Has the time come for your small business to add a business app to its needs? If so, selecting the right one might prove a tad challenging.
For starters, how do you know which app developer is best prepared to meet the needs of your company?
Secondly, how will you know if the app developer you are leaning to has a stellar customer service record?
Lastly, once you have your business app up and rolling, how will you know to go about promoting it to consumers?
If it sounds like a fair amount of decision making is in play, you are correct. That said a business app has the potential to do wonders for your small business.
So, are you ready to select an app and get going?
Finding the Perfect Developer
So that you are able to sort through the various app development companies out there, looking to see which one is most ready to help your brand, keep these tips in mind:
- History – For starters, how long has the app developer been in business? Although there are some solid app start-ups out there, going with a company with years of experience is oftentimes your best bet. There’s a reason (or two or three….) that these app developers have been in business for a number of years. Typically it is because they develop the best products and provide the best service. You will oftentimes find out about the history of an app developer (or just about any company for that matter) by visiting their website. Most businesses will have an “about us” section on their sites. In those sections, you will oftentimes discover how long they have been around the business world. Also search to see if they have a customer testimonial area on their website. Yes, most customer comments on such sites are only going to be positive, but having a sizable number of them speaks a little to the company’s success. Finally, check to see what kind of support (see more below) the developer offers businesses in terms of making sure its products do the job they say they will. The last thing you want or need is getting an app, only to find that it has glitches here and there, glitches that are ultimately costing you money in two ways. First, you’re not getting your money’s worth when it comes to the app you selected. Secondly, you are missing out on potential business with consumers who are not utilizing your app because it is not properly functioning;
- Service – As mentioned a moment ago, the importance of customer service can never be taken for granted. For instance, what if your new business app is not living up to the expectations your app developer set for it? Do you have the word of the developer that his or her company is there for you by phone, email, text etc. 24/7 to provide assistance? There will likely be some hiccups along the way with your app even if you have what seems to be the best developer out there. Knowing you have a developer that truly does care about customer service makes all the difference in the world.
Promoting Your App is Essential
- Promotions – Even though you can’t expect your app developer to go out and promote your app for you, you can ask them for some tips. One of them they are likely to share with you is actually having your customers help promote your app for you. By giving your customers great deals via your app, they’re more likely to share the news with friends, family, co-workers etc. In doing so, they are basically doing some free marketing for you. Also be sure to use social media as a means to give your app some push. Use all the top social sites to promote your, app engaging both current and potential customers in the process. When all is said and done, giving your new app the publicity it needs will only do good things for your overall brand.
If you’ve just recently gotten a business app or you are thinking of going in that direction, what questions do you have for app developers?
About the Author: Dave Thomas covers small business topics on the web.