Today, there are more than two billion people who have smartphones and a large number of those people use at least one mobile app every day. Most have dozens installed on their phones including games, social media apps, and tools they use for work. Many also use their phones to connect with businesses they like. In fact, it’s estimated that about 40% of all online traffic to a business comes from a mobile device. If you don’t have a mobile app, it’s time to take the leap and get one, but you do have to keep a few things in mind.
Cover All Your Bases
While it’s easy to claim that iOS or Android is more popular, the truth is that both platforms are used by a large number of customers. That’s why you need to have your mobile app developed for both. After all, you wouldn’t send out mailers to only half the people living near your business, would you? If you only focus on the iPhone or on Android phones, you’re basically ignoring half of your customer base. Yes, there are Windows phones too but they truly are in the minority when compared to the other two.
Some businesses do launch on one platform first simply to make certain that they can master that operating system before moving on to another. That is an option, but make sure you don’t wait too long to move to the other platform, otherwise customers may get upset that they don’t have access to your app.
Look at Your Competitors
You don’t want to copy what your competitors are doing but you do want to see what they’re doing right and what they’re doing wrong. Seeing what customers appreciate in your industry will give you a good idea about what your app needs to be and do. Chances are, your competitors have already made some mistakes while developing their apps. Study what they’ve done so you don’t make these mistakes yourself.
Be a Little Different
At the same time, you want to work with a digital agency in Reading to develop an app that is a little different than what’s already out there. This doesn’t mean the entire app has to be unique but it does mean that you need to put your own unique spin on it. People get bored with the familiar but they’re also scared off by something that’s radically different. It’s hard to find the line between looking too similar to what your competitors have done and looking too different, but if you figure it out you’ll see your app quickly become a popular download.
Know Your Audience
This is true no matter what type of marketing channel you’re exploring. If you don’t know your audience, you’re not going to be able to create something that fits their needs. Look at factors such as age, location, income, education level, and level of comfort with technology. If your audience is mainly younger people, consider an app that has aspects of a game to it. If you’re aiming for an older audience, consider keeping the app fairly simple since many aren’t that comfortable with complicated technology.
