With this month edition we will talk about mobile apps in connection with business and why you should envisage building a mobile app for your business. Mobile apps are currently popular in the Ghanaian banking industry, but they are not solely for the banking sector. Companies in other sectors both small and medium sized can adapt mobile apps to enhance their business too.

The average Ghanaian spends more than two hours a day on his or her mobile devices. Users of mobile devices have to unlock, scroll and scan for apps they are looking for. Being in the way can be an advantage to your company, as our mind unconsciously record every image and text (in this case your well designed app icon) it comes across; even if it happens unnoticed.

One of the biggest benefits of having a mobile app is that all the information you’d like to provide to your customers – including special sales and promotions – is right at their fingertips.

Talking about on-hand information, how about digitizing that loyalty program you have in place? Instead of sticking to the old point-collection card, make it possible for your customers to collect their rewards via your mobile app. The result? More downloads and more return customers.

A mobile app for your business can greatly contribute to your brand awareness. A mobile app is like a well branded billboard on the finger tips. But what you really want to do is create an app that has features your customers will love (making it more interactive) while not compromising on your brand identity. You will find your audience frequently using your app as a result building your brand recognition.

No matter whether you are selling flowers or spa services, your customers need a way to reach you. Having a messaging (or help desk) feature within your app can really make a difference in the way you communicate with your customers.

These days mobile apps at the small business level are still rare, and this is where you can take a big leap ahead of your competitors. Be the first in your industry to offer a mobile app to your customers. They’ll be astonished by your forward-thinking approach!

Last, but not least, the most important reason why you should consider building your own mobile app is customer loyalty. We slowly lose our impact on customers because of the immense amount of advertising surrounding us all. It’s time to go back to making a true and sincere connection with your customers, and making them a loyal lover of your product and/or service. A mobile app is not all you need to save your business, but it can be a way of staying closer to your customers, being just a “fingertip” away at all times.

A mobile app is going to be a standard component of any business in the future. The choice you make today is going set the foundation for the future of your business. It’s on you to decide whether you’d like to be one of the first. Do not hesitate to contact ePareto if you need for information about building apps.