Since the iPhone landed in the hands of millions of excited AT&T customers, it is no secret that the app scene has skyrocketed. As the smart phone industry has grown to include Andorid and Windows 7 phones, the public is more accessible via their cell phones than print, television and radio. Companies are using this increasing trend of developing apps to advertise literally to their consumer’s fingertips.
At first, you might think that creating an app takes excessive development and programming skills, which most of us do not have. But that is not the case. It can be relatively easy to come up with an idea for an App, design it and send it to a programmer to develop. Kevin Tighe, managing partner of Cross Coast Promotions LLC comments on the new explosions in apps in the Spring 2011 Meetings and Events Magazine, “Every brand, big or small, is on Facebook, so apps and widgets are a new way to differentiate themselves.” This is a user-friendly way of getting your brand into the public’s hands.
There are endless app opportunities to set your company apart from competitors. Many banks, retailers, airlines and realtors have built apps to service their customers. E*TRADE Mobile Pro, PetSmart and local SD Property Finder are examples found in the App Store on iTunes. Building an app for use with iTunes, Android and Windows 7, adds edge and sophistication to your customer support. A sample of B2B app services to consider for your company:
- order tracking
- samples list
- order forms
- performance reviews
- installation directions
- directory of resources
- report sharing
- tips and how-to’s
