It seems like we have mobile applications for everything: entertainment, fitness, physical and mental health, shopping, you name it. Google Play and Apple Store list 2 million apps each, and numbers will keep growing. And it’s definitely good news for entrepreneurs, because, as practice shows, an app can boost business growth if the strategy is implemented correctly, of course.
Case-study research: which kinds of apps can benefit your business?
Every application must have a purpose. Otherwise, it will be useless. So here are some successful cases that might become an inspiration or maybe even a guideline to you. Obviously, you should remember that every business has its own unique goals. Therefore, you can’t just copy the approach – you should develop your own.
E-commerce apps
Such mobile programs have to fulfill two primary needs: hassle-free shopping for customers and more straightforward processing of purchases for the company. Also, the app can notify buyers about promos and even personalized offers.
The brand can even create some special deals available only for app users. For example, AliExpress offers lower prices for some products if you buy them via the app. Usually, discounts are not so big; but sometimes even 4% off can encourage customers to install a free application.
Aside from special offers and easy shopping, apps can include even more exciting features. For instance, Sephora’s application allows you to try on different makeup products using the augmented reality technology. It is indeed a killer feature for a store that sells makeup online – customers can try the shade of lipstick or eyeshadow just like they would do it in the offline shop.
Asos has a very handy feature as well – it is called Style Match. The user uploads a reference photo, and the system generates clothes that might fit the style in the picture. It is an excellent example of AI implementation. This feature boosted sales via the app by 30+%.
Content-rich apps
People love good content. So the more of it they get, the merrier. All leading blogs and online magazines have already created apps that deliver content to readers. Since half of the internet users visit sites via their smartphones, why wouldn’t blogs want to eliminate additional obstacles like browsers? If people could take fewer steps to reach the content, they will more likely do it. And with an app, the only action they have to make is open the application.
The program can fetch relevant content based on the taste of the user, creating a personalized feed. Allow users to share articles directly from an app – and you will both increase user engagement and get new downloads. Also, the application can let users review the content offline, which will boost user retention. There are many ideas that will help in making an app more convenient and friendly.
The most obvious examples of content-rich apps are Medium, Pinterest, and, of course, Instagram. But creating an application just for content consuming and sharing is not the only way. Gaia is a mobile program that provides users with yoga sets. Video tutorials are content, too. But they have more practical use than photos on Instagram or even articles on Medium. Users can watch guides and follow them, learning how to do yoga properly thanks to the app. In Gaia, one can create their own schedule, and the application will help them follow it.
There is no need to limit content-rich apps to the content only. You can make such a program more useful to your clients adding different features. Think of the needs your potential clients have and try to fulfill them.
Entertainment apps
More game development companies think of mobile gaming. And most advanced of them have even created mobile versions of popular games. We have PUBG, Fortnite, and Final Fantasy on smartphones now. Even Blizzard has announced a mobile release of the legendary Diablo. However, this news has faced a huge backlash – old-school fans didn’t like the idea.
Regardless of what the older generations of gamers might think of mobile entertainment, this field is expanding due to significant demand. It is hard to compare PC or console games to mobile ones due to drastic differences between platforms. The mobile screen allows implementing more intuitive control options like swiping, tapping, and other gestures. They help to improve the interface and enable players to dive deeper in a game. Also, developers can implement some useful built-in features like streaming on-the-go. It gives players more flexibility and allows them to get into the game streaming trend. Build in some bonuses and loyalty programs for monetization, and you will get a profitable app.
Of course, entertainment is not limited to games – consider Netflix and Spotify apps, for instance.
Conclusion
Apps are our future, no doubt. They help improving interaction between brands and users, engaging the target audience, and getting new customers. The application can be used for short-term promotions or marketing campaigns, as well as for long-term purposes like providing clients with a better experience. The goal of the mobile program should be aligned with the needs of your business.
Another amazing characteristic of apps is that they make data analytics easy. You can clearly see who is using the application, the preferences and behavior of each user, as well as the growth of interest. When you have the detailed data in your hands, you can make informed decisions and see more opportunities for your business growth.
Therefore, we anticipate that in the near future every single company will have an app – it will become as necessary as a website is now. So having this tendency in mind, you can start thinking about your own application and roll it out earlier than your competitors.