Mobile apps have made a big impact in the way we consume our products and services. Read on to see how you too can use mobile apps to engage your customers like these local businesses.
By the myBusiness techblog team
Utilised across a variety of industries and delivering multiple functions, mobile applications or ‘apps’ have transformed the way customers have access to content, products, and services. Here are five Singapore businesses that have created their very own applications to great effect.
Mr Bean
Mr Bean is the leading chain of soya bean food and beverage retailers in Singapore. Modelled upon a fast food concept, Mr Bean offers a variety of soya bean-based drinks and snacks with a focus on rich nutritional value. The Mr Bean application allows customers to interactively engage with the signature Mr Bean soya bean mascot. Using an illustrated cartoon character, the app allows customers to ‘stroke or pet’ the mascot, or engage in interactions via Facebook. The app can also record the user’s voice and play it back in an altered ‘cute’ version, which can then be captured and shared via social media platforms – helping to create a larger brand following and aligning the brand with that of a fun-filled nature.
Reebonz
Reebonz is an online portal for purchasing luxury / branded goods. Customers that frequent the website can make use of its iPhone or iPad app to quickly shop and purchase their favourite branded goods on their mobile devices. The app also allowed Reebonz to craft iPhone-specific sales promotions and offers, as well as alert their customers to on-going events in real-time – resulting in a larger pool of shoppers.
Breadtalk
Breadtalk is a local listed bakery chain founded in July 2000, with retail outlets that sells a wide range of bread, cakes, buns and pastries. Launched last year, the Breadtalk app lets customers receive live updates on its latest promotions and product launches. It also provides a coupon-distribution system – giving customers redeemable discounts by showing the coupon from their Apple mobile device as they make purchases.
Zidane Design Associates
Established since 1999, Zidane Design Associates was founded with the intention of bringing high quality interior design to both residential and commercial marketplaces. Created to cultivate a closer relationship between clients and designers, the Zidane Designs application allows customers to view and respond to different designs presented by the interior design company. With the app, customers can view recommended finishes and furnishings selections to help on design choices for their properties. The application includes a comprehensive collection of interior design across properties including: commercial projects, condominiums, public HDB housing flats and landed properties.
Justin Ng Photo
Justin Ng is an international multi-award winning photographer whose website – Justin Ng Photo was listed as Singapore’s Top 30 Business Brands on Facebook. In April 2011, he became the first photographer in Singapore to develop and launch an iPhone application that allowed the professional photographic community to access photography jobs and assignments, as well as keep up with the latest photographic news and events. The app also allows project photos taken with DSLR cameras to be viewed live on all iPhone and iPad devices installed with the app, wirelessly. The photography company is also the first to offer a live SMS service where high resolution images taken in real-time can be emailed instantly via SMS.
As showcased by the examples above, you can see how a mobile app can be suitable across many different industries or services. So let’s say you have a good idea right now to promote your business – how can you quickly create an app? You could utilise an app creator such as AppExe.
AppExe – Create native and mobile web apps within days
AppExe allows you to create ‘native’ mobile apps without any technical knowledge required. You just need to build one app and can upload to Android & iOS app stores*, as well as suitable for any HTML5 browsers. With the DIY platform, you can update your app anytime. You can save on the time and money without engaging a third-party developer.
With just a good idea, and the basic concept about your desired mobile app, you can follow an easy-to-use, step-by-step template to create your personalised mobile app. This helps bring about real-time interaction with your business for easy accessibility by your mobile audience.
Start to design your mobile app now with this 8-step cheatsheet.
Launch Special – sign up for AppExe now and enjoy more than $400 savings! For more information regarding AppExe, click here.
* Currently supports iOS – iPhone’s & iPad’s (v5 Onwards) & Android (v 2.3.3 Onwards)
For more information regarding AppExe, click here.
Have you developed an app from scratch? Do share any experiences or thoughts that you’ve had in creating your app in the comment box below.