Being mobile presented a unique opportunity for any business a couple of years ago. It was early 2008 when mobile apps, as well as app stores, were still a novelty. Since those times a great deal has changed. So the app alone doesn’t prove innovation to a base of users continually looking for relevance.

An app isn’t a cure at all, but it can provide entrepreneurs with the out-of-the-ordinary opportunity to go over virtual and real worlds. Apps allow businesses expand customer interaction with existing products as well as attract them.

More and more small and middle-sized businesses are going mobile even corner coffee shops or beauty spa centers. This helps them stay ahead of the game. Here are some tips that will help you better understand the importance of mobile app development for your business and brand.

What a custom software solution can bring your business?

Improved market visibility

The study conducted by Ofcom estimated that the British spend around eight hours on their mobile devices. And the numbers don’t lie, do they? As a rule, users don’t use all the apps installed on a daily basis, but it doesn’t change the fact that each user has to unlock and scroll the screen looking for the app they need.

Being on the way will become a considerable plus for your company, as our brains record every text or image unconsciously.

Moreover, there is a strong tendency to shift to mobile devices instead of desktop computers. In a few years, computers will be regarded as inconvenient and even old-fashioned.

Create additional marketing channel

Apps have a wide range of functions to perform. What are key functions of mobile apps for business?

Mobile apps can:

• Furnish general information
• Book or buy products
• Perform a search
• Create user accounts
• Send notifications
• Allow users communicate with the app
• And much more…

One of the main benefits of creating a custom mobile app is that your customers will get all the information on special sales, promotions, or news on time. Thanks to push notifications, you can be sure that users will stay updated with services or products whenever it makes sense.

Maximize value to your customers

Instead of sticking to decades-old bonus cards, take advantage of digitalization. Think about setting up a particular loyalty program for app users. In such a way, you can kill two birds with one stone — facilitate customers download and use your app as well as create loyal bonds with them.

Build recognition and brand

Mobile apps are great marketing tools when it comes to building brand awareness. The following topic may be split up into two parts. The combination of which can make your app stand out from the crowd.

Brand

Mobile apps work as a billboard sign. You can do with them everything that will work. There are plenty of options — you may make it stylish and entertaining, informative, functional and hip, etc. But you don’t forget to furnish it with the features that your customers would like. Here is the point, advanced features aren’t enough for increasing brand awareness. Don’t compromise brand and design issues.

Recognition

The more often customers use your app, the sooner they will buy your product or service. Advertisers call it “effective frequency”.

Improved brand accessibility

Mobile is everywhere, right? Following this statement, it’s worth mentioning that users will interact with your brand from anywhere as they always have a mobile device in the pocket.

Depending on an app type, there are plenty of ways to increase customer engagement. To add more, the results will be surprising.

Apps provide a bespoke rate of visibility. In New York or London, Cape Town or Sydney, on vacation or at work, your brand won’t be forgotten. The opportunities with a mobile app are almost infinite. But before creating a mobile solution, make sure that you have a brilliant app idea and a dedicated development team to bring your software idea to life.

Get next to customer loyalty

Customer loyalty is one of the most important reasons to go for a mobile app. Roadside banners, flashing signs, flyers, billboards are taking a back seat to mobile apps. Traditional marketing means are slowly losing their impact on customers because of the limitless adverts. But still, it doesn’t mean that a mobile app is a magic pill to your business. A mobile app can help you stay close to your clients and build more loyal bonds.

How long does it take to develop a custom mobile app?

When compared to web and desktop applications, mobile apps are built much faster. But don’t be fooled that you can pay around $10k and get your app in the afternoon. Simple apps with basic functionality without third-party integrations are developed in two months.

Apps with more complex functionality are developed in five-six months. Thus enterprise software solutions take a long time to be developed as they require in-depth business analysis. As a sequence, it takes at least eight months to roll out the first version of the app. And a few words about the cost — the more elaborate the app is, the more it will cost.