Apps as Bridges: Why Mobile App Development Is More Important Than It Was Two Years Ago

Apps as Bridges: Why Mobile App Development Is More Important Than It Was Two Years Ago

There are thousands of different business tools that brands and businesses can use for exposure. However, only one provides a brand with a direct, around-the-clock connection to its customers.

Have you really stopped to appreciate the significance of the branded mobile app?

While they’re far from new, mobile apps continue to grow in importance as personal “funnels”. They have become essential for brand-client connection in the crowded digital space.

No, the app isn’t going anywhere. Need proof?

Just consider the fact that 204 billion apps were downloaded in 2019, with a year-over-year increase of 6 percent since 2018.  And app downloads have increased 45 percent since 2016. That’s impressive.

Brands worried about “bothering” their clients to download apps have nothing to worry about.  There is a real appetite for apps out there. So let’s break down some of the perks that will fall into place once you launch a sparkling, new app.

The Noise Factor: Cut Right Through It

There’s simply too much noise for smaller brands to compete with out there. The average person has lots of tasks to do, people to talk to and places to visit in the digital space. Asking clients to “find their way” to you is often too much to ask. With a one-time app download, clients are synced to your delivery system for information, promotions, resources, updates, calls to action and more. You can “initiate” the conversation using strategically timed alerts that get pushed through as notifications. When you’re communicating with your clients directly, you’re building loyalty in the most significant way possible.

Better Conversions: Don’t Lose Them in the Gaps

If you’re using a storefront or ad platform that requires your customers to hop links, you’re already losing them. Allowing for in-app purchases that can be completed after clients click enticing app alerts is a great way to increase two-step conversions. Losing customers during page loads or redirect failures is a real concern if you’re trying to rely on ads and email alone to catch customers.

It’s the Best Data-Mining Source You’ll Get

When you run your own app, you’re also running a real-time, brand-specific data-mining platform. It allows you to learn about the habits of your customer base on an in-house basis. That means you’ll know strictly which campaigns perform well. You’ll also be able to tweak your messaging and marketing to improve customer experience and engagement with each deployment. Goodbye to throwing marketing dollars at guessing games!

Getting Your Clients Closer: Final Thoughts on Why the App Reigns

Rolling out an app that delivers something useful to your customers is one of the best ways to build brand awareness and loyalty. Last year, customers were engaged on apps to the tune of $120 billion in in-app spending! The bottom line is that a missing app is really just a missed connection.

Source on app download stats:
https://techcrunch.com/2020/01/15/app-stores-saw-record-204-billion-app-downloads-in-2019-consumer-spend-of-120-billion/

About the Author:
Sharon Muniz is the president of NCN Technology, an IT consulting firm that specializes in helping eCommerce businesses increase sales and revenue with user-friendly, responsive websites. She is passionate about using software technology to diagnose weaknesses and improve processes and profitability. To request a complimentary affiliate marketing strategy session, call 703-757-2209 or contact us here.