Author: Alena Annarelli

Categories
B2B Apps

Apps aren’t always obvious

One of the things we’ve learned over the past nine years we’ve been doing mobile applications is that there are an almost infinite number of ways mobile can improve a business.

When Stoneco of Michigan came to us, we weren’t sure how a large hauler of aggregate would use mobile. Stoneco realized they needed a more efficient way to communicate available inventory to its on-site and on-the-road customers. They were also unable to effectively communicate extended hours and other schedule changes to their broad customer base. In addition to this, Stoneco was looking to streamline quote, quality control, and order requests.

The app we built them is designed to help facilitate instant communication with Stoneco’s customers. Using the app, customers can:

  • Receive real time updates on product availability
  • Request a quote
  • Place an order
  • Set up delivery for an existing order
  • Contact sales
  • Contact dispatch
  • Contact quality control
  • View hours of operation at each site
  • View available products by location

Stoneco’s initial launch has seen all their top customers downloading and utilizing the application. Their current download count of 200 users may seem small. But because it’s the right 200 users, the app has delivered huge benefits for Stoneco’s business. And now that customers are in the habit the utilization is only expected to climb as their customers head into the 2018 construction season.

“Stoneco needed a smartphone app that could deliver real time updates to a wide range of customers and provide a streamlined way to receive requests from those customers. jācapps provided the complete solution to our needs and continues to exceed all our expectations in a professional, timely manner.” – Paul Cuthbert, Sales Manager, Stoneco of MI

It’s important for businesses to think innovatively about how mobile can help them. Unique uses of mobile we’ve executed include reaching consumers directly, or connecting business to business customers, or even apps that facilitate communications among a business’ staff. Whatever the need, we can help you figure out the right application.

To learn more about how mobile apps can benefit your business, reach out to us at 248-353-9030 or marketing@jacapps.com we love talking mobile!

Categories
B2B Apps

Apps aren't always obvious

One of the things we’ve learned over the past nine years we’ve been doing mobile applications is that there are an almost infinite number of ways mobile can improve a business.
When Stoneco of Michigan came to us, we weren’t sure how a large hauler of aggregate would use mobile. Stoneco realized they needed a more efficient way to communicate available inventory to its on-site and on-the-road customers. They were also unable to effectively communicate extended hours and other schedule changes to their broad customer base. In addition to this, Stoneco was looking to streamline quote, quality control, and order requests.
The app we built them is designed to help facilitate instant communication with Stoneco’s customers. Using the app, customers can:

  • Receive real time updates on product availability
  • Request a quote
  • Place an order
  • Set up delivery for an existing order
  • Contact sales
  • Contact dispatch
  • Contact quality control
  • View hours of operation at each site
  • View available products by location

Stoneco’s initial launch has seen all their top customers downloading and utilizing the application. Their current download count of 200 users may seem small. But because it’s the right 200 users, the app has delivered huge benefits for Stoneco’s business. And now that customers are in the habit the utilization is only expected to climb as their customers head into the 2018 construction season.
“Stoneco needed a smartphone app that could deliver real time updates to a wide range of customers and provide a streamlined way to receive requests from those customers. jācapps provided the complete solution to our needs and continues to exceed all our expectations in a professional, timely manner.” – Paul Cuthbert, Sales Manager, Stoneco of MI
It’s important for businesses to think innovatively about how mobile can help them. Unique uses of mobile we’ve executed include reaching consumers directly, or connecting business to business customers, or even apps that facilitate communications among a business’ staff. Whatever the need, we can help you figure out the right application.
To learn more about how mobile apps can benefit your business, reach out to us at 248-353-9030 or marketing@jacapps.com we love talking mobile!

Categories
Mobile Apps

The Difference Between Native Apps and Hybrid Apps

Melbourne, Australia - May 23, 2016: Close-up view of Google Play Store on Android smartphone and Apple's App Store on iPhone. Both stores allow users to download app, music, movies and TV shows.

Over the last few years, many businesses have made the commitment to mobile. They understand the power of having a mobile app, and how it can grow their brand, reach consumers, and capture more revenue. There is more than one approach to mobile, and one of the first strategic decisions you’ll have to make is: Native or Hybrid.

