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Make an App Work for Your Business

February 1, 2017 by Thomas

iphone-410324_640 (1)Are you satisfied with where your business is as the New Year unfolds?

If the answer is not really, what do you plan to do about it?

Some business owners will simply sit back and hope that things improve, though they know that doing so is certainly taking a chance.

Others, meantime, will be much more pro-active about the situation.

If you’re in that latter group of owners, what do you plan to do this year and for down the road to make your business all the better?

Technology Can Drive Your Business

In the event you have been slow to the wave of technology over the years, you’re likely seeing the ramifications for it when it comes to your revenue.

While you do not have to be a technology geek, you should at least be aware of the different tech products and services out there, both of which could very well help your brand move forward.

With millions of consumers spending time on their mobile devices these days to browse for and ultimately buy goods and services, are you on the other end ready to serve them? If you’re not, there’s a very good chance your competition is.

If you haven’t figured out just yet why an app is a necessity for your business, follow along.

For starters, creating your own app can be a challenge, especially if your skills with such a device are limited at best.

If that’s the case, you are much better off going out and seeking the best app makers available.

Such companies in the app industry can come up with an app that not only will be worth the time of consumers to download on their mobile devices, but it will all but guarantee more cash flow for your business.

In finding the right app maker, be sure to do some research online, looking to see which app makers come with the highest recommendations from experts in the industry. Don’t just assume you are saving time and/or money by selecting the first one that pops up. Compare multiple apps side-by-side, seeing which one truly looks like it would provide you with the best technology, best customer service, and ultimately the best opportunity to bring in sales.

Promoting Your App

Once you have your own business app in place, the next big step is promoting it.

As with any device you try and promote, keep in mind that your competitors are likely doing the same thing. That then begs the question, how can you stand out from the competition?

To start with, put both your website and your social media initiatives to work.

For the former, your blog can be a great tool in marketing your app.

Writing content not only about your own company’s app, but also how consumers can benefit from downloading various business apps, is great information for the latter. Also be sure to put out any notable press releases when you are making additions etc. to your current app and what it has to offer the public.

As for social media, make sure you are as active as possible in promoting your app on the social channels.

This means the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and others.

Also be ready to answer any and all questions from consumers about your app. As with any social media chatter you get from consumers, be sure to answer them back in a courteous and timely manner.

Speaking of consumers, don’t hesitate to ask satisfied customers to help promote your app for you. As they begin to tell their family members and friends about you app and all it has to offer, word spreads, leading to more downloading of your app.

Your app can do so many positive things for your business, so start talking it up today.

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

 

Filed Under: Business Life, Tech/Stats Tagged With: apps, business, consumers, technology

Are You Clicking with Your Online Clientele?

November 23, 2016 by Thomas

iphone-410324_640While there are some consumers willing to do anything and everything it takes to avoid the Internet, many individuals simply couldn’t do without it.

Even though that latter group doesn’t necessarily live on the worldwide web 24/7, many of them do use it regularly each and every week. While some use it mostly for entertainment purposes, many others utilize it for browsing and ultimately purchasing goods and services.

In the event you are a business owner looking to attract more customers (what business owner wouldn’t be?), the Internet is one of if not your best resources.

If you have not been putting the worldwide web to use as of late in attracting more business, definitely give that a second thought as you head into 2017.

Using the Internet to Your Advantage

While there are myriad of ways in which you can put the Internet to work for your brand, here are some ways to best click with clientele (both current and prospective):

  • Blog – If you do not have (or are basically not using) a blog to reach consumers, that should definitely change. Your blog is not only a great marketing tool, but it is all but free to use. Unless you are paying professionals to write copy for your blog, you can basically start and market a blog at no cost to you or your business. Even though you do not need daily blog posts, be sure to keep the blog as fresh and informative as possible, giving consumers a reason to view it. This will also help you stay relevant with search engines, especially Google;
  • Mobile app – Do you have a mobile app? If not, this is another resource that your business should not be without. Do your research regarding the different app development companies out there, seeing which one may best suit your mobile app needs. With the right app in your corner, your mobile marketing options can soar over time, something that any business owner will be more than happy to have happen;
  • Social media – Just how social are you online? With the right social media plan in place, you can take your business to new heights. Just as with a blog, you do not need to be on social media 24/7, but you can’t do it only on occasion, figuring a little here and a little there will get it done. Not only is social media good for promoting your brand, but it gives you a window into what consumers are saying about both your company and competition. Lastly, social media allows you to get in touch with consumers whenever and wherever you want. That flexibility is like having a marketing program that is 24/7/365.

