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4 reasons to invest in an app for your small business in 2022

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 09:13:24 GMT

Mobile apps are quickly becoming one of the most popular marketing strategies for any small business, here’s why you need one too.

It’s become clearer and clearer that in a world where your customers are on their phones more than ever, it’s important that your small business has an app.

Mobile apps have formed part of the marketing strategies for small start-ups and big corporations alike, so if you don’t have one for your business yet, you might be missing out big time!

If you haven’t already been convinced on the benefits of an app for your small business in 2022, here are 4 reasons why you should invest.

Builds a better relationship with your customers

Being able to meet your customers where they are (on their phones) and creating an experience that helps to meet their needs is the best way to create loyalty with your customers.

Having a convenient, user-friendly app will make your customers more likely to make orders, become interested in notifications and updates and may even start to recommend your app to people they know.

Consumers are shopping on their phones more than ever

Mobile sales have been increasing steadily in recent years and we have seen more customers making purchases through mobile apps.

Nearly 90% of mobile internet time is spent on apps , so if you want to reach your customers and create new revenue streams to take advantage of high spending, an app is a great opportunity.

Can be used as a tool for analysis

Through an app, you can gather more information about your customer base and their shopping habits.

By gathering this information and analysing it, you’ll find it much easier to tailor the experience to your customer’s needs and service them in better ways.

You could even look into things like geo-location tools and remarketing strategies to help collect more information on the users of your app.

Your competitors already have apps

The final reason that you should seriously consider investing in an app for your small business in 2022 is because all of your competitors probably already have one, and you don’t want to be left behind.

More than 42% of small businesses already have mobile apps, and over a third plan to create one in the future, so if you want to keep ahead, mobile apps are the way to go.

App news roundup: October 21

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 07:55:27 GMT

Things we’ve read, liked and loved from the app industry this month

If you’re keen to make your small business app design as successful as possible, taking a few minutes to catch up on what others are doing well – in addition to what’s changing in the wider app industry – can be a really helpful source of inspiration. We’re here to help you get caught up with our five-minute round up of this month’s app news.

New industry report shows mobile apps are booming

There’s never been a better time to invest in a mobile app for your small business new data shows, with the app industry overall booming. The Partner Benchmarks Report from Adjust confirms demand is hitting highest ever levels, with businesses flocking to advertise on mobile apps. Adjust estimates that spending on mobile advertising will account for three-quarters of all digital ad spend in 2021.

In addition, m-commerce continues to mature, with more installs being recorded for mobile commerce driven apps. This is especially pertinent for small businesses, who can integrate online stores and mobile shopping carts with their app to create a new revenue stream.

If you run a bar, restaurant, café or grocers, there’s more good news, with food delivery app installs increasing by 19% in 2020 and a further 21% in 2021.

Tesco app and website hacked

In a timely reminder to ensure that your app and website is as secure as possible in the run up to the busy holiday season, the supermarket giant Tesco has confirmed that it faced attempts to interfere with its systems this month, taking its website and app down for several hours over the weekend.

The problem has been described by Tesco as a deliberate disruption. It impacted several key app and site functions including order tracking, placing orders and amending existing orders. The outage left many shoppers frustrated and saw some moving to rival supermarkets.

New App Store guidelines revealed

Following a legal battle with developers in the USA, Apple has issued a new set of guidelines for its App Store. The court challenge means that Apple has now agreed that app developers can communicate with their app users to inform them of alternative payment methods outside of the app in question. In addition, app developers can request the name and email address of users downloading their apps – but must not make this information a term of being able to use the app.

Android apps test on Windows gets underway

Test have now begun at Microsoft to allow Android apps to be used on Windows. A total of 50 apps are included in the trial, with trial participants putting apps such as Amazon Kindle, the Washington Post and Lego Duplo World through their paces on Windows-powered devices.

Facts and stats you should know about m-commerce ahead of Black Friday

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 14:56:34 GMT

Stats and facts highlighting the opportunity of mobile commerce

It’s the biggest shopping day of the year and it’s right around the corner! Black Friday will take place on 26th November this year and that means there’s just weeks to go. This is an important date on your calendar as a small business owner, as it represents a phenomenal opportunity to drive sales via your app, build your lead pipeline and make up some lost ground if your revenue has been impacted by the COVID-related restrictions of the last 18 months.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Shoppers are spending money from mobile devices : Black Friday shoppers are increasingly making their purchases from a mobile device. Figures show that mobile shopping increased from 60.79% in 2018 to 66.55% in 2019.

Mobile commerce sales are growing fast : The popularity of mobile commerce is growing overall and at a notable pace – eMarketer stats suggest a 28% increase last year alone. This means that we can realistically expect even more orders to be placed on apps and the mobile web both on Black Friday itself and in the run up to the festive period.

More consumers are seeking out ecommerce apps : ecommerce apps are in demand right now with a growing number of shoppers seeking them out. Data from the latest State of Ecommerce Apps Marketing report confirms that in the first six months of this year, 48% more ecommerce apps were downloaded and installed, compared with the same period in 2020. This trend is great news if you have already have an app or are in the process of designing an app for your small business as it confirms its very real value as a new revenue stream in the build up to Black Friday.

Your app can increase order value : Having an app isn’t just a direct revenue generator in its own right, it also plays a role in increasing average order values. Research conducted by Google found that when consumers can interact with a brand by a website and an app, the average order value and customer lifetime value both increased. As shoppers become ever more comfortable browsing and buying with a tap of their smartphone via a retail or ecommerce app, these average values could go higher still.

How to prepare your business app for the festive period

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 14:53:31 GMT

Essential checks for your app ahead of holiday shopping season

It’s that time of year again; pumpkins have appeared in stores, the mornings and evenings have a definite chill to them and many of us are already thinking about getting started on the seasonal shopping.

As a small business owner, this period is vitally important and you’ll want to do all you can to ensure that your app is primed and ready to make the most of every opportunity for a conversion that comes your way.

1. Double check your user experience

Now is a great time to assure yourself that you are offering your app users as seamless a user experience as possible. If it’s been a while since you really dug around and put yourself in the hands of a new user, now is the time to do just that.

Is your navigation easy to use? Does your user client onboarding still do the job or is it time for an update? Can users wanting to book a service or buy a product do so quickly and easily?

2. Test your payment and booking processing

The ultimate aim of this period is to maximise your revenue, as this time of the year will usually represent a significant chunk of your overall sales. For that reason, you want to be confident that there are no snags, errors or frustrations associated with paying for a product or booking a service. Do as many trial runs as you can across your product or service offering to ensure the entire process works flawlessly.

3. Re-double your efforts to build positive reviews

Positive reviews are a powerful tool and can seriously improve not just your store listings but your user base too. If you’ve taken your foot off the gas when it comes to actively soliciting reviews, get your strategy back up and running. Many consumers like to see fresh reviews and will discount reviews that are older than a month or so. This means you’ll need to make this a regular part of your process.

4. Add a festive twist

Help your app users get into the festive spirit by adding a festive twist to your app. This could be something as simple as adding a Santa hat to your logo until the holidays are over.

5. Check your offers and promos are ready for the holiday season

We all love a bargain and getting a great deal is even more important at this time of the year. Sit down and check that you have enough suitable offers and incentives – an increasing number of retailers do time-sensitive promotions such as the 12 Days of Christmas so you’ll want to double check that your promotional copy is ready, any discount codes are active and error free and that you have sufficient stock in place to honour those orders.

What’s new in the appindustry?

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 15:17:24 GMT

The latest news and events to inspire your own app design

Looking for some app inspiration? Look no further! We have rounded up the latest news and events from across the app industry here for you with a recap of the most notable developments to help you stay in the know.

Major Facebook outage makes headlines worldwide

Showing that even the biggest brands aren’t immune to tech meltdowns, Facebook saw all of its services, including the social network, Instagram and WhatsApp down for hours earlier this week. The tech malfunction hit the social network’s own systems too, meaning some workers were reportedly prevented from accessing the Facebook building.

The network says it’s looking in to what went wrong and how it can learn from the issue.

Messaging apps see increase in demand

With WhatsApp down, other messaging apps have won over scores of new users, with millions of people searching for alternatives for their mobile communications. Telegram was a big winner, with so many WhatsApp users creating accounts that Telegram itself slowed down. On its Twitter feed, Telegram said it was sluggish due to “the great migration from the green app to here.” Time will tell whether those users stick around or if it’s a temporary influx.

Grocery delivery app faces criticism

The US grocery delivery app Instacart is facing a backlash after its workers publicly complained about longer hours and poor working conditions – this comes as the app prepares to float its IPO. The app’s personal shoppers have started a #DeleteInstacart hash tag encouraging customers to delete the app and use alternate services as they try to bring attention to their working conditions.

Another core area of contention is how the app’s workers are paid, with Instacart shoppers campaigning to have older app features reinstated, including commission payments and buyer tips.

New app launched to allow creators to host live, interactive shows

Video content and social media formats such as Stories and Lives have been hugely popular over the last 18 months of the pandemic, with many turning to social for digital events when live events weren’t possible. A new app has taken this as inspiration to create a platform where performers such as musicians can create live shows with an interactive component.

Fireside describes itself as a phone-based production studio, with app users to stream interactive shows and share on sites like YouTube easily. Fireside has been founded by tech entrepreneur Mark Cuban.

How COVID-19 has impacted the app industry in 2021

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 14:31:36 GMT

Did you realise how much COVID affected the app industry in 2021?

A lot of things have changed during the course of the pandemic, including the app industry. As people have spent more time at home and on their phones, the way that customers interact with their mobile apps is a lot different today to how it was more than a year ago.

We’ve collected some of the most important trends, habits and user data to show you just how COVID affected the app industry in 2021, based on a new report released by Sensor Tower .

Popular apps

Over the past year, the most popular apps have been those that are related to business, news, education, and fitness. This is as expected as people spent more of their time checking for COVID updates, trying to learn something new or try to keep fit.

The most popular apps were Zoom and Google Meets, which both saw huge growth over the pandemic as more people were working from home.

The least popular apps were navigation and travel, which is to be expected as the majority of people spent the year locked up at home, unable to travel anywhere.

Trends

In Europe, the number of app downloads interestingly mirrored the patterns of COVID-19 case numbers—as the number of COVID cases went up, so did the number of app downloads.

As soon as offices started to close, the number of people downloading business-related apps reached an all-time high. This figure has remained steady over the course of the pandemic, but we can expect these figures to start dropping as people return to the office.

