Should your business have its own “APP”?

I recently began researching the pros and cons of having an app for Midwest IT.  As I ventured out into Googleland to find a decent development platform, I began to think about possible functions that we could implement that would improve our customer service and make things easier for our end users.  What I found out was that some of the development tools were pretty powerful, giving many more options than I had first anticipated.  So I began a trial run to build our first app.  Lets see how this thing will work!

First I started a list of what it should do,

• Submit support tickets
• Easily call us
• Easily refer someone to us

Then as I went into deeper thought, I came up with a few other great ideas

• Easily email pictures (error screens, flashy lights, etc)
• Sign up for a newsletter
• Get info on our referral program
• Find our website
• Connect to our Social Media
• Let people know about upcoming events
• Send people notifications

I wanted to start with a basic, clean and functional main screen that would not be confusing.

Then I added additional items to the More menu.

The process was not overly difficult and the test app seems to function fast and easy.  Overall, I was very impressed.

When I analyzed having an app as a value add from a business perspective, it really seemed like a no-brainer.

• The cost is relatively cheap.
• It is very easy to maintain.
• You have an additional direct point of contact to your customers.
• Additional resource for announcing items to all customers.  (New products, deals, service alerts, industry notifications, etc)
• Presents a additional professional service level to prospects.

If this seems like something you would be interested in, please let us know!