Mobile apps are no longer just for big-name brands like Chase and Target. Now, businesses of all sizes are developing apps to help them engage current customers and create brand loyalty. Mobile apps make it easy for businesses to promote their products, offer coupons and discount codes, and earn additional revenue through in-app advertising.
An app is also a great way for a business to stay top-of-mind since customers using their smartphones are likely to glance at that app several times a day.
By 2020, approximately 92.8% of mobile phone users in the United States will be using a smartphone. Mobile is now a necessity, with users doing everything on their mobile devices- from browsing websites to paying for their morning coffee.
42% of small businesses in the United States already have a mobile app, while 30% are planning to build one in the future. If you’re considering developing an app for your business, now’s the time to do so. However, there are a few things to think about before you get started.
The first, and often most difficult question, is whether you should develop the app yourself, or outsource the app development to a company like VIP Marketing Pros. Some businesses are more than capable of developing their own apps. However, if you don’t have an experienced app development team, outsourcing may be a better option.
If your in-house team doesn’t have a wide range of experience, they may not be able to deal with issues as they appear during the development process. This can result in the delay of your app, while quickly blowing your budget. Hiring a professional app development company, on the other hand, will give you peace of mind. That’s because the entire development is being handled by a team who typically has years of experience developing different kinds of apps for businesses in a range of industries.
When searching for an app developer, it’s crucial that you do your homework. Look for a company that’s highly experienced. Check out their own websites and apps- are these as professional and user-friendly as you’d expect? Finally, read testimonials and reviews to get a feel for how the company works with its clients.
Before you begin developing your app, you obviously need to know exactly how you want that app to look and function. This is when it’s a good idea to carefully consider your customer journey, and decide which touchpoints would be enhanced by an app.
You also need to know how that app will impact your business. What are you hoping to achieve? For example, you could be hoping to increase engagement, build customer loyalty, improve customer experience, or make it easier for current customers to pay for your services or purchase your products online.
Keep in mind that most people are unlikely to find a new business simply by discovering their app in the app store. That’s why your number one goal shouldn’t be to use your app to find new customers.
Whether you choose to develop your app in-house or outsource the development process, it’s important to ensure that everyone is on the same page before you get started. Don’t forget to consider the colors, fonts, and overall design of your app, and ensure that it’s consistent with your current branding. Make sure your logo, brand ‘voice’, and user experience are all identical to what your customers would see on your website.
If you’re thinking about outsourcing your app development, we can help. Get in touch today to learn more.