Get app-y with smart plans and some creative thinking

derbytelegraph.co.uk

WHEN you consider that there are now more active mobile devices than the total human population and Apple iPhone and iPad users spent more than $500 million on apps during the first week of 2015 alone, you can begin to get a handle on the significance of the mobile app market.

More and more people are using their phones and tablets to access online content for both business and leisure – and with smart phone sales set to grow by a further 18% in 2015, the sky's the limit for the mobile technology market.

Apps can save you time and resources and help you become more productive.

Most of us are now using them to help with some element of our working day.

Apps have even been created to e-sign documents, speeding up the process of signing documents.

In parallel to this, more and more businesses are recognising the importance of developing their own mobile apps.

Most businesses do not realise the untapped potential that lies in the development of their own dedicated mobile app.

Any business that could benefit from the ability to reach its customers 24/7 or that could provide an innovative mobile experience around its brand should seriously consider adding a mobile app to its marketing toolbox.

Before you embark on the development of a mobile app, however, it is important to define your expectations and the ROI you will expect.

There are many potential benefits of a mobile app, but the principal considerations are whether it can create an alternative income stream for your business, whether it can showcase your products and services and whether it has the ability to reach a new set of customers.

Many of your current customers will download and use your app, but the potential also exists to reach a whole new audience who will experience your brand for the first time.

With some creative thinking and smart planning, you can have an app of your own in almost no time.

Greendog has been at the cutting edge of the mobile app business ever since its inception and works with businesses to reach and engage their customers through digital design and development.

Recent projects include customer loyalty app Deal Tag and Instax POPit!, a new photo app for global leaders Fujifilm based on its popular range of Instax cameras.

The not-for-profit sector is harnessing the power of the mobile app too – Greendog recently teamed up with business intelligence and solutions provider PXTech to develop Charity Plus, a new mobile app for the charity retail sector, which aims to increase donations, share news and encourage loyalty.

The diversity of these projects demonstrates the wide variety of businesses that are realising increased efficiencies through the development of mobile technology.

Business and brands are now in a prime position to maximise customer loyalty, retention and spend through the power of mobile. The trick is knowing how to take those first steps to mobile customer engagement."