Advantages of Mobile Apps in Business - Research Paper Example

Advantages of Mobile Apps in Business This section of the proposal emphasizes upon the advantages of mobile apps in modern businesses. The usage of mobile apps has become the most common mechanism these days. Whether it is checking weather or identifying a nearby grocery store, large numbers of users are relying on mobile apps for their day-to-day activities. Nowadays, a great amount of interaction among people occurs on mobile devices. According to The International Telecommunication Union, approximately 77% of the global population is mobile subscriber. As found in a recent survey, around 41% of the total mobile subscribers make online purchases. Reckoning these estimations, local and international businesses have also started to capitalize mobile technology. It is being done through mainly two platforms; setting up a mobile app or/and setting up a website, which is mobile friendly (Walter, 2011). Mobile apps are considered as a type of advertising which a person carries in his/ her pocket. The good news for businesses is that the research shows that mobile apps are the fastest growing form of marketing which shows of signs of slowing down. The growing trend of smart phones has allowed the users to carry large amount of diversified information in their mobile devices. The newly prevalent phenomenon of mobile phones apps is further backed up by 4GS technology, which every other developed country possesses. Developing countries are also pursuing for this technology. 4GS technology further enhances the user experience by allowing them great speed of internet. Acknowledging the above facts, it can be stated that a large number of benefits can be reaped by creating a mobile app for respective business. Big businesses such as eBay, Amazon, Target and Gap have commenced promoting their brand through mobile apps. Sooner, small businesses such as hair salon, supermarkets, dealerships etc started to follow the suit. It is happening because mobile apps are the most convenient, affordable and accessible way to reach out the consumers on personal basis. Some of the most widely acknowledged benefits of mobile apps are briefly mentioned in the subsequently parts of this paper. Faster than other Mediums of Communications Nowadays, ‘speed’ has become the most influential factor when it comes to electronics and internet. In today’s hasty life, people do not have time to stare at computer while it buffers, loads and gets ready for an internet session. Mobile apps are quicker than websites. They provide instant insights and prevent the user from waiting period. Mobile apps do not require much time and the required information can be saved in the application easily. Many mobile apps have more pervasive user interfaces. Saving information helps in ‘offline’ mode of interactions and transactions. Building Relationships with Customers When customers are constantly using a mobile app through mobile devices, it becomes easier for them to inquire about the service or product by making a phone call or through a message. It is quicker way of communication as compared to email where one has to wait for days in order to receive the answer. Furthermore, it facilitates the company in serving the people more readily and altering their immediate tasks objectives as per the requirements of customers. The user-friendly navigation of mobile apps allows a user to survey the products in a stress free manner. Through mobile apps, businesses can stay in touch with their customer all the time throughout the week. By being present over the mobile devices of customers, helps in building strong relationships with the customers (Biel & Gruhn, 2010). Connects with the customers on go Mobile apps assist a business by being with customer when they are on the go. Customers usually use mobile apps or other internet services when they are travelling in buses or taxis. The reason is that they are not driving and therefore, in order to beat boredom they prefer to use mobile phones during travelling. Creating a mobile app can be useful for a business because when customers check their mobile devices; the image of the brand freshens up in their minds, which creates an impulsive buying situation for customers. In addition to that, it allows the user to locate the nearby shop or store in order to make purchases (Mallick, 2003). Increase Visibility and Accessibility Mobile apps increase the accessibility and visibility of a brand by being present over the mobile device all the time. It is accessible because the user can reach to a brand and get any type of information whenever and wherever they want, in a split second. It is faster than websites and is always present over the mobile device of a person. It is more accessible than a nearby shop. It increases visibility more than any type of advertisement. It allows the user to be acquainted with the brand and therefore, enhances the brand image. Mobile apps can engage the consumers in various activities related to that specific brand. Customers can search about the varieties, prices and products that are being offered by the company. They can also compare prices with the substitutes or alternatives of that product in order to get the best possible price. In this way, mobile apps increase the accessibility and visibility of a product or brand as compared to any other medium of communication (McClure et al, 2012). Conclusion The advantages of mobile apps for businesses can be summed up in three simple words; accessibility, cost-effectiveness and portability. Moreover, business enterprises can utilize the benefits of mobile apps for finding out the ratings and popularity of their product among users. The importance of mobile apps is substantial both for customers as well as for businesses. If used effectively, it can take the performance of a business to a next level and can explore the capacities offered by the e-business processes. A close relationship can be developed with customers through mobile apps. A business can also track the number of current users and can alter its strategies accordingly. Being the most widely used product, mobile apps can be healthy for flourishing the businesses. Works Cited Biel, G. & Gruhn, Volker (2010), Exploring the benefits of the combination of a software architecture analysis and a usability evaluation of a mobile application, Journal of Systems and Software, 83 (11), pp. 2031-2044. Mallick, M. (2003). Mobile and Wireless Design Essentials. John Wiley & Sons. McClure et al, (2012). Wrox Cross Platform Android and iOS Mobile Development Three-Pack. John Wiley & Sons. Walters, D. 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