There’s a Business App for That!

CHICAGO (May 2, 2022) – In today’s high-tech world, people can do business on their mobile devices from anywhere. National Small Business Week is May 1-7 and a time for small business owners to consider creating an app to have another way for customers to do business with them.

Mobile apps have become essential marketing and sales tools and are being used more frequently by small businesses across multiple industries. In addition to having a mobile-friendly website, a mobile app will make your small business look professional, innovative, and tech savvy, allowing you to compete with companies of all sizes. Having an app helps communicate key information about your company (including location, hours, directions, product/service offerings), provides customers a dedicated resource on their device and can help drive new prospects to your business.

“UScellular supports thousands of small businesses across the country and most of them will share that having a mobile app is a smart business decision to stay competitive,” said Kimberly Green-Kerr, senior vice president of enterprise sales and operations at UScellular. “Apps provide significant benefits, helping small businesses better engage with customers and attract prospective customers, boost sales, gather feedback and build brand loyalty.”

During Small Business Week and throughout the year, UScellular experts offer advice on where to start when building and maintaining an app:

·  Define your goals. Before you attempt to design or build your app, decide on its purpose and mission. What do you want it to do? How will it attract and engage key audiences? How will it make users’ lives easier or better? How will it be different – and better – than other apps in the marketplace?

·  Strategize your approach. App builders like iGenApps and Jotforms are great resources that are intuitive and user-friendly, but the effort can still be time-consuming. Decide whether you have the bandwidth to take this on, especially if you’re responsible for all other aspects of your business. It may be wise to hire a professional to build the app so you can focus your time and energy elsewhere.

·  Conceptualize the look and features. The app should be an extension of your brand, with a similar look and feel to your other marketing materials, such as your website. Use the same color palette and visual elements (e.g., your logo and fonts). Determine what features you’d like to include, such as e-commerce, a messaging section, etc. Look at other companies’ apps and decide what you like (or dislike) about their approach, design, and features. Scroll through sites like Dribble, which showcase creative work, for design inspiration.

·  Keep it fresh. Don’t let your app get stagnant. Update content and offerings regularly by adding new products or services, spotlighting upcoming sales, promotions or events, and offer loyalty programs. Digitize your loyalty program so your customers can collect their rewards via the app to increase downloads and return customers.

·  Get valuable data. Your app will allow you to track downloads and user engagement. You’ll also be able to measure other key metrics, such as your most (and least) popular offerings, allowing you to make more informed, data-based business decisions (e.g., which products to carry or discontinue) moving forward.

About UScellular
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com. Connect with UScellular on social media at facebook.com/uscellular, twitter.com/uscellular, instagram.com/uscellular, YouTube.com/uscellularcorp and linkedin.com/company/uscellular.