Categories
App Everywhere B2B Apps Mobile Apps Push Notifications

Push Messaging: How they work and how to use them

Push messaging, also known as push notifications are one of the strongest tools to engage listeners.
Before we get into the “hows” of push messages, let’s cover what a push message is exactly. Push messages are messages from an app publisher that are “pushed” directly to the user’s notification tray on their mobile device. Therefore, the notification pushes them to open up your app and engage.
But, before you just start sending out a million messages to your listeners, it is important to know how they work and exactly how to use them.

How Push Messages Work:

When a listener clicks on your push notification message they’ll land directly in your app or web page. You can set up your notification to either take your listeners to your home page or send them to a specific page that relates to the push message.
Push messaging works for three reasons:

  1. Urgency
  2. Timeliness
  3. Call to action

All three of these elements create engagement with your app and your listeners. Check out our webinar Push Notifications 101 to learn more.

How to Use Push Messages:

It is important to know your listeners and to know what they would like to receive from you through push notifications. Some ways to use push messages include:

  • Breaking News Alerts
  • Event Reminders
  • Program Alerts
  • Weather Updates
  • Contests
  • Coupons and Discounts

These are just a few of the common push messages that have seen successful open rates. These types of messages will pull in your listeners to your app and keep them engaged and excited for future events and reminders. Check out our webinar Push Notifications 101 to learn more.
Push messages are the tools that will help take your mobile app to the next level and we’d love to help you do it with our push notification solution. Contact our Director of Business Development, Sari Zalesin sari@jacapps.com or 248-353-9030

Categories
App Everywhere Mobile Apps Push Notifications

Another Step Towards A Fully Mobile World

As you may know, today’s world is becoming more mobile each and every day. This could be scary for some people but, it is a huge benefit for most and for business efficiency.
What is the big new invention that is getting people talking?!
Apple recently announced their new credit card, the Apple Card! This credit card really kicks it up when we are talking about turning our world truly mobile. As Apple says, “There’s never been a card this smart.” Apple Card lives on your iPhone and makes your life easier. Some of the hardest and most annoying tasks you had to do in the past are now done in the palm of your hand with just a click of a button.

Here are some of features the Apple Card has:

 
Tracking and Reporting:
This Apple Card has one of the easiest tracking systems to keep you updated and alert to what you are spending, when you are spending and where you are spending.
The Apple Card Wallet app on your iPhone will allow you to see weekly summaries and monthly summaries. There is no need for you to have to have separate banking apps or websites, it is all totaled and laid out for you in your mobile apple wallet that you can decided if you would like weekly or monthly reports.
And if you didn’t think that was easy enough… it gets even easier! Apple Card makes it easy to spot trends in your spending, so you can decide if you need or want to change those trends.
 
Maps:
Have you ever gone back to your bank statement and wondered, wait, where was this $50 charge from? Well, you don’t have to worry anymore… Apple Card pin points the exact address of the charge that gives you the name of the store, restaurant, building, etc and locates it the map for you!
 
Daily Cash:
Apple Card has created one of the easiest systems for cash back, and as they say, “Daily Cash that’s even easier to spend than cash”
No matter where you are using you Apple Card it gives you Apple Cash on every single purchase you make and goes into your Apple Cash card in your Wallet app, and you can just spend that cash with just a tap.
 
Payments Made Simple:
Well, we all know the worst thing about having credit cards… the payments. But, Apple Card has made payments a little less stressful. On your mobile Apple Card Wallet app, it clearly shows how to save on interest. Apple Card helps you by keeping track of your payments and also gives you suggestions of when you should pay them off. It also will notify you when your payments are due. No more stress of rushing to meet your payment deadline!
These are just a few features of the Apple Card that can make your life more efficient and less stressful through mobile. With mobile becoming the most popular and efficient tool it is helpful to stay on top of all the latest trends to help keep your business performing efficiently!
We would love to talk to you about your mobile strategy to help you take your company to the next level in the mobile world. Contact our Director of Business Development, Sari Zalesin. sari@jacapp.scom or 248-353-9030

Categories
Awards Mobile Apps Mobile Web

jācapps Named a Top Detroit Developer by Clutch

At jācapps we are inspired by the rapidly changing ecosystem of digital technology. This constant state of flux motivates us to be the top provider of innovative development products and apps that give our customers the best app in the market. Since our founding in 2008, we have adapted our techniques to incorporate the newest and most effective technologies so that your firm can focus on its bottom line, reaping all the benefits of your investment in us.
Our team works around the clock to make sure that we provide nothing less than exceptional service for our clients and we are proud to announce that our work has been recognized; we have been selected as a 2019 Leading Developer in Detroit by Clutch! A central piece in the ever-growing tech industry, Clutch is a web service provider and reviews platform that facilitates connections and disseminates information between firms seeking service providers, such as development firms like us and firms providing specific services such as Video Production or Social Media Marketing.

