Your business today has a unique opportunity to cater to its target market. The use of smartphones is increasing, and phones are dominating customer experiences. You can cash into the appeal of an on-the-go app for the customer through a custom mobile appA Mobile App/ Application is a program that you download from Google Play or The App Store. You then install.... You might have seen your competitors do this. But don’t jump on the bandwagon yet. In this blog, we will discuss the key considerations when developing a mobile appA Mobile App/ Application is a program that you download from Google Play or The App Store. You then install....
Why develop a Mobile App?
The mobile appA Mobile App/ Application is a program that you download from Google Play or The App Store. You then install... market has seen tremendous growth. It was reported that in 2022, there were approximately 4.32 billion active mobile internet users, and 59.5% of all website traffic comes from people using mobile devices.
If you are still wondering why your business needs a mobile appA Mobile App/ Application is a program that you download from Google Play or The App Store. You then install..., here are some reasons why:
- Mobile apps can increase the visibility and accessibility of your business. Customers can find and interact with the business easily through an app. It helps increase brand awareness.
- Through a mobile appA Mobile App/ Application is a program that you download from Google Play or The App Store. You then install..., customers can get quick and easy access to information about your business. They can also contact the business easily. This will lead to improved customer service.
- A mobile appA Mobile App/ Application is a program that you download from Google Play or The App Store. You then install... can provide your business with new channels through which you can you’re your product/service. You can use mobile-specific features such as push notifications and location-based services to increase sales and revenue.
- Through a mobile appA Mobile App/ Application is a program that you download from Google Play or The App Store. You then install..., you can reach your customers and cost-effectively engage with them. For example, you can use in-app messaging to interact with your customers.
- You can use your mobile appA Mobile App/ Application is a program that you download from Google Play or The App Store. You then install... to gain valuable data on customer behavior and preferences. You can then analyze the data to improve marketing and sales strategies.
Key Considerations
Developing a mobile appA Mobile App/ Application is a program that you download from Google Play or The App Store. You then install... can indeed be advantageous for your business. A well-functioning mobile appA Mobile App/ Application is a program that you download from Google Play or The App Store. You then install... that solves the problems users want to be solved is definitely an asset. However, if your app doesn’t offer the features and functionality that a user is looking for or has too many glitches and endless security concerns, it can have a detrimental effect on your business.
As a business owner, you need to take into consideration several factors when deciding to develop an app. Five of those are described below:
1. Target Market
Before taking the big plunge of actually developing a mobile application, it is always advisable that you do some market research. It will help you understand who your target market is and what the app requirements are.
Answer these questions while in this stage:
- Who is going to use my app?
- How will it add value to their lives?
The target market will have expectations for the mobile appA Mobile App/ Application is a program that you download from Google Play or The App Store. You then install.... If you meet those expectations of the target audience, you have made yourself a good app that users like and generates revenue. But if you develop an app and the target audience rejects it because it doesn’t have the features and functionality they expected, it doesn’t matter what an excellent application you built.
Remember that your target audience is your boss. Understanding their needs and aligning the goals of your app with their needs will lead you to success.
2. App Features
An average smartphone user has around 80 apps installed on their device. But on a daily basis, they use just 10 of those apps. Users use apps that have demonstratable benefits for them. This is where knowing how to leverage app features will come into play.
Once you know who your target market is, ask the following questions:
- What do they want from your mobile appA Mobile App/ Application is a program that you download from Google Play or The App Store. You then install...?
- What is the purpose of your mobile appA Mobile App/ Application is a program that you download from Google Play or The App Store. You then install...?
- Does what they want from the app align with what you are trying to develop?
Mobile applicationsA Mobile App/ Application is a program that you download from Google Play or The App Store. You then install... tend to have many features—some are useful, intuitive, and fun, while others are boring and redundant. There are a ton of features that can be built into a mobile appA Mobile App/ Application is a program that you download from Google Play or The App Store. You then install....
The key to producing the best result is to be aware of the possibilities whilst having realistic goals. Keep the app simple and suitable to your needs and goals. Ensure that you nail down the core features need to be nailed down early and do not add features for the sake of adding them. Add new features to subsequent updates if need be. Remember that these are some of the key features that your app can benefit from having, irrespective of the niche: security, user-friendly design, high-quality customer support, speed, push notification, and offline functionality, to name a few.
3. App Design
People are spoilt for choice when it comes to mobile apps. And you want people to choose your app over others’ focus on the design of the app. Make it eye-catching so that it attracts users.
Also, this does not mean that your work has ended. As they say, ‘functional is beautiful’. This maxim pertains to app design. App designers need to work within the confines of small screens and need to ensure that the function of an app is their primary source of inspiration.
Here are some design rules that can help the designers
- Follow the Design Guidelines for iOSiOS is the operating system Apple has developed for its mobile and tablet devices (iPhones and iPads). iOS is the... and Android for more UI and design info.
- Design an app icon that indicates the app’s purpose/use, all at a glance.
- Keep it simple.
- Be consistent and follow your brand guidelines, as the app is an extension of your business.
- Ensure that the text, symbols, and photographs are clear and easy to view.
If the user does not like the UI/UX of your app, you have failed to appeal to the people who matter.
4. User Security and Privacy Policy
User security and privacy are critical when developing a mobile appA Mobile App/ Application is a program that you download from Google Play or The App Store. You then install.... Remember that your app will depend on customer data. This data could range from personal information to locations, contacts, and photographs. And breach in the data exposes your customer to risks—from identity theft to an empty bank account.
It is challenging to ensure data privacy. However, if you want to develop an app, there are no shortcuts; you must ensure security.
Some of the tips to follow are:
- Evaluate the data you plan to collect/retain through the app.
- Don’t rely on one security platform.
- Develop safe credentials.
- Encrypt the data.
- Avoid storing passwords in plain text.
- Keep security libraries updated.
- Keep a feedback loop with users to fix vulnerabilities effectively.
You need a privacy policy that complies with the legislation of the land if your app collects personal information from the users. Even if your app doesn’t directly collect data from the users, have a privacy policy. Your app might have used a third-party tool such as Google Analytics to collect data on your behalf.
5. Marketing and Promotions
Whether your business sells or promotes online, it is of paramount importance to keep customers informed and interested in your app.
The following is a list of critical promotional considerations/strategies/activities that will improve your chances of app success:
- Use relevant keywords to describe your app in the App Store/Google Play Store.
- Encourage customers/users to review your app as apps rated higher attract users.
- Focus on the pricing of the app as per the demographic.
- Submit your app to directories and review websites.
- Create a YouTube Video of your app.
- Advertise your app on your website’s home page and with blogs/articles.
- Use screenshots that encourage downloads.
There are millions of apps on both the App Store and Google Play Store. These numbers will only increase with time. So, if you are going to sit there and not market or promote your app, users won’t even know that your app exists. There’s enough competition in the space, and users are spoilt for choice.
You need to develop a user acquisition strategy prior to launch and an elaborate marketing and promotional plan in place.
Conclusion
With the increase in on-the-go browsing, an app is a direct conduit to your customer/client base via the branded icon on the screen. Apps can enable functionalities of all kinds including social media; online shopping; loyalty programs.
Apps engage users on a regular basis. It is this engagement that allows businesses to build incredibly powerful relationships with customers. However, it is easy to get caught up in all the app hype. Build one only when you have ensured that it aligns with the values of your business and will bring actual benefit to it.
it is important to affirm that your app project has a place within your business and marketing plans. And if that’s what you need help with, contact Aerion Technologies for a FREE CONSULTATION today and leverage over decade-plus of experience in building scalable mobile apps, both for Android and iPhone.
