Is Your Business Built for an App?

For countless business owners, having their own apps is making a difference in how they go about doing business.

On the one hand, those business owners with apps are able to reach out to consumers, many of whom are technically savvy and are doing more and more with their mobile devices.

On the other hand, those business owners without apps are hearing more and more from consumers about how they wish more brands would get into the app business.

So, where do you fall when it comes to apps?

If you’re a business owner with his or her eye on the prize (notably making more revenue), considering an app is certainly the smart thing to be doing.

Who Should Build Your App?

If you feel the time has come for your business to have an app, keep these tips in mind:

• Where to turn – Knowing which mobile app developers you should consider when thinking about having an app built for your business can be tricky, especially if you’re a little green when it comes to the apps industry. For starters, take your time (never rush into something important like this) and research a number of app developers on the market. One of the things you want to look at is the given history of each and every developer you are considering going with. What kind of track record do they have in terms of not only producing quality apps, but also coming in with a reasonable price for building them? Also look on the Internet to see if there is any chatter regarding a specific app developer’s customer service record. Whether that record is pro or con, you certainly would like to know about it before you consider spending money with them on such an important piece of your business. Lastly, talk to other business owners that you’re friends with. There’s a pretty good chance some of them have mobile apps. Ask them where they turned for help. In some instances, they might even be able to get you a good deal on an app since they are recommending you to a specific developer;
• How to use it – Once you have an app built for usage, do you know how best to use it? First and foremost, you want to focus on spreading the word that your company now has its own app. Doing so will generate a buzz, a buzz which could lead you to many more customers if all goes right. Along with using promotional tools such as your website and social media, let some of your customers who’ve downloaded your app promote it too. As more of these customers get used to your app and find out about all the different benefits it has to offer, they can be your unofficial public relations team. With them spreading the word to family and friends about your app, your brand is getting the publicity it deserves and ultimately needs.

Review Your App Regularly

• Keeping it running smoothly – Finally, your app is only as good as it relates to how well it works. If consumers have trouble downloading it, problems once they’re using the app etc. there’s a good chance they may not come back to it anytime soon or even ever again. Troubleshoot your app regularly to see if there are any notable glitches cropping up. If you get messages from consumers noting problems with your app, attend to such matters immediately. The last thing you want to do is having spent the time and money developing your app, only to have it essentially sitting there inactive.

If a business app is in your plans this year, what are you waiting for?