Mobile Marketing: 5 Tips for Building a Mobile App for Your Business
- ARTICLES |
You've decided that this is the year you're going to develop a mobile app for your business, but the mobile landscape seems to be moving so fast you're not sure where to jump in. But take heart. We're going to make a stab at sorting through the swirling chaos of mobile marketing technology and share five tips that will help you navigate towards finding the best solution for your business and for your customers.
NielsenWire predicted that by the end of 2011, Smart phones would represent over 50% of mobile devices in use in the U.S. With as many as seven different app stores available right now, there are countless opportunities for your brand to gain more exposure and greater customer loyalty when you launch a mobile app for your business.
What is a mobile app?
Let's start with the basics so we're all clear about what we are talking about here. A mobile app (short for application) is a standalone program that performs a specific function. Instead of your customers typing in the URL for your business, enlarging the text so that they can read it, and then scrunching the image down so that it will fit the tiny screen on their phone, they can simply download your app, install it and get everything they need literally at their fingertips in a format designed to enhance the mobile experience.
How will having a mobile app help my business?
A mobile app can be used to push hot, timely content to your customers, they represent another format for word-of-mouth marketing because when your customer uses your app they will talk about it to their friends, and you can use a mobile app to attract new customers by making it super fast and easy to access your products and services.
What can a mobile app do for my customers?
Mobile apps make it easy for your customers to get what they need from your website quickly and conveniently on the go. They also make it easier for your customers to share your content through their networks and social media. Putting a QR (Quick Response) code on a print flyer makes it easier for a smartphone user to grab your contact information on the go rather than having to type on a touch screen (annoying) or punch those tiny keys.
Let's look at the five quick tips to consider when you're launching a mobile app for business:
1. Clarify your message
What will this app communicate to your customers about your business?
2. Know your target audience
Is your target audience using smartphones? Do your research first.
3. What business challenge will your mobile app solve?
Clearly articulate what challenge the app will address and how it will solve it easily and conveniently.
4. What should be included in a business app?
Make sure your app is incredibly easy to use, relevant to your business and provides unique content. At the very least your app must provide contact information with your location, a map, driving directions, phone number and your business hours. Your app could also provide exclusive offers and coupons and any kind of helpful information that would make it easier for them to buy from you.
5. How do I get started creating an app?
There are many resources available to help you create your own basic mobile app for your business:
Build a free iPhone app with no coding required.
appmakr.com/
Build your own app for iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile and the mobile web.
buildanapp.com/home
MobiCart provides a free and simple way for you to build a standalone mobile shopping cart or link it to your existing website.
mobi-cart.com/index.html
Or, you can contact a mobile applications development company to discuss how to take your ideas and visions and translate them into a mobile app for your business.
Mobile marketing is just one way to expand the reach of your business and your brand. Visit http://mcreasite.com/blog today to discover lots of other ways that you can grow your online business.
NielsenWire predicted that by the end of 2011, Smart phones would represent over 50% of mobile devices in use in the U.S. With as many as seven different app stores available right now, there are countless opportunities for your brand to gain more exposure and greater customer loyalty when you launch a mobile app for your business.
What is a mobile app?
Let's start with the basics so we're all clear about what we are talking about here. A mobile app (short for application) is a standalone program that performs a specific function. Instead of your customers typing in the URL for your business, enlarging the text so that they can read it, and then scrunching the image down so that it will fit the tiny screen on their phone, they can simply download your app, install it and get everything they need literally at their fingertips in a format designed to enhance the mobile experience.
How will having a mobile app help my business?
A mobile app can be used to push hot, timely content to your customers, they represent another format for word-of-mouth marketing because when your customer uses your app they will talk about it to their friends, and you can use a mobile app to attract new customers by making it super fast and easy to access your products and services.
What can a mobile app do for my customers?
Mobile apps make it easy for your customers to get what they need from your website quickly and conveniently on the go. They also make it easier for your customers to share your content through their networks and social media. Putting a QR (Quick Response) code on a print flyer makes it easier for a smartphone user to grab your contact information on the go rather than having to type on a touch screen (annoying) or punch those tiny keys.
Let's look at the five quick tips to consider when you're launching a mobile app for business:
1. Clarify your message
What will this app communicate to your customers about your business?
2. Know your target audience
Is your target audience using smartphones? Do your research first.
3. What business challenge will your mobile app solve?
Clearly articulate what challenge the app will address and how it will solve it easily and conveniently.
4. What should be included in a business app?
Make sure your app is incredibly easy to use, relevant to your business and provides unique content. At the very least your app must provide contact information with your location, a map, driving directions, phone number and your business hours. Your app could also provide exclusive offers and coupons and any kind of helpful information that would make it easier for them to buy from you.
5. How do I get started creating an app?
There are many resources available to help you create your own basic mobile app for your business:
Build a free iPhone app with no coding required.
appmakr.com/
Build your own app for iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile and the mobile web.
buildanapp.com/home
MobiCart provides a free and simple way for you to build a standalone mobile shopping cart or link it to your existing website.
mobi-cart.com/index.html
Or, you can contact a mobile applications development company to discuss how to take your ideas and visions and translate them into a mobile app for your business.
Mobile marketing is just one way to expand the reach of your business and your brand. Visit http://mcreasite.com/blog today to discover lots of other ways that you can grow your online business.