Mobile apps have become an essential tool for small businesses to increase their success and revolutionize their operations. According to a recent report, applications have generated over $462 billion in global revenue in 2019 and are projected to reach $935 billion by 2023.
According to INFORMS, app users buy 33% more frequently. They buy 34% more items and they spend on average 37% more than non-app users over 18 months after the launch. This means that you can no longer afford to overlook the potential of mobile apps as a means of driving growth and engagement.
However, developing a successful strategy requires careful planning, execution, and promotion. In this article, we will explore strategies for small businesses to utilize mobile apps, provide essential tips, share best practices for promotion, and highlight real-world examples of companies that have successfully leveraged software to increase their customer base, revenue, and operational efficiency.
What are the benefits?
How can a product owner benefit from creating an application? Here are some of the reasons:
- Increased visibility: a mobile app makes it easy for customers to find and interact with your company. By providing clients with a convenient and accessible way of connection, you can increase your visibility and brand awareness.
- Improved customer engagement: you can engage with your customers on a deeper level by providing them with personalized experiences. Use applications to offer loyalty programs, push notifications, and other features that can enhance the customer experience.
- Streamlined operations: mobile apps can boost your business operations by providing you with tools to manage inventory, orders, and customer data. By automating certain tasks, you can save time and improve the efficiency of your processes.
Tips for developing a successful mobile app strategy
Creating a well-thought strategy requires careful planning and execution. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Identify your target audience: before you start building your project, you need to determine the group of your potential clients. This way, you will see what features and functionalities are most important to your future customers.
- Define the toolkit: once you know your target audience, you can define the essential and non-essential features that are crucial to them. In this case, you will create a product that meets the needs of your customers and provides them with a great user experience.
- Leverage analytics to track user engagement: it can provide you with valuable insights into how users are engaging with your product. By tracking metrics such as user retention, session length, and in-app purchases, you can make data-driven decisions to improve performance.
- Pick a suitable app monetization: think about what features users would be willing to pay for, research your competition to see how they are monetizing their products, and try out different strategies to see what works best for you.
Best practices for promoting your project
Promoting your application is a must if you want to win the place under the sun. Here are some best practices to spread the news about your product:
- Optimize app store listings: users will pay attention to the description on the app store and it is a vital part of their first impression of your project. By optimizing your listing with a catchy title, descriptive texts, and high-quality screenshots, you can increase your product visibility and attract more downloads.
- Use mobile app marketing: social media and emails are great ways to promote your creation to your existing customers and followers. By using these channels to share updates, special promotions, and other related content, you can keep your customers engaged and encourage them to share your application with their friends and family.
- Incentivize referrals: word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most effective methods to promote your mobile app. By incentivizing referrals with discounts or other rewards, you can encourage your existing clients to share their positive opinions and impressions with others.
Examples of successful small businesses apps
Here are some real-world examples of small & medium businesses that have successfully leveraged mobile applications to increase their customer base, revenue, and operational efficiency:
Starbucks: Starbucks uses its app to provide customers with a seamless ordering and payment experience. Clients can order and pay for their drinks ahead of time, skip the line, and pick up their orders in-store.
Domino’s: It allows customers to order pizza, track their order status, and receive push notifications when their pizza is on its way. This has helped Domino’s increase customer satisfaction and streamline their order management process.
Etsy: Etsy’s application allows users to browse and purchase handmade and vintage items from independent sellers. The project provides a personalized shopping experience with customized recommendations based on users’ browsing and purchasing history.
Common mistakes to avoid
While creating an application can be beneficial, there are also traps that should be avoided. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
Failing to define a clear app purpose: before you start app development, you need to define its iman purpose that solves people’s pains. This will help you stay focused and ensure that your product really meets the needs of the target audience.
Not considering user feedback: clients’ opinion is crucial for improving your software performance and toolkit. Failing to listen to suggestions about bugs and improvements can result in poor user experience and low app engagement.
Neglecting security: security is a critical factor in building trust with your customers. Disregarding safety measures can lead to data breaches and other security issues that may damage your business’s reputation.
Are mobile apps a key to small business success?
Mobile app technology is constantly evolving, and we can expect to see continued innovation in the future. Here are some trends for you to watch out for:
- Artificial Intelligence: AI can help small businesses personalize the user experience, automate certain tasks, and provide valuable insights into user behavior.
- Augmented Reality: AR can provide customers with a more immersive shopping experience by allowing them to visualize products in their environment before making a purchase.
- Voice-enabled interfaces: voice-enabled interfaces provide a more convenient and accessible way for customers to interact with your mobile app. This can be especially beneficial for users with disabilities or those who prefer a hands-free experience.
In conclusion, developing a mobile app strategy can revolutionize small businesses. By following the tips outlined in this article and avoiding common mistakes, you can maximize the benefits and increase the application’s success. As mobile app technology continues to evolve, you should stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations to stay ahead of the competition.
Are you ready to create a mobile app for your project? Contact us, and we will develop a versatile application that will provide an immersive user experience with stunning visuals.