The world abroad in business seems to be strewn with a litany of apps; ranging across what one might assume to be every need. You yourself might have been told that you also would benefit from one, or that every business needs one. But just how true are those statements? It’s a tricky one to answer yourself: so we thought we might lend a hand.
It is undeniable that the prevalence and usage of mobile devices has sky-rocketed in recent years. Of course this is likely the first thought that springs to mind at the consideration. But it’s about more than just the isolated opportunity of the market, you need to consider a little more than that i.e. does your business lend itself well to an app? Or do your customers need/expect one?
These are some of the things we hope to clear up for you: whether you would benefit from an app as you and your business are now, what the benefits of having an app are, and what direct and discernable questions you yourself can ask to determine whether you are currently able to reap those benefits.
The Benefits Businesses Reap Through Apps
When utilised correctly apps can provide a large swath of benefits to a business that employs them. Through offering their customers the convenience and elevated experience of an app, and all the targeted interactions they entail, they can both drive and amplify loyalty and engagement.
Apps themselves offer an opportunity beyond websites: they can offer a direct line between the business and customer for marketing. They permit notifications that can be seen instantly, which circumvents the established method of hoping the customer accesses their email and reads them. There are also aspects that enhance the customers experience with the business.
Some of these aspects include responsive and more comprehensive access to services such as booking, a loyalty or points system which the customer can take advantage of, or even offers and deals that they might capitalise on. These will drive not only the inherent loyalty and trust of the customer, but also their engagement with the brand and business.
Might These be Useful for Your Business?
That’s a question that we can’t exactly answer here; so we will provide the questions that will draw you to the answer:
- First: is there an instance of your business that would directly benefit from direct access by the customer? This might be booking/scheduling appointments, offering streamlined online purchases, pushing product or business notifications, loyalty plans or notifying of offers.
- Second: would your customers want an app? You have to consider whether your customers would receive a notable increase in quality of service from your providing them an app. Would an app you commission/create provide substantive incentive to use it; incentive enough to switch from your current points of contact.
- Third: is the development and maintenance of an app in your budget? These aspects are not inexpensive, and are very important to consider. You will have to weigh up the cost to potential profits if you have the funds, and if you don’t then you will have to consider how important the app is for your business. And thus whether saving for one is a good allocation of funds.
- Fourth: can you convince your customers to transition over to using the app? It’s all well and good having an exceptional app for your business, but what good is it if you cannot get your customers to use it. This is where you might consider a marketing campaign with such things as exclusive promotions, offers, or deals; amplifying the ease of access and use your new app provides, etc. etc..
Answering these honestly will help determine if the timing and potential ROI of building an app align with your current business strategy.
App or Website: Which to Choose? Which Comes First?
A question stemming from misunderstanding I often come across I have chosen to include in the header for this section: “App OR website”. Many times I see this query presented as an either-or, but that’s a misconception in and of itself. The final question in the header is the correct way to think about it; not “which should I have?”, but “which comes first?”.
The answer to that is almost always a website; a high-performing and well made one at that. This is the foundation of your business’ digital presence. The congregating hub in the online space. Apps are but an extension of your digital presence; they come subsequently, and when your customers would benefit from more regular and frictionless interaction with the business.
Consider, if you will, that a website serves as a brochure for an amusement park. It draws people in, informs them where everything is, and how to get there. Now an app might be considered the wristband for a regular visitor: they go frequently and don’t need the map or guide, so quickly get in and go where they require. Any successful amusement park would not solely cater to those who have already been, and so you shouldn’t with solely an app.
What it is That Comprises a Great App
An app that succeeds, or drives success for its business, has and is built on a selection of specific criteria. This criteria is what we consider to be essential, and incorporate it into our own development methods. These I will go into here and share with you to help you better understand what makes a great app great.
We first start with the reason: what is the reason for this app? What is this app going to afford your customers? Having these clear objectives, and solutions to problems your customers are facing, is imperative to have a targeted app that appeals to users of your points of contact.
Once we have the central point of purpose we then build outward: incorporating universally understood design practices i.e. user-friendliness and intuitive design. This of course takes into account budget which will also influence future updates, security, and feature enhancements down the line.
An essential component is also integration with what your business does: bookings, payments, etc.. And all the while this is adamantly advised to be done in tandem with a team specialising in strategy, design, and of course development.
Having a specialist team may on the surface seem less cost-efficient initially; it is through this team however that efficiency in time, and subsequent success is heightened in likelihood.
So, Is Your Business Ready for an App?
Again, that is for you to answer; though hopefully you will have a better time doing so now armed with the information included here. You also have a number of questions in your repertoire that will allow you to more accurately deduce your answer. And what it is that comprises a great app, with the hopes you might apply this knowledge if you find yourself ready.
So, whilst it is true that an app can provide and deliver significant value – especially when aligned with both your business goals and customers requirements, YOU need to weigh it up. Of course if you are still unsure, or even if you are sure feel free to reach out to us. There is much we have to offer, whether or not you have made up your mind.
It is the vogue of the now. The fashion everyone wants, though not everyone is the walk-way model it was displayed on. That’s not to say you can’t be. There is much to offer and much to be reaped from the field of mobile apps, and we hope that you will utilise our skills and expertise is doing so. And if not, we at QuantumPixel thank you for – at least in part – joining us on bringing bespoke quality to the digital space.