A
few years ago when the internet emerged, many companies were wondering if it
was really necessary for them to have a website. Time has shown that the
correct answer was YES! Now we have a similar question: do you need an iPhone
application for business? The answer should be yes because we know that history
is cyclical and always repeats itself. It happened with the internet and it looks
like it will happen with the mobile and obviously as a company, are we going to
run the risk of "not exist" a few years time?
But
we will not rush out to find an iPhone developer to design a fully customised
application tailored to business needs just because there is the possibility of
history repeating itself, right? As rational people we need numbers and
arguments that help us make these important decisions, here are some:
The Numbers Game
The
popularity of Apple devices has surpassed the expectations of many, both at
sales and popularity. Its influence has changed the way we communicate and
entertain ourselves in our lives, both personally and at work.
It
is not difficult to imagine why so many people are in love with this platform:
easy to use, and it just happens to put life to fit in our pocket and therefore
can join wherever you go.
According
to recent statements by Apple, more than 200 million consumers in 90 different
countries have an Apple device and the number is growing daily. Furthermore, a
recent Nielsen study revealed that 66% of iPhone users download software and
applications, explaining that since 2008 over 15 billion applications have been
downloaded via the AppStore.
However,
you still not clear about the exact way in which a mobile application can be
beneficial to business, and probably still wondering why we make that
investment? Read on...
Adapt Or Collapse
An
iPhone application will allow us to evolve, adapt and survive in a market
governed by technological advances and increasingly competitive software.
Evolve your marketing plan by taking a step further. We will adapt to the
prevailing market trends, we will be up to date and comply with the
expectations of consumers, who increasingly expect to find applications that
are useful or full of entertainment. In addition an application helps to
survive in the jungle because it will allow competitors to compete on several
fronts and benefit from a more competitive advantage if your main competitors
do not have their own application yet.
Business To Consumer
(B2C) Communication
A
good iPhone application (with a good strategy behind of course), will enables
to strengthen relationship with existing customers and contact new customers.
With an iPhone application and active notification mechanism the contact with
customers is simplified because one can design it to news and offers through an
automatic hobble. In addition it is estimated that approximately 42% of users
use these applications several times a day and 48% spend between 10 and 30
minutes with them. It certainly looks a good opportunity to be part of the
daily lives of your consumers and gain insight about your brand, right?
Benefits
The
advantages of smartphone applications that can integrate easily with other
elements of online strategy are twofold, thus allowing all other channels –
blog, social networking, and corporate website. This allows companies to be
more accessible to the consumer and helps them reinforce branding, brand
presence and importance in the minds of consumers. Eventually this may give
profits.
In
short, with millions of new Apple users, your business should not miss this
amazing communication channel. The data clearly shows that the mobile market,
for its young demographic and usually greater purchasing power, is a gold mine
to get potential customers, sales and exposure levels.
No comments:
Post a Comment