A mobile app is one of the most popular methods businesses can use to build and maintain an online presence. They are beneficial for promoting products, engaging and interacting with customers, and providing instant customer service and support.

 

In 2013, nearly 80% of mobile users' time was spent delving into mobile apps, according to Digital Buzz Blog. Mobile apps have the potential to benefit businesses in myriad ways, including geo-targeted advertising and incentivizing, data gathering, building customer loyalty, and social sharing capabilities that dramatically increase presence among current and potential customers. Popular Guatemalan retail shoe store Meat Pack used geo-targeted advertising within their app called Hijack to lure in more than 600 customers from rival retail stores--all with simple and effective GPS-based technology.

 

For retail businesses seeking methods to eliminate showrooming, mobile technology is a great attribute for boosting sales. Using Point of Sale (POS) apps such as Square Register enables more interaction between a sales representative and customer, but also is an efficient tool for businesses to eliminate bottlenecking that often occurs in-store. Outdoor apparel retailer Moosejaw reportedly saw a 70% increase with in-store transactions that took place through mobile devices used by staff to take payments. With handy POS apps, both businesses and customers benefit by saying goodbye to long waits and hello to instant gratification.

 

While the app marketplace is a bustling, overwhelmingly competitive, and saturated database of opportunities for businesses seeking exposure, mobile apps may not be appropriate or necessary for every business. While mobile apps are a good idea for all businesses to consider, there are some businesses where an app may not be the solution--a mobile version of their web site can possibly be better. Mobile web sites may be more appropriate for businesses that sell services--not products, and whose web sites are more for reference--not purchasing. 

 

Mobile app creation provokes the need for businesses to expand to often unfamiliar programming territory, causing a need for IT engagement. This can prevent some businesses from diving into the mobile app world; however, for smaller businesses without IT manpower, there are apps to develop apps. Whichever way businesses choose to create apps, well-developed apps or mobile web sites are beneficial returns on investment that will continue to provide limitless possibilities between businesses and their customers. 

 

Sincerely, 

 

Mona Graham
 
Monogram Communication Services

798 University Avenue

  

  

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