Selling Products and Services

  • Online store – If you haven’t thought about an online store up to this point and time, reconsider that in 2017. With an online store, you can sell goods and services 24/7/365. In doing so, you can see your revenue stream increase on a regular basis. If you do go with an online store, make sure it works from start to finish. The last thing you want is having frustrated consumers get stopped at checkout etc. In the event this happens, they may very well not return;
  • Website – Last but certainly not least, how beneficial is your website to those consumers looking to visit and use it? Just having a website is not enough in today’s digital age. Make sure your site is as beneficial as possible to current and prospective clients. Reviewing your site regularly will help you work out and remove any kinks etc. Remember, your site wants to rank as high as possible on Google and other search engines, so it needs to be clicking on all cylinders in order to draw consumers to it.

If you have not been clicking with online clientele up to this point, a New Year starting soon is a perfect opportunity to change things.

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

Filed Under: Customer Think Tagged With: apps, business, clients, online

Are You in the Business of Apps?

February 11, 2015 by Thomas

apps-kids-blocks-shows-application-software-and-computing-100303643In today’s business world, it is all but a necessity to be up to speed on the latest technology.

For many small business owners, the lack of time and effort when it comes to technology can ultimately lead to missed business and lost revenue.

So, which areas of technology should you be focused on moving forward in order to build your company?

Consumers Love Apps

Living in a fast-paced world means many consumers want their products and services yesterday and not today. In order to meet such demands, business owners must utilize the best technology available, allowing them to stay a step ahead of the competition.

Among the technological devices that should be standard in today’s business world are apps.

For starters, much of that necessary technology must come from within, meaning your office and your employees need access to it in order to best serve customers.

One of the top apps that should be in your arsenal is a mobile app.

With millions of consumers sporting mobile devices, your mobile app can be a treasure trove of new and existing business.

Face it; you should be catering to a large swath of the population who can and should be using your products and/or services.

You can provide customers with a wide-range of specials (mobile coupons, deals etc.) that will likely keep them coming back to you for years. The mobile app also allows you to do business instantaneously, lessening the chances customers will go elsewhere.

Make the Workplace More Productive

Apps are also beneficial to business owners when it comes to handling a host of workplace needs from organizing data to scheduling meets.

If you are looking at companies who are tasked with developing android apps and other such tech devices, look for a provider who can offer you some of these needs:

  • File storage – Filing of company and computer data is one of the biggest tasks facing any small business. Use the right app to view and manage your PDF, Excel, Word and other such files. This will also allow you to share sizable documents in one link inside the creation of an email, thereby allowing you to skip attachments;
  • Customer invoices – Staying on top of your customers’ invoices is critical in order to keep your finances healthy. The right app allows you to neatly manage the invoices, including the all-important bills. One of the biggest challenges any business (but especially small businesses) faces is collecting payments from those individuals/companies who can be lax at following through after being billed. Delinquent accounts can end up costing the business owner time and money, both of which he or she may be short on. Make sure your app has all the numbers up to date so you can easily see which client or clients are falling behind on their financial commitment to you;
  • On-the-go – Many small business owners and/or their employees end up having to be out of the office at any given time of the day. Whether it is to make deliveries, meet with clients or attend networking events, they want to stay in touch with the workplace. This can be done via an app which will permit you to team up with your PC. You can then review any files you may need, especially if they are relevant to meeting with clients;
  • Reaching out – It is not uncommon for small business owners to need to reach out to current and potential customers with pitches, special offers and more. The right app helps you by storing details in a business letter, something you can then send off to clients. You can save a particular template and design so you do not have to repeat the process over and over again.

As you can see, apps have a wide-range of helpful options for the man or woman running a small business.

If you have not used much in the way of technology before, see what apps can do for you moving forward.

Photo credit: Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

About the Author: Dave Thomas writes for a variety of websites on topics such as marketing and technology.

Filed Under: Business Life Tagged With: apps, bc, small business, technology

Make It Your Business to Know Google Chrome Extensions

February 4, 2015 by Thomas

software-development-diagram-100101781You might be surprised to find out how some of the newest Google Chrome extensions can help your business run more efficiently or improve productivity to increase the bottom line.

