What is a Mobile Application?
In short, a mobile application is a piece of software that has been designed to run on a mobile device. Aside from the obvious mobile phone, other mobile devices includes wearables such as fitness trackers and tablets such as kindles. Apps for mobile are also known as native apps and can often be accessed without internet connectivity.
Mobile apps are downloaded from one of the app stores on to a specific device (the most common being Apple for iOS devices and Google for Android devices) and the user can then access the apps features.
What is a Web Application?
A web app is a piece of software that is accessible via a web browser from multiple devices (mobile or otherwise) rather than being directly downloaded on to a device. Web applications usually require internet connectivity for the user to be able to access it.
Many companies do not realise that web applications can be accessed just like a mobile site and provide much of the same functionality as mobile apps do with the exception of push notifications, offline usage and the ability to use device specific features. Providing they have a responsive design, web applications also ensure that they automatically adjust to fit all screen sizes, much like a mobile app and the development process can actually be shorter than for native apps.
What do Web and Mobile Applications Offer to Businesses?
There are a significant number of benefits that web and mobile applications can offer to businesses both internally and externally. Here we look at some of them.
Internally
Employee Communication and Collaboration
Mobile and web apps can be developed to provide employees the ability to communicate with each other regardless of where they are or the time of day. They can also be developed to allow users to share and edit files and documentation from a mobile device.
Efficiency for Field Based Employees
Another game changing aspect of mobile and web applications is the capability it gives to field based employees. Instead of having to report back to the office at the end of each day to fill out various pieces of paperwork, mobile apps can make it possible to do this whilst out in the field and after each job.
Access to Internal Systems on the Move
Mobile and web apps can give employees secure access to a range of internal systems whilst on the move. This could be timesheets, room booking or pretty much any internal system the organisation has in operation.
Real-time Data Access
Decision makers can access data in real-time regardless of where they are. This allows them to make informed decisions quickly when the need arises rather than having to wait until they're seated in front a laptop or computer.
Externally
Better Customer Engagement
Mobile and web apps allow businesses to reach their customers through notifications and in app messaging which can help with sales and marketing efforts as well as better customer service. The content within the apps can also be personalised to the user based on data that can be collected in app on customer behaviour and preferences.
Better Customer Service
Mobile and web apps provide an alternative way for businesses to interact with their customers. For customers who prefer mobiles over traditional desktops and laptops, this can lead to a better user experience for them. It also allows them to connect with the company regardless of where they are which can be helpful if there is an issue that needs to be resolved.
Brand Promotion
Through the use of mobile and web apps, organisations can keep their brand visible to it's customers through it's presence on their mobiles. They can also be used to undertake direct marketing activities straight to a users mobile rather than through traditional marketing channels such as e-mail or phone call which may allow companies to reach a larger audience.
Revenue Growth
Companies can give customers the opportunity to purchase their products and/or services through a mobile or web app. The ease and speed of this can be more appealing to customers and thus, make them more likely to buy. Mobile and web apps can also be integrated with e-commerce systems so the data from mobile and web sales can all be tracked in the same place.
Competitive Advantage
Having a mobile or web app can give organisations an advantage over their competitors. By offering customer more ways to interact and undertake transactions whether that be financial, support based or otherwise, customers may be more likely to use or stay with a supplier if it better suits their preferences.
What Type of Business Might Benefit From a Mobile App?
A wide range of businesses find benefit in having a mobile and/or web application. The features and functionality that can be offered to customers through these apps can be invaluable and provide a much enhanced user experience. Here we look at some examples.
E-Commerce Companies
For e-commerce companies, having an app allows customers to easily browse, purchase and track their orders on to go making it convenient and thus, promoting engagement.
Food Delivery & Restaurants
Food Delivery companies have become very popular in recent years and this has been largely because of the features they can access with the companies apps. They offer an easy ordering process with location-based services, real-time tracking and multiple payment options all within one platform.
Field Based Workforce
Companies with field based workforces can benefit significantly from having a mobile application in terms of efficiency, cost and employee satisfaction. When field based employees have a mobile application to manage their jobs, they are to complete tasks such as picking up their next job, raising quotes & invoices, getting customer signatures and clocking in and out to name a few.
Transportation
Much like Food Delivery, companies offering transportation via their apps have gained huge popularity in recent years. These apps allow customers to conveniently book and track rides, make payments and interact with their drivers for updates. The GPS services common in many of these apps mean riders can access those closet to them.
Finance
Banking and financial organisations use apps to provide customers with access to a range of financial services that include banking, mobile payments and investment management. These apps enable users to securely transfer money, check account balances, pay bills and even invest in stocks or cryptocurrencies.
Media
Apps are widely used by the Media and Entertainment industry to offer on demand access to music, videos and other digital content. Users are able to stream entertainment in many forms anytime, anywhere and the apps often provide personalised recommendations tailored to their preferences.
How Can We Help?
In today's digital landscape, mobile and web application technologies are vital tools for businesses to enhance user experiences, retain clients and ultimately to grow. App development, whether for mobile or web platforms, requires a tailored approach and our UK based app developers will provide just that. We will discuss with you, your app requirements, provide options that fit within your parameters and work with you to ensure the end result meets (or exceeds) your expectations!
