Apps usually store their data locally on mobile devices, unlike websites that generally use web servers. For this reason, data retrieval happens swiftly in mobile apps. Apps can further save users’ time by storing their preferences and taking proactive actions on users’ behalf.
Why You Need A Mobile Application
In the past few years mobile app development has become a booming industry. Currently, it is estimated that there are 2.3 million mobile app developers who are devoted to keeping up with the industry demand.
In fact, according to Apple, in 2013 1.25 million apps were registered in the Apple app store and accounted for 50 billion downloads and $5 billion paid to developers.
With these types of industry numbers, it soon becomes clear that mobile app development is another key factor for business success.
With the growing number of people accessing the Internet via smartphones and tablets, mobile app development has the unique ability to access a large number of potential consumers. According the PewResearch Internet Project an estimated 67 percent of U.S. smartphone owners use their smartphones to access the Internet on a daily basis. Recent studies also suggest that by 2017 app downloads will have grown to 200 billion and the subsequent mobile app revenues will have increased to $63.5 billion. The reason behind these exceptional numbers lies in the continued growth of smartphone and tablet sales.
Not only have the sales of smartphone and tablets increased, but the amount of mobile apps installed has also grown exponentially. The PewResearch Internet Project indicates that approximately 50 percent of all smartphone users have mobile apps installed; of this percentage, two-thirds of the individuals are regular mobile app users. These statistics show that mobile apps have a unique opportunity to engage with an entirely new type of customer, one whom is constantly connected to the Internet and the global commerce space. In essence, a mobile app allows you to have millions of new customers at your fingertips. All that is left for you to do, is to develop an effective app and reap the benefits of your labors.
The Biggest Benefits of Mobile Apps for Businesses
There are multiple benefits to creating and distributing a mobile app. Below are a few of the top benefits for businesses across a wide-variety of industries.
Build Loyalty
Mobile apps work to consistently increase customer loyalty, especially in the retail sector.
Reinforce your Brand
Mobile apps offer the unique opportunity for brand reinforcement through a new channel. Through mobile apps, customers are encouraged to download the free branded version, where they can customize preferences to fit their specific needs.
Increase your Visibility
In 2013, there were over 50 billion mobile app downloads on the Apple store.
Increase your Accessibility
Smartphone and tablet users are constantly on the go; this means that they don’t always have time to sign into a mobile website. And these mobile websites are designed for readability and navigation, NOT for process management. Mobile apps allow users to have easy, functional access to information, products, services and processes that they need in real-time and are optimized for hands on interaction.
Increase Sell-through
Recent analysis suggests that mobile app users spend more time on a company’s mobile app, then they spend on the company’s mobile website.
As we continue to evolve into a mobile-centric society, it comes as no surprise that mobile apps are at the center of the developmental push. Developing a mobile app can go a long ways towards propelling your company into the hands of new customers and future business success.