It’s not a good idea to create an app, it’s a no-brainer. In the modern world, technology has taken over a large portion of everyday life. Whether it’s reading the newspaper on your tablet, banking or even watching sports, mobile apps are a part of our daily routine. The same can be said of the business world. Many large companies have released mobile apps for their businesses, mainly for customer usage. For this reason, businesses have to keep up with the ever-changing ebb and flow of product and market trends. One of the newest ways to connect with clients is through the creation of ‘winning apps’.
Winning apps are a must-have.
- Mobile devices are everywhere.
With smartphones in our back-pockets, the number of mobile users today is greater than the number of computer users. Internet on the go is also cheaper and easier to access. It’s only logical then to convert your electronic presence from computer-based websites to mobile-based apps. Studies show that people use mobile apps 86% of their time, compared to the measly 14% web apps and browsers garner. By creating winning apps, you are able to release them to the mobile marketplace and gain a competitive edge on your opposition. - Tap into the market
While browsing, users hate going from link to link to find what they’re after. This is not true of mobile apps. It’s much easier to simply touch an icon and instantly arrive at our content. This is the beauty of apps, bypassing the navigational nightmare known as ‘link looping’. Many also find it tiresome being tethered to their computers. Here again, apps come to the rescue, as mobile devices don’t require a dedicated workspace. They are designed to function on the go. If a customer has the choice, they’ll always go for the most convenient option. - Multiple Platforms
As is true for different people, different technologies use different languages. iOS and Android are the two main platforms just waiting to be tapped. The marketshare on each platform fluctuates, so it’s not advisable to limit yourself. Successful, winning apps always apply a multi-platform strategy.
You’re going to need the following:
When designing apps, aesthetics and functionality are both important. These pointers will help you to decide what’s crucial:
- Speed
The speed of an app is important; if it takes too long to load, the customer will grow impatient and take their business elsewhere. Often there’s a fine line between balancing usability and practicality. For example, clients may enjoy customising their app profiles, but if it takes too much backend power to enable this, it may better to leave it out. Keep trimming to make you app as fast as possible. - Purpose
The less steps a client has to do, the better. For example, many modern apps use social networks to login, in favour of traditional email addresses and passwords. Features like these will make it easier for your customers to use your app. You should also trim down menu items while putting important features on the primary screen. This saves valuable time and allows your user to get straight to the ‘meat’ of your app. - Character
Personal profiles are often a key aspect to winning apps. People want to express themselves and often add personal touches to their devices. Even something simple (such as changing the background colour) can have a huge effect in popularity. Unique customer profiles will help your clients feel connected with your company. - Reports
Major requirements for winning apps are analytics and feedback. Reports will help you discover which features are popular, and which need work. Adding a direct contact method is equally important, allowing you to gauge your client’s experience with your company.
Here are your options.
There are two options when it comes to creating winning apps. You can either write one, or have it commissioned. Writing an app yourself will save you money and allow you to build to your exact specifications. The downside is lack of time and experience; often there’s an easier solution to a problem. An expert in the field will know the tricks of the trade and will be able to get the project done on time.
If you’re looking for an expertly crafted app, paying is the only way to go.
To summarise…
You may need to invest that little bit extra to create winning apps. The resulting exposure and direct client interaction should more than pay for itself.