Start-ups, more so than any other kind of business, have to use every trick in the book to get themselves going. That means creative marketing, sponsorship deals, investment deals, a solid online presence, and more.
With the dawn of the ‘internet age’ and the increasing number of users who choose to consume their media on the go, you can add ‘mobile app’ to that list too.
Of course, it’s still an area that’s quite confusing to many, and that’s understandable. Ten years ago, nobody had heard of YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, and the iPhone wasn’t the global juggernaut that it is today.
It’s astonishing the difference ten years can make, and there will probably be some start-ups who haven’t caught up with the latest tech.
So, to cure your trepidation and help you take those digital steps, this post will give you five big reasons why your start-up needs a mobile app. It could be that edge you seek in order to gain some momentum and become a dominant force in an increasingly crowded market.
1. Your startup will be accessible from everyone’s pocket
It goes without saying, but ‘mobile’ means ‘anywhere.’ It’s the best way for customers to reach you at any time, and in any place. Holidaying in the Bahamas? No problem. Jetting off to Ibiza? You’re covered.
About half of the adult population carries around a smartphone, and there are many more with tablets and laptops. The amount of people you can reach is staggering, and the number of places they can reach you is infinite.
Because of this widespread reach, you’ll grow your consumer base through sheer availability. Mobile apps can be downloaded and opened in seconds; it’s not like waiting for a web page to load.
There’s a saying that goes around regarding people’s phones being an extension of their arm, too. As a society, we’re always plugged in, meaning your start-up will be a tap away.
It’s not as though you have to do it yourself either, and there are many companies, like Meijun, who specialize in mobile app development. Your start-up will see all the benefits with pretty much none of the work, meaning there’s no better way to get yourself out there.
2. There are many overnight success stories
Sure, a lot of these may not relate directly to business ventures, but the quick success of mobile apps cannot be understated.
When an app catches on, it really catches on, so much so that it becomes a staple of the phone operating system. Things like Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram are now considered basic features of many mobile devices, and your app can be the same.
Because a lot of mobile users are millennials, who frequently use social media, if the word gets out about your app it will spread like wildfire. Think of an app like Flappy Bird, which was released in 2013 to absolutely zero fanfare.
But, toward the end of the year, people started playing it, setting high scores and lamenting the game’s frustrating nature. They’d post to social media about this, then their friends would see it, and the game would spread.
By January 2014, the game was the most downloaded on the app store and the developer was earning $50,000 a day from sales and ad revenue.
Ok, this app isn’t related to business in any way, shape or form, but the principle stands. If you create something that people like, and that people want to talk about, you will spread.
How many other platforms afford this type of growth so quickly?! From nothing, to $50,000 a day, in just a few months? It’s astonishing. If you truly focus on mobile development, the heights you can reach will be incredible.
3. It allows you to get creative, and break the boundaries of business
Following on from apps like Flappy Bird or Facebook, who’s to say your app has to relate directly to your company? Sure, you should definitely have your branding all over it, but does it have to be a strict B2C app? Absolutely not.
Why not include some form of mini game or interactive feature? Why not create a utility app that can help people track expenses or track their workout routine? As long as you include contact information for your company, there’s no reason you can’t step outside your comfort zone.
In fact, I’d recommend it. Getting creative and quirky is the best way to catch the eye of the consumer, and that’s your goal here.
4. It can be your ‘all in one’ engagement hub
Rather than having a website for your blog, social media for contact details and an FAQ, and a Google Business listing, why not combine them all?
Place all your eggs in one basket and drive the customer to you. This way, you’ll avoid spreading yourself too thinly, and people won’t have to continually search for the content they seek. It’ll all be in one place!
5. One app, multiple platforms
Mobile app development isn’t a walk in the park, but once it’s done, it’s done. That single app can be used across a variety of platforms, including iOS and Android.
It can be used on a wide range of devices, like iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, iPad, Apple Watch, Nokia Lumia, Lenovo Miix and more. You’ve built one killer app, but you aren’t shoving yourself in a corner.
Far from it. In fact, there’s no better way to reach the biggest amount of people in the shortest amount of time. That household that doesn’t own an iPhone?
They probably own a laptop, tablet, watch, console, something that can run your app. That other household next door? Everyone has a smartphone.
The next house prefers tablets, but they also own a desktop and a PlayStation 4. Your app can play anywhere without many limitations, and it’s up to you to determine your growth.
And that just about does it! Hopefully, I’ve helped you make a decision. Creating a business isn’t easy, so you have to give yourself the best possible chance at success. I believe that mobile apps are the way to do that, and I strongly urge you to take the plunge.