Here are 10 of the most common questions business owners have in regards to Mobile Apps.Questions about using Mobile Apps for marketing/revenue purposes
2. MMany companies are jumping intoany companies are jumping into
the world of digital mobilethe world of digital mobile
applications in an effort to build theirapplications in an effort to build their
brands, attract more customers, andbrands, attract more customers, and
build stronger relationships with theirbuild stronger relationships with their
existing customers.existing customers.
Why?Why?
The main reason is the massiveThe main reason is the massive
influx of mobile users over the pastinflux of mobile users over the past
few years; not only that, but mobilefew years; not only that, but mobile
application usage has grownapplication usage has grown
tremendously as well.tremendously as well.
In fact, some studies show that, on average,In fact, some studies show that, on average,
consumers download approximately two appsconsumers download approximately two apps
per month.per month.
Mobile applications, or mobile apps as they areMobile applications, or mobile apps as they are
more commonly called, are a special type ofmore commonly called, are a special type of
software that can be used on mobile devices,software that can be used on mobile devices,
such as smartphones and computer tablets.such as smartphones and computer tablets.
Mobile apps serve a variety of purposes suchMobile apps serve a variety of purposes such
as playing games, banking, shopping,as playing games, banking, shopping,
productivity, and much more.productivity, and much more.
There are hundreds of thousands of mobileThere are hundreds of thousands of mobile
apps available today; resulting in billions ofapps available today; resulting in billions of
downloads. Even more astounding is that theydownloads. Even more astounding is that they
1 www.spanceptmobileapps.com Top 10 Mobile Apps QA
3. are expected to more thanare expected to more than tripletriple within the next couple of years due to their popularity.within the next couple of years due to their popularity.
Generally speaking, mobile apps typically have to be acquired through some form ofGenerally speaking, mobile apps typically have to be acquired through some form of
distribution platform, such as the Apple App Store. However, it all depends on the type ofdistribution platform, such as the Apple App Store. However, it all depends on the type of
device the user has, such as an iPhone, Blackberry or an Android phone.device the user has, such as an iPhone, Blackberry or an Android phone.
Most smartphones have the ability to download and operate mobile apps. With theMost smartphones have the ability to download and operate mobile apps. With the
admiration of mobile apps increasing, they are bound to become a part of everyone’s lifeadmiration of mobile apps increasing, they are bound to become a part of everyone’s life
whether personal or strictly for business.whether personal or strictly for business.
The first mobile apps were originally developed for convenience, productivityThe first mobile apps were originally developed for convenience, productivity,, and quickand quick
references such as ones that displayed calendars, weather conditions, and maps.references such as ones that displayed calendars, weather conditions, and maps.
Currently, many mobile users find it easier and more convenient to use a mobile app toCurrently, many mobile users find it easier and more convenient to use a mobile app to
conduct business with a company rather than face-to-face or even through a website.conduct business with a company rather than face-to-face or even through a website.
This is where your business comes into play… Are there certain app features that yourThis is where your business comes into play… Are there certain app features that your
customers would like to have? Is there anything you can provide in an app to makecustomers would like to have? Is there anything you can provide in an app to make
doing business with your company fast and easy? If so, a mobile app could be a greatdoing business with your company fast and easy? If so, a mobile app could be a great
investment for you.investment for you.
By using the powerful “push notification” feature that is programmed into apps, you canBy using the powerful “push notification” feature that is programmed into apps, you can
literally reach out and touch your customers whenever you want.literally reach out and touch your customers whenever you want.
Companies today, both large and small, should not rule out developing a mobile app forCompanies today, both large and small, should not rule out developing a mobile app for
their business in order to increase sales and revenue.their business in order to increase sales and revenue.
If you are like most small businesses, you probably have questions about using mobileIf you are like most small businesses, you probably have questions about using mobile
apps for marketing/revenue purposes. Here are 10 of the most common questionsapps for marketing/revenue purposes. Here are 10 of the most common questions
business owners have in regards to mobile apps.business owners have in regards to mobile apps.
2 www.spanceptmobileapps.com Top 10 Mobile Apps QA
4. 1. How Will a Mobile App Help
My Business?
As mentioned previously, many people haveAs mentioned previously, many people have
a smartphone or other device that allows fora smartphone or other device that allows for
the downloading of apps. Since thesethe downloading of apps. Since these
devices are small, typically pocket-sized,devices are small, typically pocket-sized,
most people have them on hand at allmost people have them on hand at all
times, meaning they use or look at theirtimes, meaning they use or look at their
device several times a day.device several times a day.
