Mobile applications, or apps for short, are the future for today's businesses. While many people associate apps for the iPhone, Blackberry, and Google Android devices as simply fun and games, the fact is that any business can create an app that generates customer interest, garners client loyalty, and positions your company as the industry leader.
Just how prevalent are apps? A recent New York Times article reports that nearly half (48 percent) of phone users shop for apps more than once a week. About the same number (49 percent) report using apps on their phone for more than 30 minutes a day. Additionally, people download an average of 23.6 applications to their phone and use an average of 6.8 apps every day. Clearly, the app trend is taking off, and smart businesses are claiming their share of this market niche by developing their own apps for both internal and external use.
Since most people's mobile devices are always connected, when you offer your customers a useful app, you're giving them the opportunity to access your services from anywhere or to simply build a bond with your brand. For example, a pizza delivery chain could offer an app that enables customers to order their pizza right from their phone. As part of this app there is location awareness technology so that the pizza comes right to their door without them having to type in an address. It also has the ability to save the customer's favorite menu items for easy ordering the next time. Additionally, the customer's credit card information is already pre-loaded, or they can put the charge to their cell phone bill. If you were the only pizza delivery company with this app available, you would definitely get a share of your competitors' loyal customers.
But apps don't have to be that complex. For example, a large retail store could have an app that gives a detailed map of the store aisles so customers can easily find what they're looking for. Or an amusement park can have a map of the park with estimated wait times on each ride clearly defined. You can make your app as simple or complex as you like so long as it's something that offers value to your customers.
Whether you've considered creating an app for your company or are just learning about this business development option, following are some points to keep in mind.
Your customers are always on the go.
Companies need to realize that their customers are busy and rely on their cell phone to stay connected with the world. In fact, most people consider their cell phone their most important tool and couldn't imagine life without it. So if you think your customers will naturally think of you in the midst of their hectic life, you need to think again. By not having an app that keeps your customers engaged, you are potentially losing market share to those companies that do offer apps. Any company, large or small, can develop and benefit from a customer-focused app.