GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH A MOBILE APP

Note: This article contains Affiliate Links.

I’ll never forget the day I had a meeting with one of my distributor’s sales reps, Jane. I always enjoyed talking to Jane because she traveled all over the West Coast visiting similar businesses. I learned from listening to her talk about what other businesses were doing well and what trends she was encountering. This particular day she mentioned that all the major players had mobile apps. What was my first thought? “Ugh, that must be expensive!” Then from that thought, my wheels started spinning!

Mobile apps are no longer just for big box stores and other large corporations. Small businesses can now easily reach and engage their customers resulting in business growth.

Later that day, I went to Google Play and downloaded apps from some of the big box stores in my industry. While it was interesting, I wasn’t really that impressed. Most of their apps were simply extensions of their websites. They really didn’t offer value or engage customers. So, my research started. Quickly I discovered a site that allowed me to easily create a mobile app very inexpensively, Swiftic (formerly Como).

It took me no time at all to develop our app and, honestly, it was fun to do. Our app provides:

Easy Communication with links to Email, Phone and Website.
Social Interaction with links to Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and our Blog.
Link to our Website and Etsy site.
Coupons that change weekly.

Two of the things that benefit us the most are the Coupons and the ability to send Push Notifications. Customers love the coupons and often check them while their shopping. Push notifications are simply text messages that you can send. You can even schedule them to send on specific dates/times. People get irritated when they receive too many push notifications so I only send them when a new coupon is posted on the app and when special in-store sales start or coming close to ending.

Honestly, I’m only using some of Swiftic’s awesome features. Other options include:

Loyalty Programs
Mobile Store
Scheduling
Menus
Deliveries
Contests / Scratch Cards
Surveys

I want to try a contest next. Their scratch card feature looks like something that customers would love. And, it’s great to find ways to engage customers.

One of the things that I really liked about creating an app on Swiftic, is it was very easy to do. Their online app creator is very intuitive and walks you through how your app will look: theme, layout, color scheme, background, etc. Then it has a ton of features that you can pick from. I honestly don’t know how it could have been any easier.

Swiftic also has great video tutorials that explain anything you need to know, including:

Intro – How to Create an App
Customize and Design your app
Add E-Commerce Features
Add Coupons and Loyalty Cards
Add Ordering Features
Add Catalogs to your App
Add Social Media to Your App
Customize your App Design
Add Videos and Photos
Add Audio to Your App
Add Contact Info to Your App
Add Events to Your App
Add News to Your App
Add Custom Pages
Add Web Pages and Web Links
Open a Google Play Account
Upload an .APK File
Submit a Google Play URL
Open an Apple Account
Upload an Apple Certificate
Create Your Apple ID
Create an App Store Build
Update Your App
Use the Marketing Genie
Send Push Notifications
Promote Your App

If you don’t want to build your own app, they will even create your app for you for a fee. However, I think most people can easily create their own apps with their easy-to-use system and they’re helpful tutorials.

9 out of 10 mobile searches lead to action and more than half lead to sales

Current pricing is less than $50 per month. And, by clicking our special link, you can SAVE! In addition to the Swiftic fee, you also have to pay an annual Apple Store development fee (currently $99/year) and a one-time Google Play fee (currently $25). Overall, these fees are very affordable marketing expenses that will drive more customers and sales to your business.

Mobile apps can add value for your customers. And, by having one, it shows that your business is up on the latest trends. This is definitely the impression you want for your brand!

According to Entrepreneur.com more than half of all consumers use mobile devices first for anything they do online. And, according to Morgan Stanley, 91% of adults have their mobile phones within arms reach. And even more important to businesses, 9 out of 10 mobile searches lead to action and more than half lead to sales, according to SearchEngineLand. Businesses that are thriving realize these trends and adapt their marketing efforts accordingly. And, luckily, mobile apps are no longer just for big box stores and other large corporations. Mobile apps are affordable and easy to create with online websites like Swiftic. Small businesses can now easily reach and engage their customers resulting in business growth.

What are you waiting for? Get started NOW AND SAVE by visiting Swiftic using this link.

Note: This article contains affiliate links; if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. This is at no additional cost to you. This helps fund this website. Please read our disclaimer for more info.

Bio
Latest Posts

Sondra Kirtley

Sondra Kirtley, MBA, is an entrepreneur who owns and operates a retail and service business in Eureka, California. Known for her helpful nature and small business expertise, Sondra founded SmallBizpathway.com to share tips and experiences with other small business owners.