Whether you have not set up a mobile app for your business, or have one implemented that does not seem to be gaining the attention that you want, taking note of some of the top mobile app design tips is a great way to determine  how you can build your online business better.

Take a look at some of the most common app design trends that companies are using to succeed in the world of mobile apps.

-Keep it Simple!

Remember your audience when designing your mobile app. Most likely mobile viewers are perusing your site while on the train, waiting at the physician’s office or at another time and place where they are limited as to how long they can search. So leave the unnecessary details and flattery out of your app. Too much clutter and unnecessary information is only going to overwhelm and frustrate app users on their phones, causing them to give up their search or look on other sites. Think of your company website and scale it down to the main functional options and arrange it in a minimalist fashion.

Take a look at the State Farm mobile app to the right. As you can see the initial page is based on the absolutely necessary features, including obtaining a quote, locating a local agent and filing a claim, all of which are likely to be used on the go by either current policyholders or those who are browsing to change their insurance while on their phone. Your target audience will certainly appreciate keeping your mobile app functional and easy to navigate, no matter where they are.

-Remember Fingertip Navigation

There is no mouse to help your audience navigate through your page, so you have to remember to make your app easy to navigate with fingertips. That means that icons, links and text need to be large enough to see clearly and follow. Again, when they are too small and too hard to follow you will lose the attention of your audience, especially for men who have larger fingers to accommodate.

The Alaska Airlines mobile site is a clear example of not only keeping it simple, but making your site easy to navigate with a fingertip. With too many options and clutter on the page users wouldn’t be able to check into their flight quickly and while on the go, which would eliminate the reason for having a mobile site.

-Introduce Your Audience to Your Site

Clever businesses in the designing of their site will incorporate an introductory or welcome page into their mobile app that summarizes the company or business. This is a great way to share the tone of your site and capture the interest of your audience from the start. Then, from there they can decide what information they want to search for or do on your site. Remember that you don’t want to overdo this page either. Less is more so you should keep the text and calls to action to a minimum.

As you can see, the Quazar Web Design mobile site offers a basic entry page that brings the company and site tone to the audience that views it. Not only do you have the opportunity to choose what you want to do on their mobile site from here, but they don’t overwhelm you with added details or text. There are some sites that will simplify their introductory page even further by simply offering one call of action that will take users to another page with more in-depth options.

-Don’t Forget Your Social Networking

Perhaps one of the most mandatory inclusions on your mobile app is the links to ALL of your social networking pages, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and more. This will not only help to promote your company in general, but will lead to more followers and fans on your social networking sites. Be sure that they are placed in an easy to see and upfront portion of your site so that they cannot be missed, some sites will even have them on the bottom of every page of their mobile app.

Just as the Goodyear has done in this screenshot of their mobile site, any business should have their social networking sites clearly visible for all those who are going to visit your site. Now, those that log into their site can see that they have a Twitter and Facebook account, and even YouTube marketing, without the audience having to search to find these additional marketing tools.

-White Space is Necessary

If you have ever mistakenly clicked on the wrong link because there was too much clutter on a website, then you know how frustrating it can be to not have enough white space. While the term suggests that your site should be white and plain, it just means that you want to have adequate spacing between your links on a page, so that your site is not only visually appealing, but so there are no accidental link clicks to drive your audience crazy, especially if you are selling items on your mobile app.

Take a look at the way that Crate & Barrel utilizes their white space between these two beds that are for sale. The items are spaced apart well and flow fluidly on the page so that a viewer can see everything with ease. This not only helps with fingertip navigation, but it helps to ensure that there are no accidental clicks on items that your audience doesn’t want to see.

-Images and Videos Matter

Remember that if it is relevant to your business, you want to engage your viewer by other mobile means. While on the go, your viewer might want to have access to a video or film that your company hosts, so permitting access to these type of things is necessary on your mobile site. This doesn’t mean that you have to have every move clip, photo or song accessible to your audience, jus the most popular and relevant to your site at the moment.

