This post is contributed by Jason Dirkham
It is a common misconception that only big brands need an app and can benefit from having one. It is however incredibly beneficial for any type of business, bad if you aren’t so sure, let us convince you.
You are Visible All the Time
We all know that at least half of us spend a few hours glued to our phone screens every single day. If people download your app, even if they don’t always use it- it will still be on the phone as you scroll through. If you are clever with your design and make sure to make your app logo as bright as possible- people will unconsciously remember your brand as they scroll through their phones and retain your information for when they need it.
It’s Direct Marketing
Unlike social media which is a form of marketing which discreetly puts your name out in front of the world- apps are a form of direct marketing which allow you to send all of the information you possibly want directly to your clients. This can include news updates, products and prices, promotions and loads more. It means that you can put everything in one easy to see plac for your customers and pull them in even further with your brand.
Users
Rather than having a loyalty card like many retailers do, you could switch things up and have the ability for your customers to earn points directly from an app to earn offers and rewards. With application monitoring tools you will be able to see which rewards are the most popular and add those to the app to draw more users in. Using a QR code on the app which people can scan in store will ensure they want to download your application to receive offers.
Brand Recognition
One of the main benefits for your company having an app is that you will gain a lot of brand awareness which you wouldn’t have before. First of all, think of your app like an advertisement. What you would normally display on the side of a bus or on a billboard can be compiled into one easy to access application. You will need to work to create an app which your users love, as well as branding yourself to the market. The more customers you can get involved in the workings of your app, the better your chances of gaining regular customers in the real world. Once a customer fully recognizes your brand and trusts it you will see an increase in sales.
Customer Engagement
The great thing about alps is that they are easily accessible at all times. This means that no matter what your business is and where you are based; your customers will always be able to access your content. People like applications because they can log on anywhere and anytime and browse at whatever they want. A good feature to have is a helpdesk which customers can access if they have any issues when on your application. The fact that you are willing to provide help when needed can greatly increase your customer engagement. Also, not everyone likes to communicate by phone so having the option to message your issues can make a lot more people engage with your app.
Stand Out
Your presence online is one of the biggest driving factors for people noticing your brand and choosing you over your competitors. If you can beat your competition to making an app, you will stand much more of a chance of being successful in your business than them. You’ll stand out and people will choose your instinctively. People will see you as being more professional immediately just by the presence of a mobile app. This can instil trust with your customers and in turn you will gain more people visiting you and downloading the app instead of your competitors.
Loyal Customers
The biggest benefit of a mobile app is that you will retain much more loyal customers than without one. Rather than spamming customers with billboards, emails, phone calls, texts and social media promotions: you are forming a tangible and real bone with your audience. This is greatly appreciated by your customer base and because of this they will choose to shop with you rather than anyone else. If you can build an app which works well and provides simple navigation and clear answers: you will automatically gain a lot more people than you had before, and they will stay and shop again and again.
