14.12.2017
Before we analyze the multiple benefits of integrating mobile apps into today’s business, let’s take a quick look at the global market.
According to recent counts, more than 3.9 billion are smart mobile device (smartphones) users worldwide, and the global population reaches 7.6 billion. A forecast by the company “Ericsson” in November 2016 states that the number of smartphone users in 2022 will almost double, reaching 6.8 billion.
Admittedly, the use of smartphones changed radically in 2008 when the first mobile applications appeared. The global market is now convinced of both the range of possibilities and the beneficial benefits that a mobile application can bring to the business sector. In a related study, it is estimated that by 2022, global mobile app downloads will reach 284 billion.
The commercial value that a mobile app can offer is undeniable. More and more businesses, regardless of industry and size, are investing in products or services through mobile development in order to meet not only their consumer but also their corporate needs. Below are some of the key reasons.
1. INCREASE IN PRODUCTIVITY AND REVENUE
Enterprise mobile applications simplify internal operations such as sales, distribution, etc. resulting in reduced operating costs. At the same time, enterprise apps offer employees a better work experience by turning complex departmental tasks into easy and flexible processes. Overall, enterprise mobile apps help create a holistic environment that benefits the employer, employees and by extension the customer. Based on the above, the following emerges:
- Increased productivity
- Increase in the rate of return on investment (ROI) of a robust enterprise mobile application.
- Increase in revenue
2. COMMERCIAL IMAGE ENHANCEMENT
According to a recent survey, the number of social media users via mobile applications worldwide reaches 2.56 billion. A business can offer its potential customers easy access through direct log-ins to its commercial mobile application. The user through their browsing experience gets a comprehensive and pleasant shopping experience and as a result, the branding of the business is gradually enhanced. However, a mobile app can also be a powerful marketing tool through promotional activities, SMS, push notifications, mobile campaigns etc.
3. DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH THE CONSUMER
The main objective of every business is to get close to its potential customer and convert him into a loyal client. In an era where mobile devices are the number one communication channel, it gives the business the opportunity to have a complete digital presence. Through mobile development, the business offers a seamless experience on a platform that combines a host of easy-to-use tools.
- Browsing smart mobile applications enables the consumer to easily and instantly complete processes that would otherwise be time-consuming (e.g. ordering, payment, support, etc.).
- The company can at any time and any moment “talk” to its customers. Through push notifications, the consumer is informed about every action of the company (e.g. offers, discounts, etc.) even without having access to the internet (off-line module). Of course, in addition to the general content pop-up notifications, there are also those that are personalised and help the company to shape the user’s profile. In this way, the customer is informed about the products or services that concern him directly, so that he is positively predisposed to make a purchase.
4. BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
The use of applications allows the business to collect high quality and fidelity data. This data, often referred to as “Big Data” hides a wealth of super-valuable information that the company, with the development of the right tools, can decode and leverage for its BI (Business Intelligence). By developing the right data analysis tools, the company strengthens its position against the competition as it can gather information that may have been impossible in the past. Therefore, through mobile applications, the company can get to know its customer and furthermore understand how they consume.
In summary, every modern business must adopt the latest technological trends if it wants to have a competitive advantage over its competitors. The technological explosion of the age has mobile development at its core and businesses are turning to it in order to reach and “win” the modern consumer.
“Mobile is no longer the future, it’s the present.”