Take a look at the way that the Disney Channel mobile site displays the television and video clips that are accessible through smartphone devices. By providing videos that their audience would regularly seek, they can engage children on the go and keep their attention. While some sites may want to keep their site a little more simple and decreased the number of videos and images on a single page, this is a great example of how you can share the media on your site with your audience.

Whether your app has already been created, or you have yet to design it, these are some of the most successful design schemes that can be implemented into any business mobile app. Remember that there is nothing wrong will taking ideas that have worked for other companies and implementing them in a way that is unique and relevant to your business. Start your mobile app redesign today, and watch your business grow!

Sources: 

State Farm image from: http://www.mobileawesomeness.com/listings/gallery/statefarm/

Alaska Airlines image from: http://www.mobileawesomeness.com/listings/gallery/alaska-air/

Quazar image from: http://www.mobileawesomeness.com/listings/gallery/quazar-web-design/

Goodyear image from: http://www.mobileawesomeness.com/listings/gallery/goodyear/

Crate and Barrel image from: http://www.mobileawesomeness.com/listings/gallery/crate-barrel/

Disney image from: http://www.mobileawesomeness.com/listings/gallery/dis-2/

Why Fast Food Needs Mobile Marketing?

McDonalds marketing professionals understand that whether you are selling clothes, promoting a sports team or creating billions of burgers, marketing is necessary. And mobile marketing for that matter is the newest technology that businesses of all types and sizes should take advantage of.  According to Marci Troutman, who is the CEO of SiteMinis, “McDonalds has clearly picked up on this in that they have incorporated a 360-degree mobile strategy that has a solid base and can continue to grow with the fast pace of mobile technology without being left out and way behind the curve.” In fact, McDonalds has embraced mobile marketing so much that they have a strong mobile advertising, augmented reality, mobile apps and site and database/CRM, all to help market their thousands of locations throughout the globe.

The McDonalds Mobile Site and Mobile App

The mobile site from McDonalds has been perfected to offer fans a variety of options all from their phone in the palm of their hand. Consumers can learn the product nutrition of all menu items, find a McDonalds near you and even see potential career opportunities. Perhaps the most important incorporation of their mobile site is the restaurant finder, which directs consumers straight to their nearest McDonalds, which ultimately brings in more revenue for the giant chain.

The McDonalds mobile app shares much of the same features that the site does, however the application can be downloaded easily on iPhone and Android smartphones for those consumers who want Mickie Ds in the palm of their hand.

The McDonalds Augmented Reality

While most companies do not offer augmented reality, McDonalds took their marketing a step further as a means to promote their Happy Meals to their fans. Not only is this method of marketing unique because many companies are not using it, but it is used to create interactive experiences for clients with the McDonalds products, which can certainly make for fun advertising that is not easily forgotten, regardless of your age.

Database/CRM

If you are wondering the way in which McDonalds has gone about building their contact database of consumers there is still some ingenuity in their methods. Not only are customers encouraged to sign up, but they are lured with offerings and incentives that McDonalds strives to make worthwhile. In fact, in  Northern California a group of about 600 people will but used as a pilot team to test out a customer loyalty rewards group that awards consumers for eating at the fast food chain.

Using the companies online presence, such as social media and their website, you will see plugs to push sign-up of programs and downloads of applications, just as traditional companies do. You will also see in most McDonalds restaurants that there are print marketing schematics that are used to drive consumers to each of these mobile marketing tactics, typically luring them with the possibility of a free coffee or such.

Mobile Advertisement

McDonalds is also hitting the mobile advertising nail on the head simply but continuously using these small campaigns and relating them to their products over and over again. Not only did they create a Monopoly game during last year’s few weeks that the game was played, but it was offered while individuals were utilizing the popular Pandora iPhone app.  The company then set in place a mobile ad word scramble that would promote their dollar menu items to consumers, getting more people to stop in at one of their restaurants.  In a clever marketing ploy, all mobile ads included in their campaigns can be used to identify the nearest McDonalds for the consumer as well! Certainly ingenious!

