If you are running a small business today and don’t have an app to promote your business, you need to address this now. Smartphone apps have become a way of life. 86% of the time cell phone users spend on their phone is in apps. A Gallup study indicates that nearly 3/4 of cell phone users check their phone at least once an hour. I think this is a low percentage based on my experience observing people and particularly 35-40 year olds. Phones are visible everywhere.
Therefore, mobile phone apps have become useful as a marketing tool. You can interact with your customers, promote good sentiments, build your brand, and show them that you are willing to build a relationship with them.
Where is your phone now? In your pocket or in your hand? Does your phone, like mine, have many different apps that you use for various reasons? If you want to prepare for the future, you should definitely get an app for your business.
So why do I say you should do this? It is my thought that you should be progressive. You must find new ways to provide more value to your customers. There are so many valuable ways an app promotes your business: loyalty and discount programs, messages (push notifications) about special offers, building your brand, selling online, accepting payments, etc.
Starbucks currently uses an app to reward customers with the app. Domino’s created an app for store delivery and pickup orders. I have a friend who liked Domino’s but hated the hassle of calling them. Now that they have an app, he told me that he has brand loyalty. 52% of online orders are created through an app. Domino’s has seen a 28% increase in six-month pre-tax profits in the UK alone. This is impressive.
You can use your app to investigate. Ask your customers, they are your friends. What do they really want from you in the future? This will help with product development and customer retention. You can collect feedback about your customers.
Find an app developer you trust. Once you accept a deposit, they work with you to design what you want in your application. Make sure you have a contract stating the deposit, total price, and time. The issue of time must be very clear. The contract should include a general description of the site being created: number of pages, specific pages, how many changes you will receive. If you don’t provide your developer with the required information, you won’t be able to produce your app in a timely manner. Set dates. Then move on.
