Communication | Sigma 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These days, mobile phones that merely allow users to send text messages and make calls are almost as outdated as cassette players.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.

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.