App’s are commonly know to be very successful with games, social media, group buying or e-commerce sites. The reason for their success is their engagement power. Downloaded apps of the above mentioned category are used a lot and become a fantastic tool for the proprietor to monetize their app.
The app market is basically split between Android and iOS Apple. The fundamental difference is that an Apple app in most cases works as no app will be released through the Apple store without being checked of its functionality and compatibility to all Apple products. Android in comparison will be simple up-loaded by the developer without any final functionality or other kind of test.
Reflecting on the above mentioned, it is understood why companies do not necessarily engage in developing an app. However, we noticed that the market leader in furniture here in the UAE, OK Furniture has recently released their own App.
We met up with Mr. Hamid Nadali, owner of OK Furniture and asked him why they developed their app? “Well” Mr. Nadali replied, “When we looked at our business and our then Internet presence we felt that a dedicated OK Furniture app would significantly assist our business. Since we became more active on the Internet with our website and its mobile version we noticed an increase in inquiries. This was paired with an additional advantage; reach! Our products are been seen throughout the world but most importantly in the countries where we are already present and intended to increase our activities and countries we intended to enter. What we further noticed with our mobile site was that more and more people are shifting their viewing patterns towards hand held devices. This means that a mobile device is becoming more and more essential to our visitors business and decision-making. Bearing this in mind we were looking at creating an app to find a permanent place on the mobile device of our clients.” Mr. Hamid continued.
“Here, I would like to highlight that we are working closely with architects, interior decorator/designers and contractors. All of which can show our products now to their clients without an Internet connection. In addition they will be made aware about new arrivals instantaneously.”
Now that your app is live, how do you intent to market it? Mr. Hamid answered. “Well, first we will look at our existing tools, our websites both pc and mobile version, most likely a dedicated newsletter broadcast and other campaigns on the Internet to inform and promote our app. In addition, having shops in prominent high traffic areas like Sheikh Zaid Rd. should assist us to receive the downloads we have targeted.”
Would you recommend the development of an app to other companies? “This is a difficult question. I can obviously not speak for other companies, however, if a company’s website shows good traffic with sound key metrics and has a higher amount of dedicated users an app will certainly assist. An important aspect of every app is the information it should transfer. This information should be customized to the intended audiences and not more.”
