And the future of digital marketing is..

Mobile Apps! That's right - they're about to take over in the next few years and here's how you can jump on board with this trend.

Remember when TVs were SO expensive?  How about VCRs and Digital Cameras?  In our world (business and marketing) we can easily look back just 10 - or even 5 or 2 -years ago and remember how crazy expensive websites were to build.  As technology continues to evolve (at the speed of light lately - especially in this case) Apps are becoming more and more popular because they’re also becoming more affordable to build. And, the use of mobile devices - smart phones AND tablets – has continue to rise.  Have you heard the expression ‘everyone carries a TV in their pocket today’?  Even how we consume TV has changed and is driven more and more by…yup, you guessed it, Apps!  Who here binged on the new Gilmore Girls on Netflix this weekend?  Have you seen Narcos, Bluebloods, or The Crown?  Do you use Verizon Fios for cable?  If so, you probably downloaded the App on your phone so you can watch your favorite shows wherever you are. And it doesn’t just stop at watching video. From weather apps, to games, to loyalty cards, apps are a mobile users best friend. In fact, recent data reports that 90% of consumer’s mobile time is spend in apps. From doctor’s offices, to golf courses, to hotels, to plumbers…there’s an opportunity to build out an App! 

Want even more proof? Check out this great article with tons of statistics: http://www.smartinsights.com/mobile-marketing/mobile-marketing-analytics/mobile-marketing-statistics/

How do we know that Apps are here to stay? 

How about this prediction? “According to Gartner, by 2017 mobile apps will be downloaded more than 268 billion times.”  And, “Non-game app downloads are estimated to grow 23% in the next five years, exceeding $182 billion in 2020.” That’s a huge amount of money and these predictions are coming to fruition at faster speeds than even anticipated with no signs of slowing at all.  

What are the benefits of having an App for your business?

While the uses can vary, there are many universal benefits to having an app for your business. Push notifications, while small, can be a great way to connect with your consumer. Apps help you stay top of mind on a device that they’re already on all the time - without them having to stop and search for you. You’ve created a way for your customers to instantly have access to your brand, products or services in a controlled environment. While we love the internet, there is so much out there sometimes your message can get lost. However, people are selective about what they download to their mobile devices. By living on someone’s phone, you’re much more likely to cut through the clutter.

On top of that, think of all the information you usually have to give to register for the apps you download. Apps can be a great way to collect emails or phone numbers to continue your marketing efforts. 

Need App ideas?

Committing to creating an app is one thing. Figuring out what to put in it is another. Some popular ideas include loyalty cards, business updates, sales promotions, menus, or coupons.  Just to name a few.  Do you own a golf course?  Maybe your App creates a robust user experience by providing everything from an easy scoring system to tips on the different holes. A retail location? Keep your shoppers updated with the best place to find coupons, sales or previews of new topics. Do you write fashion blogs?  Maybe your App gives out trending fashion tips and gives special discounts to boutiques you’re featuring – sounds like a win/win/win for everyone! Have a new product or service launching? Use your app to sell it! Just want to inspire? Fill your app with inspirational posts or pictures that your clients can come back to time after time. Take some time to brainstorm what will be most useful to your clients or customers to create an app experience truly customized for them.