Similarly, fitness apps that focused on outdoor or at-home workouts were also among the most popular in 2020/2021—this includes apps like Strava and AllTrails. Although the number of downloads of these apps has remained high throughout the year, we can also expect to see these dips as people go back to work and gyms reopen.

Mobile games have also continued to be one of the most profitable types of app. Over the pandemic, year-to-year revenue for these apps grew from 15% to 40% in peak months.

The future for apps

Based on the pandemic trends, what does the future hold for the app industry in 2022?

The pandemic was a great time to have your own app as downloads and revenues were both high, but these figures are expected to settle as we move into a post-pandemic world.

However, what the pandemic has done has completely changed peoples’ habits around using apps. Apps have become much more a daily essential in many people’s routines, so we expect to see the industry continue to grow in the next few years.

Are you thinking of launching your own mobile app business? Click here to find out how EaziApps can help.

5 app design best practises to consider

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 12:17:19 GMT

The design tips you should follow to keep users interested in your app.

As the app market becomes more and more crowded, it’s important to make sure your app stands out from the crowd and is a success with users.

Alongside making sure your app design is aesthetic and eye-catching, there are also some best practices that you should be following to ensure the optimal user experience.

We’ve created a list of the 5 most important design principles to consider when designing your app, that will seriously impress any new users.

Get rid of any clutter

There’s nothing worse than using an app that’s cluttered and disorganised. You want your users to easily navigate around your app, without bombarding them with irrelevant information or annoying pop-ups and graphics.

Get rid of anything in your design that isn’t crucial to the user journey, and focus on giving the user exactly what they need, when they need it. Doing this will increase retention and improve user satisfaction.

Make navigation clear and simple

Users only have a certain amount of energy when it comes to figuring out how to use an app. If you make it too difficult to navigate, the user will simply abandon your app and find another one to use.

To encourage users to interact and engage with your app, make sure navigation is visible and available at all times. You should also avoid any dead ends, and always give the user the option to go back if they find themselves lost.

Allow one-hand use

Most people now use their phone with only one hand, so make sure your app accommodates this.

You want to make sure that menus, pop-ups and other controls are positioned in an area that can comfortably be reached with one thumb.

Similarly, think about controls that a customer might accidentally tap while using your app. If this is a common problem, you should consider moving these controls to areas of the screen which are harder to reach.

Always keep users within the app

Once you’ve got a user on your app, keep them there! Don’t link off to new browser windows that take them out of the app. This increases load and waiting times and can cause users to abandon your app.

If you do need to link to external pages, perhaps to pages on your website, think about ways you could incorporate them into the app itself instead.

Personalise the experience

Personalisation is a great way to engage with users and create loyalty.

This could be as easy as using the customer’s name on the welcome screen and at other points in the user journey.

You could also find ways to push users towards specific content you think they’d be interested in. Not only does this show you understand your customer, but also prevents them from being distracted by irrelevant information.

If you’re thinking of getting an app designed for your small business, click here to find out how EaziApps can help.

What do we know about the new iPhone?

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 14:55:09 GMT

All the details from Apple’s latest launch

If you’re in the midst of having a new small business app designed, you may soon be seeing it come to life on an all new iPhone after Apple officially launched its new generation handset yesterday.

Apple officially unveiled four new designs during Tuesday’s highly anticipated event, with a quartet of 13 models. The new designs are known as the iPhone 13, iPhone13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Max Pro.

So far, we know that the 13 has taken leaps forward, with several features which eclipse the tech sported by last year’s iPhone 12.

Apple says the 13 will give users:

· A larger battery

· A larger chip for a much faster user experience

· An additional one to two hours of use per day before charging

· A new camera

Camera

There’s lots to be excited about from both a tech and user perspective in fact. One of the most exciting additions for users will undoubtedly be the overhauled camera, which could mean most people will no longer need to take a separate camera with them to capture life’s most memorable moments. The 13 Pro and Pro Max have a 3x zoom telephoto lens while the camera itself is ultra-wide for extremely professional looking shots on even the smallest of subjects and great nigh-mode shooting. There’s also a cinema mode, too.

Apple’s vice-president Kaiann Drance calls it “the most advanced dual camera system ever in an iPhone”.

Battery Life

It seems like every new gen iPhone boasts better battery life and the 13 is no different, offering an impressive 28 hours of video playback.

New Display

The iPhone 13 promises users a richer experience. Its Super Retina XDR display can refresh up to 120 times per second, with intelligent performance that sees it ramp up when needed. It will also slow down when not required to preserve battery life.

Fastest Chip in the World

Hiding under the cover is the world’s fastest ever smartphone chip. The A15 bionic and 5-Core GPU powers ultra fast performance, while performance and efficiency improvements work to extend battery life, giving an extra one to two hours of use between charges. Charging itself is also upgraded with faster wireless charging with MagSafe.

Operating System

The iPhone 13 will run on iOS 15, has extensive privacy options built in and 5G.

The most inspiring design trends to help your app stand out from the crowd

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 09:52:45 GMT

The most inspiring design trends to help your app stand out from the crowd

Apps are one of the best marketing tools that new small business owners can use to generate more customers, as shown in a recent survey where 53% of smartphone users said that they make purchases using company-specific apps.

But not all apps are successful, one of the things that sets a great app apart from an average one is the design.

We’ve gathered a list of some of our favourite design trends that have been extremely popular in 2021. These trends will hopefully give you some inspiration when it comes to deciding how you want your app to look.

Minimalist design that’s easy on the eyes

We all spend so much time during the day focussing on our screens that it can sometimes feel like we’re being bombarded with loud colours, bright screens and too much information.

In response to this, we’ve seen a lot of businesses go down the minimalist route that uses less colour, paired-down design and makes good use of ‘dark mode’ features to make their apps a much more soothing and enjoyable experience for users.

Creative use of data

There aren’t many app users that want to see lots of data and numbers, so some app creators have got creative and found new and interesting ways to display data that they think their customers should know.

A great example of this trend can be seen in some of the newer banking apps, like Starling and Monzo. Both of these businesses have found fun and unique ways to display their customer’s banking information in a way that holds people’s attention.

90s Inspired

Trends always find their way back into the mainstream, and at the moment there’s been a resurgence of 90’s trends—especially with apps. We’ve seen lots of new apps that replicate things like 90s games or 90s disposable cameras, or just apps that choose a more retro-style design to entice customers.

It may seem counter-intuitive to design an app that has a low-tech 90s style, but it could be the secret to having an aesthetic app that users love. Remember that the technology behind your app doesn’t have to be low-tech, just the design of it!

Virtual and Augmented Reality

Virtual and augmented reality combines the real world with virtual elements and has been able to create unique and engaging user experiences. Popular apps that use these elements already, and have seen massive success, include Pokemon Go and the Google Maps Street View.

Virtual and Augmented Reality can have a wide range of uses, from enhancing mobile gaming experiences to helping small businesses generate sales. For example, a paint company that uses augmented reality technology to show customers what different colours of paint could look like in their home.

If you’re thinking of getting an app designed for your small business, click here to find out how EaziApps can help you create your perfect app.

3 essential back to school apps

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 09:43:44 GMT

Education app design inspiration ahead of the new school year

If you're thinking of designing an app for your small business or educational organisation, the back to school theme provides plenty of inspiration.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most valuable back to school apps as championed by parents and educators across the globe, but first, let’s look at how educational apps have evolved over the last 18 months in response to school closures.

The growth of educational apps

With many parents and teachers plunged into remote learning, it’s no surprise that we have seen a variety of new technology and apps launched to help keep children engaged and learning in a home setting.

Now that most students have finally returned to school, parents have continued to call upon these resources to ensure that their child or children don’t fall behind their peers, making educational apps more in demand and profitable than ever before.

From progress trackers to assessment tools, here are a few of the best back to school apps worth investigating further if you are thinking of developing your own.

1. The Go Explore app

Created by the team behind CBeebies, the Go Explore app is aimed at pre-school children who may have missed out on parent and child groups and early years learning at nursery.

Colourful, engaging and easy to use even without an internet connection, this app also allows parents to see which of the games their little one has been enjoying thanks to a 'den' area that tracks progress.

2. Big Cat Reading Assessment Tool

Created by educational powerhouse Collins, the Big Cat Reading Assessment Tool seeks to improve literacy and increase vocabulary in learners aged 5 to 7 (key stage 1).

Created for teachers to assess the speed and accuracy that their pupils read at, this is also a useful tool for parents looking to track the progress of their child through fun reading activities.

3. Brain Pop

An animated app that covers the entire curriculum, Brain Pop is a popular go-to app for children aged 7 to 11 (key stage 2) and is one of the most popular apps in this space with over 20 years as a learning resource to back up the available content.

With subjects including maths, science, art and even humanities, parents can access a plethora of learning resources on the move while also setting goals that result in higher levels of achievement for users.

If you’re thinking of getting started on your educational app journey, then click here to discover how EaziApps can help you create a valuable and engaging resource for parents and students alike.

How to Promote Your New App With a Small Budget

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 11:11:44 GMT

Just because you have a small marketing budget doesn’t mean you can’t plan an effective campaign.

You may have designed the perfect app, but that doesn’t always mean you’re guaranteed to see a sudden influx of customers as soon as you launch on the app store—to do this, you’ll have to invest some money into marketing to promote your app.

If you’re a small app developer, you may not have a big marketing budget to play with, but that’s OK.

Here are some quick and simple ways you can promote your new app with a small budget.

Optimise Your AppStore Listing

The first step to promoting your app is to make sure you’ve optimised your app store listing.

Think about the keywords that users might be searching who would be interested in your app and make sure you use these keywords in your title and description.

This will help you to rank highly in the search listings and increase the number of customers that organically find your app.

Generate Traffic From Existing Sources

Another free way to gain more customers is to promote your app on your own website or newsletter.

If you’re getting traffic to your website or newsletter already, the chances of these people being interested in your app is pretty high.

You can also create blog posts to promote your app that are SEO-optimised. These posts can help you rank on Google and get traffic, which you can then direct to your app in the App Store.

Utilise The Power of Social Media

With social media platforms like Instagram, Tik Tok or Facebook it only takes 1 post to go viral for you to see a huge influx of new customers.

It’s a good idea to have social media accounts that are specifically for your new app, then post a minimum of 2 times a week to start getting your name out there.

Social media works best when you’re consistent and make engaging content. If you can keep it up, you should get your first viral post in no time.

Try out social media advertising

Although you can post to social media platforms without spending anything, if you do have a small budget you could test out promoted posts on Instagram or Facebook.

