When and Why Your Business Should Invest in Mobile Apps

In this article, we'll explore the factors that influence this decision and the unique advantages that mobile apps offer.

Ease of access  

According to Hamish Norton, Lead Digital Consultant at Theta, one of the primary reasons businesses should consider developing a mobile app is the ease of access it provides to users.  

“If your customers have that need where they want to be able to do something quickly and easily, then that's the key trigger to it.”

Customers increasingly demand quick and seamless interactions, and mobile apps offer the convenience of performing tasks efficiently, directly from their phones. Whether you’re making a purchase, booking a service or accessing customer support, mobile apps are designed to enhance user experience by using the inherent features of mobile devices, such as the camera, GPS and biometrics.

How will your customers benefit?

Meg Hope, Senior Consultant in the Digital team at Theta, emphasises a customer-first perspective.  

“It's less, ‘how can a business benefit from it’ and more ‘how would your customers or your clients benefit from a mobile app’."

Further to this, if your target audience operates in areas with limited data coverage or requires offline capabilities, a mobile app can be invaluable. By providing greater accessibility and functionality, businesses can improve customer satisfaction and engagement.  

It’s a mini billboard in your customer’s pocket!

Philip Fourie, Digital Practice Lead at Theta, highlights the branding advantages that mobile apps bring to the table.  

“They offer this powerful, persistent digital real estate, like a mini billboard in your customer's pocket. It’s a constant reminder of your brand each time a user scrolls through their phone”.  

With features like push notifications, businesses can maintain continuous engagement with their customers, keeping the brand fresh in their minds and encouraging repeat interactions.

Unique features

Mobile apps also enable businesses to tap into the unique features of smartphones that can't be fully leveraged through web browsers. From augmented reality experiences to real-time data sync, mobile apps can provide innovative solutions that enhance user experiences and differentiate a brand from its competitors.

Are you ready?

Investing in a mobile app can offer significant benefits, but it's crucial for businesses to assess their unique needs and goals. By understanding the distinct advantages of mobile apps, such as ease of access, improved customer engagement, and enhanced branding opportunities, businesses can make an informed decision about whether to add a mobile app to their digital strategy.  

As technology continues to evolve at the rate it is, mobile apps will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of business-customer interactions.