The term ‘mobile app’ is everywhere these days. Anyone that has a mobile device will have plenty of mobile apps that they use on a regular basis. But did you know that a mobile app can be a fantastic tool for your business?
What is a mobile app?
Simply put, a mobile app is software designed specifically for use on mobile devices like smartphones or tablets. Mobile apps make online tasks more suited to mobile use with custom built navigation that improves user experience and removes the reliance on computers for most online tasks.
There is a reason many major businesses have a mobile app. More than just a website, mobile apps are all about user ease. Instead of switching between multiple windows on a desktop computer, an app will allow the user to complete many tasks within the app itself. Phone numbers can be transferred to the dial pad with a simple tap, or addresses opened in your map function.
Here are just some of the functions a mobile app can perform:
- News and events
- Information on products and services
- Access to an online shop
- Access to a membership site
- Messaging functions or social walls
- Coupons or QR Scanning
- Booking systems
- Blog or social media feeds
How can a mobile app help your business?
Did you know that most people cannot go an hour without checking their smartphone?
Technology has come so far that we have access to a wealth of information in the palm of our hand. Your business can capitalise on this digital world with a mobile app of your own. Here is how they can help your business.
Improved customer experience: Your business can get useful information to your clients when they need it. People don’t have time to trawl through your entire website; they want bite sized information, easy-to-use systems and instant solutions. Mobile app development allows users to get the content they need almost immediately.
Be memorable: Get ahead of your competitors with a mobile app. Your logo and branding will immediately be in front of users every time they unlock their phones, making you the memorable authority in your field.
Be relevant: People never ignore their phones or tablets for long. If your mobile app provides useful information, solves a problem, or is really easy to use then people will wonder what they did without it, and they might even recommend it to their friends.
Generate income: If you make it easy for people to buy, then they will. A mobile app can allow restaurant or ticket bookings, online shopping, or service bookings with a few simple taps. They will have access to your brand 24/7 and not just within standard business hours.
Be a marketing tool: Push notifications are the best way to keep in contact with your users from a mobile app. Instead of having to send an email, push notifications allow you to send a message to your users that will appear as an alert on their mobile device. You can easily keep your users up to date with what is happening in your business.
From a mobile app, Putti are also able to create integrations to your blog and social media platforms so your business has more opportunities for brand exposure and generating awareness.
The potential benefits of implementing a mobile app for your business are huge. Not just for generating income, but also for streamlining processes, efficiency and improved customer experience. If you have been thinking about how you can grow your business, then a mobile app might just be the answer!
Contact us for more information on how you can get started.
Frequently Asked Questions: Mobile Apps for Business in New Zealand
What is a mobile app?
A mobile app is a software application designed to run on smartphones and tablets — iOS (iPhone/iPad) or Android devices. Mobile apps are either native (built specifically for one platform), cross-platform (using frameworks like React Native or Flutter to run on both iOS and Android), or Progressive Web Apps (web applications that behave like native apps). Each approach has different trade-offs in terms of performance, cost, and capability.
How can a mobile app help my New Zealand business?
A mobile app can help your NZ business by: enabling customers to access your products or services from their smartphone; giving your staff mobile access to business systems and data; creating a direct communication channel via push notifications; improving customer loyalty through engagement features; and automating workflows that previously required office-based access. The right app depends entirely on your customers’ needs and your business operations.
Do I need a mobile app or would a mobile website work?
A mobile-responsive website works well for informational content and simple transactions. A native app is better when you need: offline functionality, access to device features (camera, GPS, push notifications), a high-frequency interaction model (customers use it daily), or a premium, branded experience that reflects your product’s quality. If users will interact with your service more than once a week, an app is usually worth building.
How much does a mobile app cost in New Zealand?
Mobile app development in New Zealand typically starts from $50,000-80,000 for a focused, well-scoped app on a single platform. Cross-platform apps (iOS and Android from one codebase) using React Native or Flutter may cost 20-30% more than a single platform but less than building two separate native apps. Complex apps with backend systems, third-party integrations, and advanced features cost $150,000-500,000+.
Who makes mobile apps in New Zealand?
Putti is one of New Zealand’s most experienced mobile app development companies, based in Auckland. They have built mobile apps for NZ clients including NZ Herald, Fletcher Building, Emergency Q, Organ Donation NZ, Barbershop Co, AMPM, and many others. With 16+ years of experience and a zero-failure record, they use senior NZ-based engineers with no offshore outsourcing.