Can a Mobile App Benefit Your Business?

There is no question that in today’s digital world, your website should be responsive or even more so, mobile-first. But could your business further benefit from having a custom mobile application?

1. Is a mobile app suitable for your business?

Although a mobile app can have lots of advantages for a business, first and foremost its purpose and functionality needs to be relevant to the product or service that you are providing. Is there a lot of communication and information exchange between your business and your customers? Will a mobile app facilitate this lacking interaction that would ideally be an advantage to your business? Consider the actual needs of your current customers and whether they will benefit from a mobile app.

2. Does your target audience spend a lot of time on mobile devices?

In a study to demystify smart phone usage and behaviour, Simform.com tracked 3,756 mobile phone users, aged 11 to 60 years, for a month and found that:

• Users between ages 18-24 spent 112.6 hours / month on mobile apps
• Users between ages 25-34 spent 102.4 hours / month on mobile apps
• Users between ages 35-44 spent 93.6 hours / month on mobile apps
• Users between ages 65+ spent 51.4 hours / month on mobile apps

As generally expected, mobile app usage decreased as age increased. It is no surprise that younger people who have grown up in a more technological world spend more time on their smart phones, whether it is to social and chat or to shop for products and services. What is the demographic for your product?

3. Will a mobile app bring added value?

What distinct capabilities and features of your mobile app will clearly bring value to your business? Is a mobile-friendly website just as beneficial and therefore, a custom mobile app not necessary? Things to consider may include how a mobile app may provide increased customer data analysis, customer convenience and overall user experience.

If you answered yes to the above questions, your business may benefit from a custom mobile app. If you are exploring the idea of creating something for your business, feel free to contact us to discuss your mobile app ideas!