and courses. Shopping apps allow users to buy things in the comfort of their own homes. There are even apps for transportation, banking, deliveries, and many more. In essence, apps make it easier for service providers to offer their services via apps.

The popularity of apps makes it tempting for local businesses to develop an app of their own. It is one way of boosting business because it is a great way to gain traction with customers. But keep in mind that for an app to be considered as valuable to your company, it needs to have a substantial number of active users.

Reasons for Getting an App for Your Business

Businesses need more than just a physical store to thrive in their respective industries. They also have to build a strong online presence to ensure that they don't miss any opportunity of gaining new clients. But in the age of the modern digital environment-- having multiple channels and using them effectively is the key to making an impact on your existing clients and potential customers. However, to this day-- this is still a vital business challenge.

Mobile apps are one of the most powerful tools for attracting the target audience for businesses, which is why it sounds like an excellent investment for company owners, entrepreneurs and even startup businesses. Here are some of the reasons why a company would like an app for their business

1. Sales Growth

If you feel like your business is already dominating both the physical and virtual aspects of the industry, a mobile app is a new way to open up more opportunities for your business. An app allows you to have direct contact with all the users who have installed your app. A mobile app can send your audience promotions, discount notifications and push notifications or even provide them with mobile payment options that can motivate them to check out your services.

2. Building a Following or Customer Loyalty

Mobile and Web Apps can help you establish a stronger relationship with your customers since they bring your business closer to users. For starters, clients no longer have to go through the whole process of searching your website on their browser or manually typing your web address-- all they need to do is to tap on your app, and they are good to go.

If you combine the traffic that you get from your website and your application, then your company gets double the attention and possible business from potential clients.

3. Better Communication Channels

As mentioned previously, effectively using multiple channels is one of the keys to making a positive impact on your existing and potential customers. You can use Mobile apps for several marketing campaigns wherein you can expand your reach and develop trusting relationships with clients.

4. Optimisation of Business Processes

You can use mobile apps for other things other than for satisfying your customers' needs. You can also use an application to improve your employees' interactions within the team. An application can also play an essential role in effective monitoring, managing and automation of tasks in the business process. Improving your internal process through apps can translate to better services for your clients and better services get more sales opportunities.

5. More Source of Reliable Analytics

Web and Mobile Apps will give you additional data and useful information that you can further analyse for your strategies. For example, your apps can help you determine which products do well and which ones are not too popular. You can also identify which features and functions are most used and which ones need to go.

Does Your Business Need a Web or Mobile App?

Having an app for a business has many benefits, and if developed correctly, it is an excellent investment. There is little to no doubt that mobile apps are useful and convenient for both users and business owners if done right. The real question here is if YOUR business (specifically) needs a mobile app.

Before you decide about what type of app to create for your business, here are some things you need to ask yourself:

1. Does you have a website and is it optimised for mobile?

First things first, do you have a website? If you do, check its performance on mobile devices. Responsive web design helps improve user experience on mobile devices and other platforms. If you don't have a mobile website yet, then you want to focus on creating a responsive website first before even thinking about developing a mobile app.

2. Are your competitors using mobile apps for their businesses?

Analysing your competitors should always be a part of your strategy. Determine what they have been doing and what is working for them so far. Now, before you decide to develop an app for your own business, check if your competitors currently offer an app? Check details like number of downloads and user reviews. This information gives you an insight into the consumers' reaction to the app.

If the competitor's app is well-received by the consumers, then you are missing out on some action. Conversely, if the app doesn't seem like it is doing well, then it may not be a good idea to get one for your business. Or you can see this as an opportunity to create a better mobile app with unique features and improved functionality.

3. Can your app solve a customer problem?

Is your app a solution FOR a problem or is it a solution LOOKING FOR a problem? If your idea of an app does not offer any additional functionality or convenience compared to your mobile-optimised website, then there is no point in developing it at all.

If you want an app for your business, then think of a customer problem that you want to solve and build your app based on that. For instance, banking applications address the issues that clients have with finding a parking space and falling in line. Don't create an app for the sake of having an app; instead, aim to solve an existing problem for your clients.

4. Does your business rely on repeat customers?

Some businesses require their clients to input information for every transaction. This step in the process is cumbersome, mainly if your business relies on repeat customers. This problem is present in e-commerce stores or food delivery services. If your business relies on repeat customers, then an app can help you eliminate the tedious step of entering information every time they need your products or services.

5. Do you have any special offers for loyal customers?

Businesses like coffee shops and department stores often offer customer loyalty programs. This program usually involves loyalty cards or collecting stickers. If your company has a customer loyalty program, then an app will make it easy for you to reward customers with discounts, coupons, and other incentives targeted specifically for loyal clients.

6. Do you need an app that uses the functionality of mobile devices?

There are functions offered by mobile devices like the camera or the accelerometer that a website cannot replicate or match. Fitness applications are good examples of apps that use both these mobile features. If your business needs these features for your clients, then an app is definitely an excellent product to offer.

The Bottomline

If you answer yes to one or all of these questions, then your consideration for a mobile app is justified. An application is a great investment for your company, especially if you are creating it for the right reasons. You just need to focus on how your app will benefit your customers and your dedication to their satisfaction will pay off.