subject: Making The Executive Decision - Mobile Applications Or Websites? [print this page] In the next few years, marketers and strategy leaders, as well as tech experts are predicting that cellular internet will topple fixed internet access as the most viable tool for online consumption. This is not unpredicted, since in the last few years, we have seen a radical shift in the use of mobile devices. In fact, according to studies, in the next few years, the number of mobile phones will exceed the number of human beings on earth. Thus, it is important for every firm owner to ask the following question: should you go for a mobile website, or should you invest in a mobile application?
Address your needs
Both mobile applications and websites are quite cost effective these days especially when you consider the ROI of what can become your number one marketing and advertising tool. Your decision can actually affect how consumers will perceive you; do business with you and whether they find your service as aggressive and dependable in the market.
Expectations
What are your expectations and needs? Do you simply want your current and potential customers to rapidly pull up information about your corporate on a mobile tool? If so, a mobile friendly website should suffice. Even though, if youre seeking a true advertising and marketing tool that will permit you to talk with your consumers easily and provide certain functionality for instance loyalty benefits, alerts, shopping cart, etc. a custom mobile software may be a much better solution for your corporation.
Budget
Developing and maintaining a mobile website may be less expensive. If your funds is really restricted, a mobile website may be something to experiment with. You do need to consider the ROI of your mobile app when making your decision, though. Of course, it all depends on how you use the mobile gadgets. If your mobile app is loaded with tools that will help you draw in new and repeat clients, you may easily realize that the software easily pays for itself. On top of that, consider that the design and creation of a custom app does not have to be overly expensive contrary to what most firm owners think. The cost of developing a customized app for a modest business is around one thousand dollars with ImIn Marketer. The monthly hosting/maintenance fee ranges from $49 to $99. Therefore, mobile apps are certainly affordable but more importantly effective advertising and marketing tools. Would you like to be able to instantly send messages to everyone who has downloaded your app with a single push of a button? This can easily be done if your application is capable with Push Notification performance. Would you like to make is super-easy for your consumers to share information about your business with family and friends? If your application makes it easy to connect all the major social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, your potential outreach should greatly increase because of the app. It is essential for every company to make it basic to do business with. Customers are all about convenience more than ever. They turn to their mobile devices for quick and easy access to information and special efficiency.