In the 2000s, and even still in the early 2010s, people were asking “does my business need a website?” And of course the answer is a resounding YES!!! Now it’s easier than ever to build a website. With an abundance of very easy to use and accessible tools, pretty much anyone can build their own website without the need to engage developers and designers to do it for you. You also don’t need any technical skills to do it. There’s now no excuse for a business to not have their own website if they want one.
So now, in the 2020s, the question on the minds of all businesses is about apps, and specifically, “why does my business need an app?”
Before we answer this question, let’s take a look at some data.
- In 2008, there were 500 apps in the first iteration of Apple’s App Store.
- In 2018, there were 20 million registered iOS developers. It is estimated that there are more Android developers than there are iOS developers.
- There were 500 million weekly visitors to the App Store alone in 2018.
- In the first quarter of 2019, there were 2.6 million Android and 2.2 million iOS apps.
- It is estimated by App Annie that in 2018 there were 194 billion app downloads; up from 178 billion in 2017.
- 105 billion app downloads were made through Google Play Store and iOS App Store
App Annie predicts that in 2022, the total number of app downloads will come to nearly 260 million. This prediction is based on the 2017 figure of 178.1 billion app downloads, based on a compound growth rate of 7.7%. The prediction would see 45% growth over the five-year period between 2017 and 2022.
Source: https://www.businessofapps.com
In the early days of apps, getting an app used to be a long and expensive process, and was really only reserved for larger companies that could afford it. Those companies had teams who would partner with developers to make it happen. Because of the investment of time and money, the business case had to be compelling, with clear return on investment articulated.
Fast forward to 2020. Like websites, there are now easy ways for individuals and businesses to create their own apps, without the need to engage developers and designers. That’s right – creating your own apps has arrived, and we have no code app building platforms to thank for this. Drag and drop app building platforms are the go to for businesses (and even developers) now, to get their apps out into the market.
Take a look at your phone. See how many apps you’ve got.
I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty ruthless when it comes to the apps on my phone, and I’ve still got loads of them. The ones I have are the ones that are typically useful to me – email, banking, music, streaming, school, transport, and some specific ones that allow me to pay bills direct to providers and check insurance status etc. And of course there are the social media ones that end up taking far too much of my time but I seem to be addicted to. My kids have downloaded a few too and now and then I’ll come across a new one and have a chuckle. The most recent one is about chickens laying eggs.
The point is, the app needs to have utility for me, or I’ll end up deleting it. The app also needs to be able to offer me something that the mobile browsing experience doesn’t, otherwise why would I bother? The experience needs to be a positive one – it needs to be simple with minimal clicks and minimal information that I need to provide (if it remembers me and my details so I don’t have to keep inputting them that’s great).
According to Forbes, “The most important function of a mobile app is to provide utility or value to users. Utility can come in many forms — entertainment value, a solution to a problem that does not or cannot exist on other web properties, or enhanced efficiency for tasks that are performed often — but it has to be there if your mobile app is going to be successful enough to justify the expense of creating and maintaining it.”
Top 10 Mobile Application Features
When you’re creating a mobile app for your business, you need to think carefully about the features that will make your app simple to use and add the greatest value. Here are my top 10 mobile application features you should consider when creating your own app.
1 Push notifications
Push notifications are an awesome way to increase engagement with your users, providing them with real-time information, and directly alerting them of new updates, reminders, or anything you want.
2 The ability to provide feedback
It’s important that your users have some way to provide feedback through your app. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a button or a link to open an email, the important thing is that you give your users a quick way to share their suggestions or criticisms, and also to report any bugs. Knowing that you are open to your users feedback and that their input can shape the future of your app will go a long way in building trust and connection with your users.
3 Social media integration
If social media is a relevant part of your business, make sure your you include social media so that your users can share relevant things from the app, increasing your social media presence at the same time.
4 Ability for the user to customise
Users like to have the ability to adjust things to make them more in line with what they like to use, so if you can, make sure there is an easy way to adjust settings for your app, such as colours and font sizes, layouts or features to their own preference. If the app is a social one, make sure the privacy settings can be adjusted.
5 Simplicity and usability
Always put your users first, ensuring that your interface is designed with the end user in mind.
