6 Reasons Your Business Should Launch a Mobile App in 2018

$63 billion. That's how much the enterprise mobile app market is expected to be worth by the year 2020. In 2016, the average number of apps grew by it 126%. that's an average of 11 apps per enterprise business.

It's obvious that there's a business case for mobile app development. But, as with everything in life, there's a good and bad approach.

A hefty 23% of every new mobile app only gets used once.

But it’s not all bad news.

Nearly 40% of all apps get used over 11 times by individual users. Which side of success you your business lands on... Well, that's up to you.

In today's article you'll learn of six compelling reasons why your business should launch it’s own app in 2018. By the end of this post, your mind should be brimming with ideas of creating an engaging platform for your clients or employees.

1. You Can Solve a Problem or Optimize

Successful mobile apps get created because the business sees a need in the market. or perhaps it's just because they see an opportunity to systemize a way they do business.

Here’s what Mark Pedersen of The Broodle has to say,

There’s a whole host of use cases for factories using workflow-optimizing mobile apps, whether they’re to improve the internal protocols and procedures, or whether it’s to improve the customer relationships.

In healthcare, there’s also a growing user base, with many different subsectors all showing huge growth in their specific areas. From basic task handling applications to complex medical monitoring, and even advanced surgery assistance – enterprise-grade applications are making the rounds in each of these areas.

The common denominator among all of these mentioned categories revolves around optimizing, efficiency and automation.

For those of you in the first category, try not to overthink your app’s functionality. Good apps serve a singular function for the users. They're simple. They solve a pain or problem. And they do it in the most streamlined way possible.

Here are three examples of business apps that solve the problem:

The problem: Your company is quickly growing and exceeding Revenue goals. But communication is becoming more and more difficult with your remote team. So, you want to create a messaging app to keep everyone connected and informed.

The problem: You found that your blog posts and email newsletters don't have a lot of readers. So, you want to create an app that alerts users of new content relative to their interests and your expertise.

The problem: Customers fear that you're getting behind the times and you want to prove your innovation capabilities. So, you release a customer support system where they can see all their information and contact your company in a push of a button.

What business problem will your apps solve? Write down three possible solutions.

2. You know your audience would love an app.

One reason why businesses should invest in an app is because that's what the customers want. Do these characteristics describe your clientele?

• Tech-Savvy

• Attached to their phone

• Frequent consumers of content

• Interested in loyalty opportunities

• Values exceptional customer service

If this sounds like your customers, you should seriously consider an app.

3. You know exactly what will keep your audience coming back to the app.

Have you found a way to keep customers intrigued? Do they hang on your every word and blog post? Do they religiously follow your social media accounts?

It sounds like you have a loyal audience.

If that's the case, you truly have their attention. And that means you definitely need to invest into acquiring more attention with an app. Knowing what your customers want is half the battle. So, when you already have their attention, don’t hesitate to capitalize on it.

As a word of warning: For those of you who don't have your audience's attention, you need to invest in real customer research. Even with a great use case, your best hypothesis cannot replace direct feedback of your audiences’ wants, needs, and desires.

4. You want to be seen as innovative and cutting-edge.

Read any marketing blog and you'll see writers touting the benefits of “mobile-first” design. What better way to show the value the power of mobile than to invest in your own proprietary app?

It's the perfect strategy for those wanting to stand out in a competitive market.

And if you need a way to impress customers, the right app will do it.

Don't worry about getting it perfect from the beginning. The simple act of creating an app sends a message to clients that you're invested -- not just in their present, but in their future.

No one adopts a new technology without challenges along the way. Don't let the fear of failure keep you from the potential upside of becoming a leader in your industry and community.

5. Your competition is getting ahead of you with apps.

Sometimes the best reason to get started is that you're already losing. Nothing stirs the waters of innovation quicker than seeing your competition succeed.

Mobile apps are not a new solution for businesses. However, many have hesitated to adopt the  technology out of a fear of falling behind at the competition. As irony has it, that's exactly what's happening in an effort to avoid it.

The faster technology advances, the more important it will be for small businesses across all industries to stay up-to-date.

So, don't worry if your only reason is that others are doing it. It may not be the best reason to embark on a new initiative, but it's certainly better than falling further behind.

6. You’re borrowing an app idea from the competition and improving on it.

For those who just felt bad for not having an app yet, don't worry.

Building on our previous theme, let's talk about improving on a competitor's idea. Just because you're late to the game, doesn't mean you can't be the winner.

Don't be afraid to take the success of your competition and expand on it. In fact, it's what all great entrepreneurs do. It's how we move forward in society.

If you have a way to improve on a competitor's app, do it.

It’s time to get started. Don’t let this new year get away without making the investment. No more putting it off. Your business (and clients) deserve better.