BY DEREK GOODMAN
Photo via Pexels
Apps are a great way to expand your business and engage with customers on a whole new level, but they can be tricky — and expensive — to create if you don’t know where to begin. Fortunately, there are many resources available these days for even the most inexperienced individuals looking to build an app, including freelancers who can assist with designing a streamlined finished product. However, there are several considerations to make before you jump into the process, so do a bit of research to find out what makes a good app. Read on for a few of the most common app design mistakes and how to avoid them, presented by My Rich Brand.
Vet a Professional
There are many people out there with app design experience, but it can be hard to find the right one for your specific needs. One common mistake business owners make is assuming that all designers have the same skills. Apps built for businesses need to keep functionality streamlined while ensuring ease of use for all customer types, no matter what kind of device they own.
This is no easy feat, but an experienced pro will work with you on finding the perfect balance of design and function. Check out job boards, where you can look at several different freelancers at once and compare prices, read reviews of their services, and see for yourself how much experience they have with working on projects similar to yours.
Anticipate Your Customers’ Needs
It’s not easy to look into the future, but just like choosing a designer, it’s crucial to do a little research to figure out what your customers want and what their needs will be in the next couple of years. Think about your reasons for building an app for your business; are there competitors? What can an app offer your customer base that no one else can?
If you’re solely trying to keep up with the times, your money might be better spent on marketing, but if your business truly demands an app, the answers to those questions will jump out at you right from the beginning.
Are You Prepared for the Interaction?
Your customers’ needs will drive the app, but it’s crucial to make sure you’re prepared to take your interaction with them to the next level. When consumers have access to a business via a mobile device, they expect to have quick answers to their questions, payment options, maps or menus, and a chat function that allows them to get in touch should a problem arise.
In short, you can build the best app in the world, but if you aren’t ready to be at the other end, your customers may abandon it pretty quickly. If your business is small, designate one person to handle customer service issues and mobile payments, as this will cut down on confusion and allow you to focus on other things.
Marketing Is Key
Part of interacting with your customers where your app is concerned is marketing. Because the tech world is so inundated with new products and applications every day, it’s essential to create a plan in the beginning that will allow you the budget and time to advertise continuously, not just once or twice.
Social media channels are perfect spots to place targeted ads, but you can also reach out to tech magazines and websites and ask for reviews or request a guest spot on a blog. This is a great way to reach a wider audience and keep the name of your business fresh in consumers’ minds without spending a ton of money. Keep in mind, as well, that your app will require updates and that your budget will need to include provisions for these.
Building an app takes time, so create a timeline before you get started and keep your goals simple and realistic. Talk to other small business owners to find out whether they have apps and, if so, whether they have advice for you. This is also a great way to network in your community.
My Rich Brand specializes in helping businesses and brands with digital marketing. Hire us by scheduling an appointment with our team today.
