Expert Guide Series

What Are the Benefits of Having a Mobile App for My Business?

  
Welcome

Introduction

In today's digital world, it's not just big corporations that have mobile apps – small and medium-sized businesses are joining the fray and reaping the benefits. If you're running a business, you might find yourself asking, "Is a mobile app really worth the investment?" The short answer is maybe. But let's dig a bit deeper, shall we? Here at Glance, we've been around the block (well, more like around the app store) and have seen firsthand how a mobile app can transform businesses of all shapes and sizes and whilst it's not right for every business it might just be right for you. 

A mobile app is not just a tool; it's a game-changer for businesses looking to stay competitive and connected in the modern market.

From boosting customer engagement to providing invaluable insights into your customers' behaviour, the benefits are plentiful. So, let's take you on a journey to see exactly why a mobile app could be a smart move for your business.

  
The Basics

Boosting Customer Engagement

As business owners, we all know the importance of keeping our customers engaged. You want them to be more than just casual visitors – you want them to be invested in what you offer. A mobile app can play a crucial role in achieving this. Through features like push notifications and real-time updates, you can keep users informed about the latest promotions, special offers, or exciting news. This not only keeps your brand fresh in their minds but also increases the chances of them making a purchase. 

Think about a coffee shop launching a 'happy hour' promotion. By sending a push notification to app users, they immediately know about the offer and are more likely to drop by for a discounted latte. This simple, direct communication method makes your customers feel special and engaged, encouraging them to interact more frequently with your business. 

Additionally, mobile apps allow for interactive elements like quizzes, polls, and feedback forms. These not only make the experience more enjoyable for users but also provide you with valuable insights into their preferences and behaviours. The more you understand your customers, the better you can serve them, creating a cycle of increased engagement and satisfaction.

  
Why Do It?

Enhanced Customer Loyalty

what-are-the-benefits-of-having-a-mobile-app-for-my-business-customer-loyalty

Ever wondered why some brands seem to have customers who keep coming back like clockwork? It’s often because they’ve tapped into the magic of enhanced customer loyalty—something that a mobile app can offer in abundance. When you provide your customers with a handy app, you’re giving them more than just a tool; you’re creating a gateway to exclusive offers, rewards, and personalised experiences. 

One of the standout features is the ability to implement loyalty programmes directly via the app. Picture the smiles on your customers' faces when they receive points for every purchase, or special discounts on their favourite items. These little perks make customers feel valued and appreciated, driving repeated interactions and fostering a sense of community around your brand. 

And here's a fun fact: 84% of consumers are more likely to stick around if there’s a loyalty programme in place. That’s nearly nine out of every ten customers more likely to choose you over the competition, simply because you’ve made them feel special. It’s a no-brainer, right? 

  • Loyalty programmes incentivise repeat purchases with rewards and special offers.
  • Mobile apps simplify signing up for promotions and loyalty programmes, leading to increased customer participation.
  • A seamless and user-friendly shopping experience can boost conversion rates and drive repeat business.
  • Personalisation features like push notifications can significantly improve customer retention and engagement.
  • A mobile app can serve as a consistent touchpoint, enhancing brand visibility and recognition.

Mobile apps also make it super easy for customers to sign up for these programmes. With just a few taps, they can join, participate, and start reaping the rewards. This seamless experience can translate into increased purchases and a deeper bond with your brand, all because you took the step to meet them where they are—right on their smartphones. 

So, if you’re looking to bolster your customer loyalty, diving into the world of mobile apps might be just the ticket. With features that make your customers feel appreciated and engaged, you’ll not only keep them coming back but also turn them into advocates for your brand. And who wouldn’t want that?

  
Better Communication

Streamlined Communication

Clear and direct communication is key to building strong customer relationships. A mobile app can serve as a fantastic tool to streamline how you talk to your customers. Think about it: instead of wading through a flooded email inbox or waiting on hold for customer service, your clients can reach out with just a few taps. 

At Glance, we've seen how businesses benefit from incorporating real-time communication features like push notifications and in-app messaging. You can send personalised updates, offers, or important news directly to your customers' phones, ensuring they never miss out. It's like having a friendly chat sans the lengthy wait times or spam folders. 

Beyond customer service, this also means gathering feedback becomes a breeze. Want to know what your customers think of your new product? Send out a quick survey through the app. Fast and easily digestible, it saves everyone time and keeps the lines of communication open. A win-win, right? 

Additionally, integrating features like chatbots can offer instant support, answering common questions and guiding customers through your services. This means even when you're off the clock, your app can keep the conversation going, providing timely and reliable support that keeps customers coming back. 

Ultimately, these features help create a smooth and enjoyable experience for your customers, encouraging them to engage more with your brand. And as we all know, happy customers are good for business.

    
It's All About Branding

Improved Brand Visibility

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Feel like your brand is getting lost in the noise? We get it. Standing out in today's crowded market can be tough. This is where having your own mobile app can make a world of difference. 

An app isn't just a fancy tool; it’s a whole new platform to showcase your brand. When users scroll through their phones and spot your icon, they’re seeing your brand every single day. That kind of visibility keeps you top of mind without being intrusive. 

And here’s a little magic that happens behind the scenes—improved search engine rankings! Yes, having a mobile app boosts your online presence, making it easier for customers to find you. A higher ranking on search engines means more eyes on your business, more clicks, and ultimately more customers. 

A brand is no longer what we tell the consumer it is – it is what consumers tell each other it is.Scott Cook

Plus, mobile apps act as shining beacons of your brand ethos. By offering a seamless and useful experience, you’re not just delivering services; you’re building a lasting relationship. People are more likely to engage with a brand they can reach easily on their phones, and this frequent interaction translates into strong brand loyalty over time. 

