Few decades back when the computer came, most of the organizations branded themselves as we are ‘computerized’, now everybody, even newly born startups, is on the mission of becoming ‘mobilized’. Interestingly, most of the startups are app-only, while a few startups are balancing between both website and app. Apps are no longer considered simply a “branding exercise” for small businesses. Today an every business owner is a well aware of the transformational benefits that mobile apps can bring. From simplifying online purchases to providing easy-to-access information, all sorts of businesses are embracing mobile apps to engage customers and enhance brand loyalty.
Why small businesses must develop apps?
In previous years, the increasing cost of mobile app developers kept business owners away from the mobile app development. But the recent growth of software development kits has made mobile app development affordable than ever. As it streamlines the app development process, today app developers are well capable to develop quality apps at affordable cost. The affordability and speed to market facility has encouraged thousands of small businesses to develop apps in a hurry.
Like proverb “those who are visible always are preferred when required”, today people show interest in businesses who have visibility, i.e. branding. So not just brands, even every startup is trying to be close to customers. If you are expecting the same, it is your time to develop your own app. Businesses which have ability to be available and show data for their customers even offline can have higher potential in closing sales over who lose the prospect to competitors.
How are startups benefiting from apps?
A survey reveals that 62 percent of the businesses have already have their mobile apps or are in the development process. Of those, 30 percent use the apps for revenue generation, 50 percent use the apps for customer support and engagement, and the remaining 20 percent use it just for branding. On an average, people spend 174 minutes on mobile devices every day. Mobile sales reached around $74 billion in 2015 that was 32 percent hike from 2014.
Today mobile apps are not just for commerce businesses such as who sell consumer goods online. Apps can be used for any purpose, such as providing information, teaching, and showing videos. With push notification system, you can put your brand name directly on your customers’ device.
You no need a direct sales purpose to develop an app. For example, if you’re a pet food supplier, you can develop an app that allows people to upload the best comical photographs of their pets to win a voucher. Later you can encourage them to purchase products that you have.
What types of small businesses are preferring apps?
According to an analysis in 2015, around 40,402 apps created, businesses such as restaurants and gyms had the highest percentage, followed by golf courses, hotels, politicians and plumbers. Why these businesses showed an ultimate interest to develop apps? When asked, it was revealed that their main intention was bookings and in-app payments that could help them reduce costings as they could be able to cut the amount of time their staff requires to spend serving orders, taking payments or completing bookings.
Conclusion:
The app market holds staggering projections. Non-game apps are expected to reach $182 billion downloads in 2020, which is 23 percent hike from the current scenario. The competitive business environment and growing app market have already made app a necessity for B2C businesses. When every business tries to move towards globalization, being incapable to compete in the global arena will really a setback for any business. So by considering this issue, businesses of all sorts and size are trying to become app-driven.