With these platforms you can choose a budget that you would like to spend in a day, which could be as low as £1 a day if you wanted but will increase the number of impressions and hopefully downloads of your app.

By using promoted posts you can also target specific groups of people that you think might be interested in your product.

If you’re thinking about creating an app for your small business, let us help you! Get in touch with us today.

What should you look for when choosing an app designer?

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 10:45:54 GMT

Our tips for choosing the best app designer for your next project

As app designers ourselves, we know a thing or three about what makes a great app. If you are considering getting an app built for your business, you are in good company.

A well thought out app can help you to raise your business profile, increase your revenue and lead to your customers having a better overall experience with your business. But with so much choice, how do you pick the right designer for your business? It’s an important decision.

A great app can boost your business, but on the flip side, one that is poorly designed and lacks functionality can lead to frustration for your customers and damage your reputation. We’ve put together our top tips for selecting the perfect app designer for your business:

Check out their portfolio

It sounds obvious, but looking at a designer’s portfolio will give you a good indication of their abilities and strengths. Consider what type of apps they have previously developed and download some to understand how functional and valuable they are in practice. Look for similarities in their portfolio to your requirements and consider what you like or dislike about their past efforts.

How much customisation do you require?

Suppose you need features not seen on many other apps. You’ll want to steer clear of app designers who churn out high volumes of apps using generic templates which are not fully adaptable to your requirements. Instead, make sure your app designer has the skills required to complete any app customisation you need.

Choose someone genuinely interested in your business

When you select an app designer, you want someone who can bring creative input to the table, not just blindly follow your instructions. In addition, you’ll want their feedback and opinions as experts. They will know what works and what doesn’t and should be able to bring that know-how to your project.

Consider the bigger picture

When you need a mobile app building as a small business, it can be tempting to appoint a freelancer who will work with you until the app goes live.. However, maintaining an app is an ongoing project itself. So, unless you have the experience in house to manage ongoing tasks such as app updates, you’ll need a trusted app developer on your side.

Don’t focus solely on price

We know it’s competitive out there, but the old saying “buy cheap, buy twice” is as accurate for app design as it is for many other products. While budget is an important factor, you should also consider a developer’s expertise, qualifications, availability and communication in your decision. After all, you want someone who can work efficiently and successfully complete your project, not just the lowest bidder.

5 ways your new mobile app can exceed user expectations

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 12:13:43 GMT

Easy ways to exceed user expectations for better app retention

When it comes to mobile apps, users have very high expectations and plenty of choice. If your app doesn’t meet these expectations, they will simply abandon the app and download another that better fits their needs.

In fact, 21% of mobile app users abandon an app after only one use. This makes it important for app developers to meet user needs—and quickly.

Here are five ways you can easily improve your new mobile app to exceed user expectations:

1. Smooth and logical user experience

Mobile apps should not be confusing or difficult to navigate, so you should always make the user experience, and flow of user journeys, as smooth and logical as possible.

To exceed expectations you should remove any unnecessary steps that waste the user’s time or energy. Also ensure users are able to quickly get to a ‘touchpoint’—whether that’s a sign-up page, product page or checkout to avoid unnecessary frustrations.

2. Collect customer feedback often

Users want to have their say, and as an app owner, you should make sure to listen so you can improve and revise your product.

To exceed expectations, make it easy for your users to provide feedback. Whether this is a feedback form when they complete a purchase, or a simple happy face/sad face pop-up within their journey through your app interface.

Make sure these pop-ups and forms are easy to minimise or skip, so you don’t discourage users who don’t want to provide feedback.

3. Personalised experience

An easy way to make a customer feel more loyal and connected to your app is to make it personalised. You can do this by simply asking for their name after they download the app and using it each time they load up your small business app.

You can also do this by providing various options for a user to get in touch with you—such as through social media, email, live chat - to easily get a personalised response if they need it.

4. Understand user trends

It’s easy to conduct market research and understand what the current needs of your customers are, but to exceed these expectations you could research market trends to understand the future of your customer’s needs, too.

This way you can start to meet the expectations before the customer even knows that they have them.

You can identify trends by using platforms like Google Trends , or through companies like Mintel that produce in-depth global consumer trend reports yearly.

5. Don’t stop at the sale

With new apps, a lot of the focus will be on the initial journey that gets a user to a sale. But, it’s important to consider the journey the user may take after they’ve completed this.

To exceed expectations, you could link them back to another part of the app they may find interesting, offer them the chance to give feedback, or provide excellent after-sales support.

If you have an idea for a mobile app to help your business increase sales and customer loyalty, get in touch with our talented small business app designers now for a free consultation .

5 ways to make your new small business app stand out from the crowd

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 06:56:24 GMT

Easy tips to increase your downloads

The average person uses 9 apps per day , which isn’t a lot when you consider that the App Store is now home to over 3.48 million apps .

Here are 5 ways you can ensure your small business app stands out from the crowd to boost your downloads.

1. Consider how your app is displayed in the App Store?

People won’t get to experience how great your app is if it never catches their eye in the App Store.

Make sure that you’ve got an interesting name and logo that stands out against any competing apps to draw attention. Your name and descriptios should also be optimised to show up in search when a customer types a term that is relevant to your app.

You should also ensure your descriptions are clear, enticing and explain why the customer won’t be able to live without your app. Your choice of image here can also make a difference so aim to showcase functionality and go for as high a quality visual as possible.

2. Offer something in return

If a user is deciding whether to download your app, you could seal the deal by offering them something in return.

Easy things that you could offer include the promise of discounts, deals and access to premium features for app users.

3. Make the user experience as smooth as possible

User experience can make or break your app. If a user finds your app difficult to navigate and use, they will uninstall it in short order and find something else.

Important factors that will cause dissatisfaction among users are things like slow loading speeds, bugs and illogical navigation across the app.

These should be things that you perfect before launching the app, and continuously monitor to avoid disappointing customers.

4. Sometimes simplicity is key

When you first launch your app and have lots of ideas, it’s tempting to build as many features as you can, but it may be best to take a step back and focus on simplicity.

It’s much better if your app can perform a few functions really well, rather than having lots of different functions that aren’t so great.

Focus on perfecting the most important parts of your app to draw customers in. Once you’ve done that, you can start thinking about introducing additional features.

5. Ask for feedback

Your app is live and being downloaded on the App Store, so you may think that the hard work is done? Wrong!

An app that stands out is one that is constantly changing and improving in response to customer feedback so make sure to provide the opportunity to collect this information.

Build into your app simple ways for users to report bugs and submit feedback. When you get this information you should also focus on fixing any issues to improve customer experience.

App news round-up July 2021

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 11:17:22 GMT

Catch up on the biggest app news stories to inspire your app design

With July almost at an end for another year and August nearly upon us, now is a great time to catch up on the summer’s biggest app news stories thus far. Read on for more on what’s been happening in the app space to inspire your own small business app design project.

Apple says its privacy feature has been well received by users

Apple CEO Tim Cook says that users have reacted well to its App Tracking Transparency feature, which allows device owners to decide whether or not they consent to apps tracking their activities across websites and apps.

He said that the ability to opt in or out seemed to “be going very well from a user point of view.” Despite advertiser opposition, Cook also noted that user sentiment around the feature had been positive thus far, sharing “We've been getting quite a bit of customer reaction, positive reaction to being able to make the decision ... on whether to be tracked or not.”

This news underlines how important privacy and transparency are to users right now and emphasises the importance of apps being clear and upfront about how data is handled.

Cryptocurrency app raises $20 million / £14.41 million in investment

It pays to be in cryptocurrency it seems - Crypto app Valora has announced that it has raised investment of $20 million / £14.41 million. It says the funds will be funnelled to product development and the creation of content aimed at helping people to feel comfortable using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.

CEO Jackie Bona said, “Consumer awareness of crypto has never been higher, and yet many people remain on the sidelines, either due to skepticism or lack of access.” Launched in February, the app reports 53,000 monthly active users, all of whom can use the platform to send funds worldwide.

With this investment news and interest in cryptocurrencies high, this could be a growth area for the app ecosystem.

Will Google launch a ‘Switch to Android’ app?

Rumours are swirling that Google is working on a new app, with a working title of Switch to Android which would make it easy for iPhone users to transfer their data to an Android device.

It’s thought the app will be downloadable from the App Store and Google Play and work wirelessly to allow users to send information such as SMS messages, contacts and media files from their iPhone to an Android device. The app won’t be manufacturer specific, so it will allow any iPhone user to send data to any Android device.

Have you tried these tactics to increase your app downloads?

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 11:42:14 GMT

4 app marketing tactics to try this week

When you make the decision to invest in an app for your small business, you’ll naturally want to see a return on your investment as soon as possible. However, simply creating a first-class app isn't enough to get those downloads pouring in – you've still got to have a solid app marketing strategy to create a buzz around your digital tool and ensure your app stands out above your local, national and even international competition.

If you want to see a boost in your app downloads sooner rather than later, here are a few app marketing tactics that you can get started with straight away.

1. App store optimisation

There are literally millions of apps available to download and competing for top billing on the App store, but that doesn’t mean yours can’t achieve high visibility. App Store optimisation (ASO) is the process of refining your listing to place higher. To begin this process, you need to give your app a suitable title so it can be easily found when a search is conducted.

For example, if you’ve created a tracker for public buses, make sure that your title includes phrases such as ‘bus time checker’ or ‘bus arrival checker’ as this will help your app rank higher in its category and be easily found.

Next, ensure your description is also clear, contains keywords and is enticing. Encourage those who download your app to leave reviews and star ratings too. You can find our full guide to ASO here .

2. Social media marketing

Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are a great hunting ground for potential customers. Targeted paid social media adverts allow you to place your app in front of exactly the right demographic. Facebook marketing is pretty straightforward and has proven itself to be an excellent channel for those open to the idea of new apps to download, so why not set up a trial advert for a few days and see how it goes?

3. Reviews matter

When it comes to app rankings and visibility, reviews matter – especially when your download numbers are still in their infancy.

Driving genuine reviews without triggering Google or Apple spam filters can be a little tricky but it is possible. Reach out to those who’ve already downloaded your app (perhaps via push notifications) and encourage users to leave a review. Keep in mind you shouldn’t offer incentives or payment for reviews or you could find yourself on the wrong side of App Store regulations.

