Today, there are over 2.5 million apps available for download on the Play store. Even small businesses are investing in mobile app development.
It’s rare to come across an individual who doesn’t own a smartphone. Some people reach such a severe level of addiction that they remain glued to their phones.
People often end up spending hours checking their social media, local news and sometimes binge on video platforms to watch their favorite documentaries and movies.
Brands capitalize on the opportunity to build a personal connection with each of their loyal customers and become unbeatable in their industry. And for that, they need a mobile app.
If you have made up your mind to invest in a mobile application for your business, consider the pros and cons of a mobile application before proceeding ahead.
Pros of a Mobile App For a Business
1.Credibility
Credibility is a huge factor in a brand’s growth. If you manage to convince your prospects that you’re honest and trustworthy, there’s nothing stopping you from establishing a solid reputation in the industry.
For start-ups, in particular, it’s a challenge to build credibility. But if you have a mobile application, people presume that you’re not going to run away with their money, or sell a poor-quality product or service in exchange for their hard-earned cash.
The quicker you win your prospects’ trust, the faster you will grow!
2.Customer Engagement
Apps play a vital role in engaging customers. Ask yourself how you learn about a new discount offer by your favorite ghost kitchen, or maybe a clothing brand?
While you’re working in the office or sipping a cup of coffee binging on Netflix, a notification from a mobile app catches your attention. You feel ecstatic upon learning about the new offer.
Even if you don’t convert, you still have a sense of pride for being informed about the new stock or seasonal offer. And you’re going to pass this news on to several other people who may not have the app but they will buy from the same company at some point in the future.
3.A Personalized Experience
When you and I visit a website of a particular company, we see the same pages, same menu, and get the same user experience; nothing feels personal to us.
But when we download a renowned brand’s mobile application and create an account, brands give us a much more personalized experience.
For example, it’s common to get special discounts for being a loyal customer for a long time. Furthermore, a company can show relevant ads to a prospect based on his/her buying habits and previous shopping history.
Statistics tell us 49% of people open an app 11+ times each day. And when they get a personalized experience each time, they are more likely to enjoy their time using it.
4.Your App is a Direct Marketing Channel
Where else can you market your services or product directly if not on your business app? It doesn’t cost a penny to advertise your product on a separate page or through a pop-up.
As mentioned above, your app is a great place to inform your customers about the new arrivals and special offers.
So, make an app using an app creator and allow push notifications to keep your customers updated and engaged, drive sales, and foster a loyal customer base.
5.Apps Let You Create a Loyalty Program
Smart businesses leverage loyalty programs to boost sales. And the best way to create these schemes is via your app. When you reward customers for spending, they are more likely to come back.
Ask yourself, how do you feel when you get a free meal when you sign up on a particular app? I owe them, this is what your inner voice tells you. And at some time in the future, you will return for more and pay from your pocket.
6.Get Honest Feedback & Improve Your Product/Service
For a business to grow, it must upscale the quality of service it renders or the product it sells. But it’s impossible to get it right at the first attempt.
Customer reviews and first-hand knowledge of their problems equip a business with valuable information that shows the bigger picture to the stakeholders and compels them to improve over time.
For long-term success, you must retain your customers. And a 5% increase in customer retention can produce 25% more profit. Your app will allow you to interact with your customers, listen to their problems, and keep meeting their expectation level.
Cons of a Mobile App for a Business
There are no such disadvantages of building a mobile app. All you need is some investment in hand to hire an app development company. Once your app is ready, for app management, you can either hire an in-inhouse team or outsource it to a third party.
Just be careful. Building a mobile application is not just about spending a few bucks on it but you must collaborate with a reliable and talented team.
Jot down your requirement with utmost clarity and be clear about the functionalities you want in your app, better share some inspirations with outsource app development team.
And once it’s rolled out, make sure you follow the best practice to make the best out of it!