If your business has an app that people canIf your business has an app that people can
download, they always see your app ondownload, they always see your app on
their mobile screen – which represents atheir mobile screen – which represents a
direct connection to your business. This, indirect connection to your business. This, in
itself, is constant advertisement and aitself, is constant advertisement and a
reminder of your business when they are inreminder of your business when they are in
need of your type of product or service.need of your type of product or service.
Repeated exposure to consumers is one ofRepeated exposure to consumers is one of
the keys to its success for any business.the keys to its success for any business.
Mobile apps also have the ability to provideMobile apps also have the ability to provide
onscreen alerts meaning people can beonscreen alerts meaning people can be
alerted when you update your app, offer aalerted when you update your app, offer a
new product, or start a new promotion.new product, or start a new promotion.
A mobile app also allows consumers to doA mobile app also allows consumers to do
business without actually visiting or phoningbusiness without actually visiting or phoning
your establishment. An app does notyour establishment. An app does not
have to be manned and, therefore, it’shave to be manned and, therefore, it’s
available 24hours per day 7 days peravailable 24hours per day 7 days per
week.week.
2. My Business Has a Mobile
Website, Why Do I Need an
App as Well?
The main difference between a mobileThe main difference between a mobile
website and an app is that apps are morewebsite and an app is that apps are more
portable and easier to use. It is true thatportable and easier to use. It is true that
apps can contain much of the sameapps can contain much of the same
information as a websiteinformation as a website,, but an app hasbut an app has
less information through which aless information through which a
consumer has to filter.consumer has to filter.
Sometimes it is difficult to view websitesSometimes it is difficult to view websites
on a mobile device. However, mobile appson a mobile device. However, mobile apps
do not require an internet connection anddo not require an internet connection and
the viewing capability and functionalitythe viewing capability and functionality
are automatically optimized for the bestare automatically optimized for the best
viewing results.viewing results.
3 www.spanceptmobileapps.com Top 10 Mobile Apps QA
5. 3. Is Developing and Marketing3. Is Developing and Marketing
A Mobile App Difficult and is itA Mobile App Difficult and is it
Expensive?Expensive?
The best approach for developing a mobileThe best approach for developing a mobile
app for your business is to work with anapp for your business is to work with an
experienced app designer/developer or appexperienced app designer/developer or app
development firm. Once you have an idea ofdevelopment firm. Once you have an idea of
what you want, you can sit with thewhat you want, you can sit with the
developer and they will pitch a design to youdeveloper and they will pitch a design to you
that will fit your business’s needs. As for thethat will fit your business’s needs. As for the
expense, this all depends on what type ofexpense, this all depends on what type of
mobile app you intend to have. You may optmobile app you intend to have. You may opt
for a simple mobile app that just givesfor a simple mobile app that just gives
information about your business. Generally,information about your business. Generally,
this kind of app will cost a couple ofthis kind of app will cost a couple of
thousand dollars to develop.thousand dollars to develop.
A step up from the simple mobile app is oneA step up from the simple mobile app is one
that has information organized into differentthat has information organized into different
sections or a full functioning app. This typesections or a full functioning app. This type
of app generally contains pictures and otherof app generally contains pictures and other
graphics.graphics.
As far as the cost....As far as the cost....
This will depend on how detailed andThis will depend on how detailed and
extensive your app is. It could costextensive your app is. It could cost
anywhere from several thousand to overanywhere from several thousand to over
50 thousand dollars depending50 thousand dollars depending,, on howon how
much information is present. If you wantmuch information is present. If you want
your customers to be able to makeyour customers to be able to make
purchases through your app then bepurchases through your app then be
prepared to add an additional couple ofprepared to add an additional couple of
thousand dollars to the development price.thousand dollars to the development price.
Once your app has been designed andOnce your app has been designed and
developed, you will need to make itdeveloped, you will need to make it
available through the various appavailable through the various app
purchasing platforms previouslypurchasing platforms previously
mentioned so that your customers canmentioned so that your customers can
purchase it. This will pose another fee.purchase it. This will pose another fee.
To avoid any surprises, simply ask yourTo avoid any surprises, simply ask your
app developer for a quote before theyapp developer for a quote before they
start the process. They should be able tostart the process. They should be able to
give you a ballpark figure for the cost ofgive you a ballpark figure for the cost of
your app, as well as help you determineyour app, as well as help you determine
which features will most benefit yourwhich features will most benefit your
business.business.
However, the costs associated withHowever, the costs associated with
building and marketing mobile apps arebuilding and marketing mobile apps are
well-worth the price and should help yourwell-worth the price and should help your
business generate more sales over time.business generate more sales over time.