4. Encourage social sharing

If your app isn’t already making waves on social media, encouraging social sharing can help you to tap into a wider network. You could encourage sharing via push notifications on your app, but you can also do this with social media posts talking about your app (sharing reviews, features and updates for example) published to your existing social networks. Within your caption, ask your audience to like, comment and share.

What makes a good mobile landing page?

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 10:35:24 GMT

3 design tips to ace your mobile site’s performance

It’s no secret that many of us now turn to our mobile devices to go online more than ever before. It’s been six years since Google said that it handles more mobile searches than desktop and much has already been shared about the switch to a mobile first index . That’s all old news. What’s new is that we aren’t just using our smart phones to browse on the daily commute or kill time. We’re increasingly using them to buy products and services.

According to Adobe data , shopping on mobile devices grew 25% on Black Friday 2020 alone. Having a well designed landing page for mobile users is key to tapping in to this consumer confidence in m-commerce and willingness to purchase from their tablet or smartphone.

1. Keep your design free of clutter

Mobile devices have smaller screens which means that designs must be keep clean and clutter free. Too many elements make it difficult to locate key information when screen real estate is limited and can create confused consumers who aren’t sure where to go or what to do in order to complete their goal.

Minimal designs work best, with easy to navigate elements and clear, concise information that can be easily visually processed and scrolled through when using a small screen.

2. Be clever with your use of colour

Because smartphone screens are smaller, you need to work harder to help the visitor. One easy way to do this is to have your call to action in a contrasting colour to the rest of the text on the page. This makes it easy to see, even when scrolling on a phone, so it’s clear what the visitor needs to do next.

3. Place buttons strategically through the page

It’s less convenient to scroll up and down when you’re on a mobile device than on a desktop with a mouse. The most effective landing pages therefore remove the need to scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page, or all of the way back up again to complete an action by placing buttons strategically throughout the page. This might mean that you have two, three or even four buy now buttons for example at the top, middle and bottom of your page, spaced throughout so the visitor can easily click to go through to checkout.

What is m-commerce?

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 11:27:45 GMT

The things you should know about m-commerce

COVID-19 changed many consumer behaviours and habits but, it also created new opportunities for nimble brands prepared to adapt quickly. Once such opportunity comes in the form of m-commerce.

With contactless the preferred method of payment during the pandemic, today’s consumers are now comfortable paying for products and services using their smartphone. This is just one reason we are starting to see a huge spike in m-commerce. According to the State of the Industry 2021: Mobile Marketing in EMEA report , 68% of marketers say that the adoption of m-commerce is one of the most important consumer shifts to come out of the pandemic. As a result, the majority of marketers are expecting to increase their mobile marketing budgets this year.

So what IS m-commerce?

The term might sound terrifyingly techy but the good news is that m-commerce is actually a very simple concept – and something you can easily tap into with your new small business app design.

It is defined as “ the buying and selling of goods and services through wireless handheld devices such as smartphones and tablets ”. If you have an e-commerce store built into your small business app, you’re already deploying m-commerce as a revenue stream.

Creating a strong m-commerce offering

We know that m-commerce is simply the term given to purchases made on a mobile device. And if you allow in-app purchases or have a store within your app, you’re already using m-commerce. But how can you make your offering better?

Elevate the user experience: Mobile users want convenience. This means making your m-commerce a key part of your revenue stream means removing any barriers to use. Consider how your user experience could be elevated. Would removing some form fields make it easier for users to transact through you app? Could you add one-click payment options with digital wallets?

Speed test: Your m-commerce offering needs to work fast, as we know longer wait times increase the probability of users going elsewhere to complete their purchase. Conduct test runs and time them. Is you app working quickly enough? Does your mobile site load as fast as you like? Does the checkout process take too long to load in?

Are you encouraging sales ? One of the drawbacks of m-commerce when compared with traditional in-store purchases is that it’s harder to request additional information. You can overcome this barrier and encourage more sales by incorporating a customer service function or chatbot within your app or mobile site. Make it easy for customers to buy with confidence by allowing them to ask questions, request more details, reserve items in their basket or use AR to allow the user to visualise the item in their space.

3 ways to boost your app’s retention rates

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 14:42:07 GMT

Tips and tricks to keep your users on board

After your small business app has been designed and launched, you’ll naturally move to the next stage of app ownership; marketing and retention. While a good marketing campaign will help your app to rack up downloads, it’s equally important that you also consider how you can keep those users interested in your app and engaging with it. This is known as retention. While it can be a challenge to ensure you app retains its place on the user’s smartphones, there are tips and tactics you can deploy to make this much more likely. Here are a few easy ways to get started:

1. Start thinking of the first use as early as possible

While you’re working through the design process with your app designer and planning your marketing campaign, it’s vital that you incorporate a seamless onboarding experience for new users. This maps out what happens when the user first opens the app after download. You want this to be a clear, engaging experience that shows the user where to find key features. Walking the user through the interface on the first use means they are more likely to engage with your app, understand how to get the most from it and return to use it time and time again.

2. Be proactive about feedback – and act on it

Some business and app owners fear feedback because of the potential damage a negative review can do. Don’t! Being proactive about soliciting feedback from your users can help you to retain them. Why? Simple. It shows that you value their input and gives you intel that allows you to quickly address any potential issues that could lead your users to delete the app from their device.

3. Regularly communicate with users

It’s easy to focus on achieving new downloads and forget to focus on those users you already have. When mapping out your marketing activity and app maintenance, build in regular communications with existing users. This could take the form of push notifications, special offers or early announcements of new features. Don’t assume because they have downloaded your app you don’t need to market to them. Being in regular communication keeps your app front of mind and can help it to stand out on devices which are cluttered with dozens of unused or under used apps.

What are the most popular social media sites of 2021?

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 14:12:29 GMT

The best social media sites to market your app, increase downloads and gain users

Whether you’re looking to launch a new version of your small business app, drive more downloads or just amplify a brand that you’ve worked so hard to establish, there’s no doubt that harnessing the power of social media is the way to go.

Like most things, social media is subject to trends and new innovations, so if you really want to get your messages heard and boost your app visibility, it’s worthwhile keeping your fingers firmly on the social sphere pulse.

In this article, we take a look at the most popular social media sites of 2021 and offer some expert insights on how to utilise these statistics to benefit your own business.

Facebook still dominates

As one of the longest-running and most popular platforms, Facebook continues to top the popularity charts with a whopping 2.7 billion monthly active users worldwide.

Although you might think that ploughing all of your resources into this channel alone might be your bests bet, it’s worth remembering that there’s stiff competition on this platform. This means you’ll need to come up with a creative strategy that will help you cut through all of the white noise and get your app noticed.

Video content rising in popularity

Coming in at the number two spot for active monthly users is YouTube. While this proves that video content continues to be well received by global audiences, it's impossible to ignore the soaring popularity of TikTok since it hit our smartphones only five years ago.

With a much younger demographic, Gen Z and younger are consuming content on TikTok in their millions, making it a good place to have a presence if your offering suits this age group.

Instagram holds its own

As a highly visual channel, Instagram continues to hold strong in the social media platform stakes coming in at number 4 with 1.16 billion monthly active users.

Visual content is of course king on this site but, reels and videos are also highly consumed so you have lots of flexibility providing you’re creative. The one thing to remember if you plan to market your app on Instagram is that you’ll need very high quality, eye-catching content.

The no-so-obvious choice

With 2 billion monthly active users, WhatsApp may not be your immediate choice of social media platform, However, the opportunities for excellent customer service and customer retention benefits make it a useful tool for any business.

With the ability to connect from anywhere in the world without pesky hold music, more and more tech-savvy companies are using WhatsApp to offer superior service to their customers using both chatbots and human employees. It's well worth taking a fresh look at this popular instant messaging platform if you want to supercharge your customer service, especially if your app has an ecommerce function and it’s likely that users may have questions before they make an in-app purchase.

Benefits vs Features: How to Write About Your App

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 13:56:26 GMT

Fresh New Ways to Promote Your Small Business App This Summer

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 09:00:05 GMT

Making sure your app is seen by the audience you want to see it

If you’ve just commissioned a new app for your burgeoning SME over the coming months, you’ll likely want to know how best to get the word out through savvy marketing techniques.

Take a look at our useful guide below, with hints and tips on how to align your app’s seamless UI and customer ready UX with a promotional campaign that will maximise downloads and engagement this summer.

Influencer marketing

While your core audience built through your website or offline channels will likely be fairly established at this point, reaching out to influencers to showcase app features and functionality can be a great way to connect to those who haven’t engaged with your brand as yet.

Especially useful if you’re looking to attract a younger user demographic through social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, building authentic, long-term partnerships with people who truly get behind what you’re trying to achieve can pave the way for exciting growth.

Start your own podcast

With a recent survey by Statista Research Department revealing that one in three people aged between 26 and 35 listen to podcasts on a weekly basis, creating a podcast series to break down the core feature and aims of your app can give you room to give your audience all the information required.

This could be incorporated as a series of episodes with the goal of building anticipation before app launch, and can even be established as an ongoing medium for communicating with users as you release important updates, or simply to answer any queries they may have about functionality.

Improve visibility through app store optimisation (ASO)

One of the challenges of promoting your app as a growing business is that word of mouth and even consistent social media messaging may only go so far when looking to your app as a viable means of revenue generation.

This is where ASO comes in. Unless your company operates in a decidedly niche sector, the chances are you will be going up against several established industry names.

ASO can give you a head start through driving more traffic to your download page by ranking higher in search results; app name and title, keywords, description, download numbers and reviews can all play a role in determining where you rank in search results .

As you can see, getting your app seen is often about understanding who your audience are, who you want to target with your app, and perhaps most importantly, considering which medium is the best way to attraction their attention.

How to manage your app’s social media reputation

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 13:16:41 GMT

Easy tips and tricks to stay on top of what users are saying

Reputation is everything online – and the same is true of what your app. With modern consumers placing great store in what their peers think and experience, what others are saying about your app can directly influence whether a new user downloads it, or continues their search.

Keeping on top of your app’s online reputation doesn’t need to be confusing or costly. It can be achieved quite easily with a few clear strategies and useful tools.

1. Invest in a social listening tool

If you already use a tool such as HubSpot or Hootsuite to schedule your social media posts, you’ll already have everything you need to perform social listening. If not, you’ll need to create a subscription. These tools, in addition to helping you schedule and publish your social content will also allow you to see in one single stream if someone has tagged you or mentioned your app name.

This is a real timesaver, as it means you don’t have to manually monitor notifications on each individual network, nor search out brand mentions. They’ll all show up on your dashboard.

