Why Is Having A Smartphone App Absolutely Necessary For Most Companies Today?

By  //  June 4, 2021

The smartphone is a massive part of our lives, so it only makes sense that a smartphone app would be an enormous part of our lives. Today, many smartphone apps aren’t just websites with pictures and text, either.

They’re complex computer programs that offer various unique features and functions, including the ability to send messages, make calls, record videos, run games, take pictures, read and post news articles, browse social networking websites, and more. It is, therefore, more important than ever for companies to develop an app for their business.

Engage Customers

There are many ways a mobile app can engage your customers and keep them coming back for more. You could build the app to bring customers back again and again. You could make an app to allow customers to browse the store, order or pick up items automatically, or pay you with a card.

There are many ways to engage your customers and make them happy; look at Facebook’s success in keeping people inside their app. Essentially, whatever your business provides, by investing in your web and mobile development, you will discover that your customers will begin staying in the environment of your choice for longer.

Obviously, it depends on how good your app is and what it offers, but if you can give them a reason to stay around, the app will enhance that. Moreover, because an app is tied in closely with their device, you can send updates that are perceived as less invasive than other forms and keep them coming back to your service.

A Direct & Personalized Channel

In a world where consumers want to be individuals rather than mere cogs that allow a company to move forward, personalized communication is vital. An app is an excellent tool in this regard as it will collect usage data and turn it into something usable for your brand to speak more intimately to your customers. You might be a furniture store that has developed an app that lets customers see how a piece of furniture looks in a specific location using augmented reality.

The app will silently collect data about color preferences, sizes, style, and more, then create an avatar of the user. This furniture company could then choose to use the data to send personalized messages about new products they might be interested in. This will not only make the customer feel listened to but can also boost turnover.

Improve Revenue

As in the example of the furniture shop previously, you can see how an app could boost revenue. However, there are other ways in which you can increase income with the use of an app. Suppose you are a company that sells content rather than physical products. In that case, you could utilize advertising or even an option where a consumer can pay a monthly fee to turn off advertising. Another aspect could be to create a game or gamify a process whereby you can gather valuable data about their interactions. You will be able to use this data to provide more relevant information and increase the odds of converting a potential customer.

Gather Consumer Insights

Following on from the previous point about user data, an app is a fantastic method for businesses to collect user insights and then attempt to capitalize on them. This might not be immediately obvious in terms of revenue, but it could mean redesigning a product line or overhauling the way your company communicates its brand. Using the insights that an app can provide, you can A/B test almost every aspect of your business. By constantly experimenting based on real-world data, you will hone your brand into a valuable commodity.

Promote Brand Awareness

To put it simply, the more that a customer is exposed to your brand, the more likely it is that they will buy something. This is why you see adverts for Coca-Cola and Mcdonald’s even though you would have thought everyone knows what they are. By saturating the consumer’s minds, it creates a situation where they become more connected to it. This is the same effect that an application can have. By making your app the go-to app for whatever you provide, you will lock in customers and create a situation where they will recommend you to others.

Develop Brand Loyalty

Discounts and special offers are the mainstay of most brands to develop loyalty. This becomes far easier when you have your own platform to promote these things. For example, if you are a local restaurant, you could set up an in-app loyalty program whereby customers can get a discount depending on the number of times they visit.

You can promote this on-premises and offer an easy method to download the app using a QR code. You could even incentivize them to download it by initially offering a free drink or something similar. The point is that once they have the app, you can commence sending notifications about special offers, constantly reminding them that they have “3 more meals before a free meal,” for example.

Providing Customer Service And Support

Customer satisfaction influences up to 70% of transactions. Therefore a company must ensure the happiness of its patrons. An app can be the conduit that allows them to get feedback or assistance when needed instantly. If you can provide a prompt and helpful response, you will ensure that your customer will return for more. With applications fast becoming the go-to resource for brand/ customer interaction, you will be left behind if you don’t participate.

Maintain Competitiveness

There is one device that almost everyone in the world carries with them regularly, the smartphone. Furthermore, it has become a critical item, often replacing the need to take keys, money, and other previously required items around. Therefore, if your business decides against having an app developed, you will rapidly become left behind as your competitor’s race ahead of you. Even if your company provides a better product and service, it would be for nothing if the end-user cannot find you.

Developing a smartphone application is becoming a must-do thing for most companies. This is because they can boost revenue, increase customer satisfaction and simply raise brand awareness. It is almost at the stage where it has moved from a luxury to a necessity.