12th Oct 2012, 02:48 PM | #51 | |
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Of coarse these apps work on ios, just take longer to be approved and needs to have a few more native features for approval. This I completely agree with, I do not sell many apps either as I do not find them very useful to small businesses. It is going to be very hard to get someone to download an app for a small liquor store. Even with an incentive. | |
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12th Oct 2012, 09:18 PM | #52 |
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I just can't imagine what level of "Mobile App" you can deliver even remotely competitively cost wise against a mobile web site... and still deliver the same value. Then, what is to be done regarding the updates to the "Mobile App" as Smartphone OS upgrades happen??? Tech Support??? I think it would end up being a rather big hole that the "Mobile App" purchaser would end up in. Please elaborate on what is actually delivered for a 'competitive' ROI Mobile App? What exactly is the WIIFM factor here??? Patrick |
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13th Oct 2012, 06:41 AM | #53 | |
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Let me give more info.. The liquor store owner doesn't care what you call the end "solution"... ie- native app, mobile website, etc.. he just wants the ability to stay in contact with his customers via their mobile phones. He was really impressed with the idea of "push notification" in the end that's all he really wants. Remember that most of the people you talk to will have no idea how all this works.. an all of your paying clients will have little to no idea how all this works... because if they did they wouldn't pay you... So at the end of the day is all about giving the client what he/she wants at a affordable price... my goal is to give them the perception that they got way more than they paid for... because I want them as long time customers. The Apple store is a problem I'm trying to work out ... I've heard they really don't like business apps... I was wondering if you could skip them by going with a mobile website and a icon on the iphone... but then you lose the push notification. Any ideas?? | |
13th Oct 2012, 11:45 AM | #54 |
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I concur, an app has more potential. I give away mobile websites as a door opener.
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15th Oct 2012, 01:05 AM | #55 | |
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15th Oct 2012, 10:18 PM | #56 |
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Greg, I think you have it all backwards. Yes, APPs follow you around and send push notifs, but customers are going to get tired of having those things go off all day long for 1-15 diff APPS on their phone. Who is going to want an APP for a dentist, pizza parlor, restaurant, etc... its too much. APPS are good for games, social media, and cool gadgetry (flashlights, etc) A mobile site CAN capture leads via email/phone - just depends on how you use it. And APPS do not show up in search - still the #1 way businesses are found these days. And on top of all this, APPS are pain to develop and cost a LOT of money to do it right. The normal local biz won't spend thousands on an APP that is not proven to make them money. They do have their place in members circles for real estate agents, clubs, etc. outside the norm. Having said all that, mobile sites are STILL a tough sell (USA west coast anyway) as most biz don't "get it". |
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17th Oct 2012, 08:56 AM | #57 |
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Here is a real world example that pits a mobile website vs. an app against each other. I work for a company that builds websites and other digital solutions to car dealerships. We also build their mobile websites. For individuals shopping for new or used cars, a mobile app makes no sense. No shopper (or very few) are going to download apps for three or four or five dealerships that they are considering just to look at their inventory. In this situation a mobile website is perfect. It gives the visitor a quick and easy way (as long as the mobile site is built well) to browse the dealer's inventory, call them, read their reviews, etc. Now, after someone has purchased a vehicle from that dealership I think an app would be perfect for their service department. Someone could open the app, take a look at special offers, schedule a service appointment, even take pictures of what is wrong or needs repair and send it to the dealer. The dealer could also use the app to send push notifications when the vehicle is most likely ready for the next oil change, transmission flush, etc. I think that mobile websites probably serve a more frequent purpose, but for businesses that have a lot of repeat customers an app can provide great value |
17th Oct 2012, 11:29 PM | #58 |
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How about both? Mobile website gets customers and in the mobile website you encourage them to "click here to download our official Mobile App to make savings and get special offers". That way they will go straight to your app download page and will download the app to get discounts. This way the Mobile website and the app are both useful, both connected and it makes for a more complete package. The reason I build and sell mobile websites is because every business needs one to (at least) compliment their existing website and to not isolate potential customers or clients that are visiting from their mobile phones. The reason I like apps is purely for their ability to push notifications which I presume are either free or cheaper than pushing an SMS though I've not really looked into it. One potential stumbling block is that users usually have to approve push notifications but users can be encouraged to allow them to receive discounts...e.g. "Download our Official App and Allow Push Notifications To Win!" (or get discounts...whatever). |
18th Oct 2012, 08:35 AM | #59 |
