In 2014, the world of marketing witnessed a revolutionary change in the way consumers obtain their goods and services. Almost 3 years ago now, mobile devices surpassed laptops as the number one channel for brands to interact with prospective consumers. Ever since this change, mobile apps, short for downloadable mobile applications, have increased exponentially. Mobile apps are made for just that: mobile convenience and application for getting what we want.
Mobile apps are fairly new to the marketing scene, so we’re here to break down 3 key distinctions between mobile apps and websites.
- The Source
Websites consist of browser-based HTML pages that are linked together and accessed over the Internet. By being sourced out of the Internet, though websites can be optimized for mobile viewing, they are unable to interact directly with personal mobile devices.
Apps, on the other hand, are actual applications that are downloaded and installed to a mobile device. The difference in sources explains why apps are able to directly interact with consumers.
- Interaction
This brings us to the most distinguishable difference of all between websites and mobile apps. Apps can actually interact directly with consumers, right from mobile devices. Through geo-tagging, push notifications, photo integration, and live video, users can actually experience a mobile app. This level of interaction is exactly what consumers want today. By providing a fun, one-on-one experience with the consumer, they are going to be more likely to follow your brand updates and announcements via your app.
- Marketing
We’ve all visited websites that prompt us to sign up for a Newsletter or an Email List for daily brand updates. People are clever today, and offer free downloadable PDFs that capture emails and social media information for marketing thereafter.
An incredible difference between a website and a mobile app in this case is that marketers can send push notifications right to consumer’s phones. Think about how powerful that is for a minute. If a consumer downloads your app, you can not only offer Newsletter signups and event announcements, you can directly text a message about a new product deal or discount to the front of that person’s phone. There’s no way for them to ignore it!
Now, just because apps offer stronger marketing and interactive elements doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a business website. Websites are the bare minimum for an online presence today. Take care to develop a high-functioning website – but also design and rollout an accompanying app. That way, there won’t be a prospective consumer that can slip through your fingertips. Slater Strategies can help you stay ahead in the digital marketing world that is constantly changing!
