By now, you know that the internet is trending towards mobile. Everybody you know has a smartphone, and chances are everyone you don’t know probably does too. Not only does everyone have a smartphone, but phones are becoming the main source of internet traffic. You have also probably been hearing that this trend makes apps the perfect platform for businesses to reach their customers. That begs the question: Is this the case for computer support companies as well?
Should my computer support company have our own app? Great question. As it turns out, the answer is dependent upon what goals your company has- which means that there isn’t a simple yes/no answer for your computer support company (sorry). Let’s look at some key things to consider when determining whether or not to invest in an app for your computer support company.
Here are a few questions that provide a good base off which you can make a decision.
1. Will People Use My Computer Support Companies App?
This is obviously one of the most important factors to consider. There is no reason to invest in making an app if none of your customers will use it. When it comes to actually developing your app, there are many options – from custom-designed and developed solutions to cheap, do-it-yourself alternatives that may not have all the features you need.
Remember this, however: regardless of how much effort you put into creating your computer support companies app, having an app for your computer support company is only worthwhile if people use it. Apps aren’t like websites – they are stored on your users’ phones. Anybody can find a business online and get useful information from the site. Not many people, though, will download a business’ app unless they have a good reason to do so. It’s not easy to get a share of users app space on their phones. If you can get in, though, that space is valuable.
Talk to your customers and gauge their interest. Would a help-desk app be of value? Maybe they want something you haven’t even thought of yet. This is an easy (and free) first step to take.
2. Will My Computer Support Company App Do Anything New?
This answer will go a long way towards answering the first question. If the app doesn’t do anything new, then people probably won’t use it. And if nobody uses it, then it’s not worth your time to build. It needs to provide additional value.
Put another way: If your app only does things that your site does already, then people will have no reason to download it.
So, what are some examples of providing this additional value? Maybe an app that lets potential customers visualize or model their desired project beforehand? How about an app that’s beneficial for internal purposes – say, for your employees to utilize when tracking progress on a project.
At the end of the day, however, if your app doesn’t do anything except list your business’ information, then your audience probably won’t ever download it.
3. Will My App Take Advantage of the Benefits of Mobile?
So, why should a computer support company get its own app? Well, as we’ve already mentioned, the trend towards mobile is indisputable. When done right, an app presence can go a long way towards turning this trend into a competitive advantage – but only if it takes advantage of the benefits of mobile platforms. Two of the most important are:
- Mobile apps are interactive – apps can offer interactive features that websites simply can’t match. Apps can make use of all of the capabilities available in users’ smartphones (cameras, location technologies, etc.), giving them an advantage over mobile websites in this area.
- Your mobile app can stay top of mind – when apps are successful, they function as a continuous advertisement for your brand, keeping it at the top your customers’ or employees’ minds. This is one of the biggest advantages over a website, which, as mentioned, doesn’t actually live on your users’ phones.
A Possible Alternative to an App for Computer Support Firms
If you know that your app will serve additional value, make use of mobile features, and produce real user engagement, then congratulations! Your computer support firm should have its own mobile app.
If the answer isn’t as clear, though, don’t despair. You can still take advantage of the mobile trend by making sure that your computer support company’s website is optimized for mobile devices. This means that you’ll give your mobile viewers a platform for engaging with your brand in an easy, intuitive way – even if that’s not necessarily through an app. Mobile responsiveness is key in today’s mobile-centric world.
Ready to Take Your Computer Support Firm Mobile?
At New North, we’re experts in digital marketing, and we offer mobile app development services for computer support firms as well as mobile website redesigns. And if you’re not sure which option is the best route for you to take advantage of this mobile trend, we’d love to help. Get in touch with us online for a no-pressure 30-minute review, and we’ll help you determine the right path forward. We look forward to speaking with you!
