In 2017, there were 178.1 billion mobile app downloads throughout the world. That number is expected to go up to 258.2 billion by 2022. 

Worldwide app revenue is estimated to reach $188.9 billion by 2020. 

There are apps for just about everything–but how about for your business? 

If you own a business, a mobile app can help you stand out. Want to learn more? Here are 8 benefits of mobile applications for businesses.  

1. Mobile Surpassed Desktop Worldwide

Once, not too long ago, we did all our work and browsing on heavy desktops or notebook computers. Now, as of 2016, internet usage through mobile devices surpassed desktop usage worldwide. 

In fact, 51.3% of internet usage in the world is on a mobile or tablet device. That’s compared to 48.7% of internet usage on desktops. 

Even in the United States, mobile is 42% compared to 58% desktop. That’s a large chunk that you’re missing out on if you don’t have a mobile app for your business. 

Our lives have become intertwined with our mobile phones. We use our phones to wake us up every morning and to put us to sleep at night. We use them during the day whether its to take notes, read books, or browse the news.

2. Stand Out From the Competition

The availability of a mobile app for your business can be a unique selling point to customers. This is especially true if you offer features of value such as customer support.  

3. You’re Available 24/7

Being available on mobile offers a convenience that laptops or desktops can’t. We have access to our phones and the apps on our phones 24/7.

If a customer is interested in looking at your products or learning about your services, they can do so anytime. They can browse your products while waiting in line at the grocery store or at the bank. Your products and services will always be available. 

You’re also available to contact at any time. If a customer has a question or wants to provide feedback, they don’t have to go and search for your contact information online. Instead of taking an extra step to send out an email, they can contact you directly through the app. 

4. Direct Marketing Opportunities

Your company’s mobile app provides many beneficial marketing opportunities. For example, you can ask for feedback directly through the app. Feedback surveys are a great way to see what you can improve about your app and business.

Also, you have the opportunity of sending push notifications to interact directly with users. If users decline push notifications from your app, you can at least use in-app messages. 

When sending push notifications and in-app messages, make sure to provide messages of value to users. This can be in the form of promotional offers or reminders. 

You can also personalize notifications and messaging based on a user’s preferences. 

5. Provide Value

Through your mobile app, you can provide value to your customers. This can be in the form of loyalty points or check-in points that customers can accumulate.

Retail stores have apps where you can add and use coupons as you shop. Some grocery store apps allow you to write up your grocery list right on the app. 

The more value you provide for users, the more likely they’ll keep using your app or will recommend your app. 

6. Increase Engagement

More people are shopping through mobile. US spending through smartphones is estimated to grow 18% from 2018-2023. In fact, mobile shopping has an impact on more than a third of all retail spending in the United States. 

Shopping through our smartphones is becoming widespread. And if we’re not shopping through mobile, we’re at least using our phones to research products and read online reviews.  

7. Build a Relationship with Customers 

Through a mobile app, you can build a relationship with your customers. If there is a glitch with the app or something that needs to be improved, you can get feedback through the app or through ratings.

Feedback and ratings are important. In fact, 84% of people trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation.

What’s more, negative feedback isn’t always a bad thing. With negative feedback, you have the opportunity to improve what’s wrong and to make your app better. You can build a strong relationship with customers when you show them that you listen to what they have to say. 

8. Build Your Brand

Your company’s brand is how people see and feel about your business. You can build your brand in ways such as marketing and advertising, presence on social media, or through your customer service.

Your mobile app can be another way to build upon your brand. If your app works great and provides value to your customers, they’ll think positively about your brand. 

That’s why it’s important to choose the right company that will help you develop the software. As the company Bitbean believes, you want to develop custom software that can provide growth for your company. 

You don’t just want to create an app and then forget about it. Developing an app is an ongoing process. After you release the app, you should provide updates so that you give users the best experience. 

Final Thoughts About Mobile Applications for Businesses

Now that you know about the benefits of mobile applications for businesses, you can get started on developing one.

When thinking about what kind of app to create, think about what is useful to your target audience. What would provide value to them?

Want to read more business tips? Check out more articles on our business blog.