Here’s a quick rundown on both native apps and hybrid apps

Native apps are developed specifically for a given mobile operating system (OS). This type of app follows the technical and user experience (UX) guidelines of that particular OS. The reason for this is so that the code runs more efficiently and that each function of the app will work smoothly with the device’s internal tools such as the camera, microphone, compass, accelerometer, gestures, etc. This allows for faster performance and an app that “feels right” to the end user based on their experience of and knowledge of the Android or Apple operating system. Since all native apps must follow the same guidelines, each one will have a look and feel that’s consistent with other native apps on the device. This means it will take less time for users to familiarize themselves with your app.
Hybrid apps are essentially driven by a company’s website. This kind of app loads most of the information on the screen as the user navigates their way through the app versus a native app that downloads most of the content when the user initially installs the app. Since one app can be released across multiple operating systems, hybrid apps are typically easier to develop. This makes life easier for the developer since they only have to maintain one version of the source code. What this also means is that getting the app into each app store takes less time and effort because there are fewer requirements to meet. Furthermore, updating a hybrid app is much simpler for the user. Instead of updating the app through the respective app store, the user will see updates within the app as they navigate through it – unless a new feature that dramatically changes the user experience is added.

Which route should your business take?

There is no wrong choice when it comes to deciding which route to take for your mobile app. However, there is a better choice and that choice is native apps. Overall, native apps perform better than hybrid apps, offer the highest security possible, and present a better experience for the end user. The user experience is probably the most important difference. In fact, according to Dynatrace, almost half of consumers are less likely to use the mobile app again due to a poor experience – and 34% would switch to a competitor’s mobile app. Click here to learn more about the importance of mobile UX.
 
Source: Dynatrace Mobile App Survey Report
Check out a few of the native apps that we’ve developed here. To learn more about how mobile apps can benefit your business, reach out to us at 248-353-9030 or marketing@jacapps.com we love talking mobile!

Categories
Mobile Apps

4 Essentials Needed to Build You a Great Mobile App

Mobile App Development, Experienced Team. Flat 3d isometric. Vector illustrations. EPS10 and JPG are available

The appeal of having a mobile app for your business is obvious. Just ask any smartphone user what some of their favorite apps are and they will have a a few favorites on the top of their head. Now if you were to ask them their favorite mobile website, you’ll most likely hear crickets chirping. It’s no secret why having an app can help grow your business so we wanted to provide you with a list of essentials needed before an app can go into production for your business.

Here are 4 things you need before we can build your brand the next great app.

  1. Apple Developer Account

One of the first things you’ll need to secure is a developer account from Apple. This account costs $99 USD per year and there is also an enterprise version which costs $299 USD annually. Users can post questions and share their thoughts with fellow developers and Apple engineers, submit bug reports and request enhancements, as well as receive personalized help by contacting Apple directly.
To set one up, and for more information, visit developer.apple.com.

  1. UDIDs (iPhone only)

A Unique Device Identifier, or UDID, is a sequence of 40 numbers and letters specific to each device. To find out what your UDID is, visit whatsmyudid.com (using Safari on your iPhone) then follow the prompts.
Here’s an example of what a UDID looks like: 2b6f0cc904d137be2e1730235f5664094b831186

  1. Images and artwork

To get started, we’ll need images and artwork specific to both iOS and Android devices, along with ones that can be used for both. For iOS, we’ll need one for the App Store listing along with one for an icon image (what appears on the user’s screen next to their other apps). For Android, we ask for a store listing image as well as a feature graphic. A header image is required for both iOS and Android. Sizes and examples can be viewed in the image below.
mobile app

  1. Feed and Stream Links

Your news and social media feeds are not only essential to keeping your audience engaged. They’re necessary for us to get started as well. This includes your RSS and/or XML feed(s). If you’re unsure how to provide us with these feeds, we are more than happy to help guide you through the process to get exactly what we are looking for.
OPTIONAL: Google Developer Account
Upon registration, there is a one-time fee of $25 USD. With this account, users can access development tools, manage their store presence, track app performance from their Android device, and receive help with publishing, security, and much more. Additional information can be found here.
Note: If you choose not to set up your own Google Developer Account we will build the app in our own account.
To sign up, visit Google Play then follow the prompts.
To learn more about how mobile apps can benefit your business, reach out to us at 248-353-9030 or marketing@jacapps.com we love talking mobile!

