APP MARKETING
Apps” are software products built for Apple iPhone, Android, BlackBerry and others and have grown in popularity since the recent growth of Smartphones (see table below) due to amazing success in mobile app development domain. Resourceful apps like iPhone business applications are popular due to the ubiquity of web browsers, and the convenience of using a web browser as a client. The ability to update and maintain web applications without distributing and installing software on potentially thousands of client computers is a key reason for their popularity, as is the inherent support for cross-platform compatibility. This opens up a new marketing and brand-building channel for marketers and organizations looking to interact with mobile users on a one-to-one basis. Downloaded directly to the phone, mobile apps leverage and interact with the unique features of the operating system to give consumers a richer experience thereby adding more value to the field of smartphone application development. Plus, the ability to include Location Based Services (LBS) and user preference settings ensures a more personal experience.
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Top five mobile smartphone manufacturers, by 2010 global sales according to IDC |
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Rank |
Vendor |
Unit shipments |
Market share |
Annual sales Growth |
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1 |
Nokia |
100.3 million |
33.10% |
48.20% |
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2 |
RIM |
48.8 million |
16.10% |
41.40% |
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3 |
Apple |
47.5 million |
15.70% |
89.20% |
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4 |
Samsung |
23 million |
7.60% |
318.20% |
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5 |
HTC |
21.5 million |
7.10% |
165.40% |
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Other |
61.5 million |
20.30% |
88.70% |
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Total |
302.6 million |
100.00% |
74.40% |
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Source: IDC (February 2011) |
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Although social media is an important way of connecting with your customers, never underestimate the power of utility. Providing a useful service is what will permanently establish your brand among your consumer base. Today, the easiest and least expensive way to deliver instant service to your clients is through iPhone applications, or apps for short.
If you’re not familiar, an iPhone app is a software program developed exclusively for people who use an iPhone or iPod Touch. Apps are sort of like the new ringtones, except apps are so much more: they’re delightfully interactive and functional. Your iPhone and iPod Touch users can find an app to do just about anything, ranging from entertainment to useful information. The most popular apps are those with the ability to keep users hooked.
Because the iPhone and iPod Touch are so enormously popular, companies can reach a sizeable number of consumers through your app. If you make an app available for your business, you can potentially attract and service an entirely new customer pool. Consumers expect business to have App.
IDEAL APP FOR YOU?
The best answer to this is understanding the needs of your consumer. Grocery stores may find it appropriate to develop a shopping list application for users that include an updated inventory and the ability to pre-order a cart full of groceries. If you operate a hotel, consider developing an app that provides your guests the benefit of ordering room service, a wakeup call or even checking their room’s voice mail through their iPhone. The types of services you can provide are only limited by your imagination.
NEXT STEP
Contact our experts at info@m3itelecom.com to get more information on developing smartphone apps for your business or personal needs.
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Marketing
