When you look at the the stats showing smartphone users now account for around a quarter of the four billion mobile users around the world and you begin to see why having a mobile marketing strategy for your business is such a priority. But is it enough to simply optimise content for mobile consumption with, for example, mobile-friendly websites?
If you think mobile apps are just for the big brands then you are wrong. Two bits of research by comScore last year (http://goo.gl/MuNqGv) highlighted that:

1. The number of global mobile users has now surpassed desktop users (Figure 1).
2. Apps now drive half of all time spent on digital (Figure 2).

Mobile apps offer a fast and convenient way for your customers to access information and experience your brand on a device they’re likely to be carrying with them, whether it’s a tablet or smartphone. And they don’t necessarily need to be online to use the app.
Business adoption of new technologies often comes from the personal use of these technologies. And this is definitely true when it comes to apps. The ability to download an app in seconds, share photos, videos, social media posts and other data in real-time, and communicate from any location at any time, have evolved from “nice to have” to “need to have”. We’re living in a world where consumers’ thirst for “now” can barely be quenched.
But despite increased adoption of mobile devices and technologies, many SMEs are still hesitant to build an app for their business. So in case you are still not sure why anyone would want to build their own mobile platform, here are my top five benefits of having an app for your business – and why you should do it sooner rather than later:
Create a direct marketing channel
Apps can benefit your business in many different ways because they can serve a myriad of functions. One of the biggest benefits is that you can provide all the information your customers need so it’s literally at the tips of their fingers – from prices, booking forms, user accounts, messages, news feeds, general info and much more! With push notifications you’re enabling a direct interaction with them and can easily inform customers about your products and services.
Use data to provide tailored products and services 
Apps provide a superb opportunity to collect feedback and data about customer behaviour – they enable you to learn how customers are using your products and services, what they like (and don’t like) about them. In addition, through a well-designed app, you can learn more about your customers from their locations, job roles, ages, spending limits, and much more. This is powerful data that can be useful when you're tailoring products, services, communications and offers to them.
Build relationships and loyalty
Your customers are constantly on the go and are more likely to engage with brands if those brands are localized. If your business serves a local community, then you’re more likely to get more leads, raise and reinforce brand awareness and engage better with your audience if you have a mobile strategy. And if your business lends itself to social networking (i.e. customers can tweet and share posts on Facebook, Instagram etc about your products and services) then an app is a great way of enhancing your social networking strategies. How about digitising any loyalty or reward programmes you may have?
Provide better customer support
Good customer support is critical for any business – from dealing with simple queries and taking care of issues to getting new referrals. Mobile apps provide an excellent channel for delivering support instantly and efficiently; for example, your customers will have one-touch access to your contact information making it easier for them to reach you. They’re also a great way to scale your customer support and accessibility by introducing new channels of communication and delivery directly from the app; for example, customers can be automatically notified about your special events, launches and more.
Stand Out From the Competition
Many SMEs are still hesitant to have an app, and this is where you can take a big leap ahead of your competitors. With so many people using smartphones and tablets can you afford to miss out?
Summary
Investing in a mobile app gives you an opportunity to create better interactions and relationships between your customers and your business. It’s no longer about how you want to reach customers and what you think is the best way – it’s now about how they can find you, reach you and build a relationship with you through their mobile device. The desktop is no longer the king of technology platforms – the times they are a changin’. Are you?

Like many small business owners, you may believe your business cannot benefit from having a website or that a website is not within your budget. Or maybe you think because you don’t use a computer, neither do your potential customers. These are misconceptions. These 8 reasons show why your company NEEDS a professional website, no matter what size your business.

1. YOUR SMALL BUSINESS WILL GAIN CREDIBILITYToday, more and more consumers use the internet to search for the products or services they need. Your small business will gain credibility by having a website. Without one, potential customers will go to your competitors that do. If you already have a website but it is "home-made", having it professionally redesigned will provide your business with a professional image which will inspire even greater confidence. For home-based businesses, this is particularly beneficial since you do not have a store front to promote your products or services.
2. A WEBSITE SAVES YOU MONEYAs a small business owner you probably think you can't afford a professional website, but you can't afford NOT to. Although the cost of designing a website varies, once it's up and running, a website for a small business generally costs under $100 a month and, in some cases, as little as $20. Compared with the cost of a newspaper ad, when you consider the potential market you can reach with a website, it is a very cost effective way to promote your business.
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3. IT WILL ENABLE YOU TO KEEP YOUR CUSTOMERS INFORMEDThink of your website as being your online brochure or catalogue. It is much easier and quicker to update information about your products and services on your website than in print material, making it an effective way of letting your customers know about the arrival of new products, upcoming events, special promotions, or any new services you now offer. Unlike print ads which quickly become outdated, your website can provide current information and news.
4. IT IS ALWAYS ACCESSIBLEA website is available to both your regular and potential customers 24/7/365 providing them with the convenience of reviewing your products and services when your store or office is closed. With today’s busy lifestyles, this is a great selling point when making a purchase decision.
5. A WEBSITE MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO TARGET A WIDER MARKETWhether you provide products or services, your website will provide an alternative location to sell them. As a retailer, a website (eCommerce) is a great place to sell your products to a wider market; even services can be made available globally. Don't think you'll be able to sell your products or services online? Don't forget, even cars and houses sell online!
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6. IT PROVIDES A MEDIUM ON WHICH TO SHOWCASE YOUR WORKNo matter what type of business you’re in, a website is a great place to showcase your work. By including a portfolio or image gallery, as well as testimonials about your work, you can demonstrate what makes your business unique.
7. A WEBSITE SAVES YOU TIMEProviding information to your customers takes time, whether it’s on the phone, face-to-face, in a brochure, or in emails. With an online catalogue you can provide lots of information about your products and services. Once your website is up and running, it is available to your customers indefinitely, saving you time. And what is time? Time is money!
8. IT IMPROVES CUSTOMER SERVICEMaybe you sell environmentally friendly products and would like to share tips on how to recycle, or perhaps you’re an accountant and want to give your clients advice on how to simplify their bookkeeping practices. By including a FAQ page, adding articles or uploading newsletters to answer all your customers' questions you can keep them up-to-date. What better way to provide them with value added service than by sharing information on your website.