Most businesses need and utilise an online presence these days; in an internet age, it’s crucial that you’re able to reach your target audience whenever is best for them. The beauty of a robust online following is that time and location do not affect when and how your potential customers and visitors can invest in your company. Therefore, it’s vital to ensure that you’re doing all you can to push your internet platforms and make them work hard for your brand. More significant investment in mobile apps and other areas of internet presence is not just limited to larger brands or major corporations; small businesses are putting their money towards developing their online accessibility, and understand how it can pay off in the long run. Nearly half of all small businesses now have an app so that their audience can access them with ease from their tablet or smartphone, and, the number continues to grow.
Mobile an online presence is now a necessity, so, if your business falls short in that department; it’s about time you paid attention and started making changes. It can be a challenge to know where to start, what to do, and how to invest; however, with some research, time, and assistance from the right people, you’ll be able to successfully navigate your way into a proactive internet and mobile presence. Therefore, now is the time to start planning and preparing your business to make the changes needed so that you can benefit from up to 70 percent of traffic heading to your company from an app or similar. The transition and development seem apparent, so, the following are some ideas, inspiration, and advice surround why going mobile with your business will be beneficial, and how to go about it successfully.
The Customer Experience
Both a mobile-friendly, or responsive website, and a mobile app are valuable tools for any business; however, they can be quite different and serve separate purposes. Therefore, it’s vital that you invest in both for your business and its future success. Even though your current and potential customers will have the internet in the palm of their hands when they’re on the commute, sat on their sofa, or out and about; they won’t always head to their internet browser. Therefore, an app will ensure that you’re logo and business are present on their device at all times. It’s worth looking into software companies who will be able to inform and provide you with a mobile application to suit your company. You’ll need something straightforward and easy to use so that consumers remain eager to click on your app and use it to shop, spend time, and invest.
Having an app at your customer’s fingertips will help to retain them once they’ve entered. A website may provide a broader spectrum of options; however, there will always be a temptation to leave to browse another site, due to pop-ups and adverts. You can reward loyalty will your in-app customers, giving them even more incentive to download your app, and keep clicking it. An app can be built around ensuring that you can engage with customers and influence their actions more regarding your business. Remember that many people will be using your software on the move and on a smaller device like a phone or a tablet, so you need to provide simple call-to-actions and sections that can be seen and accessed with ease. You’ll also find that there will be a popular demand for your new investment; consumers are becoming more loyal to brands and choosing to shop through their devices and the ease of an app, so it’s well worth meeting the demands.
The same goes for your website; you need it to be just as easy to use as your mobile app, and it needs to be ‘bult with the customer’s experience in mind. You’ll have more freedom to utilise pop-up technology through your website, and it won’t look over-cluttered or too busy. Make communication a priority with pop-up chat boxes, and clear information about how to contact you with questions and queries, should they need to. Navigating through your website, using an internet browser app should also go smoothly. Therefore, make sure that you’ve worked with a reputable team that will help to build your website to suit your audience. Most people use their fingers on a device, so areas where they need to click and access information or products need to be of a decent size. Investing in a responsive site that can work well across a plethora of platforms and devices is key to its success. If visitors find is=t difficult and frustrating to use; they won’t think twice about browsing, and investing elsewhere.
Keeping Up With The Competition
The only way for a small business to keep going and growing is to ensure that it can keep up with the development and tech that big companies are using. It doesn’t have to be on the same scale, but if every other business in your field is providing the audience with apps and mobile responsive websites; your consumers will expect the same from you. There is plenty of demand for small and independent brands and businesses, but customers still expect the same level of service, and that service lies in their internet experience with you. You’ll have an advantage over your competitors in that you can offer little extras, and more time and care with those who download your app or visit your website; however, they need to be there and working in the first place. The best way to keep up with the rest is to work hard to exceed them in certain areas that don’t require their huge budget. Customer care and service, along with easy access, navigation, and usability, will all contribute to your visitors sticking around and becoming loyal brand ambassadors in the long run.
It’s not just the big guys that you’ll need to be mindful of; you’ll have to keep up with businesses of a similar size to yours too, as more and more are understanding and investing in mobile technology and platforms for their company. It’s crucial that you make the most of what going mobile with your business can provide both you and your patrons. Loyalty features and consumer incentives can be a part of your visitor’s actions; make it appealing to head and invest in certain areas of your mobile site or app so that they’re encouraged to keep returning. Ensure that your social media platforms are present at all times so that one app can lead to another with ease; the more that people click through to your social media, the more your business will pop up on their feed.
Apps can ensure that your customers can receive push notifications, with news, special offers, and information regularly, which will make sure that they are reminded to press on your icon on their screen. Push notifications are another way to enhance any customer loyalty schemes too, so make the most of them. As previously mentioned, it’s the customer experience that is at the heart of your investment in an app and responsive website; they will allow you to personalise each area of your business so that you’re far enough apart from the competition to stand out. Keep pushing what you have to offer through your new channels and give each visitor a positive experience that will ensure they’re choosing you over someone else. Focusing on going mobile with your business will pay off in no time, and you can continue to make the most of whatever’s next in terms of technology and it benefitting you and your customers.
