April 22nd, 2014 by Elma Jane
Mobile Business App.
Customers should be able to easily find you wherever they are, from any device. Mobile presence is more or less essential for business success in today’s world, whether you just have a mobile-optimized website, or a full-scale dedicated mobile application for your business.
With smartphones and tablets, people have a computer in their pockets when they’re out and about are where people are engaging with content, so business want a mobile strategy.
The problem many businesses have with mobile strategy development is determining what is most effective, both in terms of reach and cost. Creating a mobile app isn’t the right path for every company, but if it’s something you’re considering, check the following questions before you invest.
Android, HTML5 or iOS?
No matter what platform you choose, it’s important not to take on too much too soon, regardless of your technical skill level. There are a lot of different solutions for app development. Keep it simple and work on it. Once you’ve made the decision to develop an app and figured out your end-goal for it, determine what platform you want to use. When businesses choose to create an app for only Android or iOS, they end up missing half the market, but building an app on both major platforms requires two different sets of technical skills. While an app creator can make it much easier to develop an app on multiple platforms, including Windows Phone and Blackberry, maintaining a multiplatform presence will end up costing you more. HTML5 Web-based apps may not be as visible as those in major platform app stores, but they are compatible on mobile browsers of any operating system, as well as desktop browsers.
Make an own app, or become part of an existing?
If you want to create your own native app, make sure you have a plan to continually update and work on it. Don’t underestimate the ongoing maintenance. Constantly engage with the app, and as you’re planning it in the first place, think about what you want to add over time.
Many businesses begin the app development process without considering the amount of time and money they will need to invest in the process. Becoming part of an existing app for example, a directory-type app that lists businesses in your industry can be an easier, less expensive way to claim your segment of the mobile market. The app creator can do the heavy technical work while also providing you with the opportunity to connect with its larger network of users.
What do you want to gain from your business app?
Is it to bring people into your store or to get them to visit your website? Many businesses waste a lot of resources because they think people will just come to their app. It’s trendy to say that you have a mobile app, but if your goal is just to have that mobile presence, you’ll create something that no one will ever see. Small businesses should set a clear goal to focus on before beginning app development. Having a mobile presence is more or less essential for business success in today’s world. Whether you just have a mobile-optimized website, or a full-scale dedicated mobile application for your business, your customers should be able to easily find you wherever they are, from any device.
Posted in Best Practices for Merchants, e-commerce & m-commerce, Financial Services, Mobile Payments, Mobile Point of Sale, Smartphone Tagged with: Android, android or ios, app, app development, blackberry, business, device, html5, iOS, mobile, mobile application, mobile browsers, mobile presence, mobile strategy, mobile-optimized website, multiplatform, pockets, Smartphones, tablets, web-based apps, windows phone
