Why mobile apps are important for your business

In 2020, eMarketer predicted that US adult smartphone users would spend about 4 hours per day on their mobile and 88% of that time would be spent in mobile apps, rather than a web browser.

If you’re looking to improve your business and boost your profitability, consider your missing link the mobile application, aka the mobile app. From branding to marketing, many solopreneurs and small businesses have discovered that a mobile app can do a whole lot more than just sell a product or service — it’s often the first gateway to their customers.

Mobile apps open up new marketing avenues for you, allowing you to directly engage with your customers in new and innovative ways. And although the choice between mobile apps and website apps often depends on your budget and business goals, mobile apps ultimately help you gain higher conversions and retention while offering greater personalization. Just make sure once yours is up and running to test it vigorously through the use of an A/B testing tool. 

So without delay, let’s explore all the reasons why mobile apps are important for your business. 

Stronger brand building

Think of your mobile app like a blank billboard: you have the power to do with it what you like, all to increase your brand awareness and recognition. 

And the more you can get people, i.e., your customers, to engage with your app, the better. This regular interaction with your target market helps sow the seeds of trust and encourages them to return regularly and purchase, depending on your service. 

Also, consider setting up loyalty schemes within your app. Given that Accenture reports that 57% of consumers spend more on brands to which they are loyal, it’s a great way to keep your customers buying. And don’t forget to release new content, which also encourages your users to come back for more.

To learn how mobile apps and brand building works, the folks at Selleo have a great roundup of the different strategies. 

Better customer support 

According to a recent study, over 60% of US consumers prefer automated customer service through a mobile app. 

It’s no wonder — mobile applications have taken customer service to a whole new level. It doesn’t matter if you’re selling furniture or food; your customers need a way to reach you and fast. 

That’s why having a live support chat feature within your mobile app can help to boost satisfaction levels and drive engagement. Live chat is the number one service choice for shoppers between 18 and 49 years old.

Advertise easier 

Mobile apps are also great marketing tools. 

They act as that direct marketing channel between you and your customer. This means there’s no third party that’s in control of your communication or messaging. 

So when a customer downloads your mobile app, guess what? You don’t have to pay a cent to advertise directly with them. Here you can send them push notifications, special offers, or even promotional messages whenever it makes sense for you. 

And, since you own your own data with your mobile app, you can also keep all your profits from any sales made. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take advantage of other free marketing channels such as Instagram or Facebook, but you’ll be able to reduce your dependence on third-party platforms. 

Simplify purchases

Forget walking into your physical store location or logging in to a computer to purchase your product. 

With mobile apps, your customer simply opens up your app on their mobile device and is already on your platform. It’s no wonder they’re considered faster to use than having to navigate to your website on their phone. 

Mobile apps for e-commerce also allow customers to stay logged in and save their details, including payment and delivery information, right in their phones. This makes the purchase process relatively seamless.

Examples of successful mobile apps

Sure, there are some big ones like Instagram, TikTok, or WhatsApp, but here are just a few examples of successful mid-range companies who are revered for their mobile app ease of use. 

Pocket

With 20 million users, did you know the wildly popular Pocket app started with just 20 employees? Perfect for saving the latest news and stories to read for later, learn how Pocket’s founder, Nate Weiner, made it happen with a small workforce. 

Headspace

Considered the global leader in mindfulness and meditation, the free Headspace app gives its 30 million users in over 190 countries instant access to unique tools and resources to meditate. 

HappyCow

Founded in 1999 to create a guide to vegetarian and vegan restaurants worldwide, the HappyCow is the number one app according to Android for those who follow a plant-based diet. 

Final thoughts

As technology advances, so do customer expectations. 

And in today’s competitive world, customers turn to their mobile devices to keep up with their favorite brands or services. Regardless of the industry you work in, the advantages of mobile apps run far and wide, all to boost brand awareness, efficiency, and user experience. Investing in a mobile app is a wise choice, allowing you to more or less keep your business open 24/7 and spread your reach. 

Although people assume that mobile apps are expensive and too complicated to create, this isn’t always the case. App builders like AppInstitute help you simplify mobile app development while Namecheap makes it easy to learn how to host your mobile app. 

Does your business have a mobile app? What has your experience been so far? Let us know in the comments below!