One of the things that puts many small businesses off reputation management is the idea that you’ll encourage negative reviews. This couldn’t be further from the truth so don’t be afraid of monitoring what’s being said. Any negative comments you do see about your app should be considered feedback, allowing you to refine and hone your app’s design and functionality so it exactly meets the needs and expectations of its users.

2. Share positive posts

User-generated content naturally plays a large part in social media reputation management as it offers you a way to give browsers social proof. As we have seen, consumers value what other consumers think, so amplifying positive posts not only reinforces the value of your app, it also serves to help those who haven’t downloaded it to make their decision.

You can again use your social listening tool here. Once a mention or tag appears, most tools will allow you to like and click to reshare quickly across selected networks. Don’t forget, you can also use those positive mentions in other ways too as part of your wider app reputation management. You could feature them in your next email shot for example, include them in a blog post, refer to them in your app listing or showcase on your website.

3. Spend time interacting

Responding, interacting and replying to questions, comments and feedback on social media is an important part of the reputation management process. If you can, assign this task to one or more specific team members so that it’s clear who is responsible for responding. This also ensures that the tone of voice is consistent. Be sure to thank users for their share, comment or any opinions or suggestions. If appropriate let them know their feedback will be passed on and that their suggestions may feature in a future app update.

Google unveils new tools to help you reach more app users

Wed, 26 May 2021 07:43:54 GMT

Read our recap of search engine’s new features

If you’re in the process of deciding whether or not to have an app designed for your business, or are about to launch one, there’s likely one clear question that you’ll be asking yourself: how can you maximise your app users? Just as with launching a new product or business venture, it can be hard for a new app to stand out amidst other offerings, especially in the always competitive app stores.

Recognising this, Google has this week unveiled a series of new features which offer apps and marketers new ways to raise their app’s profile, encourage downloads and nurture repeated use. It says, “…As demand for apps grows, it's increasingly challenging for developers to get their app discovered and convert new users into loyal customers. That’s why today, we’re sharing new ways to reach more people, activate insights to help improve performance and keep your valuable users coming back.”

Here’s what they are and how they can help you as part of your wider app marketing efforts:

Ad updates

Running an app ads campaign is a tried and tested way to boost your app download numbers but, a standard app campaign with Google has been restricted to mobile devices up to now. From June however, the search engine will bring App campaigns on Android to desktop devices, meaning you’ll be able to reach those visiting Google and other properties from their desktop computer or laptop through your Google Ads App campaigns.

This could potentially open the door to much more traffic and users, given more than 45% of time spent browsing websites still happens on desktop. When this change kicks in, someone on Google.com on their standard computer will be able to click on your Apps ads and be taken to the Android Play store. From there, that user can download the app onto any Android device linked to that account.

New insights

Retaining users when they download your app so they continue to use it is a core priority for many app marketers. To do that, it can be helpful to know how users are engaging with your app and what they’re doing after it’s installed.

Previously, you’d have to write code to be able to monitor actions such as recording a purchase. Google has made this process much simpler with a new option to create custom ‘events’ within Analytics, so you can capture conversion information much more efficiently, without having to invest in more coding and app updates.

Deep linking

Deep linking allows advertisers to take app users through to a specific place in the app after a click – such as to a certain product. The problem with this is that many advertisers report deep linking is complicated and can be costly. To try and remove these barriers to ad and app performance, Google has created a deep link calculator and tester. You can use it to see what deep links you have set up and which ones aren’t working so they can be fixed to drive conversion improvements.

You can find more information on all of these new tools here .

A beginner’s guide to making UGC work for you

Wed, 19 May 2021 07:55:02 GMT

How to harness the power of your app’s super fans

User-generated content has taken on a new importance during the pandemic as more and more of us shop online and rely on the opinions of other consumers. Ratings, reviews, shout outs and snaps are all powerful ways to grow awareness and drive more downloads and the good news is, you can start to harness UGC from your very first review.

First things first, what’s UGC?

User-generated content – or UGC – is any time of content that a user creates that mentions your brand. That can take the form of a review in the App Store, an image shared on their social media Stories, a video on TikTok or even a post about your app on their own blog.

How does it help?

Numerous studies have shown that today’s consumers trust the opinions of other consumers more than ever, even those people they don’t know. Online reviews and comments are the equivalent of the more old fashioned word of mouth. In fact, the very latest research from PowerReviews has confirmed that interaction with reviews has growth more than 50% during the pandemic. Intenret users are searching, filtering and reading reviews in full more than ever before.

Add to this, more than 9 in 10 people say a positive review makes them more likely to use a local business according to the latest insight from BrightLocal, and it’s clear that positive mentions hold a lot of power. In fact, that same survey found 79% of people trust an online review as much as a personal recommendation.

The bottom line? The more you can generate reviews, positive social media mentions and shares around your small business app, the more likely it is that others will follow and download your offering, make a booking with you or use your service.

How can you make this work for you?

Making UGC work for you requires two things:

· A steady stream of user-generated content around your app or brand and

· A way to amplify those voices

To satisfy the first part of that equation, make sure you’re actively encouraging your users to communicate with you. Don’t be afraid of feedback or reviews, these are opportunities to find out what your users really think and make any tweaks needed to give them exactly what they are looking for. Encourage them to review, to like, to share and to tag you on social media.

For step two, be proactive about sharing all of that content. A social media scheduling tool such as Hootsuite will alert you to any mentions of your brand name so you can reshare that content across your own platforms. Keep an eye out for mentions on Instagram Stories, monitor TikTok and set up a Google Alert for mentions of your brand name.

The more you can share which reflects genuine user interaction and experience with your app, the better placed you are to tap into the trust modern consumers place in the opinions of other consumers.

4 Places to Source Free or Low-Cost Images for Your App

Wed, 12 May 2021 13:19:47 GMT

Finding high-quality images without denting your app budget spend

While Googling free images to use on your new app makes sense in theory, it’s a common mistake that many small businesses make when looking for professional imagery.

A little-known fact is that these “free” images are often protected by copyright, while the quality of the imagery displayed in the search results can vary hugely.

Use our recommended list below of the best free-to-use image sites so you can be completely confident that the app images used on launch are not going to land you in any trouble where copyright is concerned.

1) Pexels

With around 10,000 images uploaded by a range of talented creators, Pexels has imagery to suit all app design styles, ranging from the avant-garde to emotional stimulating black and white stills.

Pexels is a great choice for mobile platforms aimed at younger demographics, such as youth fashion brands or those with a significant social media presence.

2) Pixabay

If you’re looking for a wider selection of free-to-use imagery, Pixabay gives you access to over 2.3 million stock images, vector graphics and illustrations to really bring your app to life.

All images are shared by a talented creator community through Creation Commons CCO (meaning you can enhance, reuse and modify for commercial purposes).

3) Unsplash

With a strapline on the homepage of “the internet’s source of freely usable images’, small businesses, app developers and marketers are able to browse through an extensive library of high-res images quickly and easily here.

Unlike Pixabay, the licensing covering these images is similar to CCO but with a few added restrictions, although many of these shouldn’t apply when sourcing photos for your new small business app build.

Don’t forget, you can also mix and match images from each of these sites to fill out your app and create a visually appealing aesthetic.

4) Kaboom Pics

As with Pexels, there’re over 10,000 high-quality free images to choose from on Kaboom Pics, with the selling point of this site being that colour palette codes are provided next to every image downloaded.

This means that you can choose images directly aligning with your brand’s chosen colour scheme from their website for example and can really help when choosing the right imagery to match with the existing look and feel of page designs.

3 Ways to Communicate How Your App Will Benefit People

Wed, 05 May 2021 12:46:21 GMT

Getting the right message across to your target audience

When writing about how great your shiny new app is, sometimes it can be easy to focus on the features alone.

As well as communicating what your app does, it is vital that you also explain how the app will improve the lives of people using it by looking at the whole offering as being more than just the sum of its parts.

Whether producing landing page copy or pitching the benefits of your app to potential investors or clients, getting into the mindset of what they want from the app rather than what you think it should be is a great start.

Here are three top tips to refer to when guiding people through the best bits of your platform:

1) Focused brand messaging

The process of building an app and scaling for public release can see many entrepreneurs and small businesses fall into the trap of describing as many features as possible.

It’s important to try and cut through to the core reason why your app exists and build your brand message from there.

For example, a dating app may well have several add-ons and paid upgrades improving the overall experience, but the main reason why it exists is to bring people together - so you would focus on this.

2) Less can often be more

There is so much technical detail and background information that goes towards building an app from the ground up.

When writing about your app or creating video content to generate interest, remaining concise can be the difference between audience confusion and active take-up.

Using bullet points, snappy straplines and short paragraphs helps you narrow down on the stuff that really matters when it comes to engaging with potential users.

3) Take feedback on board

Regular testing of a minimum viable product (MVP) can be a great way to filter out unnecessary features that don’t add value as part of a streamlined mobile experience.

When communicating what makes your app stand out from the rest as a marketer or copywriter, delving into ongoing customer feedback can help create a clearer picture of how people are interacting with your product.

This detail can then be used in any fresh copy either within the app itself, or when communicating to customers what’s in the latest update - ensuring you take the guesswork out of what it is they want from the platform.

A New iOS Update Has Rolled Out

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 14:58:58 GMT

Here’s everything you need to know

Apple has rolled out a major new update for iOS this week, with certain features potentially impacting on how you approach your small business app functionality. We’ve rounded up the key developments here for you including more on the one setting that is pitting Apple against other major tech brands and publishers.

The tracking setting stirring up a storm

One of the major talking points of iOS 14.5 is the software’s ‘app tracking transparency’ setting. This means that apps will need to ask for the user’s permission upon first use if it wishes to track the user’s activity across other apps and websites. If consent is given, the user will be allocated a user ID which the app will use to track that person. If not, the app will not be able to monitor user activity.

This feature has been the source of much controversy with Facebook saying that it meant non-personalised advertising had returned. In a blistering attack, it said that the Apple setting took the industry back by 20 years and could severely impact on local businesses and app developers who make apps such as games available for free, because of an inability to target ads to users.

Others say that the inability to track will cost some developers and publishers more than half of their ad revenues.

For its part, Apple says the setting is an important step forward for privacy by no longer allowing apps to track user activity without their consent.

