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.