We are very excited to be included in this report as a result of our versatile expertise. In fact, we are featured among the leading UX design agencies in Detroit for 2019 and we view this as a testament to our ability to successfully deliver both well designed and developed products. Clutch rigorously evaluates firms before profiling them on their website and we were selected for this recognition based on our firm’s outstanding ability to deliver, our remarkable client satisfaction, and our overall brand strength. You can read our reviews on our Clutch Profile.
In addition to our presence on Clutch, our positive reviews have also led to our inclusion on The Manifest and Visual Objects, two of Clutch’s sister sites that provide additional resources and information for companies seeking solutions to their business problems. We have been named among the top mobile app development companies by The Manifest, a useful site that provides how-to-guides and valuable information for companies navigating the buyer’s journey. We are also excited to share our feature on Visual Objects- an innovative digital portfolio website, where we have been named among other top app developers.
Overall, we would like to thank our team here at jācapps for dedicating their time and efforts to helping us become a 2019 Clutch Leading Developer in Detroit. We remain dedicated to our pursuit of innovation and to pushing the barriers of technological development in the modern age. We look forward to the new projects we will undertake in the years to come and we are always here for your firm’s development needs!

Categories
Alexa Amazon Echo App Everywhere B2B Apps Mobile Apps Push Notifications Smart Home Voice Commands

3 Reasons Why Radio Stations Should Have an Alexa Skill

Smart speakers give radio the chance to bring back in-home listening. Listeners can now engage with their favorite radio stations by just using their voice to ask Alexa to play their favorite radio station in their bedroom, bathroom, living room, kitchen, etc.

Here are 3 reasons why radio stations should have an Alexa skill:

 
1. Engage your listeners by bringing back listening to your home
Alexa skills are giving your listeners the opportunity to listen to their favorite radio stations in their home! One key trend to keep in mind is that consumers are forming new habits and radio broadcasters have an opportunity to benefit from the changes in technology, voice, and interactive audio devices. Consumers today ask their Alexa device what the weather is like, to set a timer, or make a grocery list. They also want to listen to music while cleaning their house, cooking, relaxing, hanging out with friends… and now they have the chance to  just ask Alexa!
2. Control the Listener Experience 
Many radio streams are available today on Alexa through TuneIn. So, one may ask, “Why do I need an Alexa skill if I’m already on Alexa?” There are so many stations on TuneIn that many have the same name and you cannot be sure listeners will find your stream. Additionally, with TuneIn there is no opportunity to offer on-demand listening to your shows or your podcasts.
Having your own Alexa skill allows you to showcase your station’s personality right up front. It allows you to truly connect with your listeners and control their experience by making sure they are tuning in to your radio station.
3. Claim your name
When dealing with Amazon Alexa, you will ask for the radio station by name and Alexa needs to know the right phrase or “invocation”. Searching for content by voice doesn’t let you show the top ten search results, instead if offers only the top search result. So you have to get it right!
When you are thinking about getting an Alexa skill for your radio station, keep in mind the invocation names of the voice web are assigned on a first come first serve basis.
UX
 
Here’s a little fun fact to wrap it up…Some stations are finding that as much as 25% of their streaming is on smart speakers!
Smart speakers are truly taking over. They help build your audience, engage your audience, and connect with your listeners now more than ever.
We would love to talk mobile strategy and Alexa skills with you to help engage your audience. Contact our Director of Business Development, Sari Zalesin. sari@jacapps.com or 248-353-9030

Categories
B2B Apps

How to Know It’s Time to Build a Company App

Apps are ubiquitous in today’s world. But as a small business that’s mindful of its budget and goals, how can you know when to invest in creating your own company app? While it’s different for each company, here are four indicators that day has come.

You Have a Clear Purpose

Don’t create a mobile app just because everyone else is doing it. To have a successful app experience, your business needs to know exactly what it wants from the app. Many small businesses assume that apps will generate new customers, but this isn’t often the case. This should be more about making your best customers better.

Decide on your company’s priorities. Do you want the app to handle direct sales? To teach customers about your business? To facilitate service calls? To make data easier to transmit between both sides? To provide self-service tools? To increase brand awareness? To provide a substantially different experience than other platforms?

An app needs focus in order to do one or two things well. Having too many competing priorities will likely water down its effectiveness in key areas.