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I think that a lot of businesses use their websites as an online calling card. If they don’t they should. I think for many businesses a mobile site is the way to go. I think a mobile site is going to be needed much more in the future instead of the common type of websites built today. Unless a business is a shopping cart retailer or a certain type of websites where push info is needed like forums, news, weather etc. then I think there is really no reason to have a full blown site to view on a computer. I want to see if a locksmith covers my area because I am locked out of my car, a pizza menu or some photos of their product. I want to look at these to help me make an immediate decision. I live in a large city where people are constantly on the go. Everyone I know uses mobile phones or tablets to surf the internet for information and entertainment. So many customers carry them when they are on the go. With Windows 8 tablets coming out soon I think this is going to be a more common way of acquiring the needed information. I myself do not rely on a desktop computer anymore except for work. And I don't surf on my laptop anymore either. I use either my cell phone or tablet for most of my internet use. I keep it by my chair when I am watching TV too. A tablet is so convenient. And they are getting better that I think they will eventually replace most desktop and laptop computing needs. I download apps like weather, news, shopping sites like The North Face, Amazon, eBay, Best Buy. But if I am looking for a business on Yelp or Google places, I might get their information from these sites, but I am still curious and click through to websites on my phone or tablet. I want a fast loading site that gives me a feel for the business with any extra information like menu’s or services I didn’t see listed on Yelp or Google places. I am not going to download an app for this type of cursory information. And I think building and app just for the sake of building an app is a waste of time for a business. I think apps complement a mobile business website. They shouldn't replace it. |
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6th Nov 2012, 08:17 PM | #60 |
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Some great discussion going on here. Personally, I think both mobile websites and mobile apps have their place. Like others have said, mobile websites are crucial to a pleasant consumer experience when a prospect is searching for a business online from a mobile device. While it's true that some "regular" websites may not be significantly more cumbersome to navigate to certain people, there are still alot of people out there who demand a quick, easy, and pleasant web browsing experience. At my firm, we like to lead with mobile websites for this reason, and because they are less expensive than mobile apps (we usually charge $397-497 for a mobile site, and $997-$1197 for a mobile app). If I'm able to sell a client on a mobile website, I often then go for an upsell on a mobile app at a later time, emphasizing the customer retention benefits through push notifications. |
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6th Nov 2012, 08:24 PM | #61 |
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The whole mobile version of a site thing is a bit old fashioned no? What is wrong with responsive html5 / css for example HTML5 Up! Responsive HTML5 and CSS3 Site Templates |
6th Nov 2012, 10:28 PM | #62 |
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7th Nov 2012, 05:25 AM | #63 | |
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7th Nov 2012, 05:31 PM | #64 |
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Well, I believe that some people favour one or the other but in my experience the mobile website comes out on top IF you are trying to get business from the client for the first time. The reason I say this is because a client doesn't really understand about aps but they sure know about Google and people searching for their business on it. This way you can SHOW them exactly what their business looks like to a mobile surfer and then they see that the money they spent on a website looks like cr*p on a mobile device. It is more for the aesthetics of the site and you can have it show the exact place where the business is and also a call button and even coupons if you want. These are things that will help get people in the doors. Once you have this done, THEN you could show them the advantage of an ap. Roberto |
18th Nov 2012, 08:49 PM | #65 |
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Mobile sites = customer acquisition. Mobile apps = customer retention. Apps are not for every business, nor are they for every consumer. Every local business should have a mobile-optimized website, however.
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18th Nov 2012, 11:12 PM | #66 |
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In short, we're not selling an app builder in our signature? Therefore, the majority of us don't create threads to discuss the two. If you had asked this question (even with your bias toward apps), WITHOUT your guise to promote your app service, I might be more inclined to debate the two (given that I'm a mobile marketer). But, seeing you created this thread for obvious reasons, how was your results? We're all marketers, right? |
19th Nov 2012, 12:02 AM | #67 | |||||
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For the very few users most local businesses would get an app is just a waste of money. If you disagree with that then I feel sorry for the clients you are approaching and saying otherwise because you are giving them bad advice in order to make yourself more money... and that's not what a good marketer should do. If you sell local businesses solutions that waste their time and money then you will always be having to look for new clients because they will not want to continue working with you. I much prefer to give my clients only the solutions that will help their business the most for as little investment as possible... and that's why they like to keep working with me over and over again. I do like marketers who go around spreading mis-information to local businesses though because when I get to visit them, you have made my job a thousand times easier. So, thanks! | |||||
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19th Nov 2012, 06:21 PM | #68 |
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I'd have to agree with WillR. I also would like to add that apps have their place. I am a developer and I have done very well with both developing native apps and mobile sites. I usually complement one with the other if the budget allows.