McDonalds as a Pioneer

Troutman, though not affiliated with McDonalds, explains that the fast food giant is in fact setting a clear example of how every business should take advantage of all the features that mobile marketing can offer. “Everyone should follow McDonalds lead and incorporate a 360-degree mobile strategy as soon as possible,” whether or not they sell hamburgers, shoes or merely want fans to watch their games. Mobile marketing is the future of marketing for businesses of all sizes. Because of the fact that McDonalds implemented multiple mobile marketing schemes successfully in just a short period of time, certainly warrants the term genius.

What should you take from this?

It’s easy. Follow the mobile marketing example that other businesses are using to reach out to current and new customers. Utilize a mobile app for your business or create a mobile friendly website so local customers can search from their mobile device and find you. It’s predicted that by 2014 mobile search will surpass desktop search, which means that there will be more consumers on the move searching for local businesses and services via their mobile devices. Don’t let your business get left behind, go mobile today!

McDonalds logo image retrieved from: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNNEu7JhM1A/TbiWCq4-xUI/AAAAAAAAEqI/8pwdPQy81fE/s1600/mcdonalds.jpg

McDonalds phone image retrieved from: http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/strategy/12969.html

Mobile search statistics: http://gigaom.com/2010/04/12/mary-meeker-mobile-internet-will-soon-overtake-fixed-internet/

Actually, if you’re a local small business owner, some of these statistics might shock you! The infographic highlights mobile email, m-commerce, video, and mobile search statistics. Data that brings to light the fact that the shift is going toward mobile and why your business needs to be mobile ready.

Check out the infographic and let us know what you think. 

So what do you think?

As a small business owner, have you personally seen the shift in mobile and your business? Have you yet to implement a mobile strategy? Have you taken advantage of mobile website or app for your business?

App Marketing 101

Placed in the wrong hands, the greatest app in the world would fall flat on its face. This is the case for many mobile applications developers who ignore strategic marketing for their mobile apps. Yet there is a growing influx of apps created all the time that leads to stiff competition in the flooded market. It is no longer enough to advertise a new mobile app on one or two sites and expect success and money to follow.

If you hope to push your new baby to stardom and earn extreme profits, you must put together a marketing plan that you have clearly thought out. The way to achieve this is to start in the mind of the app users. Who is your target? What are they looking for? What are their needs and how will your mobile application address them? This kind of thinking will lead to a well-targeted marketing approach and a better reception for your application in a much shorter time.

This means you have to put in a lot of work before you get into the market. So where do you start? Well, let us look at the top 10 basic principles that will help you maximize your potential in web and non-web app marketing.

1. Market Analysis

Prior to the launch of your app, you need to know your audience and how to structure your product to fit their needs. Marketing involves a lot of pre-planning activities which are important when it comes to developing an all-encompassing marketing mix. Might you be thinking that creating an app is the difficult part? It isn’t. The marketing strategy is the one thing that can make or break a product.

2. Content

The term ‘content is king’ is not an overplayed cliche. It is the platform on which product promotion is pegged on. Any application should provide content that is unique and geared to satisfying a need. If this need has not been fulfilled by any other service provider, so much better. A successful app is the one that provides an instant solution.

3. What’s in a Name?

Choose a name and corresponding icon that has a ring to it. Any successful brand has a title with which customers can easily identify. The name should also be easily found on search engines and app stores, so take time to think through the entire branding process. In essence, names greatly help push products.

4. Networking

Getting in touch with people who can help you push your product is absolutely necessary. Contact newspaper columnists, bloggers, and related publicists to whom you can offer free downloads of your app for review. Include detailed press releases outlining the highlights of your app and how it is expected to fulfill the needs of your niche target. Make it a point to attend all tech-related functions and trade shows and, where possible, set up a booth to promote your mobile app.

5. Seek sponsorship

Wherever possible, seek partnerships with individuals or corporate entities that can benefit your cause. As long as you and the other party will mutually benefit, it is viable to seek some form of backing.