Both Sides Will Benefit

Any business relationship is built upon both sides benefiting from the arrangement. An app is just the same. Identifying how your company benefits from the app is usually fairly easy. You get more data on your customers and their interests or needs. Your brand is more accessible and publicized. You get a boost in sales or attract a younger crowd of digital natives.

But make sure you never lose touch with the benefits to your customers. If you ask them to download an app for your business relationship, they’ll need a strong motivation and reward to do so.

Will they experience faster, easier orders? Will they get loyalty benefits, such as free returns or discounts? Are there dedicated team members to help app customers? Can you offer special deals only available on the app? And how will these benefits be made long-lasting enough to make downloading worth the effort? Consider how your business will answer these questions.

You Can Track the Benefits

How will you determine if your app is being successful in meeting its goals? This is an investment in time and money, so there should be concrete measurements that you can track and learn from. Will that metric be in direct sales? In referrals? In customer satisfaction as defined by surveys or more retained customers? How will you measure things like brand awareness or self-sufficiency among customers?

Generally, a business should start on the simpler end of things to see how the app functions and achieves its specific requirements. This allows you to focus on the core elements and measure the more easily. As you know what’s working and what isn’t, add to its functionality or experience with new features.

Your Budget Can Handle It

An app may appear deceptively simple, but it takes an investment to get it up and running — and then to keep it that way. You’ll have to maintain the apps and integrate them all into your existing techology.

Most small businesses outsource this work, so work with a quality app developer to find out what ongoing investment will be required to make the app what you want. Define what concrete financial goals will make that investment worthwhile.

Do you think that an app would enhance your company’s interactions with customers? Whether you’re just investigating the options or have a thorough idea of what you need, start your app journey by visiting jācapps today. Our app professionals will help you create the right app to fit your business’s needs and budget. Call today to learn more.

Categories
B2B Apps

How to Know It's Time to Build a Company App

Apps are ubiquitous in today’s world. But as a small business that’s mindful of its budget and goals, how can you know when to invest in creating your own company app? While it’s different for each company, here are four indicators that day has come.
You Have a Clear Purpose
Don’t create a mobile app just because everyone else is doing it. To have a successful app experience, your business needs to know exactly what it wants from the app. Many small businesses assume that apps will generate new customers, but this isn’t often the case. This should be more about making your best customers better.
Decide on your company’s priorities. Do you want the app to handle direct sales? To teach customers about your business? To facilitate service calls? To make data easier to transmit between both sides? To provide self-service tools? To increase brand awareness? To provide a substantially different experience than other platforms?
An app needs focus in order to do one or two things well. Having too many competing priorities will likely water down its effectiveness in key areas.
Both Sides Will Benefit
Any business relationship is built upon both sides benefiting from the arrangement. An app is just the same. Identifying how your company benefits from the app is usually fairly easy. You get more data on your customers and their interests or needs. Your brand is more accessible and publicized. You get a boost in sales or attract a younger crowd of digital natives.
But make sure you never lose touch with the benefits to your customers. If you ask them to download an app for your business relationship, they’ll need a strong motivation and reward to do so.
Will they experience faster, easier orders? Will they get loyalty benefits, such as free returns or discounts? Are there dedicated team members to help app customers? Can you offer special deals only available on the app? And how will these benefits be made long-lasting enough to make downloading worth the effort? Consider how your business will answer these questions.
You Can Track the Benefits
How will you determine if your app is being successful in meeting its goals? This is an investment in time and money, so there should be concrete measurements that you can track and learn from. Will that metric be in direct sales? In referrals? In customer satisfaction as defined by surveys or more retained customers? How will you measure things like brand awareness or self-sufficiency among customers?
Generally, a business should start on the simpler end of things to see how the app functions and achieves its specific requirements. This allows you to focus on the core elements and measure the more easily. As you know what’s working and what isn’t, add to its functionality or experience with new features.
Your Budget Can Handle It
An app may appear deceptively simple, but it takes an investment to get it up and running — and then to keep it that way. You’ll have to maintain the apps and integrate them all into your existing techology.
Most small businesses outsource this work, so work with a quality app developer to find out what ongoing investment will be required to make the app what you want. Define what concrete financial goals will make that investment worthwhile.
Do you think that an app would enhance your company’s interactions with customers? Whether you’re just investigating the options or have a thorough idea of what you need, start your app journey by visiting jācapps today. Our app professionals will help you create the right app to fit your business’s needs and budget. Call today to learn more.

Categories
B2B Apps

5 Key Customer Service Ingredients for Your Company App

Your company’s app can be a source of great cooperation and communication between your business and its customers. By focusing on how to provide customer service directly through the app itself, you can save time, money, and frustration for everyone.
What customer services should you include when designing an interactive app? Here are five key ingredients.