So, if you’ve ever wondered how to stay ahead in the branding game, consider a mobile app your secret weapon. It’s like having a billboard that fits in your customers' pockets.

    
Make Informed Choices

Data-Driven Insights

Ever wondered what your customers like, dislike, or wish you’d improve? Well, your mobile app can dish out all those details and more. Mobile apps are like having a constant feedback loop with your customers. Through user interactions, preferences, and feedback, they provide a treasure trove of data. This isn't just about knowing who clicked what; it’s about understanding their journey, their likes and dislikes. 

With these insights, you can make informed decisions that actually resonate with your customers. Imagine knowing the exact feature that's driving them crazy, so you can fix it pronto. Or discovering what they absolutely love, so you can do more of that. It's like having a crystal ball but grounded in real data. Plus, you get to stay one step ahead of trends – which is pretty handy in staying competitive. 

Let's say you run a cafe. Your app could tell you that more customers are ordering oat milk lattes on Tuesdays. Maybe it's time for a Tuesday oat milk special? The idea is simple: turn data into actions that make your customers happier and your business more profitable.

      
Improved Bottom Line

Increased Sales Opportunities

what-are-the-benefits-of-having-a-mobile-app-for-my-business-increased-sales

Let's be honest, what business doesn't want to see their sales graph heading upwards? Having a mobile app offers a unique platform to open up more sales opportunities, right where your customers already spend a lot of their time – on their phones. Consider an e-commerce app. Imagine how easy it is for users to just tap and shop, whether they're on the bus or in bed. This convenience directly translates into more frequent purchases. 

Then there are in-app purchases. If your business model supports it, offering exclusive deals or additional features for a small fee can turn your app into a sales magnet. Take mobile games, for instance. They often offer extra lives or levels for purchase, a strategy that has proven highly lucrative. 

Another cool feature in mobile apps is push notifications. It's like having a friendly reminder pop up on your customer’s screen, telling them about your latest product or an ongoing sale. It's pushy without being pushy and extremely effective in driving sales. 

People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe.Simon Sinek

And let's not forget mobile payment options. The easier you make it for customers to pay, the quicker they'll pull out their wallets. With secure mobile payment options integrated into your app, you can speed up the purchasing process, which often leads to impulse buys – cha-ching! 

Personalised recommendations are the cherry on top. By analysing user behaviour and preferences, your app can suggest products or services users are likely to buy. Think of it as having a personal shopper for each of your customers, guiding them towards making that purchase. These tailored suggestions greatly enhance the odds of conversion, bolstering your sales even further. 

         
Easier Marketing

Cost-Effective Marketing

Marketing your business can feel like throwing money into a black hole sometimes, can’t it? Flyers, billboards, TV spots - they all add up. However, a mobile app offers a cost-effective alternative. Instead of spending thousands on print ads or other traditional methods, a mobile app becomes your digital billboard that customers carry around in their pockets. 

With a mobile app, you can send notifications about new products, special offers, or upcoming events directly to your customers’ screens without paying a fortune for ad space. This instant, direct channel cuts down on marketing costs and keeps your customers informed and engaged. 

Digital marketing through an app isn’t just cheaper - it’s smarter. You can track what your users are clicking, what they are buying, and even when they are most active. All this data helps you understand your audience better and tailor your marketing strategies to be more effective. 

Comparison wise, where a single flyer or magazine ad is seen once and often forgotten, an app remains installed and keeps your brand at the forefront of your customers' minds. Combined with push notifications, your communication remains seamless and frequent, ensuring they don't miss out on your latest offers. 

So, while traditional marketing has its place, a mobile app can be a game-changer for your marketing strategy - saving you money and bringing measurable returns.

          
Getting Personal

Personalised Customer Experience

what-are-the-benefits-of-having-a-mobile-app-for-my-business-customer-experience

We all enjoy the special touch of personalisation, don’t we? It's like when your favourite coffee shop gets your order just right without you having to say a word. A mobile app can do just that for your business — making each customer feel valued and understood. 

Personalised experiences in mobile apps can significantly enhance user engagement. Think of it as having a friendly assistant for your customer available 24/7. When your app knows user preferences, it can suggest relevant products or services that will likely pique their interest. For example, if a customer frequently buys running shoes, your app can recommend new arrivals in that category, even offering an exclusive discount. This can be a game-changer for increasing sales. 

But personalisation doesn't stop at recommendations. Customised onboarding processes, personalised messages, and unique user interfaces can make users feel like the app was made just for them. These small but significant touches not only enhance the user experience but also boost customer loyalty. Imagine receiving a birthday greeting from an app along with a special offer — a simple gesture, but one that makes your customer feel special and connected to your brand. 

A mobile app with a personalised touch can help your business foster deeper connections with customers, encouraging them to return and interact more frequently. At Glance, we've seen firsthand how tailored experiences can transform user interaction and drive business growth. Remember, in today’s market, personalisation is not just a nice-to-have — it’s a necessity.

                            
Summing Up

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Having a mobile app for your business isn’t just a techy trend—it's an investment that can revolutionise the way you connect with your customers and grow your brand. From boosting customer engagement and loyalty to offering a streamlined way to communicate and access data-driven insights, a mobile app ticks all the right boxes. Plus, it helps you stand out in a crowded market, drawing in more customers without breaking the bank on traditional marketing. 

At Glance, we understand that diving into the world of mobile apps can seem daunting—but with the right guidance and a clear strategy, it’s more than achievable. Think of it as giving your business a handy sidekick, one that keeps your customers happy and coming back for more. 

If you’re excited about the potential a mobile app can bring to your business but aren’t sure where to start, we’d love to help you navigate this journey. Let’s chat and explore how we can bring your vision to life, ensuring every tap and swipe counts towards your business success. 

Ready to take your business to the next level? Reach out to us at Glance today.

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