Mobile apps for small businesses have emerged as retail and marketing tools. As the app economy for smartphones and tablets reaches $6.3 trillion worldwide it becomes more advantageous for small businesses. Restaurants, flower shops, medical professionals, community-based goods, and services of all types are using apps to improve customer service. The decision to invest in a mobile app comes down to 6 questions.



1. The goal of the app



Mobile apps serve multiple purposes, it can introduce new customers, better serve existing customers, introduce loyalty programs and special offers. A well-designed app allows the customer to get all relevant information in just a few touches. The goal of the app is to solve customer problems or enhance the value of your products or services.



2. Knowing your customers

Most firms aim to appeal to a wide range of customers, from 18 to 65 years old. According to ComScore, the four youngest age groups prefer mobile applications over websites, and that the best method to introduce your brand to the 18- to 35-year-old demographic is through an app.



Two-thirds of millennials say they are typically thrilled about new applications (65 percent), wish they could do more with the applications they already have (66 percent), and are always looking for new apps (70 percent). This desired segment is the most ardent new app downloader. Consumers aged 35 and up are far less interested in new apps, with interest levels around half that of younger consumers.



3. Do your competitors have an app?

It makes sense to look at what your competitors are doing when deciding whether or not your company should develop an app. Is there an app available right now? If that's the case, look up the data in the various app shops. The number of downloads and user reviews should give you a good idea of how customers feel about your competitor's app.



If their app appears to be gaining traction, you risk being left behind if you don't provide a similar or improved app to your clients.



4. Do you offer a customer loyalty program?

If you run a client loyalty program, having an app makes it simple to get rid of punch cards for good. It also makes it simple for you to provide customized discounts, promotions, and other incentives to your clients.



5. Will your app solve a problem?

Some mobile apps appear to be a problem in need of a solution. If your app doesn't bring any functionality or convenience to your mobile-friendly website, it'll have a hard time gaining traction with customers. Consider the problems your clients are having and how an app can help them.



6. But I have a Mobile Website. Why do I need a mobile App?

For SMEs with limited resources and budgets, this is a prevalent question. The good news is that mobile marketing with websites and apps isn't a binary choice; in fact, a mobile website and native app work in tandem to achieve your marketing goals and increase income. Here's a rundown of the features and benefits of both mobile web pages and mobile apps.



Businesses who confine their mobile presence to a responsive website risk the "buy and bye" scenario, in which a consumer finds you via mobile search, shops, or even makes a purchase and then vanishes, possibly forever. Businesses that primarily rely on mobile app marketing, on the other hand, may miss out on discovering new clients entirely.



Successful marketers use their mobile websites to attract new customers and persuade them to download their apps, generating the opportunity for profitable, long-term relationships. By creating engagement, building loyalty, expanding social reach, and delivering highly personalized shopping experiences.



Conclusion

Your small business will undoubtedly profit from developing a dedicated smartphone app. Mobile apps are already popular among consumers, and many of them use them on a regular basis since they make purchasing easier – even easier than using a website. That means a lot of people are looking forward to your app, and it's up to you to deliver the services and experiences they want.