You must select the ones that have the best benefits for your company and know how to use them properly.

With that in mind, check out:

Smartsheet

This app allows you to manage projects and work with team members.

It looks similar to a spreadsheet, which makes it easier for anyone to learn. You can set deadlines and even choose the priority level of each project. You can even create assignments within assignments.

One of the big benefits with this extension is that it allows you to attach documents, videos and other files so that everyone can have access.

You can also check your calendar and timeline to see how each project fits into your overall schedule and what is coming due when.

Business Hangouts

For those familiar with Hangouts will appreciate this app.

It includes special features just for businesses, such as the ability to manage who is attending your meetings and send out invites and reminders.

Another benefit that will be important to many businesses is the fact that you can include people who are not part of Google Plus. When you install it on Chrome, it only takes a click to set up a meeting.

Evernote

Listed as one of the top extensions in the article, 7 Killer Google Chrome Extensions for Your Business, Evernote is well-known but not everyone is taking advantage of its features.

For those who are always on the go and accessing information on multiple devices, Evernote lets you keep all of your notes in one place where you can retrieve them from anywhere.

It has been compared to the paper Post-It notes, but it actually does a lot more. You can even search for your notes and place everything together for fast access.

Wave Accounting

You can manage your own finances with this app.

It runs right in your browser and is ideal for small businesses. You have the option of entering expenses manually or allowing the process to work automatically. It also allows you to create invoices for your customers and even send them straight from your computer. You can even accept credit cards for payment.

Like many other complex and expensive software programs, Wave Accounting allows you to create reports and balance sheets so you can manage the financial aspect of your business.

Each of these apps works with Google Chrome and can provide a significant benefit for your business.

By using one or more of them, you can organize your time, documents and work flow so that you can keep your company on track. By automating as many processes as you can and using quick and easy apps to manage certain aspects of your organization, you can spend more time on other tasks.

These apps also allow you to function like any other business no matter how small your company is.

Photo credit: Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

About the Author: Joyce Morse is an author who writes on a variety of topics, including business and technology.

Filed Under: Tools Tagged With: apps, bc, business, employees, Google Chrome, technology

Tech Products Make for Better Business

December 31, 2014 by Thomas

ID-100272109

Technology is making the business world a better place, which translates to better business for companies and consumers.

Whether your business needs a little tech boost or some on the go gadgets for traveling employees, there are plenty of options to choose from.

With a tech-fueled business in mind, here are just a few ways tech products make your business better:

Tablets for Employees on the Floor

Most customers who are on a shopping mission like to find what they want, purchase it, and move on with their day. This means your sales team needs to have your business’s entire inventory in the palm of their hands.

The solution: tablets.

That’s right, tablets are becoming increasingly popular for employees who need to look up prices, search in-stock items, and locate specific items within your store.

Even if your business doesn’t deal in retail, tablets are a great way to keep all the employees in your office connected. Whether on lunch break, in a meeting, or across the hall, tablets allow your employees to take their work with them on the go.

Anywhere Payments

Technology is also improving the payment process for many businesses.

Mobile card swipes connected to smartphones and tablets allow your business to accept credit card payments from anywhere. This not only boosts sales, it also makes shopping more convenient for your customers.

Employee Mobility

If your employees take advantage of telecommuting, then technology can help your remote employees stay better connected to your business. The same goes with employees who travel to clients throughout the day.

From employees who make service calls to employees who work from home a few days a week, major retailers like Walmart carry a full line of smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy 5 that will improve your business’s telecommuting atmosphere.

Technology and Customer Service

It’s no surprise that technology is improving the customer service sector for businesses of all kinds.

For example, call-waiting technology is making the calling process more customer-friendly and less frustrating.

Call waiting services used to simply ask callers to wait on the line until a representative could take their call.

With intuitive call waiting, your business’s call waiting service can actually give customers updates on how many minutes they have left to wait for a representative.

In addition, improved call-waiting technology can actually give your customers the option to have a representative call them back in a timely manner. Intuitive call waiting is just one way technology makes life better for your customers and your business.

Business Apps

Computer technology is improving the business world by digital leaps and bounds.

