A Brief Look at the Popularity of Mobile Apps

These days, mobile phones that merely allow users to send text messages and make calls are almost as outdated as cassette players. Today’s mobile phone users employ applications like e-mail browsers and maps as much as they send text messages or make calls. Mobile apps are so popular that they turn in huge numbers for mobile application developers; according to data by a research group, a total of 45 billion mobile applications were downloaded for 2012.

There are virtually no surprises in the list of the most used smart phone apps in the world, as it includes the usual suspects such as Google Maps, Facebook, and Youtube. Instant messaging apps like Skype and Facebook Messenger are also major players in this department. A surprise will be the relatively new app Instagram, where people can share photos with friends and family and even have the chance to get their own followers.

Businesses can take a cue from the popularity of these mobile apps and have experienced mobile app developers create apps for them to better serve their customers. These apps can have various features like shopping cart integration so they can order products while on the go. If they are satisfied with the products they’ve ordered, the app can also have a feature so they can easily tell their friends and family about them.

On the Benefits Provided by Mobile Apps

The use of the Internet has climbed in recent years while the advent of the smartphone and other mobile devices has propelled it’s popularity to even greater heights. As businesses recognize this trend, mobile apps are fast becoming a favored platform through which a company attempts to grow its business. While mobile apps are relatively inexpensive to create and develop, their benefits can be far-reaching, making them a cost-effective means of promoting a business.

Mobile apps may be used to advertise a business, as well as the business’ new products or services. Many users are enticed to download an app for free, giving the app owners a chance to reach out to these users on a regular basis. The apps may be used by companies to advertise promotions and special offers, which can then lead to new businesses and new customers. Apps also allow companies to offer better service to their customers. Some apps are designed to give a customer quick access to new information about a transaction or to highlight upcoming events.

While many apps are used to promote a business, others are created to generate a profit. These apps may be downloaded by users for a price, as the apps themselves perform a kind of service for the user. An example of such an app is the iHeadache which has been developed to give the user information about the type of headache they may be suffering from and its possible remedies.

Does Your Business Need a Mobile App?

Does your business need a mobile app? Let the following information convince you of its relevance.

First of all, the number of people who own smart phones is going to increase exponentially. Experts predict that with the current rates of people switching from conventional and feature mobile phones to smart phones, it’ll only take a few years before most mobile phone users will be equipped with at least one smart phone.

Second, even though laptops and tablets are portable, and many people bring them to work or on the road for business trips, people are more likely to use their smart phones than their laptops and tablets. Computers such as laptops and desktops, whose primary users are dwindling in numbers, are more or less dedicated for serious work. On the other hand, gadgets such as smart phones are used for recreation more regularly, and many users like to download and explore apps in their free time.

For businesses, the explosion in app usage is a veritable gold mine. Having your own mobile app, which users can easily download from your mobile site, will make it easier for your customers to navigate their way through the different products, services, and special promotions on offer. Creating mobile apps can increase your business’s online visibility and boost sales.

Key Elements of Mobile App Development

In early 2012, Google collaborated with global research firm IPSOS to gather data on smartphone usage in New Zealand. The study revealed that 59 percent of smartphone users access the Internet at least once a day, and that 66 percent of smartphone users have researched products or services through their mobile devices. The last item is of particular interest to business owners who have yet to develop a mobile-friendly websites or smartphone apps that can attract potential customers.

For businesses that sell products online, easy-to-use shopping cart and online payment options are must-haves. With these nifty online shopping features integrated to your mobile-optimized website, you can cater to busy people who have no time to drop by at a brick-and-mortar store to get what they need. Pretty soon, you’ll see more orders coming in.

Along with integrated online shopping functions, you must also display an updated price list of your items so buyers can compare and make the right purchase decisions. To maximize your return on investment, you’ll want to integrate social media components to your mobile app or website so that customers can recommend products they like to their friends. This way, you can generate positive word-of-mouth and maybe even convince casual site visitors to buy your products.