Companies that want to operate efficiently, be visible to customers, and remain useful should pay attention to mobile applications.
What do you most often hold in your hand? According to statistics, the average smartphone user spends about 3.5 hours a day on the phone, which is quite a lot, since people are awake for about 16 hours. And some people don’t let go of their smartphones at all.
What does a mobile application give to a business?
- A mobile application is a way to stand out among competitors. A business that promotes itself via the Internet positions itself as modern and convenient. This makes it stand out from companies that use flyers or banner advertising. “Traditional” methods do not allow you to communicate so often and productively with potential clients, and the application reminds you of yourself regularly. To create a mobile application, there are special Mobile App Development Services, where specialists will help you implement your ideas.
- Mobile applications make it possible to create various bonus programs that increase brand loyalty. Creating an electronic card is faster, more environmentally friendly, and impossible to lose. A smartphone with an application is often in the client’s hands than a cardholder, so it is more difficult to forget to present an electronic card at the checkout.
- A company with a mobile application shows customers that it is moving with the times, considers digital trends, and cares about its image.
- It is easier to notify the target audience who uses the application on their phone about important events and company news. The app also makes it easier to introduce brand values, talk about the mission, and build trust.
- People using the app will be the first to know about the latest promotions and sales. Discounts, loyalty programs, and bonus systems – all this is one click away from the client, so it is important to think through marketing offers and adapt them to mobile application users.
- It is also worth noting that for a business, in addition to a mobile application, it is very good to have cloud storage, which will store data about your clients and, in principle, about your business – Cloud Development Services can also help with this.
Increasing the loyalty of existing customers and capturing new ones
When developing a mobile application, it is necessary to achieve high speed and maximum user convenience. To make an application fast, you need to choose the right technology, design the architecture, and write good code. In return, the business receives the favor and gratitude of customers and an attachment to the brand.
Don’t forget about the marketing rule that says: retaining a user is “cheaper” than attracting him. Give the client advanced functions, such as accrual of points, upgrades in the loyalty program, discounts on certain product groups, or other functionality that makes life easier and brings benefits. Users will thank you for such opportunities, and the company will gain their favor and, as a result, increase sales.
Which tools increase user engagement?
Creating an application is the work of developers, managers, testers, analysts, and designers, and filling it and thinking through the strategy is the task of marketers. Since the application itself does not increase sales or bring in new customers, it must include tools for analysis, promotion, and increasing engagement.
The main functionality that will be useful for any mobile application is as follows.
Loyalty program
The system of discounts and bonuses is useful not only for e-commerce applications but also for any business that sells a service or product. The programs are aimed at retaining regular customers and re-applying those who are working with the business for the first time.
Clear interface and thoughtful design
The mobile application interface is responsible for ease of use. Thoughtful UI/UX design, which is based on the features of the user journey, allows you to quickly and easily reach the target action, which means it solves business problems more effectively. The interface should be intuitive, and the user’s problem should be solved in a minimum number of clicks. For complex applications that cannot be simplified, you can run a short tutorial on basic functions before use.
Gamification
In the digital world, it is important not only to solve the client’s problem but also to do it interestingly. This is possible by simulating the game in the application: creating a character, completing tasks, and accruing virtual bonuses, which are converted into real discounts. Game mechanics are more fun, and thanks to them, the user returns to the application more often.