Such is the case with mobile apps that put your business in the spotlight. With a mobile app specifically designed for your business, you can keep your customers informed on your products and services, send shipping and package notifications, and accept payments for online merchandise.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your business in 2015, the technology above is sure to make a positive impact.

Photo credit: Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

About the Author: Adam Groff is a freelance writer and creator of content. He writes on a variety of topics including technology and small business.

Filed Under: Business Life Tagged With: apps, bc, business, tablets, technology

Image App Bonanza: 10 Apps to Spice Up Your Content

July 17, 2014 by Rosemary

According to ContentPlus UK, articles with images get 94% more views than those without. We have become scanners, racing through online posts and sifting for useful information.

Arresting images stop us in our tracks, and pull us into the surrounding text.

Beautiful butterfly image

This is a roundup of apps that I’ve personally road-tested for image manipulation. With the exception of PicMonkey, they are all installed on my iPhone right now.

Go forth and create fun, interesting photos. Just don’t let me catch you putting a “sunset” filter on your plate of salad. Don’t do that.

1. PicMonkey

Web app, Free with premium features
Handy, easy to use app that is great for banners, overlaying text, and resizing images. It covers much of the territory of Photoshop, without the long learning curve and big expense. My 8 year old kids started playing with PicMonkey and were cranking out great stuff immediately. Check out the “collage” feature.

2. KitCamera

Mobile app, Free with 99cent enhanced version
Successor to KitCam, which was acquired by Yahoo, and it’s the Swiss Army knife of mobile image editing apps. Great for live shooting as well as editing after the fact. This one is complex, but includes tons of pro photographer goodies, including filters, high speed shooting, and live editing. Check out the social sharing tools.

3. Vhoto

Mobile app, Free
Have you ever taken a great video, and wanted to pull a still image out for a thumbnail? Here’s your app. Vhoto will automatically find and suggest the best quality still images from a video clip. Use old videos or shoot a new one. Check out the Vhoto user community.

4. Flickr

Web and mobile app, Free with premium
Yes, I know you thought Flickr was gone. It’s not gone, but it’s been revamped, and looks better than ever. The mobile app is very easy to use, and will automatically sync up your photos if you like. Includes filters, pretty strong editing tools, and sharing. Did you know you can also upload videos?

5. Overgram

Mobile only, free
This app does one thing, but does it beautifully. Instantly add cool text to your Instagram photos. Choose font, size, text, and colors, and then save. Check out the beefier, paid Over app for even more editing tools.

6. Bubbsie

Mobile only, free
I had to include one completely fun one. Bubbsie makes it dead easy to create a “meme” image, by placing a thought or conversation bubble overlay on your images. Take a new photo, or overlay on an existing image from your gallery. Check out the picture frame feature.

7. Pixlromatic

Desktop, web, and mobile, free
The cool thing about this one (which I agree is unpronounceable), is that it’s so cross-platform. Use it almost anywhere. Take a photo with your webcam or device, or upload one from your library, and then enhance it with textures, backgrounds, and frames. Easy to use immediately. Check out the fun overlays (bubbles, fireworks).

8. Colorsplash

Web and mobile (special app for iPad), free
An App Store Hall of Famer, Colorsplash is the easiest way to colorize your photos. Turn your image black and white, and then selectively add color back to certain portions. Your colleagues will wonder how you did it. Check out the customizable brush sizes/shapes.

9. PhotoToaster

Mobile, paid app
Touch up, edit, crop, and highlight portions of your images in one app. Combines some of the best bits of ColorSplash and Pixlromatic, in an easy-to-use interface. Great for beginners, with lots of pre-sets. Check out PhotoMotion, from the same company, which lets you turn photos into videos.

10. PopAGraph

Mobile, free with premium upgrades available
Another cool tool for editing your photos, but it has some unique capabilities, including the ability to have separate filters on the background vs the foreground, multi-frames, and captions. Check out the video creator, with music. Share directly to Vine from within the app.

Have fun!

Note: I have zero affiliation with any of the above apps or companies, and no-one solicited these suggestions.

Author’s Bio: Rosemary O’Neill is an insightful spirit who works for social strata — a top ten company to work for on the Internet . Check out the Social Strata blog. You can find Rosemary on Google+ and on Twitter as @rhogroupee

Filed Under: Design, Successful Blog, Tools Tagged With: apps, bc, Design, graphics, tools

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