Contents
Introduction
In today’s digital era, having a robust online presence is vital for building your business reputation and increase brand awareness, no matter what size your business is or what industry it belongs to. In today’s day and age, having a website for a business is as crucial as having an office or telephone number for a business. A website gives your business credibility and customers the impression that you mean business.
Most of the consumers use the web to search for local businesses and research products before purchase. A website serves as one of the techniques of driving more clients, sales, and overall value for your business.
Since the mobile era is here, there is an increasing number of mobile users today than desktop users. Whereas web usage isn’t going away anytime soon, there is an exponential rise in mobile users as the day goes by. In the age of smartphones, where digital presence is imperative, and businesses are thriving on the digital model, having a website is no longer enough.
Establishing a mobile presence is critical for every business, as modern-day users are on the move and utilize smartphones for their day-to-day activity. One of the main questions that come to mind when companies think of mobile presence is whether you need to create a mobile app or mobile website would be enough.
Difference Between a Mobile Website and a mobile App?
A mobile website is similar to any other website designed based on HTML pages that automatically scale to fit the screen size of your viewer’s device. Nowadays, responsive web design is becoming the norm as they are not only mobile-friendly but can scale to any digital device – from desktop to smartphones.
Whereas, Mobile App is a software application primarily designed to be used on smartphones and tablets that’s needs to be downloaded and installed on the mobile device for users to access it. Alternatively, mobile apps can be used without access to the internet.
Mobile apps are user-friendly, offer integrated functionalities, enable businesses to provide personalized user experience, and in return offer far more value in terms of customer loyalty.
According to a report published by Statista, the number of mobile app downloads worldwide in the year 2020 is around 218bn, and this report would portray some significant insights on how mobile apps are playing a vital role in the digital sector.
It is no longer a question of whether businesses need a mobile development strategy-undoubtedly businesses need one. Choosing what is best for your business, whether to build a mobile app or mobile website, all boil down to end goals. In comparison, some businesses employ both mobile websites and apps, whereas other businesses may choose one. Whether you decide to build a mobile app or go with a mobile website depends on many factors: budget, business objectives, target audience, usability, required features, technical requirements, and so on.
Generally, when businesses think of establishing a mobile presence, the first step in doing so is to develop a mobile website. In contrast, mobile websites don’t seem to be enough to produce optimum levels of engagement and productivity. Mobile apps are crucial for a business to stay ahead of the competition. And if your business doesn’t have an app, you are actually missing out on many growth opportunities.
Develop customer loyalty
Mobile apps make it easier for businesses to retain customers by understanding user preferences and feedbacks.
With features like a loyalty program, special offers for app users, promo codes, coupons, loyalty discounts, and referral programs help entice the user to stay active on the app. And is an effective way of building a community of customers.
Loyal customers drive direct revenue and also serve as a marketing channel to boost sales.
Stand out from the competition
In order to stay a step ahead of your competitors, mobile apps are crucial. Many small businesses have not yet developed an app, and this is where you can take a giant leap ahead of your competitors. Offering one of the first mobile apps in your niche will definitely put you forwards in the market.
Let us look at some of the key benefits of developing mobile apps
Increased engagement and interaction
Apps are purpose-focused and are task-specific. Users usually prefer apps as they are simplified and easy to use version of a website that offers them a convenient way to browse, shop, and interact with a brand.
Mobile apps allow the user to receive push notifications and in-app notifications for product launches, instant updates on promotions, coupons, and deals that help drive better engagement and interaction of the customer and thereby increasing brand loyalty.
Better personalization
Mobile apps allow businesses to gather more information about the user in real-time, such as user’s behavior, interests, location, demographics, and more. Ultimately, this data helps businesses provide a personalized user experience. In turn, this increases customer engagement and enhances conversion rates.
Better branding
Mobile phones are an integral part of our everyday lives, and the user spends a substantial amount of time on mobile devices. And, this usage can be leveraged by businesses to create better brand awareness using mobile apps.
Eye-catching UI design, logo, brand color, and valuable interactive function can help your app stand out and, in turn, drive better brand awareness. The presence of an app on the user device, even if the user is not actively using the app, is helpful to influence the user’s perception of a brand subconsciously.
Increase efficiency
As mobile apps are custom build to accommodate your business requirement and tailored to suit your working style, these apps can be employed to perform diverse functions. Enabling businesses to automate their working process and increase employee productivity.
Conclusion
With technological advancements today, mobile apps are very relevant, and their usage in business is quickly becoming a trend. Regardless of what industry you belong to and what business you do, mobile apps can consistently generate new customers and retain old ones.
From the marketing perspective to customer service, sales, and user experience, there is hardly any department that won’t benefit from incorporating a mobile app for their business.
There are many reasons why you need a mobile app for your business, and we have only scratched a surface with this blog. It is no longer a question of do I need a mobile app for my business; instead, how do I get one.
