Only 11 percent of small businesses that employ fewer than 10 employees have an app. As a small business owner, you owe it to your company and customers to create and maintain an app. A native app will help your business reach today’s mobile-centric consumers and help your small business remain competitive in 11 ways.

Utilize Phone Features

Over 224.3 million Americans, or nearly eight out of ten consumers own a smartphone, and that phone provides a variety of features your customers can use as they interact with your app.

Source: Statista

Your customers can take pictures, share content, upload receipts and receive push notifications and alerts, all without an internet connection. While your company’s website remains valuable, an app provides a usable, versatile and accessible experience customers will appreciate.

Reinforce Brand Recognition

From your website to your social media pages, you have created a uniform look and feel for your brand. Whether your company’s brand and personality are bold, hip, vintage or informative, your app will reinforce who you are and create a seamless brand experience for your customers.

Improve Visibility at all Times

The average American spends over four hours on their smartphone every day, and they interact with apps 90 percent of that time, reports Hacker Noon. Create an app, and your customers will download and see it as they scroll through their phones to find contacts, games or apps. According to effective frequency, a customer must see your brand ads numerous times before they notice, so it pays to provide a subconscious marketing tool that maintains a constant presence on your customers’ phones.

Open a Direct Marketing Channel

With a variety of marketing options like TV commercials, newspaper ads and word of mouth advertising, you can’t control who hears your message. Your company’s app gives you a direct channel to your customers, though. Utilize the app’s features, including push notifications and alerts, to share new product releases, weekly ads and flash sales as you interact with customers through this direct marketing channel.

Offer Coupons and Other Deals

Many consumers want to save money, and they may choose a competitor’s product simply because it’s cheaper. Use your company’s app to share sales, promotions, deals and coupons. Users can quickly and easily see products on sale or add coupons to the app, scan the barcode or QR code during checkout and receive automatic deductions. You can also share surprise deals or regular promotions as you improve engagement and excitement. Customers will check your app often if it will help them save money.

Digitize Your Customer Loyalty Program

A customer loyalty program increases repeat business and engagement, so consider replacing customer loyalty punch cards with your app. It can show customers their purchase history and the amount of rewards they’ve earned and also allow customers to redeem rewards right from their phone. Digitizing your customer loyalty program offers value to your customers and can boost sales as it builds brand loyalty.

Facilitate the Shopping Process

Customers appreciate the opportunity to compare products and prices before they buy, and your app can meet this need. It provides a facilitated shopping experience that simplifies browsing, price comparisons and checkout. Not only will your customers get the shopping experience they want, but your sales could increase because you’ve made purchasing easier.

Boost Customer Engagement

While your physical store may close overnight, your interactive app offers 24/7 availability and gives your customers an easy way to connect with your company. With a single click, customers can learn more about your products, ask questions, place orders or share your company’s services with friends on social networks. Boost customer engagement as you provide instant access to your business at all times.

Geo-target Customers

Hundreds of potential and current customers may walk or drive past your business each day. Attract their attention and business with an app that geo-targets customers near your store. The app can offer deals or rewards to customers who stop in and browse or shop, and you can use it to share local events in real time. Because of your app, your company can increase foot traffic, interest and engagement as you geo-target current and potential customers.

Improve Efficiency

Your company’s website provides plenty of information to your customers, but it has a limited reach. With an app, you can send push notifications or alerts about new products, weekly sales or special events, and your customers can upload pictures with their customer service requests. Your native app works alongside your website to improve efficiency and reach customers on any mobile device.

Offer Convenience

In this technology age, customers want convenience and instant access to information. Your app will allow customers to find the information they need quickly, whether they want your company’s address, current specials or product details. This convenience improves your customer’s experience and can build customer loyalty for your business.

When you’re ready to build your company’s native app, hire an in-house app development team or an app development agency, and create an app that improves your competitive edge. Your customers and bottom line will thank you.

About the Author: PJ Taei is the founder of Uscreen, an easy-to-use VOD platform which enables video creators of all kinds to sell videos online.  He has over a decade of experience working with brands and helping them make money online leveraging videos.