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Mobile applications, or apps for short, are the future for today’s businesses. While many people associate apps for the iPhone, Blackberry, and Google Android devices as simply fun and games, any business can create an app that generates customer interest, garners client loyalty and positions your company as an industry leader.

Just how prevalent are apps? A recent New York Times article reports that nearly half (48 percent) of phone users shop for apps more than once a week. About the same number (49 percent) report using apps on their phone for more than 30 minutes a day. Additionally, people download an average of 23.6 applications to their phone and use an average of 6.8 apps every day.

When you offer your customers a useful app, you’re giving them the opportunity to access your services from anywhere or to simply build a bond with your brand. For example, a pizza delivery chain could offer an app that enables customers to order their pizza right from their phone. As part of this app there is location awareness technology so that the pizza comes right to their door without them having to type in an address. It also has the ability to save the customer’s favorite menu items for easy ordering the next time. Additionally, the customer’s credit card information is already pre-loaded.

Whether creating an app for your company or are just learning about this business development option, following are some points to keep in mind.

YOUR CUSTOMERS ARE ALWAYS ON THE GO

Your customers are busy and rely on their cell phones to stay connected with the world. So if you think your customers will naturally think of you in the midst of their hectic life, you need to think again. By not having an app that keeps your customers engaged, you are potentially losing market share to those companies that do offer apps.

ALL-IN-ONE DEVICES

For many people, their cell phone is also their GPS device, their camera, their day planner, their radio, their customer relationship tool, and their handheld video gaming device. Today’s phones are essentially mini-computers. Since customers are using their phones for so many tasks, it’s essential that your company creates an app that will make lives easier or more productive.

KNOW WHO YOUR CUSTOMERS ARE

With so many mobile platforms out there, you need to know which one the majority of your customers are on. Each platform has different app requirements and development framework. For example, if your target market is business professionals, you’d likely want to create your app for the Blackberry; however, if your target market is general consumers, then the iPhone may be your best choice.

AN APP CAN BOOST YOUR BOTTOM LINE

A well designed app can help your company’s profits in two ways. First, when you engage your customers, create a bond with them, or simply offer them a useful application, they will think of you whenever they have a need for your product or service, and they’ll refer others to you. You’ll attain the coveted top of mind awareness with them, which will naturally result in more sales. Second, the app you offer can be either free or for a fee. Free apps tend to be promotional in nature, novel, or designed to support an existing app that already brings in revenue. Fee-based apps are generally more thoroughly developed and designed to have a value that a person would be willing to pay for. For many companies, their fee-based app can be a new revenue stream.

USE AN EXPERIENCED APP VENDOR

Creating an app could be a big undertaking for an organization without a technical background and that doesn’t have experienced people in house to do it. Therefore, you need to find the right company to develop your app. It’s best to find a vendor that has previously developed mobile apps, and one that has worked on multiple platforms so you can eventually put your app on all cell phones. Ultimately, though, any company of any size and in any industry can have an app.

MOBILIZE YOUR BUSINESS

Mobile applications are a great way for companies to stay in contact with customers and build their brand. If you ignore this emerging business trend, you could potentially lose a lot of business by not catering to your mobile audience. Today’s consumers are addicted to their cell phones. Some people don’t even have a home phone anymore – their cell phone is their connection to the world. Smart businesses are taking the steps to make sure they are part of that lifeline. The more useful your apps are for your customers, the more profitable your business will be.

About The Authors
Intridea is a full-service web product and consulting firm that helps companies with web design, development and strategy. Their specialized professionals provide simple, intuitive solutions on everything from social and business collaboration to cloud computing to web and mobile applications. Fortune 500 companies have used their services, as well as government agencies. Brendan Lim, partner at Intridea and director of mobile development, has years of experience as a systems architect. Co-author, Chris Selmer, is a senior partner at Intridea, and director of client solutions. For more information on services and packages, visit www.Intridea.com.