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robert@spancept.comrobert@spancept.com

MMany companies are jumping into any companies are jumping into

the world of digital mobile the world of digital mobile applications in an effort to build their applications in an effort to build their brands, attract more customers, and brands, attract more customers, and build stronger relationships with their build stronger relationships with their existing customers. existing customers. Why?Why?

The main reason is the massive The main reason is the massive influx of mobile users over the past influx of mobile users over the past few years; not only that, but mobile few years; not only that, but mobile application usage has grown application usage has grown tremendously as well. tremendously as well.

In fact, some studies show that, on average, In fact, some studies show that, on average, consumers download approximately two apps consumers download approximately two apps per month.per month.

Mobile applications, or mobile apps as they are Mobile applications, or mobile apps as they are more commonly called, are a special type of more commonly called, are a special type of software that can be used on mobile devices, software that can be used on mobile devices, such as smartphones and computer tablets. such as smartphones and computer tablets. Mobile apps serve a variety of purposes such Mobile apps serve a variety of purposes such as playing games, banking, shopping, as playing games, banking, shopping, productivity, and much more. productivity, and much more.

There are hundreds of thousands of mobile There are hundreds of thousands of mobile apps available today; resulting in billions of apps available today; resulting in billions of downloads. Even more astounding is that theydownloads. Even more astounding is that they

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are expected to more than are expected to more than tripletriple within the next couple of years due to their popularity. within the next couple of years due to their popularity. Generally speaking, mobile apps typically have to be acquired through some form of Generally speaking, mobile apps typically have to be acquired through some form of distribution platform, such as the Apple App Store. However, it all depends on the type of distribution platform, such as the Apple App Store. However, it all depends on the type of device the user has, such as an iPhone, Blackberry or an Android phone. device the user has, such as an iPhone, Blackberry or an Android phone.

Most smartphones have the ability to download and operate mobile apps. With the Most smartphones have the ability to download and operate mobile apps. With the admiration of mobile apps increasing, they are bound to become a part of everyone’s life admiration of mobile apps increasing, they are bound to become a part of everyone’s life whether personal or strictly for business.whether personal or strictly for business.

The first mobile apps were originally developed for convenience, productivityThe first mobile apps were originally developed for convenience, productivity,, and quick and quick references such as ones that displayed calendars, weather conditions, and maps. references such as ones that displayed calendars, weather conditions, and maps. Currently, many mobile users find it easier and more convenient to use a mobile app to Currently, many mobile users find it easier and more convenient to use a mobile app to conduct business with a company rather than face-to-face or even through a website.conduct business with a company rather than face-to-face or even through a website.

This is where your business comes into play… Are there certain app features that your This is where your business comes into play… Are there certain app features that your customers would like to have? Is there anything you can provide in an app to make customers would like to have? Is there anything you can provide in an app to make doing business with your company fast and easy? If so, a mobile app could be a great doing business with your company fast and easy? If so, a mobile app could be a great investment for you.investment for you.

By using the powerful “push notification” feature that is programmed into apps, you can By using the powerful “push notification” feature that is programmed into apps, you can literally reach out and touch your customers whenever you want. literally reach out and touch your customers whenever you want.

Companies today, both large and small, should not rule out developing a mobile app for Companies today, both large and small, should not rule out developing a mobile app for their business in order to increase sales and revenue. their business in order to increase sales and revenue.

If you are like most small businesses, you probably have questions about using mobile If you are like most small businesses, you probably have questions about using mobile apps for marketing/revenue purposes. Here are 10 of the most common questions apps for marketing/revenue purposes. Here are 10 of the most common questions business owners have in regards to mobile apps. business owners have in regards to mobile apps.

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1. How Will a Mobile App Help My Business?

As mentioned previously, many people have As mentioned previously, many people have a smartphone or other device that allows for a smartphone or other device that allows for the downloading of apps. Since these the downloading of apps. Since these devices are small, typically pocket-sized, devices are small, typically pocket-sized, most people have them on hand at all most people have them on hand at all times, meaning they use or look at their times, meaning they use or look at their device several times a day.device several times a day. If your business has an app that people can If your business has an app that people can download, they always see your app on download, they always see your app on their mobile screen – which represents a their mobile screen – which represents a direct connection to your business. This, in direct connection to your business. This, in itself, is constant advertisement and a itself, is constant advertisement and a reminder of your business when they are in reminder of your business when they are in need of your type of product or service. need of your type of product or service.

