Looking at facts like 72% of adults in the United States own a smartphone, and mobile has taken over desktop for global internet consumption, it’s pretty easy to feel like you’re missing out on the whole mobile revolution. There could be several different reasons why you haven’t developed a mobile app strategy yet, but don’t worry because you are definitely not alone! In fact, about 1 in 4 business owners don’t have their own app. I’m sure you’re wanting to break out into the 3 of 4 that do, but remember to be patient. Don’t let the fear of missing out lead your decisions about what to do or how to do it. Instead, read this blog post and spend some time planning out the kind of application you want to develop and what kind of purpose you want it to serve.
Know The Value Your App Will Deliver
The initial step to developing a successful app is having a clear understanding of how your app will add lots of value to your users life. If there is one theme you should repeat during the design and development of your new application, it’s to always be thinking of your users first. Why? Simply because if you replace their needs with yours, your app likely won’t have a chance. Trust me, you don’t want to be in with the 23% of apps that are only opened once after being downloaded and then abandoned. Successful apps will generate significant ROI for your business, but they can only be successful if the people using your app want to use it and are looking forward to using it. If you empathize with their habits and needs, and make your app simple and easy to use, you’ll have a much greater chance of success with your mobile strategy.
Know Who Your App Will Serve
In order to find your purpose, you’ll need to determine if your mobile app is going to be a B2C, B2B, or B2E solution. That will likely depend on how you are planning to increase revenue from your mobile strategy. Are you aiming to get more customers and sales? Increase sales per customer? Increase the frequency in which customers purchase from you? The answers to these questions will impact the type of strategy you should use. For example, if you want more ways for your customers to interact with your company then you might want to give users a branded experience which they can remember and share with their friends or family members. On the other hand, if you’re selling products through your app then you’ll want to make their discovery, reviewing, and purchasing as seamless as possible. If your business aligns with these types of goals, you’ll want to go with a B2C app that focuses on creating a unique customer experience that increases customer loyalty. Business-to-business (B2B) apps are ideal for those wanting to allow other businesses to easily find information on new products, check the status of orders, or receive inventory updates. Finally, a B2E application should create more integrated and efficient ways for your employees to accomplish their routine operations.
Can You Measure Success?
It doesn’t really matter what type of app you develop, you’ll also need to understand if it’s working the way you intended. That means you will need to consider the metrics that you are going to wanna track. Do consumers make more or different purchases from your application versus your website? Are your employees happier and more efficient with your mobile solution? In order for any application to be successful you need to make sure it’s working the way you wanted it to.
The Home Screen Advantage
Depending on what your specific business needs are, focus on creating a solution or experience that will make your users want to put your app on their home screen. It sounds easy, but it really isn’t. You will need to understand who your users are while also making sure your app is simple to use and an enjoyable experience in every aspect. In short, a successful mobile app solves one problem in a significant and measurable way by focusing on creating a great user experience and a drive to repeat that experience over and over again. Spend a bit of time realistically assessing the needs and habits of your target user base and then make their lives better (or easier) through your application. It’s a rather simple idea that takes great care to execute properly.
