It has been 20 years since app stores came to popularity. Today, time spent on these apps has surpassed 6 trillion hours. Its potential to enamor consumers of different ages, backgrounds, cultures, and orientations is not lost on brands. In fact, the power that comes with these mobile apps have only strengthened brands’ interactions with their audience.The ubiquity of smartphones has fundamentally transformed the way we connect with the world around us.
Singapore and South Korea smartphone users are dedicating over five hours each day to their mobile apps. Meanwhile, smartphone users in Australia, India, Japan, and Thailand, aren’t far behind, with their eyes fixated on their digital devices, though slightly less so. As for our friends in China, they comfortably claimed the 18th spot, averaging 3.6 hours daily. Over the last four years, there’s a 67% increase in app usage in Australia and a significant 62% rise in Singapore.
Without a doubt, mobile apps will continue to take over, whether to provide convenience, entertainment, or to introduce brands yearning to be discovered.
It may seem like a distant memory, but it wasn’t too long ago that hailing a taxi involved standing on a street corner, waving your hand, and hoping for the best. The advent of other ride-sharing apps revolutionised the way we commute, making it more convenient and accessible than ever before. And don’t get started on the food and grocery apps that deliver your daily needs and cravings right at your doorstep.
We know there are hundreds of tasks these days that apps have made easier for consumers. But these are just small examples. How extensive do you think the usefulness of these apps has become?
Mobile apps revolutionised the concept of branding, allowing businesses to create seamless user experiences, reinvent customer engagement, and implement data-driven marketing strategies.
In a competitive marketplace, standing out and reaching the target audience are paramount for any brand. Customer engagement apps play a crucial role in achieving these goals, making mobile app development a top priority for digital businesses. Having a presence in app stores increases brand visibility significantly. With millions of smartphone users browsing app stores daily, having a well-optimised app increases the likelihood of being discovered by potential customers. Mobile apps also enable brands to leverage push notifications, allowing them to instantly communicate with users and drive engagement.
Successful branding is built on user experience. Brands put a lot of effort into creating intuitive, user-friendly interfaces that appeal to their target market. Nobody wants to use a clunky or buggy app. You need to make sure that users can quickly and seamlessly navigate through different sections, products, or services of your app or website.
Another important component of modern mobile apps is personalisation. To better understand user preferences and behaviours and to customise content and offers for specific customers, brands are increasingly seeing the value of data analytics. This individualised strategy promotes a stronger mobile customer engagement, increasing brand loyalty.
In 2023, mobile advertising expenditure is anticipated to reach a staggering USD 362 billion, firmly establishing mobile as the dominant player in the advertising landscape. As more people become increasingly reliant on their devices, these pocket-sized marvels have become the new gathering place for information, entertainment, and communication.
Whether it’s shopping, socialising, working, or seeking entertainment, mobile devices have become our go-to companions. This shift in consumer behaviour has not gone unnoticed by businesses and marketers.
The rise of mobile advertising due to the sheer number of smartphone users continues to grow, reaching almost every corner of the globe. This expansive reach provides advertisers with an extensive pool of potential customers. Additionally, the data-driven nature of mobile advertising allows for precise targeting, ensuring that messages reach the right people at the right time.
In a world where people are constantly on the move, mobile advertising offers an unparalleled opportunity to reach audiences wherever they are. The smartphone has become an extension of the self, offering a unique and intimate channel for brands to engage with their target demographics.
Gone are the days of one-way communication where brands simply pushed their messages to consumers. Mobile apps have revolutionised customer engagement by introducing interactive, gamified, and user-generated content.
The meditation industry has caught on the trend – meditation apps are set to grow in 2023. Consumers will prioritise an experience of calm and stress reduction amidst a stressful economy. This is why user-generated content has gained traction as a powerful tool for customer engagement. Brands often launch challenges and contests, encouraging users to create content related to their products or services. This user-generated content helps brands engage customers, promote their products, and foster a calming community.
Furthermore, the travel industry is expected to maintain a significant share of consumer spending in the “post-COVID” era of returning to normalcy. People are likely to prioritise experiences such as attending live events, including concerts and shows, over purchasing items for their homes. The allure of live sports will also be a focal point, drawing attention both from those attending events in person and those watching on screens. Through gamification techniques, brands encourage active participation, which boosts brand loyalty and keeps users engaged.
In the constantly changing digital landscape, mobile apps have evolved into essential tools for brands. By providing interactive experiences, individualised marketing tactics, and direct connections with customers, they have changed consumer engagement. Brands who use mobile app branding and change with the times will unquestionably benefit from providing better customer satisfaction and therefore, greater brand loyalty. Mobile apps will continue to redefine companies and shape how businesses communicate with their audience in unprecedented ways as the future unfolds.
If you’re in need of support in developing and launching your mobile app, come and have a complimentary discovery call with our team. With a track record of assisting numerous brands in diverse sectors like hospitality and finance, we are dedicated to driving your business to success.
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