Repeated exposure to consumers is one of Repeated exposure to consumers is one of the keys to its success for any business. the keys to its success for any business. Mobile apps also have the ability to provide Mobile apps also have the ability to provide onscreen alerts meaning people can be onscreen alerts meaning people can be alerted when you update your app, offer a alerted when you update your app, offer a new product, or start a new promotion.new product, or start a new promotion.

A mobile app also allows consumers to do A mobile app also allows consumers to do business without actually visiting or phoning business without actually visiting or phoning

your establishment. An app does not your establishment. An app does not have to be manned and, therefore, it’s have to be manned and, therefore, it’s available 24hours per day 7 days per available 24hours per day 7 days per week.week.

2. My Business Has a MobileWebsite, Why Do I Need anApp as Well?

The main difference between a mobile The main difference between a mobile website and an app is that apps are more website and an app is that apps are more portable and easier to use. It is true that portable and easier to use. It is true that apps can contain much of the same apps can contain much of the same information as a websiteinformation as a website,, but an app has but an app has less information through which a less information through which a consumer has to filter. consumer has to filter.

Sometimes it is difficult to view websites Sometimes it is difficult to view websites on a mobile device. However, mobile apps on a mobile device. However, mobile apps do not require an internet connection and do not require an internet connection and the viewing capability and functionality the viewing capability and functionality are automatically optimized for the best are automatically optimized for the best viewing results. viewing results.

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3. Is Developing and Marketing3. Is Developing and MarketingA Mobile App Difficult and is itA Mobile App Difficult and is itExpensive?Expensive?

The best approach for developing a mobile The best approach for developing a mobile app for your business is to work with an app for your business is to work with an experienced app designer/developer or app experienced app designer/developer or app development firm. Once you have an idea of development firm. Once you have an idea of what you want, you can sit with the what you want, you can sit with the developer and they will pitch a design to you developer and they will pitch a design to you that will fit your business’s needs. As for the that will fit your business’s needs. As for the expense, this all depends on what type of expense, this all depends on what type of mobile app you intend to have. You may opt mobile app you intend to have. You may opt for a simple mobile app that just gives for a simple mobile app that just gives information about your business. Generally, information about your business. Generally, this kind of app will cost a couple of this kind of app will cost a couple of thousand dollars to develop. thousand dollars to develop.

A step up from the simple mobile app is one A step up from the simple mobile app is one that has information organized into different that has information organized into different sections or a full functioning app. This type sections or a full functioning app. This type of app generally contains pictures and other of app generally contains pictures and other graphics. graphics.

As far as the cost....As far as the cost....

This will depend on how detailed and This will depend on how detailed and extensive your app is. It could cost extensive your app is. It could cost anywhere from several thousand to over anywhere from several thousand to over 50 thousand dollars depending50 thousand dollars depending,, on how on how much information is present. If you want much information is present. If you want your customers to be able to make your customers to be able to make purchases through your app then be purchases through your app then be prepared to add an additional couple of prepared to add an additional couple of thousand dollars to the development price. thousand dollars to the development price. Once your app has been designed and Once your app has been designed and developed, you will need to make it developed, you will need to make it available through the various app available through the various app purchasing platforms previously purchasing platforms previously mentioned so that your customers can mentioned so that your customers can purchase it. This will pose another fee. purchase it. This will pose another fee.

To avoid any surprises, simply ask your To avoid any surprises, simply ask your app developer for a quote before they app developer for a quote before they start the process. They should be able to start the process. They should be able to give you a ballpark figure for the cost of give you a ballpark figure for the cost of your app, as well as help you determine your app, as well as help you determine which features will most benefit your which features will most benefit your business.business.

However, the costs associated with However, the costs associated with building and marketing mobile apps are building and marketing mobile apps are well-worth the price and should help your well-worth the price and should help your business generate more sales over time.business generate more sales over time.

