As an SME operating in Stevenage, you know that the competition is fierce in every industry. In order to stay ahead of the curve, you need to explore every possible avenue that can help you generate more revenue. Thankfully, we have one such avenue to suggest to you - building a mobile app for your business.
In this blog post, we will discuss the various ways in which a mobile app can help you boost revenue as an SME. We’ll highlight the growing trend of mobile app usage among consumers, the importance of a mobile app for businesses, and the top ways in which an app can increase revenue. So, let’s dive right in!
The Importance of Mobile Apps for SMEs in Stevenage
The rise of mobile usage over the past decade has been astronomical. According to a report by Statista, there were 3.7 billion unique mobile internet users in 2018, which is more than half the world’s population. Another report by eMarketer estimates that by 2023, over 90% of the UK’s population will be using smartphones.
With so many people using smartphones, it’s no surprise that mobile apps have become a critical component of modern-day life. Apps are the primary way that people access the internet on their mobile devices, with 92% of the time spent on mobile devices within apps, according to App Annie.
People are using mobile apps for just about everything from ordering food to booking flights, shopping, and even banking. This trend isn’t confined to consumers either; businesses are also using mobile apps to streamline operations and improve customer experiences.
The Importance of a Mobile App for Businesses
As we’ve established, mobile app usage is widespread, and it’s only going to continue to grow. SMEs can get ahead of the curve by building an app that connects with their customers and drives revenue in several ways.
Firstly, a mobile app provides a new, direct communication channel between your business and your customers. With an app, you can stay in touch with your customers in real-time, alerting them about discounts, events, or new products. Apps can also provide push notifications, so you can remind customers to complete an action or let them know when their order is ready for pickup.
Secondly, a mobile app can be a significant asset when it comes to brand building. By designing an app that reflects your brand values and makes your customers’ lives easier, you’ll create a positive association with your brand. This will make it easier for your customers to recognize your business and can even lead to them becoming brand advocates.
Lastly, a mobile app provides an opportunity for you to understand your audience and gather data on their behaviour. With user data, you can improve the usability of your app and create more relevant marketing campaigns based on user preferences.
The Top Ways in Which an App Can Increase Revenue
One of the significant benefits of a mobile app for an SME is that it can increase sales opportunities. You can use your app to streamline ordering and payment processes which can lead to more sales. Some apps even provide offline access, which allows your customers to purchase items even when they don’t have a stable internet connection.
Your app can also provide you with an additional avenue to present products to your customers. You can design a product catalog section on your app, complete with pictures, descriptions and pricing information. This feature can provide your customers with a convenient way to browse their selections and make purchases.
Improved Customer Service
An app can improve the customer experience in many ways. For example, you can provide a customer service chatbot on your app that can answer common questions and provide support. This feature can save time for both customers and staff.
Apps can also make it easy for customers to provide feedback, which can be invaluable for your business. You can use this feedback to improve your business operations and enhance the customer experience.
Loyalty Programs and Rewards
You can use your app to launch a loyalty program or implement a reward system for your customers. Loyalty programs can encourage repeat purchases, which can lead to increased revenue.
Reward systems can benefit both customers and businesses. For instance, you could offer discounts or free products for customers who refer friends to your business via the app. This can lead to both customer acquisition and customer retention.
Data Collection for Better Business Decisions
As mentioned earlier, an app can help you collect valuable data about your customers. You can use this data to gather insights into customer behaviour, preferences, and patterns. This information can be used to refine your marketing campaigns and make smarter business decisions.
Increased Marketing Opportunities
You can use your app as an additional marketing channel for your business. By leveraging push notifications you can send customers timely and relevant information about promotions, new products, and any other information that might entice them to make a purchase. With an app, you can create personalised offers for your customers based on their purchase history and preferences.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that building a mobile app can be a significant boost for SMEs operating in Stevenage. Apps provide numerous benefits to businesses, including enhanced sales opportunities, improved customer service, loyalty and reward systems, data collection for better business decisions, and increased marketing opportunities.
As people continue to use their smartphones to carry out their daily routines, mobile apps have become an essential component of modern-day life. By building an app that connects with your customers and enhances the customer experience, you can build a loyal customer base and generate more revenue for your business.