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19th Nov 2012, 06:27 PM | #69 |
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Good point, OP. One disadvantage I see would be that if all companies have a mobile app it could get quickly saturated. No one wants to install 70 or more apps on their phone, IMO, even a fast one. Too many apps will slow the phone down a lot, in my experience. Here is a free idea for anyone who wants it: One app that allows anyone to publish push notifications that anyone can subscribe to. Facebook sort of has features like this, it seems, but I think it could be done a lot better and a lot more business focused, or have a different framework. |
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19th Nov 2012, 11:16 PM | #70 |
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I'm not saying there is no room for apps... there are such large corporations where it makes sense. A large taxi company for example could do well having an app but that's because it's an app people are likely to install and use. I am not going to install an app for my local plumber or restaurant though. For that reason trying to sell those types of businesses into the idea of an app is just irresponsible and misleading those business owners.
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25th Nov 2012, 06:49 AM | #71 |
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Business must be aware for the mobile evolution. Mobile users, got all the money one meter away- in it's hand. SMS marketing and responsive design is first. This is the best marketing business after many years for all to move on.
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25th Nov 2012, 12:57 PM | #72 |
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Fantastic responce here. I just got wind of a new webinar coming up soon, its all about how mobile can increase the ROI for any business. It includes daily deals and sms text message marketing & it doesnt mention mobile apps once. If anyone is interested in joing the webinar, you can do so here |
25th Nov 2012, 01:06 PM | #73 | |
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26th Nov 2012, 09:05 AM | #74 |
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If you are talking direct to a business whose website cannot accommodate mobile phone visitors there is one underlying fact that needs to be addressed before any other discussion .... ... people will already be visiting the website using a mobile phone and getting an unsatisfactory experience. That means - potential customers will be turned off - existing customers relationships will be put at risk This is a real issue which businesses need to address quickly and the solution is to make their website mobile friendly or to get a mobile website. Getting an App will not solve this problem, it is a question for another day. |
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10th Dec 2012, 08:20 AM | #75 |
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Blog Entries: 163 | I agree mobile apps can be more efficient sometimes. But it depends on your end goal and target audience. Let's compare them and check the screenshots. Here is an article about Mobile website vs Native apphttp://sixrevisions.com/mobile/native-app-vs-mobile-web-app-comparison/ |
13th Dec 2012, 11:42 AM | #76 |
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The problem with building and selling apps is that the app stores can be very fickle and difficult to please. I've used Mr. Jacobs own system, as well as two others, and it's still a real challenge. Apps may be a more exciting sell, but mobile sites are a more dependable sell.
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13th Dec 2012, 12:23 PM | #77 |
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I have been an iphone user since it's inception. I do not have any local biz apps on my iPhone except 1: Dominos Pizza (I love the volcano cakes!) I have never been recommended a local biz app by my AppStore 'Genius' I do have a screen full of 'homscreen bookmarks' of mobile websites for many local businesses... all of them prominently display a "click to call" so I can get a hold of 'em quickly &/or a map, so I can easily find em. A few even have a great big coupon ready to display when I go to pay... NOTHING TO SIGN UP FOR. I appreciate when a business values my time & doesn't view my interaction with them as an opportunity to harass me. The lassssssst thing I want is some local biz (or many local bizes) "pushing" their discount/sales messages to me... my iphone IS NOT MY TELEVISION! I do not want to be "passively" INTERRUPTED all day with stuff I AM NOT ACTIVELY pursuing. I run a company that offers all the "online marketing & web dev" for "offline businesses" & my sale-steam understands that a local business MUST HAVE a mobile website & that is our best 'foot in the door' to get a biz owner to engage with us for their marketing needs. We do not do apps & have never been requested to do so. Greg... I have been following you since WP Mage a year & 1/2 ago & I followed the Skybuilder Launch. Let me say, I think you are REALLY SMART and I can/do learn a lot from you... but aside from my company making money by selling apps to local businesses... I REALLY cannot find GOOD and REASONABLE PROOF that engaging in the app market is a worthwhile endeavor for small to medium local businesses. just my .02 Mel Kryger |
13th Dec 2012, 09:54 PM | #78 | |
