Think that your business has no place investing in mobile app development? Think again! While mobile apps might seem reserved for certain industries — e-commerce and entertainment, for example — the reality is that all companies can benefit from making their mark in this digital space.

The Covid-19 pandemic taught us the importance of having a strong online presence. While restrictions and lockdowns may have eased, consumers are still turning to digital channels to seek services and find businesses to work with. While a website might be important in this regard, mobile apps can certainly add value. Having a mobile app also signals to your customers that you have your finger on the digital pulse.

Benefits of mobile apps

Mobile apps have been around for quite a while now. In fact, most developers consider the classic Nokia game of ‘Snake’ to be the first ever mobile app, invented in the late 1990s. However, for a long time, they have largely been associated with entertainment. Whether it’s Pokemon Go or Flappy Bird, mobile app games have a habit of going viral, giving the impression that play is all this technology is good for.

In reality, for professional businesses, having an app is incredibly important to your brand. It offers another channel through which clients can reach you, with many people finding the interface of an app easier to navigate than a standard website. The type of data you gather from your customers on a mobile app can also be used to personalise the user journey, increasing customer engagement to great effect.

Finally, by building a dedicated mobile app — rather than simply optimising your existing site for mobile devices — you will be able to take advantage of a smartphone’s built-in features, such as the camera, digital wallet, and microphone.

Industries that should look into mobile app development

If the impending new year has you looking at how you might better engage with your customers, a mobile app could be just what you’re looking for.

Healthcare: One of the unexpected side benefits of the Covid-19 pandemic was the advancement of telehealth. People living in regional and remote regions have often been prevented from accessing important health services due to location. Virtual appointments changed all this. Dedicated apps that allow patients to book appointments and securely conduct video appointments are a great investment for healthcare providers.

Finance: Cryptocurrency is all the rage. As less tech savvy consumers look to invest in this new currency, finance companies can certainly capitalise by building one-stop platforms that provide all the information that’s required to make an informed investment decision.

And while banking apps have been around for quite a while now, more and more consumers are choosing to invest with a particular bank based solely on the accessibility of their mobile app. With that in mind, the new year could be an excellent time to review the user experience and overall functionality of your mobile app.

Education: Students might be back in the classroom but the effects of home-learning are still being felt. A positive that can be taken from this situation is the increased development of educational mobile apps.

Given how tech savvy today's students are, it makes perfect sense that mobile apps should be used to engage and facilitate learning. If you’re an educational publisher, apps are certainly a world you should be exploring, in addition to books and other physical materials. Educational games, language learning apps, and mathematical tools are all great areas of investment.

Schools should be exploring the world of iOS and Android app development, too. They can provide a great tool to communicate with parents and provide important updates on upcoming events.

Logistics: In case we weren’t already aware, the transport industry proved just how valuable it was during the Covid-19 pandemic. Industries and individuals came to rely on the trucking and shipping industries more than ever.

However, these industries still have room for improvement. Mobile apps can be used internally, to communicate between drivers and managers. They can also be used as tracking devices, helping customers better understand where their products are. Many logistic companies are successfully using mobile apps to help streamline inventory management and better estimate stock requirements.

In reality, all industries should be investigating iOS and Android app development. After all, smartphones aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. While you might be put off by the potential cost or effort, working with the right mobile app development company will make the entire process a breeze. Plus, with a state-of-the-art and engaging mobile app, you’ll make your money back in no time.