When you run a business, you want your customers to be able to buy your products as easily as possible, that’s not only good for you, but also for your clients. In order to make your customers happy and maximise your sales you want to minimise the number of potential hurdles when clients are purchasing your product/service.
Some of the most common ways to give your clients access to your product / services are: social media, a website or an app. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages so let’s take a look at the two most popular ones: app vs. web based storefront (website).
Starting off with costs and the work needed to set an App, unless you are a developer, you have to hire someone to build it for you which will be very expensive, especially considering you have to make one for both Android and iOS. Some third party providers offer you a customisable app (for a subscription) but these are generally expensive and not as promising as they make them sound.
On the other hand, with a web based solution there are more options for you, as you can create your own website (with all website builders services available) or pay for a booking/website third party (or even a developer if you want it really personalised).
For example, Fitune creates a website for all your activities and classes, so clients can easily book with a couple of clicks, and the best part is it only takes a few minutes to set up.
Now, from your clients’ perspective there are a couple of things to consider.
When it comes to an app, they have to go through the trouble of downloading it, this is the first hurdle. It will also take more storage of their devices, most users don’t have free space on their devices so they tend to dislike downloading an app in order to buy / book; this is the second hurdle.
Web based solutions are lighter, as it doesn’t matter what OS (operating system) they have. Your clients can buy / book on any browser and/or device, without having to install anything.
Studies suggest clients prefer web based solutions as they have their preferred way of booking and streaming (either with a laptop, phone, smart tv etc).
We understand that using an app provides quick access from their mobile device, but you don’t have to give up that when using a web based storefront. Here’s a tip on how to get the same convenience:
The steps may vary a little depending on the browser your clients are using, but it is usually like this:
Once they are on your storefront on their preferred device, they need to find the option that says Add to home screen.
Then they have the option to name the shortcut, which is cool because they can put your business name. They have to click on Add and then Add automatically.
Now they have quick access like if it was an app, but much better because it has all the benefits we talked about earlier. Pretty cool, huh?
Lastly, when you are marketing your business, it is much easier and effective to do it with a web-based solution, rather than an app. You can check this other blog that explains how to market your online business.