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Trying to explain the benefits of an "app" is not easy and I bought into the whole App and teamed up with a company called Appcat, strange thing was I could not even give them away as a foot in the door, conversely businesses seem to understand the need for a mobile website. I can see the benefits but I find people that like them seem to have so many that any "info / business card" type apps just get lost, to get a truly interactive and engaging / viral app is usually too costly and people want apps to be entertaining and the people that aren't interested in them just don't install them. That's just my personal opinion... | |
17th Dec 2012, 09:25 PM | #79 |
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I just have to say... there is a lot on this form where it's a VS. scenario. Mobile web and App's are complimentary items. Most businesses could benefit from Mobile Web Optimization (it's a simple as if you're running an Adwords campaign you wouldn't send your traffic to a horrible landing page. Well, a percentage of your current traffic that you work hard to build is currently going to a horrible landing page; yep, hard to navigate desktop content). Whereas App's have a purpose as well, typically loyalty and after the fact engagement. But really, do you expect consumers to keep all the SMB app's on their phone. The hype get's silly and the majority of businesses have no need for an app. |
19th Dec 2012, 06:30 AM | #80 |
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IM'NIMM'O (in my 'newbie in mobile marketing' opinion), :-) if we're pitching a client for the first time, mobile websites are the way to go. it's easier for them to understand its importance. then if the client is happy with our service, then we start educating them about apps (how apps affect the customers' buying decisions, profitability depending on what their business offers, ROI, etc.). clients decision to pursue apps will depend on ROI and product or service ability to be marketed through apps (of course, based on how well we educate the clients about apps). a good example are car fixers or auto mechanics. we all know it's important for them to have a mobile website, but how about an app? an app for them will be a big plus. how? educate them how an app work, them propose an app that tackles '5-minute car fixes and troubleshooting'. these app will solve common car problems. then of course, hidden in all that fixing and troubleshooting, a soft sell message like "need more help? call 0123456789", or something like "get these items at a discount, call 0123456789". just like what an internet marketer does: provide great info, make customers happy, then market them. it really depends on what business our clients are in, and how well we can market their products. but of course, local service businesses must have a mobile optimized website |
26th Dec 2012, 02:44 AM | #81 |
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As some of you have noted here, mobile app and mobile site are two different things, which can't be compared. Still it's a good discussion for people who don't know much about these yet.
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26th Dec 2012, 02:57 AM | #82 | |
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If anyone walks into a small local business and sells them a native app, and leaves them without a mobile optimized version of their site, they should be smacked JK As Will mentioned, I will enjoy coming in behind you and educating them as it will be a quick sell. Shoot one could make a nice living just following you around and walking in after you ; ) | |
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26th Dec 2012, 06:02 AM | #83 |
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Its really quite simple - to get new leads/customers implement a mobile website. To deliver incentives such as coupons, promotions and engage with your current customers use mobile apps
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26th Dec 2012, 06:14 AM | #84 |
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Hi website optimization is bit difficult, these will be considering page structure and all. there one ppt regarding the wso in slideshare. if we go through that it will be easy |
26th Dec 2012, 06:56 AM | #85 |
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I think there is a whole chapter that is not raised here. It's silently shaping up, particularly in Android market - the Niche Info Apps. Like we know the once lucrative model of building highly searched Keywords based Niche websites and SEO ranked in SERP that get good traffic and monetising them via Adsense that kept us busy for good 5 years, untill very recently Google has changed the game rule. Now, same model can be applied in Mobile Apps. Again Android is much easy, iOS needs more native features, as mentioned before. Find highly serched keywords, pull in contents based on feed (think Autoblog), and then Monetise. Cost of developing these are same as buying a domain. Revenue from these are real. It's going crazy these days. We have a working Apps model structure of these Info Apps (not a sales pitch at all). If you wish to know more on this model, PM me and would be happy to help fellow warriors. Regards |
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27th Dec 2012, 01:25 AM | #86 |
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"If a local business have an online web site for commerce, a business will want a mobile website and an app to do the same. They are adding a channel, becoming MULTICHANNEL, to what they do now. Businesses have to extend their reach in this way to stay competitive." Click link to see an example of Business using APPS + OTHER channels to built a Community 4 profit$ >>>http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...v=93uLKEiViS4#! Cornelius |
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