5 Fundamental App Functions
The Business Mobile App is one of the most effective ways to reach customers (or client, student, patient, stakeholder) whether they are standing still or on the go.
The app must offer key functions in order to deliver an awesome customer service experience. An experience that provides great convenience, utility and relevance leading to a deeper customer engagement and long-term customer loyalty.
The 5 fundamental functions of a well designed business mobile app are:
- Tasking Tool
The customer (or student, client, patient, stakeholder) must be able to accomplish a task when using the mobile app … whether it’s making a reservation, requesting an appointment, signing up for a training class, submitting paperwork, studying a report or using a loyalty program. The app must allow the user to do something!
- Engagement Tool
Smart businesses and organizations see the power of communicating with the mobile app.
They use the app to connect and engage with their customers through social media links, video, live broadcasting, newsletters, reports, surveys and more.
- News & Information
Rich and relevant content with a purpose keeps the customer informed and makes their lives easier … ensuring they have all the information they need at the time they need it!
- Entertain, Inspire, Educate and/or Survey
Don’t forget, the customer does expect to hear from the business. After all, they have downloaded the app to their own personal smartphone home screen – the most coveted real estate today. The app owner must respect the permission granted by their customer by going beyond just news and information. Be entertaining and inspiring. Educate and teach. Make a difference in customers’ lives. Customers will reward the business with loyalty and referrals!
- Push Notifications
Many experts agree the most powerful function of the mobile app is the ability to send out “Push Notifications” or text messaging on the fly to the app user – the customer. The app user has given permission to the business to do so. While only 4% to 25% of emails are ever opened, the push notifications, on average, are opened over 95% of the time within 15 minutes. This instant connection is mighty potent.
Note: The push notifications must be used judiciously – providing relevant, timely content in acceptable frequency.
App Functions With High Utility
e.g., Pet Care Services
- Contact Us (call/email/text/address/directions)
- All Services
- Book Now/Reservations
- Login (Existing Clients/New Clients)
- Post Notifications/Messages
- Gallery (Photos, Videos, Submit Photo)
- Specials/Offers
- Webcam
- Links (ASPCA Poison Control Center)
- Contact My Vet
- Share Our App
- Social Media
- Submit A Review
- Feedback/Customer Survey
If you want to compete, gain attention, retain customers and grow customer loyalty, then you need an App!
