Why Hasn’t Your Business Created an App Yet?

How do you feel about cutting your online presence off from approximately 50% of potential customers, lowering the visibility of your business, and failing to connect with current clients? This is a serious question. If your business doesn’t have a downloadable app then that’s exactly what you’re doing.

2015 is reportedly set to be the year in which mobile browsing traffic overtakes that of traditional desktop and laptop based traffic. Browsing from a smartphone or tablet is easier than ever, and, with companies moving towards mobile accessibility in droves, there’s no shortage of surfing opportunities available.

This represents an enormous change in the way that businesses communicate with customers and clients, and it’s one you need to adapt to, quickly. That doesn’t just mean optimising your website for mobile usage, it also means creating an app for people to download. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the latter is not necessary: 80% of the time people spend using their mobiles online involves apps, with only 20% involving the use of their actual browser.

Paired with the upcoming introduction of innovations like smartwatches, which will place an even greater emphasis on apps, it becomes clear that not having one for your business leaves you far from the cutting edge of progression.

Of course, there are reasons for creating an app beyond the fact that they are soon to become dominant. These small pieces of software could dramatically improve your business.

For a start, you’ll increase your online visibility, and position yourself as a business which is technologically up to date. Even if someone doesn’t download your app, the very fact that you’re advertising one can help foster credibility.

Then there’s the benefits which come with each new download. Apps essentially create miniature billboards on a user’s mobile device. Every time they scroll through their phone or tablet, they’ll be advertising your business to themselves. The increased ease of accessibility will result in more attention, with potential customers more likely to take advantage of your service when less effort is involved. You’ll also be able to connect with your customers using Push notifications, which receive a reported read rate of 97%, starkly contrasting with the 4% enjoyed by promotional emails.

Advantages exist for your customers too. They’ll stay abreast of special offers or product launches, receive directions to your premises, and will be able to access your services far faster than ever before. Current mobile technology also allows events and appointments to be integrated into a personal schedule or diary, so customers can be reminded of any events you’re planning. All this will be available with just one touch. No pausing to type into a browser, no scrolling through results, just immediate access.

Even with these benefits, some business owners still balk at the cost of creating an app. However, the current climate has meant that you shouldn’t be questioning whether you can afford one, but whether you can afford not to have one.