Categories
Mobile Apps

3 Reasons Why Small Businesses Should Have a Mobile App

A few years ago, building a mobile app was a challenge for most small businesses. The high costs involved and commitment of a mobile development team deterred many small businesses from creating an app for their brand. But with new technologies, and the massive popularity of mobile apps, creating an app is now easier and more convenient than ever before.
Small businesses should take advantage of this lucrative space. Here are some reasons why:

  1. Apps help increase sales
    Loyalty programs can be used to reward frequent shoppers, or help turn a seldom shopper into a frequent shopper. Doing this through an app eliminates the need to print out loyalty cards or worry about tracking transactions; everything is done conveniently through the user’s mobile device, saving your business time, effort, and money. Furthermore, if you know what products your customers enjoy, push notifications can help you increase revenue too. Sending them offers about products they’re interested in during off-peak hours will help your business add to its bottom line.
  2. Apps can help improve customer experience
    Through apps, you can offer consumers coupons and send announcements directly to their smartphone (or any other mobile device) which creates a more convenient way for them to browse, compare, and order your products/services. It can also provide post-sales support and information. Data that can be collected using apps provides insights into how customers interact with your brand. Small businesses can use this information to their advantage and personalize a great in-app experience tailored for each individual customer.
  3. Apps can help maintain a competitive advantage
    People prefer apps over mobile websites. In fact, 87% of all time spent on mobile devices is spent using apps. Even further, comScore reports that among the top 1,000 apps and mobile websites, apps have an audience that’s 2.5 times as big and growing twice as fast*. If you can effectively, and consistently, promote your business’s app and remain one of the 27 apps that smartphone owners use per month, it won’t be hard to maintain a competitive advantage within your industry.

To learn more about how mobile apps can help your small business grow, reach out to us at 248-353-9030 or marketing@jacapps.com.
 
*comScore 2015 U.S. Mobile App Report

Categories
B2B Apps Mobile Apps

How B2B Apps Can Help Your Business

Portrait of young woman sitting at her desk with laptop and adhesive notes using mobile phone. Asian businesswoman working in modern office.

Email has long been the main communication tool for business owners who are constantly on the go. However, mobile apps are becoming powerful tools for accomplishing detailed tasks while out of the office. And increasingly, apps make sense for businesses that never sell directly to consumers, but instead are focused on other businesses.
Compared to B2C (business-to-consumer) apps, target audiences for B2B (business-to-business) apps are easier to identify. These apps are typically created to solve a specific problem such as providing potential customers, or sales reps, detailed product information. By doing this in a mobile app, not only can the business provide easily accessed product details, they can easily update those details without having to replace reams of printed product brochures.
And B2B mobile apps are always connected and ready for business. Sales reps never have outdated information, and never “run out” of materials. Since most professionals have their own smart device that they carry with them wherever they go, mobile apps are just the right tool to accommodate this work-style. Messages can be sent, notifications/alerts can be viewed, and most importantly, orders can be placed any time of the day from any location more easily than with a traditional PC or laptop.
Here’s a good example of how a B2B app can help, the owner of a construction company is knee-deep in mud when he realizes he forgot to order the bricks required for an upcoming project. Rather than trek back and forth through the mud to log into his computer to make the order, he can instead pull his smartphone out of his pocket and order the supplies right then and there using a mobile app. It’s a win-win situation for both businesses (the construction company and the brick supplier) and the customer gets what they want as well!
Click here to set up a conversation with us about your mobile B2B strategy! You can also give us a call at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com.

Categories
App Everywhere Mobile Apps

Users Now Spend More than 2 Hours per Day with Mobile Apps

functions of a smartphone at hand

Users are spending more time in apps than ever before. In fact, a recent report from App Annie shows that users in the US averaged more than two hours and 15 minutes per day using apps. This amounts to over one month out of the entire year. In 2015, this number was below two hours – further proving the dominance of mobile apps and their ability to keep users engaged.
app everywhere mobile apps
If that doesn’t convince you of the sheer dominance apps have assumed, consider this. People use about 10 different apps every day, making them part of their daily habit – like brushing their teeth or eating dinner. This is because users rely on apps from many different categories, and with different tempos, from daily to weekly to even monthly. Some of the largest categories by average apps used are utilities and tools, productivity, social networking, and communication.
app everywhere mobile apps
It’s easy to understand why those categories lead the way. People want to get their tasks done conveniently and efficiently, and they also want to stay connected with their family and friends. From paying bills and checking account balances while in line at the coffee shop to catching up with friends who live in another state, mobile apps allow them to do just that.
At jācapps, we understand that mobile users are, indeed, mobile. People use apps on the treadmill at the gym, in the car on their way to and from work, in the supermarket, and even in their homes with devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home. From tablets, wearables, smart TVs, connected cars, and smart homes, apps are literally everywhere we go – and there’s no signs of slowing down.
That’s the reason why we stand behind our App Everywhere® strategy. With so much time being spent with apps, connecting with your audience wherever they are is essential to maintaining and growing your brand. Focusing on the end user and putting them first will help your app become a part of their daily lifestyle. To capture mobile users where they spend most of their time, you should think about how your brand can go one step beyond the competition and improve the customer experience.
If you’d like our expert input on your mobile strategy, click here to contact us today. You can also call 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com to set up some time to talk.

