The trend for mobile growth has been on an upward curve for more than a decade now, and this has triggered similar expansion in the development of handsets and applications. With an estimated 50% of all mobile users now utilising a smartphone or tablet as their primary method of accessing the Internet, business owners in particular have been forced to embrace growth in this sector and tailor their marketing and sales strategies accordingly.
The development of mobile apps has been particularly beneficial business owners, as they have the potential to impact on everything from the management of big data to the effectiveness of professional networking. With this in mind, let’s take a look at four of the most productive applications and how they can benefit your business: –
1. FormMobi
Data is central to driving success in the contemporary business world, as even small and independent firms can now access the tools to analyse this information and develop actionable insight. FormMobi is a mobile application that has been designed to assist with the accumulation of real-time data, as its features enables users to record audio, collate images and collect consumer signatures.
Often referred to as a ‘digital clipboard’, this application is unique thanks to its evolved design and robust functionality. Not only does it give your business the opportunity to engage customers in live surveys and accumulate data through a number of alternative media, for example, but there is also an option for this information to be shared in real-time throughout the whole of the business.
2. Bump
The advent of social media, and its evolution into a business tool, has revolutionized the concept of professional networking for small business owners in 2014. The mobile application Bump has played a key role in this drive, as it negates the need for companies to exchange traditional business cars and instead allows them to trade contact information, profiles and data by connecting their smartphones.
Since its development and release in 2008, this innovative application has accumulated more than 8 million monthly users and 27 million downloads. This reflects its creativity and ease of use, as it simplifies the process of sharing contact details at mobile networking events such as trade shows and exhibitions. If these are crucial to your business, then Bump is an app that can deliver genuine value.
3. LocalVox
According to Matt Cutts, Google is increasingly prioritising the quality of content when determining search engine rankings. Although this is a positive development, it has had a huge impact on the web marketing industry and the techniques that businesses can use to prosper. LocalVox is a mobile application that ties into this need, as it allows bricks and mortar businesses to establish themselves in an online niche.
It is essentially a service that enables the publication of news, events and promotions with the touch of a single button, as it connects a vast network of websites, social media platforms, directories and other online channels. There is even an email service, so that you can promote your small business easily through the publication of organic events and developments. LocalVox even optimizes search and Google Places listings automatically, so you do need to be an SEO expert to get the most from the app.
4. Expensify
While the IMF may have lowered its forecast for global economic growth, the financial climate is far rosier now than it was eighteen months ago. This provides additional challenges for small business owners, however, who must look to capitalize on this growth by minimising costs and maximising profitability over time. This can be extremely difficult, however, especially when you consider the threat posed by intensifying competition in the marketplace.
The Expensify app can help you to manage your business costs, as it features significant data capacity so that you can track all commercial expenses and upload supporting documentation for tax purposes. The app currently processes a staggering £2 million in expenses every single day, and it is ideal for managing often unforeseen business costs (such as mileage) that can easily diminish profits throughout the financial year.