4 www.spanceptmobileapps.com Top 10 Mobile Apps QA
6. 4. Will My App be Available on
Multiple Mobile Devices?
Most app developers can ensure that yourMost app developers can ensure that your
app is able to function on multiple mobileapp is able to function on multiple mobile
devices, such as iPhone, Android, anddevices, such as iPhone, Android, and
Blackberry. However, be sure to talk to themBlackberry. However, be sure to talk to them
about the various options available beforeabout the various options available before
they begin the development process.they begin the development process.
First, figure out which platform your targetFirst, figure out which platform your target
audience uses the most, and then decide ifaudience uses the most, and then decide if
you will launch your app across multipleyou will launch your app across multiple
platforms or just one to begin with. You canplatforms or just one to begin with. You can
always expand your app to additionalalways expand your app to additional
platforms later if there is a demand for it andplatforms later if there is a demand for it and
if your app is successful.if your app is successful.
5. What Type Of Mobile App
Should I Develop: Simple or Full
Functioning ?
This all depends on your needs and the needsThis all depends on your needs and the needs
of your business. Every company’s app willof your business. Every company’s app will
have a different look and feel. Keep in mindhave a different look and feel. Keep in mind
that you cannot include every feature of yourthat you cannot include every feature of your
website due to the fact that mobile deviceswebsite due to the fact that mobile devices
have smaller screens and processing power.have smaller screens and processing power.
What type of information does your targetWhat type of information does your target
audience want from your business? Thisaudience want from your business? This
should be your focus. For instance, mostshould be your focus. For instance, most
consumers with restaurant apps want toconsumers with restaurant apps want to
know about special offers, as well asknow about special offers, as well as
specific menu items; so an app is thespecific menu items; so an app is the
perfect place for this information.perfect place for this information.
Dentists, and other industries that utilizeDentists, and other industries that utilize
appointments, usually benefit by havingappointments, usually benefit by having
appointment scheduling capabilities withinappointment scheduling capabilities within
their apps. This means their app userstheir apps. This means their app users
don’t even have to call them to set ordon’t even have to call them to set or
change appointments.change appointments.
Perhaps your business is one that sells anPerhaps your business is one that sells an
actual, tangible product and youractual, tangible product and your
customers will benefit from being able tocustomers will benefit from being able to
purchase such products virtually; a fullpurchase such products virtually; a full
functioning mobile app will work best infunctioning mobile app will work best in
this case.this case.
For instance, retail businesses can giveFor instance, retail businesses can give
consumers the ability to purchase theirconsumers the ability to purchase their
products using their apps, as well as easilyproducts using their apps, as well as easily
alert them about upcoming sales andalert them about upcoming sales and
special deals.special deals.
Depending on the focus and direction ofDepending on the focus and direction of
your business, mobile apps can be used inyour business, mobile apps can be used in
5 www.spanceptmobileapps.com Top 10 Mobile Apps QA
7. many different ways – the options aremany different ways – the options are
endless.endless.
Just be sure to create an app that yourJust be sure to create an app that your
prospects and customers will find value inprospects and customers will find value in
and put it out there.and put it out there.
So, should you go with a simple app or aSo, should you go with a simple app or a
more robust, fully-functioning app?more robust, fully-functioning app?
If you want an app that just lets peopleIf you want an app that just lets people
know what your business has to offer –know what your business has to offer –
along with a little additional informationalong with a little additional information
such as pricing, a simple mobile app willsuch as pricing, a simple mobile app will
accomplish this.accomplish this.
However, if you want advanced features andHowever, if you want advanced features and
functionality, a fully-functioning app may befunctionality, a fully-functioning app may be
the better option.the better option.
Another idea is to begin with a simpleAnother idea is to begin with a simple
mobile appmobile app,, and then as your businessand then as your business
grows, convert to one that offers moregrows, convert to one that offers more
elaborate features later. Not only will this beelaborate features later. Not only will this be
beneficial to your app users, but it will alsobeneficial to your app users, but it will also
help your business grow by building yourhelp your business grow by building your
brand.brand.
6. Once I Develop the App,
How Can I Promote it?
Promoting any product, including an app,Promoting any product, including an app,
is mostly about advertising. If you alsois mostly about advertising. If you also
have a website for your business youhave a website for your business you
should definitely advertise on there thatshould definitely advertise on there that
you have a mobile app. It is a good ideayou have a mobile app. It is a good idea
to also include links on your website thatto also include links on your website that
take your customers directly to the pagetake your customers directly to the page
where your app can be downloaded.where your app can be downloaded.
