Selling Mobile Applications to Small to Large Businesses

sdentrepreneur · 19th Jun 2012, 02:14 PM

I have been knee deep in this for over 1 year now. There are such a small percentage of businesses that are embracing mobile apps right now. I am not talking about some rinky dinky application that is like a mini mobile site. More of interactive app with Social Media Share buttons, rewards programs and geo targeting. Also included is analytic based back office.

One of our biggest obstacles is finding the right business who is ready for our technology.
We have worked with several Daily Deal Companies and Communication Companies. Been in talks with many hospitality and restaurants as well.

Any ideas out there on who may be the best market for this type of product/app?

James Hickey

rontheitguy · 22nd Jun 2012, 01:32 AM

I looked into selling mobile apps myself and just couldn't get past the problem that you're seeing...I just don't see why many businesses would need an app when I myself can't honestly think of any business app I'd use as a consumer. So unless anyone else gives you a mark that perfect for apps, you might start by finding out from consumers (including yourself) what apps they would actually use.

Sorry I couldn't give you a better answer! I've found lately that a lot of businesses in general are just closed to anything right now...maybe I'm just having a run of bad luck though?

Anyway, I wish you luck and hope you figure it out!

zardon · 22nd Jun 2012, 03:21 PM

Go where your competitors are. If your competitors are going for finance, education, startups; this would seem a good logical place to start.

Dream big. Think of 10 clients you want to work with. I did this and found that 8/10 were in a specific niche

The focus on perfecting small.

Sacpacman · 28th Jun 2012, 10:29 AM

Have you done a "Go to Market Strategy" for your application yet?

IE get together a list of business's and cold call for information. If its a social media based application I'd be calling into business's that have a 'social media' specialist. I wouldn't attack the sale outright (though capitalize on any opportunity that could present a sale) but instead ask the people you're speaking with whether the product could be of use in their market. If you get enough validation in a chosen segment, you have your answer.

I know this, because I'm currently in the trenches with you as we speak. The application I sell runs on the IOS.

Would love to continue this discussion as new Idea's can always be gleaned from great questions.

Hope my post helps.

Sacpacman

Sacpacman · 28th Jun 2012, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by rontheitguy

I looked into selling mobile apps myself and just couldn't get past the problem that you're seeing...I just don't see why many businesses would need an app when I myself can't honestly think of any business app I'd use as a consumer.

A good business app has VALUE:
Whether that's driving customer interaction
Generating new leads/sales
Saving Time/Money
Creating a paperless solution
Driving a more efficient process

I'm sure if you sat and thought about a process you currently do MANUALLY, there is a solution that an app can provide.

alfid · 28th Jun 2012, 11:34 AM

All I can say is don't give up hope yet. Mobile marketing is still quite new, but eventually all websites will be mobile. In fact, it could some day be the norm although many people still prefer a larger computer screen.

19th Jun 2012, 02:14 PM	#1
sdentrepreneur James Hickey - Marketer War Room Member Join Date: 2008 Location: San Diego, Ca, USA. Posts: 2,235 Thanks: 208 Thanked 788 Times in 454 Posts Blog Entries: 22	Selling Mobile Applications to Small to Large Businesses Share on: I have been knee deep in this for over 1 year now. There are such a small percentage of businesses that are embracing mobile apps right now. I am not talking about some rinky dinky application that is like a mini mobile site. More of interactive app with Social Media Share buttons, rewards programs and geo targeting. Also included is analytic based back office. One of our biggest obstacles is finding the right business who is ready for our technology. We have worked with several Daily Deal Companies and Communication Companies. Been in talks with many hospitality and restaurants as well. Any ideas out there on who may be the best market for this type of product/app? James Hickey
	Learn Digital, Internet and Social Media Marketing For Your Business Click here to learn more - Digital and Social Media Marketing Training Course

22nd Jun 2012, 01:32 AM	#2
rontheitguy HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2012 Location: Idaho Falls, ID Posts: 177 Thanks: 57 Thanked 37 Times in 32 Posts	Re: Selling Mobile Applications to Small to Large Businesses Share on: I looked into selling mobile apps myself and just couldn't get past the problem that you're seeing...I just don't see why many businesses would need an app when I myself can't honestly think of any business app I'd use as a consumer. So unless anyone else gives you a mark that perfect for apps, you might start by finding out from consumers (including yourself) what apps they would actually use. Sorry I couldn't give you a better answer! I've found lately that a lot of businesses in general are just closed to anything right now...maybe I'm just having a run of bad luck though? Anyway, I wish you luck and hope you figure it out!
	are you an inkjock? "Do, or do not. There is no try." The Wisdom of Yoda

22nd Jun 2012, 03:21 PM	#3
zardon HyperActive Warrior Join Date: 2010 Location: Newcastle, UK Posts: 202 Thanks: 24 Thanked 16 Times in 16 Posts	Re: Selling Mobile Applications to Small to Large Businesses Share on: Go where your competitors are. If your competitors are going for finance, education, startups; this would seem a good logical place to start. Dream big. Think of 10 clients you want to work with. I did this and found that 8/10 were in a specific niche The focus on perfecting small.

28th Jun 2012, 10:29 AM	#4
Sacpacman Warrior Member Join Date: 2012 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Selling Mobile Applications to Small to Large Businesses Share on: Have you done a "Go to Market Strategy" for your application yet? IE get together a list of business's and cold call for information. If its a social media based application I'd be calling into business's that have a 'social media' specialist. I wouldn't attack the sale outright (though capitalize on any opportunity that could present a sale) but instead ask the people you're speaking with whether the product could be of use in their market. If you get enough validation in a chosen segment, you have your answer. I know this, because I'm currently in the trenches with you as we speak. The application I sell runs on the IOS. Would love to continue this discussion as new Idea's can always be gleaned from great questions. Hope my post helps. Sacpacman

28th Jun 2012, 11:34 AM	#6
alfid HyperActive Warrior Join Date: 2011 Posts: 288 Thanks: 10 Thanked 26 Times in 26 Posts	Re: Selling Mobile Applications to Small to Large Businesses Share on: All I can say is don't give up hope yet. Mobile marketing is still quite new, but eventually all websites will be mobile. In fact, it could some day be the norm although many people still prefer a larger computer screen.