According to a 2017 survey, 42 percent of small businesses in the United States had a mobile app. This looks like an impressive number, especially considering that most small businesses run on a shoestring budget and, as such, don’t have the money to invest in apps.
However, while you’d expect that percentage to have increased significantly by now, it has remained more or less the same. There just aren’t any more small business building apps.
This raises the question: are mobile apps really key to business building?
In this article, we are sharing the various ways your small business will benefit from an app.
1. Customers Prefer Using Mobile Apps
Given a choice between buying something from a business’ website or mobile app, the modern consumer will certainly choose the app. And it’s easy to see why.
Mobile apps are typically faster and more convenient. Just get your phone and you’re right on the app. With a website, you might need to find your computer.
So, if you want to give your customers better shopping experience, you need an app. In addition to growing your sales, providing better experience can increase customer loyalty.
2. Improve Your Brand Reputation
If your business has been existence for some time, you’ve no doubt put effort into building its brand. While there are many aspects that go into building a brand, an app can give your efforts a major boost.
Having an app means your business is operating at the forefront of cutting-edge technology. Consumers, especially millennials and Gen Zers, love tech-centric brands. These consumers won’t hesitate to ignore your business if it doesn’t have a mobile app.
With a stronger brand, you’ll easily beat your competitors and position your business as a market leader in the industry.
3. Apps Make Digital Marketing Easier
Are you trying to reduce your digital marketing costs?
If yes, a business app is what you need. You see, an app provides a free platform for your business to reach its customers. You just need to push a notification and all customers who have installed the app and okayed your push notifications will get the message.
In addition to making marketing cheaper and easier, a business app provides an efficient way for customers to leave feedback or contact your business.
Creating Your Small Business App
Good apps don’t come cheap. You have to spend about $5,000 or more for an app that effectively serves your needs.
This might sound like a lot of money if your business is strapped for cash, but the return on investment is worth it. A good way to fund your small business app is to include the cost in your business plan. When you start a business with an app in mind, it’s easier to budget accordingly.
On that note, do you know how to write a business plan? Check out that template for inspiration.
Mobile Apps Are Key to Business Building
As a small business owner, it’s understandable that you might be hesitant to splurge on a mobile app. But as we’ve demonstrated, these apps are key to business building. They will improve customer experience, boost your sales, and give your business a competitive edge.
Stay tuned to our site for more tech tips and insights.