What are the advantages of mobile apps for business? If you’ve ever wondered: Does my business need a mobile app? You are in the right place. Developing a mobile app for your business is a serious undertaking, so you need to understand the importance of a mobile app for business and the benefits of using it in your business.
With 2024 upon us, mobile apps have become an indispensable tool for businesses to thrive. The advantages of mobile apps for businesses in 2024 are vast and promising, from strengthening customer relations to increasing sales and brand building. If you’re wondering how to harness the power of mobile apps for your business, you’re in the right place. This guide will provide you with actionable advice, real-life examples, and expert insights to help you make the most of mobile apps and stay competitive in 2024!
Does my business need a mobile app?
In 2019, more than a third of the human population on Earth had a mobile smart device such as an Android phone, iPhone, or iPad. These statistics represent a way of communicating with new customers that was unimaginable a decade ago.
In the UK alone, 78% of adults use mobile and smart devices to access the internet. In 2017, a mobile device was the most popular way for adults to access the internet (73%). Only 43% of users use a “traditional” desktop or laptop computer to access the internet, and the mobile app market is growing and growing as more and more people turn a computer or laptop into a mobile smart every year device.
Developing a mobile app for business can provide valuable marketing opportunities and help you reach your target audience, as well as many other benefits that can help you stand out from your competition.
Advantages Of Mobile Apps For Business In 2024
1. Strengthen Customer Relations
In the digital age, maintaining strong customer relations is vital for businesses. Mobile apps allow you to engage with your customers effectively. Here’s how:
- Personalized Customer Experience: Mobile apps can collect valuable customer data and use it to personalize the user experience. For example, a retail app can recommend products based on the user’s browsing history.
- In-App Support and Feedback: Apps enable customers to reach out for support or provide feedback conveniently, fostering a sense of being heard and valued.
Real-Life Example: Starbucks uses its mobile app to enhance customer relations. Customers can order, pay, and collect loyalty rewards through the app. It also offers personalized promotions, making customers feel special.
2. Boost Brand Building
Building a strong brand presence is key to business success. Mobile apps offer unique opportunities for brand building:
- Consistent Branding: Apps allow you to maintain a consistent brand image, from the logo to the color scheme and messaging.
- Direct Communication: Push notifications keep your brand in front of your audience, ensuring they don’t forget about your business.
Real-Life Example: Nike’s app is a prime example of successful brand building. It showcases the latest products, and fitness tips, and even offers exclusive access to new releases. This strengthens the Nike brand and keeps customers engaged.
3. Increase Sales
One of the primary advantages of mobile apps is their potential to boost sales:
- Convenient Shopping: Mobile apps provide a seamless shopping experience. Customers can browse and purchase products with just a few taps, increasing the likelihood of making a purchase.
- Special Promotions: You can send exclusive offers and discounts through your app, enticing customers to make more purchases.
Real-Life Example: Amazon’s app is a sales powerhouse. It offers features like one-click ordering and personalized product recommendations, making it incredibly convenient for users to shop and, in turn, boosting sales.
4. Improve Customer Loyalty
Mobile apps can significantly enhance customer loyalty. Here’s how:
- Loyalty Programs: Implementing loyalty programs within your app encourages customers to return and make repeat purchases.
- Rewards and Gamification: By rewarding customers for their engagement with your app, you can turn shopping into an interactive and enjoyable experience.
Real-Life Example: The Starbucks Rewards program, integrated into their mobile app, keeps customers coming back for more. With every purchase, customers earn stars that lead to free drinks and food items.
5. 24/7 Access to Your Business
In 2024, consumers expect businesses to be accessible around the clock. Mobile apps can fulfill this expectation:
- Always On: Your app is available 24/7, allowing customers to engage with your business at their convenience.
- Global Reach: Your app can reach a global audience, breaking down geographical barriers.
Real-Life Example: The banking sector has embraced mobile apps, providing customers with constant access to their accounts. Whether it’s checking balances, transferring funds, or paying bills, customers appreciate the convenience of 24/7 access.
Why your business needs an app to overtake competitors
You are probably currently in contact with your customers online. Maybe you have a simple website or you offer your customers a service (for example a webshop, a booking system, a product configurator, etc.) via a web portal. For example, a new mobile payment app we developed for a utility company showed that after a year of use, more than 60% of customers would rather use a mobile app to pay than a website optimized for mobile devices. This number indicates a consumer preference for online interaction.
