What are the factors to consider to have a mobile application for your business?

With the exponential growth in the technological world, we are now shifting towards a digital era. In this era, we invest the majority of our time on our mobile devices.

There is a massive shift of users from desktop and laptop to mobile devices. Suppose you think about some of the big companies in the world. In that case, you will realize that most of their customers mostly interact through their mobile App only, be it Facebook, Amazon, Netflix, or any other product based company. So if you are a start-up now or a veteran in the market, you will have to get your firm in your customers’ pockets.

Image credits: Pixabay

There are various advantages of a mobile app. Firstly it increases your visibility; it increases your reach, and also, during this pandemic, the Businesses have learned the importance of an online platform. Here are a few key things you should do before launching an app for your business:-

1. Market Research:- Before launching your mobile application, you should do market research to get to know the industry’s current trends and your requirements. Research your competitors well — what are they doing, what are their strengths and weaknesses, and if there is a loophole, how can you avoid it. Look at the customer reviews; this will give you an idea of what the customers like and what they are expecting.
2. Choosing the right platform:- Choosing the right platform and technology is very important if you are a start-up or a small business, then the budget is a huge issue. But your App must use the latest technology because you do not want your application to become obsolete.
3. Provide something new:- Have you ever wondered why there is hype or buzz about some new restaurant or a modern shopping place? Why do people tend to visit a new place and try out the new restaurant? Because people are always looking for something new and fresh, we humans tend to get bored with things very quickly. The same is the case with mobile applications. There are already various applications in the same segment, and you will have to ensure that your application stands out. It should be engaging and should feel new to the customers. You can add some small but impactful features like an option for voice search, customizable components, and many more features.
4. UI/UX Design:- The success of an app depends on the user interface and experience. If this aspect of your App is low, then your App is bound to fail. UI and UX are two different terms; UI means user interface, and UX means user interface, an app with useful UI, but the bad user experience is a common flaw to many business apps. Do not make the App too complicated or add a lot of unnecessary features. User experience is a very crucial feature; it determines how the end-user perceives your company. A well-thought application that offers a seamless user experience can translate into several key benefits.
5. Target Audience:- Before planning your App, first decide your user base. Identify the age group, gender, profession, and region which you are targeting. You must make sure that your application aligns with the interests of your end-user. Add features that may interest your user and engage them in your application. For example, if you make a shopping app for your business, make sure you add many pictorial illustrations and less content. It will keep the users connected with your App. Your application may be technically sound, but its success depends on how much it satisfies the customer’s needs.
6. App store optimization:- App store optimization is a process of optimizing a mobile application so that it ranks high in app store search results; the higher your app ranks in the app store’s products. The more it is visible to potential customers. The increased visibility tends to translate into more increased traffic on your App’s page on the app store. Using both app stores’ requirements & best practices, it becomes an excellent opportunity for your App to shine with its visuals, features, and specific use-case. Now, focus on your sketching out your final app store look and feel, and ensure that it follows your ideas.
7. Size and Screen density:- There are various screen sizes and thicknesses, and it is quite hectic to make an application that fits on all screens but make sure it works on many standard size devices. Among the most popular screen sizes are 1920 X 1080, 1200 X 768, and 1280 X 720.
8. Secure App:- If your application is taking any sensitive data from the user, like location, bank details, or any sensitive information, make sure that your App is very secure. If the user’s data is not safe, then your company’s image is at risk. Ensure that you include a privacy statement and inform the users about the information you may collect, and ensure that your application is secure against potential threats. Remember, if your application is safe, then your end-user will have more trust in you.

Today, 4,000,000,000+ people use smartphones; around 80% of people use their smartphone to purchase, payment, or book. Irrespective of any industry, mobile applications prove to be an essential tool for business growth and reach. There is immense market potential. So, when developing an app for your business, you should keep the above things in mind. With all that in place, you’re set to launch a great mobile application for your business, which will get your business within arm’s reach of your customers.

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