If your business has a brick and mortarIf your business has a brick and mortar
establishment that has customer traffic,establishment that has customer traffic,
you could advertise there as well. If youryou could advertise there as well. If your
budget allows, there are even companiesbudget allows, there are even companies
you can pay to advertise your app online.you can pay to advertise your app online.
If your business has a social media pageIf your business has a social media page
(e.g. Facebook or Twitter), this is another(e.g. Facebook or Twitter), this is another
way to promote your mobile app. Ifway to promote your mobile app. If
they’re following you on these socialthey’re following you on these social
platforms, chances are that they’d love toplatforms, chances are that they’d love to
have your app.have your app.
In fact, you should tell the world aboutIn fact, you should tell the world about
your app any way you can, soyour app any way you can, so
6 www.spanceptmobileapps.com Top 10 Mobile Apps QA
8. include the fact that you have one on allinclude the fact that you have one on all
of your marketing materials andof your marketing materials and
methods; be sure to include a call-to-methods; be sure to include a call-to-
action telling consumers to download it.action telling consumers to download it.
Since your mobile app is geared towardSince your mobile app is geared toward
gaining advertisement and/or revenuegaining advertisement and/or revenue
for your business, it should most likelyfor your business, it should most likely
be free for consumers to download.be free for consumers to download.
7. Does My Mobile App
Have to be Updated? If so,
How Often is this
Performed?
Theoretically, most information on yourTheoretically, most information on your
mobile app will remain the same. Ifmobile app will remain the same. If
anything about your business changesanything about your business changes
(e.g. location, contact information,(e.g. location, contact information,
services offered, pricing information,services offered, pricing information,
etc.) then definitely make updates toetc.) then definitely make updates to
your app.your app.
Perhaps your business is running aPerhaps your business is running a
special promotion or you have a specialspecial promotion or you have a special
announcement you want yourannouncement you want your
consumers to know; this also is a greatconsumers to know; this also is a great
time to update your app.time to update your app.
In fact, it is a good idea to makeIn fact, it is a good idea to make
changes to your mobile app everychanges to your mobile app every nownow
and then to give your audience a reasonand then to give your audience a reason
to keep using it. If your app containedto keep using it. If your app contained
the exact same information every timethe exact same information every time
a person used it for a year straight,a person used it for a year straight,
there would be no practical reason forthere would be no practical reason for
them to keep it installed on theirthem to keep it installed on their
devices.devices.
There are instances when updates willThere are instances when updates will
be inevitablebe inevitable,, such as if a mobile carriersuch as if a mobile carrier
updates their operating system or addsupdates their operating system or adds
a different type of mobile device. If youa different type of mobile device. If you
do not keep up with these updates, yourdo not keep up with these updates, your
app could become inoperable to some ofapp could become inoperable to some of
your customers.your customers.
8. Will Maintaining a Mobile
App be Time Consuming?
Most of the time businesses spend onMost of the time businesses spend on
mobile apps is during the design andmobile apps is during the design and
development stages. Any other time spentdevelopment stages. Any other time spent
on your app will be devoted to performingon your app will be devoted to performing
updates, which can be handled by yourupdates, which can be handled by your
chosen app development firm (if you havechosen app development firm (if you have
chosen that route for creating your app).chosen that route for creating your app).
Otherwise, once it’s built, the maintenanceOtherwise, once it’s built, the maintenance
is pretty much very minimal.is pretty much very minimal.
9. Who Will Own the Mobile
App Once it is Created?
Most businesses that pay for their apps willMost businesses that pay for their apps will
own them. Just be sure to verify this withown them. Just be sure to verify this with
your developer by coming up with ayour developer by coming up with a
copyright agreement that says they createdcopyright agreement that says they created
it, but you are the owner of the content,it, but you are the owner of the content,
design, and code.design, and code.
7 www.spanceptmobileapps.com Top 10 Mobile Apps QA
9. 8 www.spanceptmobileapps.com Top 10 Mobile Apps QA
10. How Many Mobile Apps Should I Develop?
One mobile app will suffice for most business needs. For instance, if your business has
several different target audiences, you may want to develop different apps for each
audience in order to boost effectiveness.
As mentioned before, if you begin with one simple mobile app and then decide you want
one that is fully-functioning, you can develop an upgraded one at a later time.
Companies today are always looking for new and improved ways to gain more customers
and cater to their needs. Developing the right mobile app will prove to be very beneficial
to your business by increasing your advertising reach, as well as increasing overall
growth and revenue.
If you have any other questions about how you can tap into this powerful, digital
marketing tool, visit today at www.spanceptmobileapps.com for a free, no-obligation
consultation about I can help you get started.