In today’s digital world, every company needs a way to connect with their customers wherever they are. For most organizations, this starts with building a website where they can showcase their latest products, contact details, and information about their brand.
However, in an increasingly mobile world, a simple website, even one optimized for mobile devices, might not be the best solution for your business. More and more people are using their mobile devices to access the internet – and more often than not, they’re spending their time on apps, rather than mobile browsers.
While smartphone users spend a few hours per day on their mobile devices, 92% of this time is spent exclusively in apps. If you want to connect with a growing mobile audience in today’s world, the answer could be to make your website into an app.
5 Reasons to Make Your Website Into an App
In the past, many companies automatically chose website publishing over app development because they assumed it was the easiest, most cost-effective option. Not everyone has the developer skills to create a fully-functional, user-friendly app.
Now, however, anyone can learn how to make a website an app with simple platforms that allow them to build directly in their browser. You don’t need any mobile development skills, and you can convert your existing website content in a matter of minutes, so it’s easy enough to have both types of digital presences.
So, what are the benefits of converting your website into an app?
1. Increased Engagement and Conversions
As mentioned above, consumers are increasingly swapping desktop computers for apps, whether they’re browsing the internet, interacting on social media, or shopping for products.
While building a mobile responsive website can help your company attract and convert mobile users, you’ll have a far higher chance of connecting regularly with your audience through an app.
Transforming your website into a mobile app is one of the easiest ways to boost the chances customers will interact with your store or content regularly. This also increases your chances of earning conversions.
2. Improved User Experience
Currently, a growing share of website traffic comes from mobile devices. This indicates people generally prefer using their mobile for a range of tasks. Smartphones are convenient and easily accessible. We can use them wherever we are, without needing to boot up a computer.
Though you can work with a developer to ensure your website offers a great user experience, there will automatically be some detractors that can influence your brand’s reputation. Mobile websites still need an internet connection to function, and don’t always work the same on every browser.
A mobile app, on the other hand, provides your users with a consistent, powerful, and exceptional experience wherever they are. Some tools can even be accessed without an internet connection. The better the experience you give your customers, the more loyal they become to your brand.
3. Stay Top of Mind with Customers
One of the biggest benefits of turning your website into an app, is an increased opportunity to keep your business “top of mind” with your customers. With a standard website, you’ll need to invest heavily in marketing across social media, search engine optimization, and triggered email sequences to draw customers to your site. All of these methods rely on customers to interact with you across communication channels.
With a mobile app, you can connect with customers directly through their smartphone home screen, something they’re likely to encounter every day. In fact, studies show Americans check their phones about 144 times per day. If push notifications are enabled on your customer’s device, you can use them to send out coupon codes, announce new blog posts, or even share order alerts.
Push notifications give you an extremely valuable way to get your message to your target audience wherever you are, without heavy advertising investment.
4. Improved Visibility and Control
Turning your website into a mobile app is an excellent way to boost brand awareness and visibility. Mobile apps are easily accessible on your users’ smartphones, meaning they don’t need to open a browser and search for your website. Plus, with an icon on their smartphone home screen, your customers will be constantly exposed to your branding.
This means you have an excellent opportunity to consistently build familiarity and loyalty with your target audience. As an added bonus, a mobile app gives you more control over the experience your customers have with your brand.
When a user views your website on a browser, they’re constantly being distracted by other things, from the desire to open a new tab and check their email, to social media alerts. Within a mobile app, there are fewer things fighting for your customer’s attention.
5. New Revenue Potential
Finally, we’ve already noted how a mobile app can improve your chances of converting your customers, and earning loyalty, which leads to higher customer lifetime value. However, there are other ways investing in a mobile app could increase your revenue.
For instance, once you have your own mobile app, you can advertise other products and services through miniature ads, videos, and images throughout the app experience. These can be an excellent way to increase your potential income.
Additionally, if the website you offer provides access to entertainment, games, or unique resources, there’s an option to charge customers for a monthly subscription.
Time to Turn Your Website into an App?
While having your own website can still be extremely valuable, it’s important for business leaders to be aware of the rising demand for mobile experiences. The world is becoming increasingly mobile-driven, with more people spending their days on their smartphones, instead of standard computers and laptops.
Transforming your website into an app could be an excellent way to take advantage of this evolving trend. With the right strategy, you can improve your connection with customers, increase your revenue, and even elevate your brand equity.
Interesting Related Article: “How To Make a Custom Mobile Applications for Your Business“