  1. Ticket Tracking

If you provide services or repairs, your app should help customers understand the progress and outcomes of those services. Give them the ability to request a service within the app and then follow its progress on their own — right through the app and without a call to your staff.
Help ticket tracking might include confirmations of the order, regular updates by team members working on the service or repairs, shipping confirmations, and package or location tracking information. You may also want to use tracking to communicate directly with customers so that they feel more personally attended to.

  1. Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions, or FAQs, are self-help aids where people can find answers to common concerns and directions for doing common activities. FAQ sections in apps reduce the need for customers to call or email your staff, saving time and money. They also save the customer frustration from not knowing how to answer a simple question that should take a minute or two to learn.
Work with staff, customer service representatives, and actual customers to determine what to include in your FAQ list. Generally, it would include directions for using the app or portal, company policies, product specifics, and return or replacement information.
Avoid making it too long, but tweak it regularly as new issues arise and others become less important. And if possible, make it easily searchable to serve as a knowledge base.

  1. Direct Messaging

Help customers direct inquiries to your company easily and quickly with some kind of in-app messaging capability. When they have questions, requiring customers to log into their email or pick up a phone to call you will increase stress and annoyance — setting up your company for failure.
A great answer is to add one, two, or three methods to contact company personnel right then and there. Along with phone numbers and email addresses prominently displayed, include live chat that prompts users to simply reach out with their questions. And empower your staff manning these chats to do what they can to resolve customer concerns quickly and seamlessly.

  1. Log-In Accounts

Having customers log in as early in their app experience as possible helps boost customer service. Their own order or account information will come up right away, leaving them less stranded in finding what they want to see. And if they contact your staff through built-in methods, you’ll have more information about them and their needs, which will lead to less guesswork and less repetition of information.
Customers should also be able to initiate changes or returns through their own accounts.

  1. Community Connections

Direct customers to your larger community. Place social media links prominently and repeatedly, directing them to places they can learn more about your services and find others to talk to about your products.
Social media is a powerful tool to help avoid larger customer grievances, so pay attention to it and be responsive. By freely directing customers to your own social networks, you are proactive about their customer experience.
Make your app a great customer service tool by focusing on how you can help them to help themselves as well as connect them with your live customer service avenues. At jācapps, we specialize in designing the best app experience for you and your customers. Call today to make an appointment to learn more.

Categories
B2B Apps Mobile Apps Push Notifications

Push Notifications 101: Webinar Recap

Recently, jācapps COO Bob Kernen presented a webinar about push notification and how  they create powerful engagement with radio listeners.  Like any aspect of a mobile app, function needs to support a larger strategy.  Push notifications are exactly that – they empower a radio station to connect directly with the audience to drive engagement as well as listening.  They are simple and effective, and every mobile app should include them in their app.
Throughout this webinar Kernen talks about the basics of push notifications, best practices, common mistakes and our effective push notifications solution.

Here are some of the key findings you’ll hear on the webinar:

 
Why push:

  • They increase engagement
  • They increase ratings
  • They increase revenue

Great uses of  push notifications:

  • Breaking news
  • Event reminders
  • Program alerts
  • Weather updates
  • Contests
  • Coupons and discounts

How push notifications work:

  • When a listener clicks on your push notification message they’ll be sent directly to your app or web page for more information, to register for a contest, or to engage with some content, like a podcast or video.
  • Push messages are also effective alerting the audience to something coming up on the air (a special guest, a contest, or even a special song) or an event or concert that is about to start.

Why push notifications work:

  • They appear on the most important device a listener can have (and sleep with) – their smartphone
  • Urgency
  • Timeliness
  • Call to action


The four crucial elements to developing a good push messaging strategy:

  1. Relevance
  2. Brevity
  3. Timeliness
  4. Call to action

Having these four key ingredients will help stations create the most effective and successful push message to radio listeners. Download our webinar to see how each of the ingredients are broken down further to be sure the perfect message is created.
One thing to remember is that you still need to do a little maintenance with your push notifications after you hit “send!” This will help you track and create the best push notifications possible. This deals with the analytics of push notifications. As Kernen states “The objective is to continually improve your messages to improve your results…and it does take time”
One last thing to touch on…our team has built a push notifications solution that truly fits the radio and media industry, here’s why:

  • Affordability
  • Simple and easy-to-use
  • Use topics to target just the right listeners
  • Schedule messages in advance
  • Analytics package.

We’d love to help you take your mobile app to the next level with our push notification solution! Contact our Director of Business Development, Sari Zalesin sari@jacapps.com 248-353-9030
Don’t forget to check out Push Notifications 101 Webinar to get the full details on our affordable, easy-to-use push notifications solution!