A mobile app is one marketing tool that businesses can use to stay connected to their customers on the devices they use the most. Developing an app is expensive and is not for all companies; however, the single biggest reason in support of developing an app is its ability to increase customer loyalty. Having said that, you can’t just download a template and text it to your clients. Consumers today want a fully customized solution to interact with their favorite businesses. Here are a few must have’s to keep in mind:
Design the Mobile App With the Purpose In Mind
As mentioned, the main purpose of the app is typically to increase customer engagement and drive up loyalty / retention. Therefore, ensure that there is an actual retention strategy built into the app such as loyalty points or personalized recommendations to name two possible methods.
Design Something in Demand and Unique
First, you want to be sure your app is meeting an essential need for a wide array of small business owners. Your mobile app will need to be unique to appeal to your customers. Even if you offer the same functionality as other businesses, such as shopping online or scheduling appointments, look for ways to make your app stand out. For example, customers might get points each time they log into the app.
Work with Professionals
When you want the best for your customers, you want to ensure that your app was designed by a professional. This doesn’t mean that you have to spend your entire marketing or technology budget. You can hire an experienced app developer through a freelance job board. This way, you can pick and choose the skill set and expertise you desire most. You also have an opportunity to view portfolios to ensure you are finding a developer whose style matches your vision.
Ensure Your Mobile App is Fast and Responsive
If you’ve ever downloaded an app that slowed down your phone, you know the annoyance of a badly developed application. Your development team should also have the experience to ensure a seamless download and to add in features that speed up their access to you. Click-to-call is one example. According to ringDNA, this is a technology that allows users to contact you with the click of a single button. This might be a phone call or text. It eliminates the need to look up your contact information and then manually enter it into their phone.
Protect your Customers’ Data
If your customers are going to be sharing personal information, it’s essential that you take steps to protect their data. Proper cyber security data protection should incorporate a multi-layered approach which should include training employees on how to identify threats, using antivirus software, ensuring your software is up-to-date, and performing regular backups.
Offer More Than Basic Information
Your mobile app should also offer the same information as your website — or ideally, more. Users might like access to a special blog or other component, depending on the type of business you run. An example here would be a hair salon offering a special feature within its app that allows users to try different hairstyles before their appointment.
Pay Attention to Details
Attention to detail is important in all aspects of your business, and your mobile app is no exception. Make a point to ensure the entire experience is catered to your customer by paying attention to details. Create a splash screen that engages your users while they wait for content to download. You also want to make sure that the colors and typeface that you choose work well together on phones, both large and small.
A Few Of The Best Apps:
Facebook Messenger
Facebook’s messaging app was an ingenious release since most people were already on the social media site. And you don’t have to have a Facebook profile to use it. It allows users to send messages and see, in real-time, when they’ve been read.
Google Translate
With more than 100 languages available, Google Translate can help you communicate virtually anywhere in the world. What also makes it attractive is that it works with more than 50 languages, even when you are not connected to the internet.
Clue
Clue is an example of an app that’s perfectly catered to its clientele: women. It helps those with unpredictable menstrual cycles map out when their next period will be, which is exponentially handy when trying to get pregnant. It’s also not over-the-top pink like one might expect from a service that targets women.
Your mobile application is an extension of your business. You should treat it with the same attention to detail that you would any other aspect of your professional endeavors. From hiring a developer that can make your vision a reality to ensuring that your users have a fast and reliable experience, the work you put into your digital tools and services will provide a return in happy customers.
AngelytiX Consulting does not develop apps ourselves, but we do have trusted partners that we would be happy to refer you to based on your needs, so feel free to reach out and we would be more than happy to help you with the decision as well as with any other needs you might have in developing a strategic roadmap for success. You can schedule a call with us here.
Best of luck!