At this moment 52.7 percent of mobile users access web content through their devices. This figure will grow at a very high pace, at more than 5 percent per year, and in 2017, 62,3 percent of mobile users are expected to access different websites through their phone browsers.
But users don’t access the desired web content only through browsers. They also use mobile apps. Their popularity is also growing very fast, and up to June 2015, more than 100 billion of these programs was downloaded from app-stores.
With all these data in mind, companies add mobile app to their promotion spectrum have huge advantage when it comes to customer engagement. That’s why many small businesses are building their own apps, which is now easier than ever, with platforms that enable you to create prototypes (Balsamiq, Moqups, etc) or even the fully functional apps (Appy Pie).
In this article we will focus on promotional benefits that come with mobile apps.
Mobile Apps Make Company Content Visible All the Time
After reviewing statistics we mentioned above, it’s obvious that mobile internet usage will continue to grow. People don’t have time for long desktop browsing sessions, which makes those few hours people spend in commute, crucial for company promotion. Mobile app makes sure that customers can access all company offers and website content with just one click on their mobile desktop.
They Provide Value for Each Customer
Apps usually have a specific purpose. News apps, provide latest news and articles, booking apps enable users to book hotels, train or airplane tickets at any time, Facebook app provides direct access to user’s news and notification feed, etc.
Each mobile app should come with hacks make user’s life easier. App users value that, and if provided value is meaningful to them they will definitely download and use the app in the future, which will also boost company’s sales.
Mobile Apps Are Effective Branding Tools
Mobile apps boost branding process, especially if they come with useful and reliable hacks that help users with their everyday chores. App’s design is also an important issue when it comes to branding, which is why companies need to hire expert app designer, who will make it hip and stylish.
Most non-IT companies have problems with hiring staff from this branch, but they can easily find tips on how to hire right experts at not so high cost. Mobile apps increase brand’s effective frequency, which results in higher sales, because every time users unlock their phones, app’s icon shows on their screen.
Mobile App Makes Company More Competitive
This benefit is especially applicable to small businesses. Most small companies don’t have their own mobile apps. That’s why being the first player, who will follow the latest technology trends, says a lot (to both consumers and competitors) about innovative approach of company management. It also tells customers that all of their demands will be fulfilled with the use of latest tech.
Most Apps Introduce New Communication Channels
Mobile apps can be used as easy and reliable communication channels between company and its customers. They usually come with messaging options and enable customers to contact company experts in several clicks and free of charge, which is especially useful for customers that live abroad.
New communication channels are also useful for location based businesses. People used to call restaurants in order to reserve tables, and now they can do it directly from the app, free of charge. It’s like having your 24/7 support on your speed dial.
These are just some of the reasons to start building mobile app right away. Since app development technology is advancing at a maximum speed, we will soon be able to make our own mobile apps for free, in the same way we use content management systems like WordPress, for making websites.