1. To create a barrier to entry
If you deliver your product or service to your customers via an iOS (iPhone/iPad) or Android app, every new disruptive start-up that penetrates your market has to make the same effort. This raises the barrier to entry and secures your competitive position in the market.
2. Offers Unique Services
A mobile app for your business gives you the power to deliver your services in new and more competitive ways. For example, we developed a product finder app (Android and iOS) for one of our worldwide PLC customers. This app allows users to quickly scan a competitor’s products and find one of their alternative products that match the specifications of the product being scanned. This app feature allows our customers to pull their business from their competitors with very little effort and immediately question their pricing and product quality.
3. Provide customers with a truly mobile experience
Also in this area, your app can give you a competitive advantage (literally in the case of our customer AuthenticateIS). Your app works when your customers are on the move, even in areas where internet connectivity isn’t available. AuthenticateIS has a market-leading web portal for supermarket chain certification, but there is an increasing demand for a more mobile experience for users.
Your users wanted to enter information directly into their system while in rural areas with no internet connection. A mobile app could extend its service and bring this new value to its customers, giving it another competitive advantage. The user experience is probably the primary goal when creating a business mobile app that connects your business with customers easily and with minimal effort.
How do I make an app for my business?
It follows that if you want to expand your customer base in the modern world, you need to seriously think about how business mobile apps can improve your interaction with your customers. They love the convenience, the familiar and easy app-like experience, and your company logo displayed on the home screen of their mobile device! To learn more about creating a mobile app, check out our dedicated blog post on this topic.
Keep your goals and target audience in mind
While there are many cultural differences, many different points of view, and approaches worldwide, mobile devices seem to be universal. Steve Jobs told how he saw a child in India who had never seen a computer use an iPad immediately and intuitively. We see the same effect with our customers with the mobile apps we develop for them. Apps are available in more than 30 countries around the world and are translated into a similar number of languages.
IOS vs Android Development
One area where there are some regional differences is the use of Android and Apple devices. In the UK, for example, 53% of smart devices used are Android and 46% iOS. The global average is 86.1% Android and 13.9% iOS. The US is dominated by Apple, with 64% of all devices being iPhones or iPads. Developing countries have a much higher percentage of Android devices due to their lower cost. In general, most of our customers build both iOS and Android apps, but your customer profile may indicate that you can prioritize one platform over the other.
How To Harness The Advantages Of Mobile Apps
Now that we’ve explored the advantages, let’s dive into how you can harness these benefits for your business in 2024:
1. Identify Your Target Audience
Understanding your target audience is crucial. Conduct market research to determine their preferences, needs, and pain points. This information will guide the features and functionality of your app.
2. User-Friendly Design
Invest in an intuitive and user-friendly design. Ensure that your app is easy to navigate and visually appealing. A cluttered or confusing interface can drive users away.
3. Personalization Is Key
Leverage user data to offer personalized experiences. This could include product recommendations, personalized offers, and content tailored to individual preferences.
4. Regular Updates and Maintenance
Stay proactive by providing regular updates and maintaining the app’s functionality. Fixing bugs promptly and adding new features keeps users engaged.
5. Security and Data Protection
Security is paramount. Protect user data and ensure secure transactions. A breach of trust can be detrimental to your brand.
6. Marketing and Promotion
Promote your app through various channels, including social media, email marketing, and partnerships. Offer incentives for users to download and engage with your app.
FAQs
Are mobile apps only for large businesses?
No, mobile apps can benefit businesses of all sizes. They offer unique advantages like customer engagement and brand building, which are vital for growth.
How can I measure the success of my mobile app?
Key performance indicators (KPIs) like user engagement, retention rates, and conversion rates can help you measure the success of your app.
Is it necessary to have a mobile app and a website?
While having a website is essential, a mobile app can enhance the user experience and provide unique features that websites might lack.
Conclusion
As we enter 2024, the advantages of mobile apps for businesses are more significant than ever. They offer a multitude of benefits, from strengthening customer relations and boosting sales to improving brand building and customer loyalty. By harnessing these advantages and following the actionable advice provided in this guide, you can propel your business to new heights. Remember, mobile apps are not just a trend; they’re a necessity for staying competitive in the digital age. So, take action today and seize the opportunities that mobile apps offer to businesses in 2024!
Now, it’s time for you to take the next step and explore how a mobile app can benefit your business in 2024. Don’t wait – get ahead of the competition and leverage the power of mobile apps for your success!