With so many people owning smartphones, and with the trend only increasing, many businesses wonder if mobile apps are still only an advantage or if they have become a necessity. Companies like Lottoland have taken advantage of mobile apps to facilitate online gambling and betting, but these apps can benefit companies in any industry. But are they really necessary? Read on to find out the advantages and disadvantages of having a mobile app for your business.
History of Mobile Apps
Mobile apps first came on the scene in 1997 when Nokia released a built-in game called Snake on their Nokia 61xx series phones. However, it wasn't until Apple's release of the iPhone and App Store in 2007 that mobile apps really started to take off. In 2016, there were over 140 billion apps downloaded, according to Build Fire. This number increased upwards of 200 billion by 2020.
Since being introduced, mobile apps have become a staple in our lives. We use them for everything from entertainment and social networking to ordering food and managing our finances. In fact, there are now over nine million apps available on the App Store and Google Play combined.
Advantages of Having a Mobile App
If your company is on the edge of whether or not to create a mobile app, here are some advantages to help you make your decision:
Advantage #1: Increased Brand Awareness
With so many people using mobile apps, having one for your business can help increase brand awareness and visibility. This is because your company is then shown as being tech-savvy and up to date with the latest trends. In addition to this, people could come across your app on the app store simply by searching for something related to your industry.
Advantage #2: Increased Customer Engagement
Mobile apps can also help increase customer engagement. This is because they provide a direct channel between the customer and the business, making it easy for customers to contact the business or receive updates and notifications. In addition, mobile apps can also be used to send push notifications, which have been shown to be an effective way to engage with customers.
Advantage #3: Improved Customer loyalty
Another advantage of having a mobile app is that it can improve customer loyalty. This is because mobile apps make it easier for customers to stay up to date with your latest products and offerings, as well as any special deals or discounts you may be offering. In addition, mobile apps can also provide loyalty programs and rewards that customers can take advantage of.
Advantage #4: Increased Sales
Finally, one of the most important advantages of having a mobile app is that it can help increase sales. This is because mobile apps make it easier for customers to purchase your products or services, as well as keep track of their order history and progress which is why many business coaches will recommend that entrepreneurs implement mobile apps. In addition, mobile apps can also be used to upsell and cross-sell products and services.
Disadvantages of Having a Mobile App
Of course, there are also some disadvantages to having a mobile app for your business. Here are some things to consider before making your decision:
Disadvantage #1: Increased Costs
One of the main disadvantages of having a mobile app is that it can be costly to develop and maintain. This is because you will need to hire a team of developers to create the app, as well as keep up with the latest trends and technology. In addition, you will also need to pay for hosting and maintenance fees.
Disadvantage #2: Requires Maintenance
Another disadvantage of having a mobile app is that it will require regular maintenance. This is because you will need to update the app regularly to ensure that it is compatible with the latest operating system and devices. Besides this, you will also need to add new features and content on a regular basis.
Do Businesses Need a Mobile App in 2022?
So, do businesses need a mobile app in 2022? Despite the couple of disadvantages, having a mobile app still offers a lot of advantages that can be beneficial for your business. Not to mention, with the continuous rise in the number of people using mobile apps, it is likely that more and more businesses will start to develop one in the near future. Therefore, if you are looking to stay ahead of the competition, it is worth considering developing a mobile app for your business.
Final Thoughts
Developing a mobile app for your business can offer a lot of advantages that can help you increase brand awareness, engage with customers, improve customer loyalty, and boost sales. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are also some disadvantages to consider, such as the increased costs and maintenance requirements. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to develop a mobile app for your business will depend on your specific needs and goals. I hope this article has given you some food for thought.
Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay
