If you own a small business today and you do not have an app to promote your business, you should address this now. Apps for smartphone’s have become a way of life. 86% of the time cell phone users spend on their phone is in apps. A Gallup study indicates almost 3/4 of cell users check their phone at least once per hour. I believe this a low percentage based on my experience watch people and particularly 35-40 year olds. Phones are visible everywhere.

Therefore, cell phone apps have become useful as a marketing tool. You can engage with your customers, promote good feeling, build your brand, and show your customers that you are willing to build a relationship with them.

Where is your phone now? In your pocket or your hand? Does your phone like mine, have many different apps that you use for various reasons? If you want to prepare for the future, you should definitely get your company an app.

So, why do I say you should do this? It is my thinking that you must be progressive. You must find new ways to provide more value to your customers. There are so many valuable ways that an app promotes your business – loyalty programs and discounts, messages (Push Notifications) on special offers, building your brand, sell online, accept payments etc.

Starbucks currently uses and app to reward customers with the app. Domino’s created an app for delivery and store pickup of orders. I have a friend who liked Domino’s but hated the annoyance of calling them. Now that they have an app, she told me she has brand loyalty. 52% of online orders are created through and app. Domino’s has experienced a rise of 28% in six months pre-tax profits in the UK alone. This is impressive.

You can use your app to do research. Ask your clients – they are your friends. What do they really want from you in the future? This will help with product development and customer retention. You can collect feedback on your customers.

Find an app developer you trust. Once that accepts a deposit, then works with you to design what you want on your app. Make sure you have a contract indicating the deposit, full price, and time. The time issue must be very clear. Included in the contract should be an over view of the site being created – number of pages, specific pages, how many changes you will receive. If you don’t give your developer the required information, they can’t produce your app in a timely manner. Set dates. Then move forward.