Facemasks

Apple Watch owners downloading the new version of the operating system will be able to use their watch to open their phone when wearing a face mask. This is good news if you’ve been frustrated by facial recognition’s refusal to recognise your face when wearing a mask, but not so helpful if you don’t have an Apple Watch. Apple explains, “With Apple Watch on the wrist, unlocked, and in close proximity to iPhone, users can simply glance at their iPhone and they will receive haptic feedback from Apple Watch, indicating their iPhone has been unlocked."

Siri gets an upgrade

Siri has been upgraded to allow for more diversity with users now able to choose the Siri’s voice. The default voice for Siri has been disabled, so users will need to select the voice they prefer when they set up their device. At present, this feature is available in English with Apple saying it is powered by Neural Text to Speech technology to give a very natural voice.

Air Tags

If you often lose your house keys or misplace your wallet, iOS 14.5 will help you locate your essentials. Simply add one of Apple’s new ‘Air Tag’ discs to anything you don’t want to lose and then if you can’t find it, open the Find My app to locate your missing item. This is another feature that has generated criticism with Apple openly criticized in the US Senate for copying an existing solution, Tile which works in much the same while, while simultaneously preventing Tile from using the technology that powers the Find My app.

App News Round Up April 2021

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 14:42:56 GMT

Catch up on the latest events in the app space

Have you had your finger on the pulse of news from the app space over the course of the last month? Keeping up to date with new features, launches and trending stories can be a great source of knowledge and inspiration for your own small business app design – so we’ve rounded up the most pertinent news from the last few weeks here for you. Read through now to get totally up to date.

Apple launched paid podcast subscriptions

Apple has used the roll out of its redesigned podcast app to launch a paid podcast subscriptions feature. Showing it’s always possible to monetise your app design, even if you didn’t start off with a built-in revenue stream, the paid subscriptions options allows paying customers to listen to podcasts ad free, get early access to some podcast episodes and unlock more content.

Beware of WhatsApp Pink scam

A malicious app called WhatsApp Pink has been making headlines this month. The app impersonates WhatsApp, but has no connection to WhatsApp or owners Facebook, and once installed is designed to steal user data and give hackers access to the mobile device.

The app pretends to be a new version of WhatsApp, in pink, with new features – if you receive a link to download it, WhatsApp suggests reporting that link or contact using the security tools it provides.

Google develops new standard to improve mobile security

Google says it has developed a new standard which will boost security for Android devices, along with other smart devices such as speakers, lights and webcams. The new standard was devised in collaboration with many other companies, including Facebook, Amazon and T-Mobile via the Internet of Secure Things Alliance (ioXt).

Known as the Mobile Application Profile, it sets out minimal commercial best practises for cloud apps, acting as a security baseline which it says will protect users against a range of threats.

Mobile app developers will need to be certified under the profile, with the Android Security and Privacy team saying, “Certification allows developers to demonstrate product safety and we’re excited about the opportunity for this standard to push the industry forward.”

Apple and Google facing antitrust questions in Senate

US Senators plan to questions Google and Apple about the fees that developers must pay to be included in their respective app stores as part of an antitrust investigation which gets underway today (Wednesday).

Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota is one of the lawmakers leading the inqueiry and is said to be concerned about how the marketplaces are run, giving the huge importance of mobile apps. She has indicated that she will question the cost of inclusion plus, along with why and how the two app giants self-preference their own products.

Make your social media marketing more efficient

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 15:28:59 GMT

Drive more downloads and users with these marketing tips

Social media is one of the best ways of marketing your new business app, but it can be incredibly time consuming, especially if you are also trying to juggle running a business and handling other marketing tasks.

Fortunately, there are numerous ways to optimise your social media marketing and make more efficient use of your time. Try these tips:

1. Use automation tools

One of the biggest time saps is signing into and out of your social media accounts. Doing that daily to upload a post at a time is also very inefficient. You can reclaim those lost hours and work more efficiently by using automation tools such as post scheduling software like Hootsuite or Buffer. These tools allow for fast bulk uploads of posts, and can also schedule posts to publish at optimum times, which significantly speeds up the whole process.

2. Decide ahead of time what success looks like

If you aren’t sure what you are looking to get out of your social media campaign, chances are you’ll waste a lot of time going in the wrong direction or worse still, have no cohesive direction at all. This can also eat up a lot of resources, such as budget for content creation or sponsored posts, to further undermine the success of your campaign. Have a clear set of goals and know what metrics matter most to you.

3. Use reporting to quickly adjust your approach

There’s little point continuing to invest time and money into your social media efforts if you’re in the dark about whether or not you’re making an impact. If you do use a tool such as Hootsuite or Buffer, setting up the reporting function is incredibly useful. This will allow you to see the collective impact of your efforts at a glance, so you can then move forward armed with all of the knowledge you need to continue along the same path or adjust how you tackle your social media content.

4. Regularly review hash tags

Using the incorrect or outdated hashtags can seriously limit how visible (or ‘discoverable’) your social media content is. With that in mind, taking a few extra minutes to routinely review your hashtag use can give posts a boost and allow you to tap into emerging new tags for extra visibility.

5. Be selective about your channels

Many companies feel pressured to use every social media network out there but, if some of those demographics don’t align with your ideal app user, you’re wasting time that could be used more effectively elsewhere. If you want to drive downloads for a business app for example, Instagram might not be the best fit. Continuing to post on there because you feel you have to could take time away from your LinkedIn efforts, which would be a much better match.

Apps are thriving right now shows new research

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 15:08:52 GMT

There’s never been a better time to get your business app designed

If you’re in two minds as to whether or not your business requires a mobile app, the latest research shows that there is overwhelming consumer demand for apps, meaning now is the best possible time to get your small business app design project underway.

App research firm App Annie has released new data which shows that spend on mobile apps has skyrocketed by more than 40% during the pandemic. The year-on-year increase is the fastest pace of growth ever recorded for the app market, demonstrating that consumer demand for apps and app experiences is now at record levels.

App Annie’s Donnie Kristianto said, “New App Annie data reveals that consumers spent £23 billion / $32 billion on in-app purchases across iOS and Google Play globally in Q1 2021. It's the biggest quarter since records began – and the figure is 40% up on the same quarter for 2020.

“Q1 2020 was the first period of global lockdowns. Stay at home orders forced consumers to seek out indoor stimulation, and they found it on their smartphones, through games and other highly engaging apps such as video streaming and social sharing platforms.

“As a result, the market grew at unprecedented speed. Smartphone users spent around £6.54 billion / $9 billion more on apps and games in Q1 2021 than they did in Q1 2020.”

What does Google say?

Search engine Google has also recognised the vital role that apps have played for consumers during the pandemic. It says ‘nimble’ apps are thriving. Writing on the Think With Google blog , Marcin Karnowski and Katja Strelcova say, “ We know that apps allow businesses to deliver smoother, faster and more personalised user experiences. In this unprecedented year, apps have also become a crucial platform that brands can use to pivot quickly and respond to changing market dynamics.”

One of the key things advocated by Google after examining a series of app success stories, is the need to focus on the consumer’s current needs, problems and wants when creating the app, and moving quickly to meet those requirements.

What does this mean for you?

If your business doesn’t yet have an app, you’re missing out. There is huge consumer demand for apps, and consumers have shown they are more willing than ever to spend money on in-app purchases now than ever before. From gaming to booking appointments, apps are a key part of the modern consumer experience as we slowly begin to emerge from the pandemic, and are used to help navigate day-to-day tasks and challenges with convenience.

Get in touch with our team now to begin your project.

Using Content Marketing Trends to Promote Your App

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 07:23:37 GMT

4 Tried & tested techniques to improve product visibility

When you’ve developed a great app you are convinced is going to revolutionise a given industry, the next step is how to get it in front of your target audience.

Whether you’re after buy-in from influential publications and journalists, or you simply want to appeal directly to your chosen demographic, listed below are some proven content marketing strategies for SMEs that will help get you seen and heard.

1) Engaging video content

Particularly vital if your digital solution is aimed at teens and young adults, it’s hard to ignore the wave of content creation and subsequent engagement when it comes to visual-led social media - think Tik Tok, Instagram and Snapchat.

Promotional content aimed at younger audiences will therefore need to involve creative ways of making your presence on these platforms stand out.

From custom gifs to augmented reality (AR) filters, video editing software is becoming more in tune with the need for business to be able to stamp their branding on visual content.

2) Customer-first content

Creating a content calendar for promoting your app is the easy part. The hard part? Making it targeted and relevant enough that they will research, and hopefully, download your app.

Less a trend and more of a must-do when it comes to winning over your intended audience and being seen by search engines as an authority within your field, creating content that finds solutions to user queries is the golden ticket towards app success.

3) Building your authority with related websites and trusted industry figures

A good content marketing strategy will positively impact your brand’s visibility online in the same way that word of mouth used to work before the internet arrived. Ultimately, you don’t just want people talking about your app - you also want the right people talking about it.

Depending on your product and target customer, this could involve crafting blog and PR-worthy content clearly outlining the reasons you exist, why people need you to exist, and how downloading your app can make their lives easier/better.

4) Show potential customers (and Google) what your app can do

Long-form content on your website as part of your news/blog site area can help you target specific keywords that users interested in your app solution are searching for.

By creating core pillar pages that talk generally about your platform, you can then create spin-off cluster pages that go into depth about each individual app function.

In doing this, you can widen the net for generalised search terms relating to your industry and product, while going into more detail for users moving through the ‘download journey’ towards converting. Infographics and images breaking up this content keeps things engaging for the reader.

App news round-up: March 2021

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 16:28:02 GMT

Essential news, updates and inspiration from the app industry

If you’re in the middle of having an app designed for your small business, or are considering developing an app, our round-up of the latest news from the industry should provide you with plenty of inspiration and ideas. Read on for our recap of the biggest stories from the last few weeks…

YouTube debuts in-app creation tool for Shorts

YouTube creators will be able to edit their video content with new in-app tools, as the platform presses ahead with the US beta for Shorts. YouTube Shorts are 15-second videos, which many see as a replica of the format TikTok has used to propel it to viral success over the last 12 months. First launched as a beta in India in 2020, Shorts already rack up more than 6.5 billion views a day so it’s a good bet the test will be rolled out to other countries in the near future.

Those making Shorts will be able to handle the process from within the YouTube app, which has been updated to allow for easy in-app editing. Features include the ability to add text, sample audio and remix audio from other Shorts, as well as pull in audio clips from some 250 labels.

Future updates will be made to the app with many expecting additional editing tools and options to monetize the shorter videos, perhaps with sponsored videos or advertising. Watch this space.

