New App

[cmonova]

After massive bargining and changes got our Business App made. Now I know some people will say "can't see using one" or "don't think my customers would use it"...But...in 2010 - 8.2 Billion app's were downloaded and in 2011 - 17.7 Billions app's were downloaded. People/customers use app's.

 

[ljtechservices]

looking forward to the feedback on usage.

 

[indy-pc]

The app designer will customize an app specifically for your business, but the app is Android only right now. Hopefully iPhone will be coming soon.

 

[cmonova]

The app designer will customize an app specifically for your business, but the app is Android only right now. Hopefully iPhone will be coming soon.

Right this minute it's for android...but iphone is coming.

 

[ProTech Support]

I hate to sound like an ass, but I hope you did not pay much for that. The reason I say it like that is because there are many solutions out there where you can do this same exact thing for cheap.

For example, there is even a product that works with your website, detects if the visitor is a mobile visitor, and presents a website 100% like that to the customer. It is $5.99.

I commend you on an awesome idea, just looking out for you on a price point. Hope you do not take it the wrong way.

 

[cmonova]

I have seen that before...that is for a "Mobile website" if I am not mistaken...right?

I hate to sound like an ass, but I hope you did not pay much for that. The reason I say it like that is because there are many solutions out there where you can do this same exact thing for cheap.

For example, there is even a product that works with your website, detects if the visitor is a mobile visitor, and presents a website 100% like that to the customer. It is $5.99.

I commend you on an awesome idea, just looking out for you on a price point. Hope you do not take it the wrong way.

 

[ProTech Support]

That is correct. I understand, it is not an app, but works the same way as far as presentation goes.

Again, I understand the value of an app, but the way I read it, it seemed like you might have invested a bit. Was just trying to say there may be some cheaper solutions out there that do the same thing.

Again, was just a friendly tip

 

[cmonova]

When I saw Sea Grill I knew it was a mobile website.. I've seen that before.

Does not work in the same aspect that you can load it on your phone like an actual app. Actually if you go to cmonova.com you will pull that mobile site on your phone. But, the goal is to have an actual app in the marketplace for customers to download and put on their phones.

Again 17.7 Billion apps installed, people use apps. Sure they can search the internet from their phones but Apps is a massive market and one I think a business should be in.

That is correct. I understand, it is not an app, but works the same way as far as presentation goes.

Again, I understand the value of an app, but the way I read it, it seemed like you might have invested a bit. Was just trying to say there may be some cheaper solutions out there that do the same thing.

Again, was just a friendly tip

 

[ATTech]

The question isn't whether people use apps, it's whether they'll use your app. More power to you if it catches on, but I wouldn't spend time writing one unless I get specific feedback from a client saying "you know, it would be nice to have an app for your service." Maybe there is some value in the business support market?

 

[cmonova]

Smartphone Usage
(Average minutes per month)
Messaging 671
APPS 667
Voice 531
Web 442

Stats show apps are used. Did I or will I ask my customer "Will you use this app If I have it created?"...No I won't...What I will do is tell them the benefit of having the app and point them where to download it and install it.

It's no different than having a mobile version of you website. You would not ask your customers "hey do you think I need a mobile website"...You do it becuase it's the next step out there in the evolution of technology and being in the business you are going to utilize the latest things.

And yes there is a big market with our business customers but to us it's the same benefit to the home users we support...

 

[Cambridge PC Support]

Personally, I'd never install an app from my garage, plumber, electrician, or any other service unless it had some actual related function - ie tell my when my car MOT/service is coming up, when my boiler needs servicing, umm that's all I can think of for examples

If I needed a service then I'd Google it, but then I'm a techie and can't see it from Joe "non-techie" Bloggs viewpoint.

Unless I'm missing something, I can't see a lot of point in it .

But I'd love to see some numbers of installations and actual contact via the app and be proven completely wrong though.

Perhaps it could tell you when your computer is due it's 6-monthly service, or when it's virus subs are about to expire, reminding you to check your backups once a month, point you to various handy bits'n'bobs to keep you and your data safe.

Sorry rambling on, got woken up by our friendly neighbourhood crow at 5am this morning

 

[ProTech Support]

That is the point I was trying to get to. I think that app, in a website format would be more beneficial. Lets be honest, do you have an app for your mechanic? Do you want an app for your mechanic? Not really.

On the other hand, if a customer is hitting your website from a mobile device, something like your app or that picture I posted would be very beneficial to you and I think it is more practical.

 

[ATTech]

Smartphone Usage
(Average minutes per month)
Messaging 671
APPS 667
Voice 531
Web 442

Stats show apps are used

I acknowledged that apps are used.

