The long-reigning desktop king is overthrown and the mobile era has begun. The global mobile population is now at 3.7 billion. By 2020, it will be 4 billion.
The mobile app market is experiencing an explosion. Businesses are now faced with the dilemma of whether to use websites or mobile apps for their business operations.
If you have the resources, it is possible to choose between both channels. However, for most organizations, it makes more sense to allocate resources to one channel.
It all depends on cost viability, desired features, and target audience. There are many good reasons to choose apps as your platform.
User Preferences
The number of apps downloaded was a record-breaking 197 billion last year. Modern users use an average of 9 apps per day and spend 90% of their mobile time on these apps.
These numbers speak volumes about the enormous business potential of apps for customer acquisition and revenue generation. Apps are simply more popular than downloading and using them.
Websites can be very effective in generating awareness and engagement. However, they fail to perform well in the later stages of the funnel, when apps are more valuable and encourage better retention.
Personalization Potential
Apps are more personal than the web, which is one of the best reasons to choose them. Apps can make use of the native features of mobile devices to deliver a more personalized, fast, and intuitive user experience (UX).
This is possible by analyzing data about users’ habits, locations, and usage patterns. Similar to the above, apps can track and analyze user behavior. This is key to providing users with personalized updates and recommendations.
Many apps allow users to customize their content and set preferences from the start.
Effective Monetization
App revenue streams can be boosted by creating a positive experience. You will notice that free apps are very popular nowadays. These apps are free to download and can be used as money-making tools.
Appnext’s sophisticated monetization strategies and product quality are partly responsible for its incredible financial performance. There are many ways to engage users, and it is possible to do so at the right moment.
You can make a huge impact on your bottom line by using actionable ads, UA campaign videos, and promotional videos, without sacrificing UX.
A Powerful Ecommerce Tool
Mobile apps are blowing away websites in the ecommerce industry. They can close deals faster with leads and prospects, which allows them to move quicker through the sales funnel.
They have an estimated 3x higher conversion rate than mobile web and 1.5x higher than desktop. More than 40% of those who download an ecommerce application make a purchase.
This is why? Apps save users’ data and eliminate the hassle of entering credentials each time. In-app checkout is easy and quick thanks to the app environment.
Easier Communication
Apps are great communication tool. While click and open rates for other channels are decreasing, they are increasing. They are also integrated with user-friendly features such as push and in-app messaging.
These utility staples enable brands to interact instantly with customers in a more friendly manner. These notifications, which appear only when an app is opened by users, are the most reliable proof.
Push notifications are sent regardless of actions. However, they still have respectable click-through rates of up to 40%.
Extra Features
There are a few additional features on smartphones that can give apps an advantage. Websites have very limited capabilities when it comes to providing multimedia to users. They can’t use the device’s native functions like camera, contact list, and phone calls.
All these features make the app more fun and interactive. Apps reduce the effort and time required to complete tasks.
One example is taking a picture of a receipt or document rather than writing everything down. Many other shortcuts provide instant gratification.
Offline Functionality
The ability to use apps offline is one of the key differences between mobile web and app. Although most products require an internet connection, the basic features and content can still be used without it.
Bank apps can calculate installments and taxes even when they are offline. This means that brands can provide value at any time to their customers.
We must not forget the ever-present icons for apps that keep brands top of mind. If someone needs it, an app is always available on the screen.
Branding Benefits
We have reached the last point. Apps cement brand awareness and increase brand visibility. App usage is on the rise and has outpaced web usage, as we’ve already mentioned. Businesses have the opportunity to build trust and loyalty with every interaction with apps.
These recurring interactions can influence brand perceptions over time and user behavior. Apps can be used as a test bed for various branding strategies because they are separate from corporate websites. Apps can be very different from corporate branding and encourage innovative ideas.
The Next Level
Mobile is the new business age. Apps offer many advantages and vital features that websites don’t have.
They are not only downloaded eagerly but also influence their actions. You can pamper them with customized content, personalized features, and a tailored environment.
Mobile web is still behind, and it will continue to fall in the future. Don’t miss this opportunity!