First came the computer, and right after it the mobile phone. Then the internet appeared, followed by the smartphone. Little by little, we have reached the point where our hands and our smartphones hold a wealth of apps ready to be installed. All of these apps, of course, rely on the technological achievements mentioned above. And it is truly hard to keep up with technological development in an era when a significant invention appears every day. Some will say: “…okay, I won’t even try to keep up with them…”. But that would be a mistake they would very soon have to admit. And whether you are ready or not, you won’t have much choice but to bow to the authority of technological progress.
The good news is that… this isn’t such bad news after all. Once properly implemented, technology can lead to significant growth of your online business. Today, the number of mobile phone users exceeds the number of desktop computer users. What do you think is the reason for that? Ease of use, of course.
Customers are rapidly embracing the trend of using mobile apps, while the alternative some merchants try to resort to, building mobile versions of their websites, has not proven good enough. Mostly because the user experience is not comparable to that of a mobile app.
What makes a mobile app better than a mobile website?
- Additional features: Mobile apps include numerous features you can take advantage of. Camera, contact list, GPS, phone calls, compass, etc. All of these features make the user experience more interactive and fun. And let’s not forget, they can significantly reduce the time needed to complete a given action.
- No limitations: Mobile websites, however advanced, still have limitations in implementing various features. That is not the case with mobile apps. Some of the simplest features can make a huge difference in everyday life (swipe, drag, zoom-in…).
- Ability to work offline: Probably one of the best features of mobile apps is that they can work offline. This capability puts them well above mobile websites. Because although probably not every action can be performed without an internet connection, there are still quite a lot of things you can do offline.
- Improved productivity: Mobile apps let you track your customers and their purchases and better understand their buying habits. This can give you a significant advantage, because you can keep their favorite products in stock so you don’t run out just when your customers need them. You will also be able to predict the contents, and even the timing, of their next purchase. And we have all learned that the ability to meet customer demands and prompt delivery simply means – better sales.
- Increased profit rate: Mobile apps are easy to use, and users spend more time browsing your products. The speed factor results in less time spent and a higher number of purchases. In addition, apps usually allow personalization through profile settings. Simple personalization that includes information about the customer’s interests and location helps the merchant tailor their offer to that customer, which ultimately leads to a higher conversion rate once again.
To sum up…. Mobile apps are extremely important for your online business. People spend more time in them because of their simplicity and automated use, but also because of a better shopping experience and a simpler decision-making process. Mobile apps can bring new value to your business. And all you have to do is convince your users to try your app.