Can Your Business Benefit from a Mobile App?

We are currently in the middle of a mobile revolution. Much of the computing that was only possible from static locations only a short time ago, can now be done on the move with the development of mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets. A study that was conducted by Pew Research suggests that nearly half of American adults now own a smartphone; and tablet owners have seen substantial growth, as 1.2 billion units are projected to be shipped in 2013 alone.

Can your business take advantage of this growing trend? All signs point to yes. No matter what kind of business you have, there is likely room for your company to institute some kind of mobile app. Apps, after all, have come a long way in a short time. As the hardware that runs these mobile devices improve, and if Moore's law holds true, future mobile devices will have a seemingly endless array of computing power in which to run applications.

How can this booming technology benefit small and medium-sized businesses? The same way it works for banks and other large companies. They develop an app with basic functionality for people to download off the Apple App Store or Google Play (or the like) and allows the user to access information (such as current events and promotions) that previously was only available by visiting your company's website.

The utilization of a mobile app allows users to better connect with your organization and allows you, and your business, to connect with your customer base in a dynamic way. With the smartphone and tablet markets growing quarterly and half of internet searches coming via these mediums, it's not difficult to ascertain that this may be the best opportunity your business has to get information that important to your company's prosperity out to your customers. After all, most smartphone users are basically glued to their phones.

In fact, not only are mobile device users more active with their mobile computing; they are more likely to engage themselves with localized brands according to a study by Nielsen. As such, local businesses have an opportunity to substantially increase visibility by creating a mobile marketing strategy. Typically, mobile apps have been used by big companies, and because of this, a customer or potential customer may view a small-to-medium sized business with a mobile app as progressive.

The development of a mobile app for your business is typically simple and can be designed with the versatility to perform a wide variety of tasks. The most common reason businesses utilize mobile apps is to improve customer relations. An app can provide an enterprise, of any kind, with a better forum to relate with their customers.

Mobile apps can provide businesses with better ways to communicate with customers and provide support. Many consumers download company apps to remain connected and up-to-date on the latest company information and promotions. Apps provide instant and efficient customer support that can go a long way in getting valuable customer referrals. Word-of-mouth is still the best way to market your product or service.

Mobile apps also allow an enterprise to collect positive and negative feedback from customers. This will allow a company to best tailor business practices and marketing strategies. Implimenting a mobile app can give your organization the ability to be provided useful information such as where a customer lives, what kind of jobs they hold, as well as simple information such as age, gender, income level, and a lot more.

What are your thoughts about the increased use of mobile devices? Are you among those who own a mobile device? Do you use apps? Would you be more apt to go with a business because of an app? Would Computerware be better able to serve your needs if we had a mobile app? Call Computerware at (703) 821-8200 and let us know!