6. Push it online

The internet is the next frontier and without conquering it you are going nowhere. Ensure that you fully exhaust your options as far as creating an online presence is concerned. Make your product visible on as many app stores, social media platforms and blogs as possible. If your marketing budget allows, try placing strategic online ads. Creating a how-to video is also a plus. Try as much as possible not to overlook any possible online platform that can enhance your distribution channels.

You can also embed Facebook and Twitter widgets within your app for live feeds while creating a social media buzz through friends and acquaintances.

7. Special Offers

Create a rapport with consumers through offers that will stimulate higher turnarounds. For instance, you could initially offer your app for free and thereafter charge an upgrade fee for subsequent subscriptions.

8. Free Platforms

Make use of any free online and offline space that you can get your hands on. There are plenty of free online classified sites and business directories that can help get your product’s name online. Also, include an icon or link to your app on your other business documents such as business cards, invoices, envelopes and receipts.

9. Workshops

Attend or organize training seminars for app developers and ensure that you get close to your peers while closely monitoring what makes or breaks their products.

10. Feedback

As much as you work hard to push your app online and offline, you should have a mechanism of monitoring and evaluating feedback from consumers and potential users. Social media is a great way of receiving instant feedback. However, it needs to be coupled with an analytics application that will create a statistical representation of the actual distribution and penetration of your app.

Conclusion

Putting these 10 Ways to Market Your Mobile App Online into action can be the key to get successful with your app campaign. Remember that it is one thing to create an app and quite another to get it into the market successfully. So what are you waiting for? Get to work. Do your homework and quit complaining of bias and favoritism on app stores. With the right kind of effort, you can pull through the ups and downs of the app world.

Free Golf Mobile UI Theme Kit for iPhone and Android devices.

Enjoy a premium mobile theme kit from AppBotic! This stunning golf mobile theme was crafted in Photoshop using various shapes and layer styles. Impress your next golf client with this unique mobile theme. Or if you are using the AppBotic app builder, then you can easily edit and upload these theme elements into your mobile app.

This mobile ui theme kit includes the following:

• Textured grass for detailed background
• Styled icons
• Styled buttons
• PSD file included

Free License Included

Please be sure to read the license  agreement included within the download files. You may use the files for personal and commercial projects with some restrictions!

Basically, be sure to:

• Link back to this post for attribution
• You MAY NOT Resell this item
• You MAY NOT distribute this item for download on other websites. Please be kind and send people to this page.

Download Link Below

These coupon giants see the shift in mobile marketing and now allow access to those coupons via your mobile device. You can present your coupon through your mobile device to any small business and redeem your coupon. Is your business missing out on the mobile coupon boom?

Cut costs by going mobile with your coupons

Traditionally, coupons are printed on flyers, newspapers, magazines etc. They can be quite costly and usually end up in the trash or recycle can. On the other hand, mobile coupons offer the same benefits as paper coupons but with less overhead and expenses.

In addition, offering coupons via your mobile business app or through SMS marketing have a high rate of redemption when compared to paper coupons.

Most Americans own a smart phone and most of them always carry or take their mobile devices with them. Therefore, most in app coupons or SMS coupons will be read by your customers in just minutes rather than weeks if you were to publish coupons in the newspaper.

If you find that traditional coupons are working for your business then consider adding mobile coupons for more exposure. Split test and find out which works best for your business.

Mobile coupons can spread by word of mouth

Another factor that makes mobile coupons a smart business move is that they can go viral. Mobile coupons are more talked about and shared by friends and family.

Let’s say you own a bakery business and you know your slow day is Wednesdays. You can offer mobile coupons through your app for that specific day and send a notification to your customers about the deal to drive them through your door.

Now that you have customers at your location, ask them to “check in” at your business and post it to Facebook or twitter. This helps spread the word about your coupon, making it also go viral.

Mobile coupons, a smart business move

Utilizing mobile coupons for your business is exactly what you need to capitalize on your local mobile market. Creating a business app is one way to let local consumers know your business has mobile presence. It’s also a great tool for branding and keeping in tune with your customers and target market. And finally, it’s a great way to market to a list of customers that WANT to receive your business promotions and would happy to redeem them.