Ten Reasons to Develop a Mobile App for Your Business

Mobile apps are effective marketing tools because of their interactive nature, usefulness and the likelihood that they'll be seen on a daily basis. Few products match the frequency of exposure mobile apps provide, given that most people check their phones/mobile devices dozens of times a day, 365 days a year.

Is there a better way to keep your company in front of its customer base? 20 years ago promotional items kept a company's logo and message in front of the public. Promotional items were relatively inexpensive and provided the customer with something useful. Pens, notepads, calendars were great for keeping businesses at the top of customers minds.

Today, mobile apps are the next evolution of promotional items. They keep the consumer aware of the business and also provide many useful features. These features are always as close as their phone. Businesses can now have an app developed that will help customers locate them with GPS, discover deals, make buying decisions and more.

In order to benefit from the customer engagement with a mobile app, it must be well designed and useful. What good is an app that isn't downloaded or removed soon after being downloaded? The features should give the users a reason to open the app regularly. Every business will have different features on its app, just like every business will have a unique website.

Customers demand it.

Today's customer demands mobile information, even a laptop is too bulky. The modern consumer wants fast info, now. The computer can not compete with a smart phone when it comes to mobility.

Customers want information quickly and intelligently. They want features that make their jobs easier, weekends more fun and their friends closer. And they want all of this while on the move.

Communication.

Now with a mobile app you can track how your overall marketing is doing. You'll know how many apps are downloaded, from where, when and by whom. You can talk to your customers without worrying about open rates (email). And it's not a one way conversation; the consumer can send you feedback and ideas on new features. With a mobile app you can map consumer trends faster than ever before.

Promotion.

The control and reach of your promotions are enhanced with mobile apps. Now you can target specific people and locations, based on user information. You can measure and test promotional ideas before committing to a full campaign much more effectively.

Administration.

The best part is all of this new found power and control can be used by just one person or a small group with ease. If the app is well designed, the admin controls should be easy to use.

I've see amazing apps that failed because the admin controls were not user friendly.

Feedback.

Surveys and other communications can make a good app, great. The easer you make it to get feedback the better. Feedback is the key to great customer relations. "Thank your customer for complaining and mean it. Most will never bother to complain. They'll just walk away."

Goodwill.

Creating affinity and repeat business is a top priority for the business. Repeat clients, word of mouth advertising, lower operating costs, customer loyalty all help businesses grow and succeed.

Businesses that develop great mobile apps are rewarded with goodwill and customer retention.

Your competition.

In the near future, a business without a mobile app will have the same consequences as one without a website. You'll be leaving customers and revenue on the table. Can you picture a local pizza restaurant without a mobile app, while its competition has one? 

ROI.

One of the best things about mobile apps is the cost. The upfront investment can be high, but it compares well to other forms of advertising. Most apps require yearly maintenance for a small fee, but most of the investment is the upfront development costs. It's an investment that pays for itself after a few short months.

Attracting new customers.

Another key feature of mobiles apps is the ability to share the app with friends, a well designed app will allow the user to quickly recommend it to friends, family and colleagues. It's like digital word of mouth! And it can grow exponentially.

I'm the business director for GrooveDevelopment, a mobile app developer based in Portland, Oregon.

SUMBER : http://ezinearticles.com/?Ten-Reasons-to-Develop-a-Mobile-App-for-Your-Business&id=8389689