Small businesses have learned that to stay competitive, they must be mobile. However, is being mobile only about having a mobile-friendly website? The answer is NO. Small businesses must find ways to connect with on-the-go customers easily. One of the best ways to do this is through a mobile app. If you are assuming that mobile apps are exclusively for big name brands, you are wrong. Most businesses are shifting their online activity to mobile.

Almost three-quarters of Americans check their mobile phones at least once per hour – Gallup survey. The increase in smartphone usage implies that mobile apps have become an important marketing tool for businesses of all sizes. Mobile apps offer you an easier and better way to communicate with your customers. Here are a few reasons why you should consider developing a mobile app for your business.

Build A Stronger Brand

As mentioned above, we use our mobile phones for several hours in a day. In addition to this, science has shown that the human brain can unconsciously record images. What does this mean? It means that each time we are swiping and scrolling on our phones, we can’t ignore the mobile apps installed on our phones – their images will quickly be registered in our subconscious. As a business, being creative with your app and making it visually appealing will make mobile users want to engage with your app. If they find your app fun and easy to understand, they will ultimately invest in your products and services.

Customer Loyalty

Customer loyalty is perhaps the most significant reason as to why you need to consider creating your own mobile app. The competition is pretty stiff and with the high number of advertisements out there – website banners, coupons, social media ads, flyers, and email marketing – a business can slowly lose its impact on customers. However, through your mobile app, you can maintain an intimate connection with your clients. The connection allows you to act on their grievances and in the process making them loyal to your company.

Communication

Whether it is general information, prices, bookings, or news, that you want to pass to your customers, a mobile app serves different functions. You can remind your customers about your existing products and inform them about new ones. Just ensure that you choose the best time to push the information to them. Through your app’s messaging feature, your customers get the chance to contact you at any time, without having to wait to contact you during office hours. This will eventually reduce costs, increase efficiency, grow sales and build your brand’s image.

Competitive Advantage

Mobile apps are still relatively new at the small business level. Their unpopularity is even made worse by the belief that they are only meant for big brand names. This is your chance to stand from the crowd – be the first in your market sector to offer a mobile app.

Predictive Analysis

The importance of mobile apps as data collection tools can’t be overstated. A mobile app provides you with a medium through which you can interact with your customers and know their tastes with regards to goods and services. You can then use this information to manufacture more products or heighten the awareness campaigns for slow-selling products.

Though developing and maintaining a mobile app is expensive and may take a heavy toll on your time and money, the returns are good. Small businesses find the task of managing their business apps too demanding. However, this shouldn’t be a problem; there are firms that can take the burden away. For instance, small business owners can shift their attention to other vital business matters as their apps are being maintained professionally. Overall, business mobile apps can make a huge difference for your business. This is definitely something that is well worth looking into.

Author:

Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max. Kara recommends looking into http://www.ottawa-it-services.ca/ as a great resource to help you utilize business technology to its fullest potential.