Ever noticed how pervasive smartphones are in public spaces? Whether it’s on a matatu, at an event, or even just walking down the street, it’s hard to miss the sight of people glued to their phones.
This phenomenon is no coincidence as studies show that an average person checks their phone a staggering 344 times per day. That’s roughly once every 4 minutes!
But what exactly are people doing on their phones that commands so much of their attention? Well, a whopping 93.4% of internet users in Kenya spend their time on apps. This statistic presents a golden opportunity for businesses and app developers alike.
To tap into this vast potential audience, it’s important to develop not just any mobile app, but one that meets users’ needs and stands out in terms of usability and functionality.
In this article, we’ll provide you with valuable insights to help you successfully develop or improve your mobile apps for your business.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
Benefits of Mobile App Development for Your Business
As smartphone usage continues to soar, having a mobile app has transitioned from inessential to a necessity for businesses of all sizes.
Here are some benefits of mobile apps to Kenyan businesses.
Brand Awareness
Mobile apps not only serve as a gateway for customers to explore your business offerings but also act as a powerful tool for increasing brand visibility and recognition.
By incorporating your brand identity into the app interface and providing valuable content and services, businesses can effectively strengthen their connection with customers and cultivate lasting brand loyalty.
Service Personalization
An app enables you to personalize the services you offer, tailoring them specifically to cater to your target market.
To effectively implement this, consider creating quizzes or tracking user journeys to gain insights into customers’ preferences, identify any challenges they may be facing, and discover opportunities to enhance their experiences.
Saves on Time
In a fast-paced technological era, efficiency is key. Many users opt for mobile apps over websites when making payments or accessing business services.
Why? Because mobile apps are faster, less prone to crashes, and won’t leave you waiting endlessly for pages to load.
Therefore, investing in mobile app development can be a strategic decision to meet the evolving needs and preferences of customers.
Increased Engagement Rates
Apps are increasingly being used by businesses to increase engagement as they best fit compared to websites.
Businesses can strengthen user engagement by capitalizing on tools such as push notifications, segmentations, etc,
Additionally, businesses can leverage personalization techniques to tailor content and recommendations based on user preferences, behaviour, and location.
A Guide to Mobile App Development for Kenyan Businesses
While the process of developing an app may seem straightforward-simply coding, it’s essential to understand that successful app development entails much more than technical proficiency alone.
It requires a holistic approach that considers various factors, from user experience to market research.
The below guidelines will help you successfully develop a mobile app for your business.
Define the Purpose and Mission of the App
The journey towards a successful app development starts with simple yet crucial questions; the purpose of the app, the problems it aims to address, and the potential impact on your target market.
Answering these questions lays the groundwork for building your app efficiently and effectively.
Conduct Background Research
With over 1.6 million apps on iOS and 3.5 million on Android, conducting thorough research is crucial, regardless of how revolutionary your idea may seem.
The purpose of research is to help you:
- Find out about your competitors
- Understand your target audience
- Exploring strategies for marketing and monetization of your app
Select the Right Platform
Decide on the platform(s) you want to develop your app for, whether it’s iOS, Android, or both.
You should also take into account factors such as your target audience’s device preferences, market share, and budget constraints.
Design User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX)
Invest in creating a visually appealing and user-friendly UI/UX design that ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for the users.
Work closely with designers to develop wireframes, mockups, and prototypes that align with your brand identity and resonate with your target audience as this can save you time and money on technical development.
Develop Features and Functionality
Craft the core features and functionalities of your app. Prioritize these features according to their importance and relevance to your target audience’s needs.
Lastly, work on app scalability, security, and performance to guarantee a seamless user experience.
Test, Test, and Test
Thoroughly test your app across different devices, operating systems, and network conditions to help you identify and fix any bugs or glitches before launching.
Conduct alpha and beta testing with real users to gather feedback and make necessary improvements.
You can further utilize testing tools and frameworks to automate testing processes and ensure the quality of your app.
Launch and Promote Your App
Once your app has been successfully tested and is ready, launch it on the respective app stores such as Google Play Store or Apple App Store before you can promote it across various channels.
Also, create a compelling app store listing with engaging visuals, descriptive text, and relevant keywords to attract users.
Other marketing strategies such as social media, email marketing, press releases, and influencer partnerships can generate buzz and drive downloads.
Final Thoughts-Mobile App Development in Kenya is a Necessity for Businesses
In the past, building a mobile app was a privilege reserved for industry giants. Fortunately, times have changed.
Today, thanks to advancements in technology and the rise of skilled mobile app developers in Kenya, the opportunity to create a mobile app is within reach for businesses of all sizes.
However, the success of your mobile app lies in partnering with a development company that possesses not only technical expertise but also a keen eye for design.
That company is Growthpad Digital Consulting; a trusted name in mobile app development, with a proven track record of delivering exceptional results for clients in Kenya and beyond.
Whether you’re venturing into app development for the first time or seeking to enhance your existing app, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
