When it comes to user experience, many consumers would prefer to use an app than a website since it provides a far better UX tailored to specific objectives and viewing habits.
With customers now spending more than four hours a day on average in apps, it’s no surprise that businesses want a piece of this valuable attention.
Nonetheless, entrepreneurs are sometimes hesitant to engage in mobile app development for small businesses. However, the benefits are the same: constant advertising on people’s phones, simpler product/service marketing, offline capabilities, brand awareness, and more.
Why Mobile Apps?
Mobile apps may benefit your organization in a variety of ways. These applications can provide your users with unique experiences that desktop solutions cannot provide. Here are a few examples of unique advantages:
In-app Payments: By providing accessible payment alternatives, mobile apps may improve the consumer experience.
Push Notifications: Push notifications are an easy method to engage with your consumers and keep them.
Geolocation: This function alerts you when consumers are close to your shop, allowing you to offer discounts or coupons to entice them to come in.
A/B Testing: By providing various groups with a distinct user interface (UI) and user experience, you may test consumers’ preferences to guide your marketing tactics (UX).
However, it cannot be denied that the shift from a desktop platform to a mobile platform necessitates significant resources and experience. So should you take the plunge? We’ve compiled a list of critical questions for you to ask your company to see if it’s ready to take the plunge.
Is an App Necessary for Your Business?
Some smartphone apps appear to be a problem in need of a solution. So, if building an app yourself doesn’t add functionality to your mobile-optimized website, don’t bother.
1. Is Your Website Mobile-Friendly?
Before you contemplate building a mobile app, evaluate how your company’s website performs on mobile devices. Responsive site design may significantly enhance mobile user experience, and responsive web themes are widely accessible on major platforms such as WordPress and Shopify.
Despite this, many small companies do not have mobile-friendly websites. If you are one of them, try updating your website before focusing on building a mobile app.
2. Do Competitors Have Apps?
It makes sense to look at what your rivals are doing when deciding whether or not your company should build an app. Is there presently an app available?
If this is the case, consult the data accessible in the respective app stores. The number of downloads and user reviews should provide you with helpful information about how customers perceive your competitor’s app.
3. Does Your Business Primarily Interact with People Face-to-Face?
Businesses that only deal with customers in person, such as a neighborhood fruit store, may not require a mobile app. A mobile-friendly website that is quick and simple to use is also an excellent alternative.
On the other hand, if your consumers often need to interact with sensitive data (for example, to verify the progress of an order), a mobile app may be required.
4. Do You Place a High Value on Branding?
When customers download your app, they are providing you with precious real estate on their mobile devices. Simply putting your logo on the home screen of a device your client often uses throughout the day can help keep your brand at the forefront of their minds.
Conclusion
All of these are essential factors to consider before beginning the creation of your app. Sure, you may disregard them totally or consider them while on the move. Still, the drawback of this irresponsible attitude is a loss of resources (mainly money and time) for something that might have been prevented if thought out earlier.
If you’re taking the plunge into investing in a small business app, take it with an IT services company you can trust! TNZ International is a global IT consulting company that provides custom app development from start to finish! We also provide system networking, custom web design and development, and so much more! To optimize your business process, contact us today!
