Should your business have an app? Everyone seems to be addicted to their smartphones nowadays but how can you use this to your business’s advantage? Many companies have been able to capitalise on the digital revolution that has been brought on by smartphones by investing in an app. You’ve no doubt had sales rep after sales rep calling you up trying to persuade you it’s worth investing in an app for your business and £20,000 is indeed a fair price.

In this article, Burton Beavan will explain what having an app can do for your business and whether it’s worth it in the first place.

Should your business have an app? Does your business have a website?

Chances are, yes you do. There was a point where most businesses didn’t have a website because the sign at the front of their shop was good enough. It generated footfall by enticing people who walked past to come in – job done. As more businesses started having their own websites, then those who didn’t make the investment started to fall behind.

Can you now even think of a business that doesn’t have a website? Many believe that apps will follow the same path. Is it worth the risk of getting left behind?

Should your business have an app? What will an app allow you to do?

Apps will give you instant access to your customer base. You can now reach all of your clients with the push of a button and they can reach you with the tap of a screen. You can use this access to improve your customer’s experience with you and you can receive immediate feedback on your products and services.

Apps may allow you to experiment with new route to market – a new way to sell directly. If a customer can easily purchase something from you through an app, this is a brand new mobile market you can exploit.

If your business is already seeing benefits from using email campaigns, an online webstore, and perhaps exploiting the opportunities that Amazon, eBay or etsy brings, then an app might be the next logical step.

Should your business have an app? What are the benefits of having an app?

Having an app may strengthen your brand image. An app can make your business look more professional and give the impression of scale.

An app allows a customer or enquirer a way into to your business wherever they are. Whatever information they need, questions they would like to ask, or products they would like to buy can all be handled by an app – at any time.

You can get creative with customer incentives through an app. If you wanted to increase customer loyalty, you could use your app to give your best customers better deals or exclusive access to flash sales.

Apps are also easier to update. If you need your customers to know something new or important about your business, you have two options. You can update your website but your customers will only be informed whenever they next visit. Or you could get your app to send out a notification which will appear on customers’ screen straight away.

Should your business have an app? What are the drawbacks?

Developing a quality app can be expensive. Some app development companies can do it for a lower price but, as with most things, you’ll get what you pay for. If you are looking to release an all-singing and -dancing app, you can expect to pay a premium price for it.

You will also need to understand whether or not there is actually a market for your app. Is it something that will genuinely benefit your customers? Naturally, some industries are better suited to having an app than others. If you run a consumer-facing business, apps can deliver real and tangible benefits but if you’re in the business of repairing leaks in undersea oil pipelines, you might want to think twice.

Should your business have an app? We can help

Thinking about an app? Got a quote and need to know just how much extra business you’ll need to generate from it to justify the cost? Call us today on 01606 333 900 or email hello@burtonbeavan.co.uk.