Google fixes Android apps issue

Millions of users have found themselves unable to access popular apps such as Gmail over the last few days, with the screens immediately shutting down upon launch. Apps including Amazon and TikTok were all impacted on the Adroid interface. Google has said the problem has been caused by WebView, which is pre-installed on all Android devices and can be resolved by heading to the App Store and downloading the latest version of each affected app and of WebView.

Instagram found to be most invasive app in new research

Highlighting once again the importance app users place on privacy and transparency when it comes to their data, new research carried out by a cloud storage firm suggests that our favourite apps may not be as trustworthy as we might have hoped.

pCloud says that Instagram shares 79% of its users’ personal data with third parties, with 86% of personal data used to sell users more Facebook-owned products and services and relevant ads. Parent company Facebook was found to be the second worst offender, but Netflix and new invite-only social app Clubhouse were at the opposite end of the scale with no user data shared.

Google says the way we do business has permanently changed

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 11:51:48 GMT

Leverage these changes for your new app design

The way that we live and work has been forever changed by the COVID-19 pandemic. New Google research suggests that some of those key changes are here to stay, permanently. Its findings on the shift in consumer behaviour are especially intriguing if you’re plotting your new app design or mulling over creating an app for your small business. Google’s research highlights that there are new opportunities to connect with, market to and sell to today’s consumers.

Read on for the search engine’s key insights and suggestions for using these to make your app a must-have.

Ecommerce is here to stay

Arguably the biggest change we have seen as a result of COVID-19 from a consumer perspective has been the speed with which ecommerce has been embraced; even by those who weren’t previously in favour of buying online. Google says, “2020 saw online shopping take off, fuelled by necessity. There was a meaningful increase in the number of people willing to buy groceries, clothing, and even cars online. In the first six months of 2020, for example, nearly 10% of cars were sold online , compared with just 1% of cars sold online during all of 2018.”

The search engine is confident that this shift is here to stay, noting that businesses must focus on convenience and aiding the customer. An app is a great way to do that of course – not only can you include an ecommerce function so users can book or buy directly from their mobile device, you can also incorporate other in-demand features which make life easier for consumers, such as offering click and collect ordering.

Working from home will also become the norm

With millions forced into remote working at the start of the pandemic, most of us will struggle to remember what it was like to have to commute to the office each day. For businesses, the shift to remote working has also been enlightening, opening up cost saving benefits without sacrificing on productivity. With many businesses, such as Facebook, saying early on that workers could choose to remain remote if they wished even when life returned to normal, it’s little surprise that remote work is here to stay.

Google notes that working from home rather than in-the-office gives employees the chance to spend more time on things they enjoy, rather than sitting in traffic or on public transport. It says, “The in-office work model has likely changed forever, shifting consumer habits and workplace cultures. For businesses, this means finding ways to meet people’s most basic needs and taking steps to foster a more resilient workforce.”

Of course, this means there are lots more opportunities (and demand) for apps that can help to facilitate remote collaboration, project management, productivity, communication and organisation.

Consumers are spending less

With many finding that the pandemic has left them out of pocket, budgets are being tightened around the world. Google research indicated that 71% of consumers felt that the pandemic had or would have an impact on their personal finances, meaning purchase decisions have taken on a new significance.

If you’re in the process of having an app designed for your business, an easy way to show a recognition of this change is to include a loyalty or rewards programme. This could mean perks such as free shipping or money off for your loyal customers.

4 things that make a great in-app loyalty program

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 14:55:18 GMT

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Having an app designed for your business is an effective way to develop a closer relationship with your customers and service users. It’s also an easy way to add an revenue stream to your business if you incorporate an ecommerce store or appointment booking functionality.

But why stop there? You can additionally leverage your app to nurture customer loyalty and encourage repeat business. Developing an in-app loyalty program offers a single way to accomplish both goals.

So what makes a good in-app loyalty program?

1. Genuine perks and rewards

A loyalty program needs to reward customers and app users with things they actually want and use, in order for the ‘thank you’ to appear genuine and the reward something the customer actively wants.

A typical approach sees points or tokens accrued after a certain activity, such as each booking for a haircut if you’re a hairdresser for example, or each takeout order for food businesses. Those tokens can then be redeemed for an appropriate reward, such as a free treatment, a free gift, a discount or something like free delivery.

2. A tier system

If the purpose of your loyalty scheme is to strengthen client relationships and nurture stronger brand loyalty, consider a tier system. This would see your most loyal clients granted VIP status, meaning their rewards would be greater. Many apps take this tiered approach. In addition to VIP status offering kudos to your most important customers, it also encourages those not quite on that level to keep coming back and shop or buy more in order to ascend through those tiers. This type of system is popular with travel apps and airlines, with many offering higher tiers and rewards for more frequent fliers.

3. Money off

Everyone loves to feel like they are getting a bargain – so why not allow your customers to turn their points into money off future purchases? This could be implanted in a number of ways but can easily be adjusted to best meet the needs and structure of your business. For example, you could have a certain quantity of points equal to a monetary value, such as 100 points equals £1 or $1 off or use points in exchange for things like free same-day shipping.

4. Rewards for checking in

Your rewards program can also be used to help raise your brand profile and social presence – perfect if you are trying to reach new audiences and generate new custom – by gifting users points when they check at your location. This not only encourages your customers to spread the word to their own networks, it also provides an incentive to visit your location over that of a rival.

App news roundup March 2021

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 16:50:09 GMT

Your regular dose of app design inspiration

Planning an app design for 2021? If you’re keen to launch your new business app and need a little inspiration, our regular round ups are here to help. We’ve gathered together all of the most notable stories from the last few weeks here to ensure you’re fully informed as you begin the process of launching your own small business app.

Amazon gets it wrong – but quickly puts it right

Showing that even the world’s biggest brands are not immune from making a misstep when it comes to their branding, Amazon has been forced to change the logo associated with its shopping app after some users complained that the blue sticky tape design was too reminiscent of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler’s moustache.

The marketplace changed its new app logo to a folded up piece of tape after becoming aware of feedback. It said, “We designed the new icon to spark anticipation, excitement, and joy when customers start their shopping journey on their phone, just as they do when they see our boxes on their doorstep.” The move to quickly alter the new app logo was welcomed by branding experts, who said the swift action showed Amazon listened to its customers and was receptive to feedback – something that stands any new app owner in good stead.

Dating app hits $13bn market value

The dating app Bumble has hit a staggering $13bn market value after listing shares in the company, making its female founder a self-made billionaire at the age of just 31.

The app was created out of founder Whitney Wolfe Herd’s frustrating with existing dating apps. Recognising a gap in the market, she created Bumble with the intention of giving women a platform to make the first move. The app is currently used in more than 150 countries nationwide and has revealed plans to expand into areas outside of dating, with suggestions that it will focus on business networking next.

GameOn comes to App Store

With gaming soaring during the pandemic, Amazon’s GameOn app has picked the perfect time to launch for the App Store. Now, iPhone and iPad users will be able to use the app, which makes it possible to record gameplay. The app can be used with more than 1000 mobile games and allows users to record their screen to share their gameplay with others or via social media.

Which video call apps lead the pack?

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 16:41:10 GMT

The popular apps taking centre stage in the remote work revolution

The chances are high that the pandemic-related restrictions have meant some or all of your team has been required to work from home for a period. With much of the country in the same boat, it’s no surprise that video calling apps are more in demand than ever, as everyone tries to stay in contact with clients, hold meetings and collaborate with co-workers.

While Zoom has been grabbing headlines right, left and centre since the start of the pandemic, there are a range of other video calling apps available. Here are the ones which are proving popular – along with some nifty features which might provide inspiration for your own small business app project.

Zoom

It’s the obvious starting point but no less impressive because of that! Zoom has been a staple tool in every professional’s remote working arsenal it seems but its popularity isn’t restricted to business use with everything from weddings and funerals to government business, virtual birthday parties, quiz nights and after work drinks now Zoomed on a regular basis.

The reason that this app ranks right up there as the best video calling tool is its range of functionality; there’s a free option for small group calls lasting up to 40 minutes plus a range of paid-for subscriptions for those needing something more. Video calls can be recorded, users can set their own backdrop for privacy, share files and messages in chat rooms and host conferences and live events as easily as a regular team video call. One of the key things to take from Zoom if you’re planning your own app is the importance of functionality and knowing what your audience wants and needs.

Google Duo

Google’s own video call offering, Duo is free to use and is pre-installed on a range of Android devices, making it super convenient. It also works on iOS, computers and smart devices and can be used for both one-to-one and video calls. Users can create a ‘group’ populated by selected contacts – this feature makes it quick and easy to begin calls so is handy for regular staff meetings for example.

Duo also boasts end-to-end subscriptions (reminding us of the importance of security and making user data safe) and permits calls between as many as 34 participants at any one time.

Facebook Messenger

While Facebook has increasingly been making inroads into the business space, it isn’t a platform that you would necessarily think of first when it comes to workplace communication. Facebook Messenger video doesn’t let that hold it back however and in fact, this is a useful, reliable and fast cross-platform video call choice. It has a generous 50 person limit on video call , can be used on desktop and phones to make communication easy but is a little lacking in specific business features. If you prefer to keep things simple, this is a popular choice.

Skype

An oldie but goodie, Skype was somewhat pushed aside when Zoom burst onto the scene but, it remains a reliable and solid choice for business users thanks to its ease of use, scalability and breadth of features such as call forwarding, screen sharing and messaging. Skype supports up to 50 participants per video call and supports international calling and texting – perfect if your remote team is scattered around the globe.

4 Marketing Tips to Drive More Sales to Your App

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 13:36:59 GMT

How to turn passive users into loyal customers

So, you have your app up and running with an encouraging number of downloads…but you’re yet to see an uplift in sales.

Even with an intuitive UX and a tantalising product under the hood, your app is only as good as the marketing techniques used to drive it.

Here are some useful tips of the trade to help increase engagement and boost sales growth:

Use push notifications (without being too pushy)

Think of your users’ app interactions as if they were entering your physical store. If they aren’t given any acknowledgement, there’s a good chance they’ll leave without making a purchase.

When done right, personalised brand interaction greatly increases the likelihood that they’ll return.

This can be anything from a simple welcome message after downloading, to carefully timed location-based offers that can get them back in that all-important conversion funnel.

Reward loyalty

It’s important to create unique incentives for users to continue using your app to make purchases.

People don’t want to feel like just another download number, so making use of loyalty and reward schemes can be a great way to make them feel valued.

Think about unique discounts for in-app buying, or activation of vouchers when spending beyond a designated price point.