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4. Will My App be Available onMultiple Mobile Devices?

Most app developers can ensure that your Most app developers can ensure that your app is able to function on multiple mobile app is able to function on multiple mobile devices, such as iPhone, Android, and devices, such as iPhone, Android, and Blackberry. However, be sure to talk to them Blackberry. However, be sure to talk to them about the various options available before about the various options available before they begin the development process.they begin the development process. First, figure out which platform your target First, figure out which platform your target audience uses the most, and then decide if audience uses the most, and then decide if you will launch your app across multiple you will launch your app across multiple platforms or just one to begin with. You can platforms or just one to begin with. You can always expand your app to additional always expand your app to additional platforms later if there is a demand for it and platforms later if there is a demand for it and if your app is successful.if your app is successful.

5. What Type Of Mobile AppShould I Develop: Simple or FullFunctioning ?

This all depends on your needs and the needs This all depends on your needs and the needs of your business. Every company’s app will of your business. Every company’s app will have a different look and feel. Keep in mind have a different look and feel. Keep in mind that you cannot include every feature of your that you cannot include every feature of your website due to the fact that mobile devices website due to the fact that mobile devices have smaller screens and processing power.have smaller screens and processing power.

What type of information does your target What type of information does your target audience want from your business? This audience want from your business? This should be your focus. For instance, most should be your focus. For instance, most consumers with restaurant apps want to consumers with restaurant apps want to know about special offers, as well as know about special offers, as well as specific menu items; so an app is the specific menu items; so an app is the perfect place for this information.perfect place for this information.

Dentists, and other industries that utilize Dentists, and other industries that utilize appointments, usually benefit by having appointments, usually benefit by having appointment scheduling capabilities within appointment scheduling capabilities within their apps. This means their app users their apps. This means their app users don’t even have to call them to set or don’t even have to call them to set or change appointments. change appointments.

Perhaps your business is one that sells an Perhaps your business is one that sells an actual, tangible product and your actual, tangible product and your customers will benefit from being able to customers will benefit from being able to purchase such products virtually; a full purchase such products virtually; a full functioning mobile app will work best in functioning mobile app will work best in this case.this case.

For instance, retail businesses can give For instance, retail businesses can give consumers the ability to purchase their consumers the ability to purchase their products using their apps, as well as easily products using their apps, as well as easily alert them about upcoming sales and alert them about upcoming sales and special deals.special deals.

Depending on the focus and direction of Depending on the focus and direction of your business, mobile apps can be used in your business, mobile apps can be used in

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many different ways – the options are many different ways – the options are endless.endless.

Just be sure to create an app that your Just be sure to create an app that your prospects and customers will find value in prospects and customers will find value in and put it out there.and put it out there.

So, should you go with a simple app or a So, should you go with a simple app or a more robust, fully-functioning app?more robust, fully-functioning app?

If you want an app that just lets people If you want an app that just lets people know what your business has to offer – know what your business has to offer – along with a little additional information along with a little additional information such as pricing, a simple mobile app will such as pricing, a simple mobile app will accomplish this. accomplish this.

However, if you want advanced features and However, if you want advanced features and functionality, a fully-functioning app may be functionality, a fully-functioning app may be the better option.the better option.

Another idea is to begin with a simple Another idea is to begin with a simple mobile appmobile app,, and then as your business and then as your business grows, convert to one that offers more grows, convert to one that offers more elaborate features later. Not only will this be elaborate features later. Not only will this be beneficial to your app users, but it will also beneficial to your app users, but it will also help your business grow by building your help your business grow by building your brand. brand.

6. Once I Develop the App,How Can I Promote it?

Promoting any product, including an app, Promoting any product, including an app, is mostly about advertising. If you also is mostly about advertising. If you also have a website for your business you have a website for your business you should definitely advertise on there that should definitely advertise on there that you have a mobile app. It is a good idea you have a mobile app. It is a good idea to also include links on your website that to also include links on your website that take your customers directly to the page take your customers directly to the page where your app can be downloaded.where your app can be downloaded.