Don’t just add features into your mobile app because they’re cool. Stick to the few basic things you know your users want and build those few features. Simplicity and utility are key. The best apps are short and succinct, the simpler the better. You don’t want your users being distracted or annoyed by irrelevant functions. You should aim to have as few taps or clicks as possible. Don’t make your users do more work than they need to.
6 Consistency of branding
Keep your brand, look and feel consistent throughout every platform and channel. So, if you have a website and other branded material, make sure your app looks consistent with your other collateral.
7 Relevance
Ensure that your app offers something more than your website does. Don’t just replicate what’s on your site, you need to make it relevant and rich in experience for your users.
8 Minimise information you ask of your users
The more information you ask of people, the more likely they will fall away before completing the process or task. No one wants to fill in forms unless absolutely necessary. If you do need some information from them, then make sure you only ask for it once.
9 Support
You app users should be given access to all the support or help they need. This could include FAQ’s, live chats, support emails and automated or real customer service representatives. Your business which dictate which of these are most appropriate.
10 Mobile payments
An easy-to-use payment system is an excellent feature in an app and allows users to have fast and simple transactions. Consider Integrating services such as PayPal, Google Wallet and Apple Pay to simplify the transaction process.
Why Does My Business Need An App?
Given that it’s now so easy and cost effective to create your own app, and knowing how easy it is to add features that add value to your customers, the question should be moving from “why does my business need an app?” to “what are the features that will add value for my users?” The benefits of creating an app are clear.
I would argue that just about anyone in business who has customers can realise benefits for both themselves and their customers with an app. Even if it’s just for push notifications alone!
Your business doesn’t need to be high volume and big on marketing in order for an app to be useful. Anyone who is planning to expand their reach, whether it is for small or large business, clubs, community organisations, or individual professionals, can benefit from an app. It really doesn’t matter which business niche you are a part of, building a mobile app using a free app creator can bring about countless benefits for you if you choose the right features in it.
Let’s take a look at a few examples where businesses and clubs can benefit from a mobile app of their own.
Schools, Kindergartens and Creches
Parents want to be connected to the schools and care providers looking after and nurturing their precious kids. Parents also need to be aware of key information and dates, and need to be able to easily access this information. Apps for schools, kindergartens and creches can benefit everyone involved and streamline communication, bookings and payments. Some features that schools, kindergartens and creches are seeing benefits from in their apps include:
- Form builder for applying for a place
- Bookings for extra curricula activities
- Push notifications for important information, including newsletters, updates and meetings
- Calendar, events and RSVPs
- Shout outs for volunteers
- Acceptance of payments
- Social network
- Feedback
Restaurants and Cafes
With competition fierce amongst restaurants and cafes, people want to see convenience as well as consistency, value and a positive experience. Restaurants and cafes are taking action on creating their own apps and engaging with their customers for repeat business through:
- Loyalty cards and programs
- Discount coupons
- Showcase menu
- Push notifications for new menu items, offers and deals
- Calendar, events and RSVPs
- Online bookings and requests for catering
- Acceptance of payments
- Delivery options
- Polls and surveys
Sporting and Recreational Clubs
People feel connected to their sporting and recreational clubs, and an app is a perfect way to share information and interact with members. Some app features that can benefit sporting and recreational clubs and their members include:
- Match schedules and locations
- Push notifications for important information
- Posting of scores, results and leader boards
- Calendar, events and RSVPs
- Shout outs for volunteers
- Acceptance of payments
- Social network
- Photo gallery
- Polls and surveys
Veterinary Clinics
Pets are big business, and any pet owner knows that once you’ve brought a pet home, you’re in it for the long haul! With a pet comes vet check ups, and sometimes treatments. Depending on your pet, you might end up getting to know your vet very well. Vets know the important role they play in you and your pet’s life. Some effective features that can make your Vet Clinic app successful include:
- Reminders about recurring treatments
- Scheduling of appointments
- Push notifications for important information
- Photo gallery of pets
- Social sharing
- Product listings
- Acceptance of payments
- Basic how to videos (e.g. how to apply worming treatment to dogs)
- Tips for looking after new pets
The list goes on.
Consider medical clinics, churches, small businesses, professional services, consultancies, individual professionals, you name it – if you want to engage with people and let them know what you can offer them, an app may benefit you.
It’s now up to you to take action. What features are important to you and your business in an app?