Mobile Apps and the Future of Web Design

Push Notification on iPhone

Web design has come a long way since the late 90’s when flashy graphics and simple HTML were the order of the day. If you wanted to “surf the net”, you usually had to do it on a regular computer, so all web developers (or what we used to call “webmasters” back in the day) had to think about was coding for one device. You could get away with big, shiny arrows and images. Your text could stretch on for days on end on a single page.

Well, those days are long gone...

Web design now has catapulted into a whole new dimension that encompasses smart phones, netbooks, iPads, hand tablets, and the list goes on and on. We can now browse the web on our TVs and even vehicle monitors. When it comes to designing your website, you have to keep in mind the various devices and different browsers people are using to view your site. Can you design it in a way that makes it easy for the user to access all the information on your site? Does your site load quickly? These are just some of the things you have to consider.

According to Mobile analytics firm, Flurry, the average smartphone user spent more time on their mobile apps than browsing the web, so not only do you have to design a site that is compatible with smart phones, you now have to think about creating an app that keeps your business engaged with customers.

Benefits of Mobile Apps for Business

So, how can a mobile app benefit your business? Think of a mobile app as a way of relaying information to customers and potential customers about your business. It’s virtually another portal of information, much like your static website or blog. However, one of the major differences between mobile apps and websites is that you can send what is called “push notifications” to all the people who have downloaded your app. You can’t do that with a website unless a person actually opts in to receive information from you by entering an email address via a form on your website.

You can use push notifications to let people know if you’re having a special sale or promotion. You can also inform people about the latest news or any changes to your app. Either way, push notifications are much more effective at getting your message to people versus using email. Nowadays, many of us avoid checking email - and when we do, we probably open a very small percentage of the email we receive.

Another benefit of mobile apps is what we will call the “cool factor”. If anything, having an app will create a perception that your business is professional and involved in leading edge technology. Take a look at your competition to see if they have an app. If not, that just gives you another selling point and added value to your customers. What if your app could tell them the specials of the day and gave them an extra discount if they ordered through the app? Wouldn’t that give you an edge over the competition?

Are Mobile Apps the Future?

Actually, mobile apps are happening right now....right this minute. They are part of the ever-changing web, which is adapting to what people are demanding. We see web design as becoming much simpler and more content-driven as people are using the content that brands produce as a way to judge whether or not to do business with them. Apps will not be the end-all to web design, but for right now, they are playing a huge role in the way brands are sharing their message and engaging with customers.

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