Did I or will I ask my customer "Will you use this app If I have it created?"...No I won't...What I will do is tell them the benefit of having the app and point them where to download it and install it.

And hopefully they agree with the benefits and install it, or at least install it to appease you.

It's no different than having a mobile version of you website. You would not ask your customers "hey do you think I need a mobile website"...You do it becuase it's the next step out there in the evolution of technology and being in the business you are going to utilize the latest things.

No, I find that as two separate scenarios. Having a mobile version of your website is passive and simply makes it easier for a client to navigate your website in case they use a mobile device to do so. It's also likely to be much cheaper to implement. With a smartphone app, they have to actively download/install it, and actively use it.

And yes there is a big market with our business customers but to us it's the same benefit to the home users we support...

My point with business customers is that you have the ability to offer more than just Here's how to contact me type information. For example, maybe with maintenance contracts, they can check to see how many hours they have left, what pending invoices they have, etc.

 

[pcbox]

Smartphone Usage
(Average minutes per month)
Messaging 671
APPS 667
Voice 531
Web 442

Stats show apps are used. Did I or will I ask my customer "Will you use this app If I have it created?"...No I won't...What I will do is tell them the benefit of having the app and point them where to download it and install it.

It's no different than having a mobile version of you website. You would not ask your customers "hey do you think I need a mobile website"...You do it becuase it's the next step out there in the evolution of technology and being in the business you are going to utilize the latest things.

And yes there is a big market with our business customers but to us it's the same benefit to the home users we support...

Having an app is definitely a good idea, but I think you should add some useful features for mobile users such as 'track your repair' or something similar that is specific to them, otherwise, as other users are saying it's basically just an app version of the mobile site.

If that's what you're going for this you will save a ton of development time on the iphone app by reading and implementing this script, or something similar:

http://cubiq.org/add-to-home-screen

It guides the user through adding a mobile website as an app to their homescreen (which is a built in function of mobile safari)

 

[14049752]

I have to agree with a few of the others...it seems like wasted money to me. What's the benefit of the app, as opposed to the customer just storing your phone number in their contact list? Not much, from my perspective.
One thing I think it's definitely missing, though, is a navigation feature to guide the person to the shops.

Your argument of "billions of apps are download" is kind of over simplifying things. There are lots of apps used, but they're used for things people already want to use and stay connected with. Few people, if any, are going to be using your app daily...where as most of the other apps are...and that's why they're downloaded. Not only that, someone looking for computer repair isn't going to search the market...they're going to use the built in google search and pull up your site. It's all in how apps are used and how they compliment what people already do... I'm sure some people will use it, just because it's there, but mostly I doubt it'll get many downloads.

 

[cmonova]

Do I have an app for my mechanic or plumber...nope sure don't...Will I...yes sure will.

Fortunetly my customer don't typically apease me..nor do I apease them

The cubig is nice but don't believe it's for androids.

I would not plan on our customers using the app on a daily basis and of course down the road we can make changes and
add functions if need be.

Not really concerned about the navigation maybe something to add...But, it's for our customers who already know were
we are located.

Here's the bottom line...This will work Hows that for positive. To me this is no different than anything else we do and it's staying on top of technology and offering it to our customers. Same exact thing as when I threw out there about doing SMS advertising and customers receiving text messages...All I heard was "won't work" , "my customers won't use it", "I don't do that myself"...Well I guess it'a all how you present things in your business and to your customers. We have hundreds that subscribe to our text because they see the benefit and it brings in at least $250-$500 on any given month.

So do these types of technology marketing tools work...sure they do...but it's all in how you present it and if you believe in it yourself.

 

[colonydata]

sorry but looking at that i do not see the value presently of a native app vs. a mobile web app. not sure about android but you can make a web app look like a native app, right down to the icon on the home screen.

i suppose the advantage would be that its eaiser to explain how to install. but i could fix that by making a native app that is made of a browser object that opens a mobile site. that would be easier to integrate with my backend systems anyway.

 

[dgiles79]

I like it. The main thing it adds is convenience for the customer. If their computer goes down, and they have your app that can call you or request service etc, I think you will be their first choice.

Will it bring you a lot of additional business? Maybe, maybe not. But I think adding your business presence to the app world can only be a good thing.

 

[Haktar]

just Downloaded it and its pretty cool, theonly thing i would say is, i think the find us button should open google maps for navigation not take you to a site

 

[cmonova]

@dgiles79....ding...ding...you get the concept and that is great...convenience +1

@haktar...Not sure about the "find us"..theres a visit our website and an about us...but no "find us"