When is a Mobile App Relevant?

September 24, 2018
Charlotte Dougall
Charlotte Dougall

Founder of Blether, helping small businesses do big things online.

As much as we harp on about how valuable a mobile app can be, it’s important to recognise that it might not always be the most relevant investment for your business. There are countless benefits to having a mobile app, however if it’s not a suitable move for you as a company then it could a waste of precious time and resources. It’s worth considering exactly how an app would fit in to your business, and the impact it would have on how you work, in order to make an informed decision about the relevance of an app for your brand.

One of the main things to consider is the way in which your business works. Different types of organisations have different needs, and no two businesses will operate in the exact same manner. Will an app help streamline your operations, or enrich your customer experience? Carefully think about how an app can fit in to the day to day running of your business and if it will really bring any benefit to the way you work. Maybe you could use your app to make your employees lives easier – which is always a good thing to do – or it might be a case of helping your customers get the information they want, when they want it. There are endless ways to use a mobile app, and it’s all about finding the best way for your business. 

It’s crucial to think about your bottom line, too. Can you really afford to bring an app on board as part of your strategy? With a mobile app, you’ll also need to invest a bit of time in keeping your app up to date with the most relevant information. With a content management system this is really simple to do and ensures that your users are getting the right information at the right time. Overall, though, technology can go a long way in saving you money on your day to day business operations. Using the right technology in your business can help boost your efficiency, and optimise the way you use your valuable resources like time and money.

Your customers should be at the heart of your business, so it’s important to pay careful attention to how they interact with your brand. Understanding your customer is important at any stage of your business, as they will influence everything from which digital platforms you use and how you set your pricing to the way you word your marketing. If you don’t think your customers would really use your app, is there much point? But if you think you can really optimise the way they see your business, then it’s time to bite the bullet. Keeping your customers happy is vital, and a mobile app could be the perfect way to do this.

Ultimately, your mobile app must integrate with your overall business strategy. You can’t just push a mobile app out into the world with no rhyme or reason and expect your customers to use it. It’s important to consider not only how you’ll make customers aware of your app, but why they should be downloading it in the first place. It has to have a unique selling point that adds value to their overall experience, or else it’s just not going to work. When used correctly, a mobile app can become a powerful tool to attract, keep and satisfy your customers or staff.

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