If your business has a brick and mortar If your business has a brick and mortar establishment that has customer traffic, establishment that has customer traffic, you could advertise there as well. If your you could advertise there as well. If your budget allows, there are even companies budget allows, there are even companies you can pay to advertise your app online.you can pay to advertise your app online. If your business has a social media page If your business has a social media page (e.g. Facebook or Twitter), this is another (e.g. Facebook or Twitter), this is another way to promote your mobile app. If way to promote your mobile app. If they’re following you on these social they’re following you on these social platforms, chances are that they’d love to platforms, chances are that they’d love to have your app.have your app.

In fact, you should tell the world about In fact, you should tell the world about your app any way you can, so your app any way you can, so

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include the fact that you have one on all include the fact that you have one on all of your marketing materials and of your marketing materials and methods; be sure to include a call-to-methods; be sure to include a call-to-action telling consumers to download it.action telling consumers to download it.

Since your mobile app is geared toward Since your mobile app is geared toward gaining advertisement and/or revenue gaining advertisement and/or revenue for your business, it should most likely for your business, it should most likely be free for consumers to download. be free for consumers to download.

7. Does My Mobile AppHave to be Updated? If so,How Often is thisPerformed?

Theoretically, most information on your Theoretically, most information on your mobile app will remain the same. If mobile app will remain the same. If anything about your business changes anything about your business changes (e.g. location, contact information, (e.g. location, contact information, services offered, pricing information, services offered, pricing information, etc.) then definitely make updates to etc.) then definitely make updates to your app.your app. Perhaps your business is running a Perhaps your business is running a special promotion or you have a special special promotion or you have a special announcement you want your announcement you want your consumers to know; this also is a great consumers to know; this also is a great time to update your app.time to update your app.

In fact, it is a good idea to make In fact, it is a good idea to make changes to your mobile app every changes to your mobile app every now now and then to give your audience a reason and then to give your audience a reason to keep using it. If your app contained to keep using it. If your app contained the exact same information every time the exact same information every time a person used it for a year straight, a person used it for a year straight, there would be no practical reason for there would be no practical reason for them to keep it installed on their them to keep it installed on their devices. devices.

There are instances when updates will There are instances when updates will be inevitablebe inevitable,, such as if a mobile carrier such as if a mobile carrier updates their operating system or adds updates their operating system or adds a different type of mobile device. If you a different type of mobile device. If you do not keep up with these updates, your do not keep up with these updates, your app could become inoperable to some of app could become inoperable to some of your customers. your customers.

8. Will Maintaining a MobileApp be Time Consuming?

Most of the time businesses spend on Most of the time businesses spend on mobile apps is during the design and mobile apps is during the design and development stages. Any other time spent development stages. Any other time spent on your app will be devoted to performing on your app will be devoted to performing updates, which can be handled by your updates, which can be handled by your chosen app development firm (if you have chosen app development firm (if you have chosen that route for creating your app). chosen that route for creating your app). Otherwise, once it’s built, the maintenance Otherwise, once it’s built, the maintenance is pretty much very minimal.is pretty much very minimal.

9. Who Will Own the MobileApp Once it is Created?

Most businesses that pay for their apps will Most businesses that pay for their apps will own them. Just be sure to verify this with own them. Just be sure to verify this with your developer by coming up with a your developer by coming up with a copyright agreement that says they created copyright agreement that says they created it, but you are the owner of the content, it, but you are the owner of the content, design, and code. design, and code.

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10. How Many Mobile Apps Should I Develop?

One mobile app will suffice for most business needs. For instance, if your business has several different target audiences, you may want to develop different apps for each audience in order to boost effectiveness.

As mentioned before, if you begin with one simple mobile app and then decide you want one that is fully-functioning, you can develop an upgraded one at a later time.Companies today are always looking for new and improved ways to gain more customers and cater to their needs. Developing the right mobile app will prove to be very beneficial to your business by increasing your advertising reach, as well as increasing overall growth and revenue. If you have any other questions about how you can tap into this powerful, digital marketing tool, visit today at www.spanceptmobileapps.com for a free, no-obligation consultation about I can help you get started.

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