E-mail is your best friend

If personal notifications are turned off by a user, you can end up simply hoping they’ll return to your app.

You can remove this uncertainty by using tactical e-mails to encourage return sessions and increase engagement.

Try segmenting users into distinct categories based on app behaviour, so that you can specifically target those who haven’t yet used your shiny new app feature for example. You could even use e-mail to spell out how non-converting users can contact your support team with any issues.

Avoid overusing customer data

One thing that won’t endear new app users to your brand is them having to agree to share personal information such as photos and media files in order to use your app.

There is data to suggest that app uninstall rates on smartphones are around 50% , with belief that users’ private information isn’t secure often reported as a primary concern.

Many apps need access to location settings, but make sure you’re not asking users to share all aspects of their personal life if it has no functional purpose when interacting with your brand.

4 Ways You Can Make Money from Your Business App

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 13:05:18 GMT

If you’re planning to add an app to your business this year, here are 4 ways that you can monetise it.

Have you ever wondered if you could make money from your business app? If so, the answer is most definitely yes – and in much greater amounts than you might think. As screen time increases and ecommerce booms, more and more consumers are turning to apps to make purchases for everyday items, subscriptions and treats. As a case in point, Joe Wicks’ The Body Coach app, which provides personalised fitness and plans launched in late December 2020, is said to have generated £9 million in revenue in the first week of 2021 alone. Over Christmas, there were reports that the fitness coach made £46,000 in one hour thanks to a huge surge in sign-ups.

If you’re planning to add an app to your business this year, here are 4 ways that you can monetise it.

1. Subscriptions

Apps don’t cost a lot of money to purchase as a user, and the majority are free to download, so you might wonder how you can begin to use an app as a revenue stream. An easy way is to offer paid premium upgrades in the form of a subscription services.

For example, if your app is a business tool, omit some premium but sought after features from the free version and allow your users to pay for the full app on a rolling subscription. Alternatively, you could provide the entire app for free for a given period but charge users an ongoing subscription once their trial is over.

2. In-App Purchases

You could also set up in-app purchases to turn your app into a money maker. This could enable users to purchase goods or services from inside the app itself. This has become increasingly popular in app design - and increasingly lucrative.

3. Selling Products

The benefit of an application is it is on your users phones, in their hand and therefore easily accessible from anywhere. If you have a product or service to sell, promoting it within your app and allowing users to purchase your goods or services directly from their device adds convenience and can boost conversions. It is an easy way for your to reach your audience and an easy way for your audience to complete a purchase on the go.

4. Advertisements

Advertising also makes a lot of money for app owners, which is a great way to monetise your application if you want to keep everything free within the app itself. Similar to advertising on websites, every time a user clicks on an ad, you will receive a commission. Although you can use advertisements alongside these other methods, any paid for or premium services should be ad-free.

App news roundup February 2021

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 17:23:03 GMT

What’s happened in the app space so far this year?

It’s been a busy start to the year in the app industry with lots of interesting news stories and developments emerging. If you’re set on having an app built for your business this year, keeping up-to-date on what’s happening in the app space can be especially helpful when it comes to knowing what’s trending and where to look for a little inspiration.

Here’s our recap of the most interesting stories to appear lately.

New Clubhouse app rapidly making a name for itself

You might think that an app which allows you to listen in on calls is something of a strange candidate for going viral but that’s exactly what’s happened in the case of Clubhouse.

The fact Clubhouse is invite-only is only adding to this iPhone app’s appeal. The premise of the app is deceptively simply; there’s no images or videos, just a profile picture for each user. You can then click and listen to that person speaking, as if you were listening to a podcast. The broadcasts are public however and in addition to listening to the conversations taking place on Clubhouse, you can also participate. Expect a range of personalities and subjects if you are invited to join.

Tesla entrepreneur Elon Musk joined the platform this week so expect to hear a lot more about Clubhouse in the weeks to come.

Wine app raises £111 million in funding

With bars, pubs and restaurants forced to close or dramatically scale back their operations on both sides of the Atlantic, chances are you’re spending more time indulging in a bottle of wine at home. The US wine app Vivino has capitalised on this increase in at-home consumption, with a bumper £111 million funding round. The app, which is like a marketplace for wine, says it will use the funds to invest more in its technology, including an engine which makes personalised recommendations for users. The app also hopes to expand into new markets – showing there really is an appetite for food and drink apps right now!

Conveyancing app reports huge growth

A conveyancing app called inCase has reported a huge growth during lockdown – showing that digital solutions, and especially app-powered digital solutions – are very much in demand and poised for success in the current climate.

inCase is typically used by solicitors to update their clients and keep them appraised of progress during their house move. Users can carry out tasks such as sign forms digitally, meaning the process of moving from A to B doesn’t need to rely on face-to-face meetings. It has seen its revenues increase by as much as 80% during the pandemic; food for thought if you have an idea for a similar electronic solution to a real world problem.

4 important things to consider for your next business app

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 16:38:21 GMT

Set your business app up for success

Deciding to create an app for your small business is an exciting milestone and one that could lead to increased sales, revenue, brand awareness and repeat orders. If you haven’t actually gone through the process before though, the thought of sitting down and planning out your very own business app can be a little daunting. To help you over that first hurdle, we’ve laid out the four most important things you’ll need to consider up front.

Consideration1: What will your app actually DO?

The first – and most logical! – place to start is with a discussion about what your app will actually do. Rather than focus on the vast range of features and functionality you might like at this stage, instead think about the bigger picture. Ask yourself, “what is the overall purpose of this app?” “what should it help the user to do?” what problem can it solve for my customer”?

Write down your answers to these questions and you’ll soon see that you’ve defined the purpose of your app and how it can be deployed to serve your clients and win over new business.

Consideration 2: How can it best DO what you want it to DO?

Now that you have a broad idea of what your app should do, it’s time to think about the best way for that to be accomplished. If you have determined that you want to make it quicker and easier for your clients to book an appointment with your hair salon for example, a booking system built-in to the app would be the logical way to do that.

Likewise, if you want to increase orders for your food business, you might want to think about a click to call function and an online ordering system built into a new app for your takeaway .

Consideration 3: Enlist an app developer

With the basics mapped out, it’s time to enlist a professional small business app developer to get the ball rolling and begin the process of designing and building your new app.

Luckily, your search can end here as we can design, develop and deliver a smart, functional app for your business. Take a look at some of the features we can include right here, or browse our examples for inspiration.

Consideration 4: Devise a marketing strategy

There’s no need to wait for your app to be delivered to begin thinking about how you’ll market it. Get this part of the process underway as the app is being built. Here, you’ll need to consider how you can amplify your app, build awareness and drive downloads. You may have a paid ad budget you can tap into but if not, think of creative ways you can use your own website, social media channels and emails to drive results.

Here’s why apps are thriving right now

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 15:04:10 GMT

Google says apps are perfect for the ‘new normal’

In the wake of the global pandemic, it should come as no surprise to hear that screen time has increased for most of us. Research conducted by the analytics firm, App Annie confirms this is certainly the case for smartphone users, with the average person now spending more than three hours each day on apps. This is great news if you’re in the process of getting an app designed for your business.

Google says apps are vital to many modern businesses and provide an important means of delighting customers, noting “We know that apps allow businesses to deliver smoother, faster and more personalised user experiences. In this unprecedented year, apps have also become a crucial platform that brands can use to pivot quickly and respond to changing market dynamics.”

Here’s exactly why apps are thriving right now – and why there’s never been a better time to jump in with your own app.

1. They can quickly fill service gaps

With many physical locations forced to close their doors, digital experiences and services have been a lifeline for brands and consumers alike over the last 12 months. A mobile app is an agile tool which can quickly be deployed to fill gaps left by store closures.

Your app could allow customers to easily place orders for click and collect for example, where in-store shopping is no longer available. It can be used to reserve deliveries, for those unable or unwilling to opt for click and collect, provide a means of interacting with customer service reps to source product information or used to manage an account digitally rather than face-to-face.

2. They can be used to meet customer needs

Whether it’s a desire to go paperless or to avoid standing in queues, a business app can be used to exactly meet customer needs, as and when their behaviours and requirements change. We have seen this happen many times through the course of the pandemic, with the growth in time spent on apps reflective of how well received this agility is.

3. They offer a safe environment for customers

Even when the world returns to normal, research suggests that not all consumers feel comfortable with the thought of shopping in bricks and mortar stores or returning to face-to-face contact. An app is an ideal tool for creating a safe digital environment to connect with and communicate with consumers. This could be as simple as including a video chat or text chat function, allowing your customer service reps to interact with customers in a way that suits their needs and preferences.

Google reveals its marketing trends forecast

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 16:50:21 GMT

This year’s key marketing trends according to Google

As it does every year, Google has asked a panel of experts from across the search engine to identify the marketing activities and technologies that are expected to make waves over the coming 12 months. This list is always of great interest for marketers, giving a sneak peek into the minds of key Googlers from across the region and hinting at some of the tactics that they may already be seeing emerging from forward-thinking campaigns.

If you’re planning your marketing strategy for the year and wondering how to make your business apps stand out, consider employing some of these tactics and trends.

1. Expect apps to be more popular than ever

Great news if you’re planning a new app for your business – Google says apps will be more in demand than ever this year, making your mobile app a real advantage when it comes to marketing your business, products and services over the coming 12 months.

The search engine notes, “The big media consumption story in 2020 was time spent on mobile. Globally we spent over 1.6 trillion hours on our phones in the first half of the year. And in the third quarter, apps usage surged by 25% YoY, with 180 billion hours each month spent on apps. The same research highlights that categories expected to particularly benefit from this rise in app popularity include food delivery, games, online learning, entertainment, and shopping.”

As we move forwards into the year, leveraging your app and considering how it can add value to your audience is more vital than ever.

2. Be focused on data privacy

Last year saw lots of conversations around app data and privacy permissions and Google clearly expects this to continue this year. What’s more, it seems that more businesses will also make it a priority. When creating and marketing your app, it could well pay to be clear on data privacy policies so consider how you can communicate your values in this area to build trust with users.

3. Invest in live events and online video

In-person events were widely cancelled last year, meaning there was an immediate and necessary shift online. With the online consumer now firmly entrenched, video looks set to play a key role in offering event like experiences to consumers. This plays directly into the hands of brands with websites, social media channels and apps, which can all be used to deploy digital experiences. Google advises, “Being successful in 2021 means tapping into the online video trend to reach and engage the consumer where they are.”

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