While mobile technology has given the entrepreneur more flexibility to manage the business and equipped the SME with tools to operate more efficiently, there is much potential that remains untapped as many businesses are still reluctant to give it a try.
Clearly, this technology can add value to SMEs and increase competitiveness by making the brand very accessible to consumers. It’s no mystery why many brick-and-mortar stores are closing, or developing a digital strategy, and online stores are thriving.
The shift in how consumers purchase and shop around can no longer be ignored by businesses, especially SMEs in the retail trade. The expanding usage of smartphones and tablets and the sheer number of mobile apps being released on iOS and Android devices mean a new generation of consumers is on the rise.
More than a tool for communication, these gadgets and their apps offer useful information to consumers who find themselves checking for locations of nearby restaurants or reviews on certain products before making a decision. After all, the answer is right at their fingertips.
Mobile apps and devices can do wonders for a business in growing sales and customer base. How do they do it? There are lots of ways to leverage on this technology but it’s important to understand the target market and use it to enhance their experience.
BreadTalk updates customers of new promotions and baked goodies using an app as well as offers discount coupons, while Mr Bean’s customers get to interact with the mascot via its app to promote the brand. An online portal for luxury items, Reebonz allows consumers to shop and buy using their smartphones and tablets.
Upon entering the store, Hointer shoppers check the displays and have chosen items delivered through a chute to the fitting room, all through an app. This makes it easy for customers to request for other sizes or add items, plus they get to consult the store’s stylist for accessories to match. The unique shopping experience, which incorporates mobile technology in the brick-and-mortar store, is described to give full control to the customer who uses his gadget to make a purchase.
The possibilities are limitless and innovation is key. Mobile apps enable SMEs to capture customers’ attention, enhance brand loyalty, push content plus targeted promotions, make sure what’s out there is up-to-date information on the product, and provide a dynamic shopping experience that will beat competition.
Promoting a brand has become more personal. A downloaded app means the business has direct presence in a customer’s device that can still function when offline. Likewise, SMEs can continue to engage consumers through the app and get them to act on it.
Apps also offer data analytics on consumer preferences and movement of products that can help the business improve sales.
The popularity of mobile apps has led to the emergence of software and providers that can develop whatever one imagined in just days. There are even alternative DIY solutions which remove the complexity of coding such that technical knowledge in programming language or IT background is not required.
The programs, designed to be user-friendly, equip SMEs with the necessary tools to create professional apps that highlight their competitive advantage and suit the business, ready for deployment to smartphones and tablets.
Armed with an idea and a concept, entrepreneurs can proceed from there and need not worry about the costs. These are now affordable even to SMEs that the only hindrance to the widespread adoption of mobile apps is the old mindset that it’s a difficult process and an expensive investment.