In mid-July, Applied Client Network shared "The Mobile Mindset," an infographic that identifies five mobile app features desired by clients and is embedded below. Those features are value, ease of use, responsiveness, personalization and minimalism. Read on to learn more about each feature!
Value
Create a rich experience with helpful information and genuine value. Don’t create an app just to have an app. It must serve a purpose.
Easy access to proof of insurance is one simple way your app can help you and prevent, for example, a ruined vacation for your clients. In the Insurance Agent article "Why Your Agency Needs a Mobile App for Clients," Jason Cass, CEO of The Insurance Alliance in Centralia, Illinois tells about a client who was traveling, wanted to book a rental car at her destination but she did not have her insurance card. She called him and he said he could get proof of insurance to her in the next hour. He suggested is she wanted it more quickly, she download their mobile app.
“I sent the proof of insurance to Hertz about 40 minutes later when I got home, then texted her to let her know,” Cass recalls. “She said, ‘I’m already getting ready to board my plane—I just downloaded the app and showed it to them. I’m going to use that from now on.’”
Ease of Use
Provide intuitive and easy navigation: 14 percent of smartphone users reported deleting an app that was difficult to use. Smart usability minimizes clicks without limiting functionality.
Based on a survey by International Translation Resources, Brianna Lawson writes in Association Adviser,“ people typically uninstall apps because they take up too much storage on their devices, or because they have intrusive advertising, use poor design, keep freezing, or are difficult to use.”
Responsiveness
Strive for a seamless integration with all mobile devices. Optimize features with a responsive design for readability, functionality and efficiency.
The app builders at Savvy say it quite simply: “Great apps are also snappy and offer fast response times. Their users can get in and out of the app and do what they mean to do in just a couple of taps or seconds. Speed is a feature. Keep your scope tight to ensure your app is both stable and fast.”
Personalization
Offer a personalized experience for users. Personalization can be achieved based on demographics, behaviors in the app or the user’s current location.
The same article from Insurance Agent noted early details that a “mobile app is a powerful retention tool because it provides a customized experience for each customer by connecting them to their personal insurance profile and solutions to their specific needs. It takes that customer and wraps them in a nice, contained environment. You’re giving them this easy tool where if they have a question or need something, they can go right there. It’s meant to make your customer engagement and experience more personalized, more targeted and geared toward their specific needs.”
Minimalism
Focus on simplicity. Throw in unneeded bells and whistles and the true purpose of your mobile app will be lost – keep only essential features.
Entrepreneur magazine asks a few questions to keep in mind when developing and improving your app so that it delivers its intended use.
- Are you making life simpler for your user?
- Is your mobile app intuitive?
- Can people figure out how to use your app within seconds to minutes without any guidance?
“You want to offer users a fantastic experience,” the article states. “A great user experience also means making sure your app is free of bugs and crashes.”
Learn more about effective mobile technology, such as mobile apps, at Applied Net or check out more upcoming education from Applied Client Network.
