Mobile communication and marketing has taken a giant step forward in recent years, and continues to rise. This trend should continue at a tremendous rate for the rest of 2011 and the foreseeable future. With more people than ever using smart phones (iphone, android, blackberry) and tablets (ipad, Tab), people are accessing and controlling media on the go like never before. Mobile applications are becoming a necessity for any business to strengthen its marketing efforts.
It used to be that you could get your news only when the evening report came on, and in the paper the next morning; clearly we’ve moved on from that. Even in the digital age of the early 200’s, businesses were still fairly limited to reaching target customers, as they either had to be in the store, or sitting on their computer/watching T.V. to be exposed to advertising. Now, the reality is that potential customers are “plugged in” at all times, from anywhere thanks to smart devices. Thus, creating a mobile way for consumers to access your content is essential to competing for a user’s time. For many users and customers, an ‘on the go’ web page, or mobile app is the only chance they’ll get to see or use your service or website. Many simply don’t have the time to sit down at home and browse the web, which is why it is vital to get the most out of your mobile offerings. If you’re not there, then you’re likely disconnected from your target audience, assuming they are tied into the mobile world.
Mobile apps can keep you locked into your customers, even when they’re on the move. Companies like Amazon, Express, The Limited, and countless other retailers (just to name retailers) have mobile apps that allow users to easily access the store, check out new deals, and shop from anywhere. Instead of waiting all day and all night to get home and buy that new shirt, electronic device, or whatever it is, you can do it anywhere, anytime, hassle free.
Mobile apps can also provide a fresh way of delivering your offering to the customer, whether through instant sale notifications, a convenient way to check out, or a helpful way to enhance a customers’ experience in a physical outlet. The possibilities are just being tapped into, and are seemingly endless in the battle to get customers to spend their time with your company.
Are you doing everything you can? If not, mobile apps are a place to start.