Author: Yashveer Ramparsad
Publish Date: 02/04/2020
Mobile Apps Should Your Business Make One ...
More and more businesses these days see the value of having an online presence, be it to make that first step into the digital world or to solidify your position and reach a wider market with the website. These days people often take it as a down-vote if businesses do not have a smashingly fancy webpage. Website aside, businesses have now seen value into tapping into the app space, lets dive into this a bit more shall we.
What do the numbers say?
Statistics have always been a good indication of trends and the direction that a particular thing might take. With the data so readily available, we will look at three areas of interest. The number of users, the amount users spend and the categories that they spend their money on. All three do provide valuable insights, to start with the first.
Above is a representation of active smartphone users globally. It does show steady growth over the years and there is still more yet to come. With over 7 billion people on this planet (and growing, lets hope mother earth doesn't evict us for being so destructive), and with smart phone manufacturers now competing more than ever with each other, its hard to doubt that numbers will continue to grow. This also means that with more smartphones comes more consumers and a larger market to target.
The next statistic we will look at is the above, how much do consumers spend on applications. Yes, the Asia-Pacific region certainly is the largest market (they also have the most people), followed by the Americas and lastly the European Middle Eastern and Africa region. Once again it follows the trend of consistent growth. Sure people are spending money on apps, but what are they spending their money on?
The last statistic we are going to look at is what apps were downloaded and used worldwide, for a single month in November. No doubt games have always been the king of the jungle, but surprisingly, business tools and business related applications saw a spike in use.
So what does the data tell us?
People love their little smart devices. They love spending time on apps and are willing to spend their money on them. The potential then for businesses to reach their clients is certainly there.
However, the real question is would an app bring any value to your business?
This key question needs thought. In Business Analysis, and analysis of client needs we certainly use the 5 Why's (a term perhaps you've heard of). Keep asking yourself the question of "Why?". Most likely after you answer the 5th Why, you will have your actual need. Every business is different and every business requires individual analysis. In the end an application might not be perfect for you (developing one for the sake of saying you have an app is also not useful).
Post Five Why's, I need the App!!!!
Alright so you have a need for an app, the key to building a successful app then (whether you do it yourself or hire an awesome person to do it for you, hint hint me) is to stick to the key tenets below:
- Solve a real need (you already worked this one out, good on ya)
- Focus on a set bunch of features (no time for outrageously out there features, focus!)
- Deliver on real value (what is most important to the user in terms of value and to the business)
- Keep it simple (cannot stress this one enough, yes analysis is paralysis, do not over design)
If you stick to the above and begin your journey into the app world, certainly you will be able to deliver on your goals.
Kawalski Analysis??
So in conclusion, we have seen that apps are certainly showing growth, users are engaged, there are certainly opportunities to be explored. Now is the time to venture into this area, so lets go.....