Categories
Podcasting Uncategorized

10 apps that you should be using during an emergency

Are You Ready sign against a stormy background with lightning and copy space. Dirty and angled sign adds to the drama.

Whether it be scrolling through social media posts, catching up on the latest news or hash tagging trending topics, we are constantly connected to our smartphones. However, lately the role of our mobile devices has taken on more urgency – like when an emergency or natural disaster strikes, most recently hurricanes Harvey, Irma and now, maybe, Maria.

Here are 10 apps that you should be using during an emergency:

  1. Medical ID – Android and iPhone

You can now access a Medical ID from the Emergency Call screen on your smartphone. This ID can be created in your pre-installed Health app and customized with name, birthdate, allergies, medications, emergency contacts, height, weight, blood type and organ donor information.

  1. ICE Standard app – Android and iPhone

This free app acts as a detailed medical card with the ability to add a color-coded medical status to show your medical status (high risk, medium risk, or good to go status). Police, EMS, FEMA and ER staff can access your medical information on the lock screen of your smartphone.

  1. Family Locator app – Android and iPhone

In case of an emergency you need your family to know that you’re safe. The Family Locator app shares your location to your personalized “circle” so they can access your location at any time. For someone traveling abroad or in an unfamiliar place, send arrival and departure locations to your circle.

  1. Red Panic Button app – Android and iPhone

A preset, personalized emergency message can be sent through email, text or social media to an emergency contact with the Red Panic Button app. The contact will also be sent your location once the button is pressed.

  1. SafeTrek app – Android and iPhone

Similar to Red Panic Button app, SafeTrek is a button that you hold down on your screen and let go once you’ve reached a safe place. If the deactivation pin is not entered within 10 seconds of releasing the button, police will be contacted and sent your location.

  1. SirenGPS app – Android and iPhone

Accesses your location and forwards it to police, paramedics or firefighters, depending on which button is pressed. A profile with your personal and medical information can be sent to emergency responders along with your location.

  1. Bugle app – iPhone only

Another useful location-tracking app that sends free alerts to an emergency contact. Utilize this app by creating an activity log, check-in time and destination that is sent to your emergency contact if you fail to log in.

  1. Guardly Mobile app – Android and iPhone

This app is ideal for companies and organizations in need of a mass alert system. Alerts can be sent to employees if there is an office crisis such as a safety hazard, fire alert, maintenance, harassment or theft.

  1. Disaster Alert – Android and iPhone

This app goes further than a local weather report by alerting you of “active hazards” happening around the world. Users receive notifications about natural disasters such as storms, volcanos, wildfire, earthquakes, floods and drought.

  1. Kitestring

If you or your loved ones do not have access to a smartphone, the Kitestring service can be used on any phone to alert others of your location through text. Like Bugle, it notifies your friends and family about your whereabouts if you do not respond to its check-in texts, but provides access to anyone without a smartphone. This service can be accessed through the Kitestring website.
As always, we’ve love to talk mobile with you. Click here to set up a conversation about your brand’s mobile strategy. You can also give us a call at 248-353-9030 or shoot us an email.

Categories
Podcasting Uncategorized

Key Takeaways From Podcast Movement

jācapps recently headed out to the Podcast Movement event held in Anaheim, CA to join the 2,000 professional and aspiring podcasters interested in the flourishing world of podcasting. The focus of discussion revolved around the evolving landscape of audio content and included discussions of technology, content and monetization. Attendees were hopeful and excited about the future of audio.  This included radio pros exploring the opportunities presented by this up-and-coming medium to podcasters eager to turn their enthusiasm into unique content. The event was infused with tremendous energy and the revolutionary spirit of people working to transform the world of audio content.

Jacobs Media digital dot connector, Seth Resler, discussing radio’s complicated relationship with podcasting at Podcast Movement 2017.

jācapps co-founder, Fred Jacobs, reported directly from Podcast Movement on his JacoBlog. Check out “Ten Takeaways from Podcast Movement” by KSWD Program Director Dave Beasing, and also Seth Resler’s “The Hidden Rock Stars of the Podcasting Movement.”
jācapps can get your podcast, or your station’s podcasts into the palm of your audience’s hands. Click here to reach out to us today. You can also give us a call at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com to learn how mobilizing your podcast can build your brand.
 

Categories
Uncategorized

Key Takeaways From PRPD Content Conference

Vector podcast concept in flat style - microphone and audio icons and signs

Washington D.C. was the temporary home to more than 400 public radio broadcasters last week for the annual PRPD Content Conference. The main topic discussed was the intriguing line being blurred by public/commercial radio broadcasting vs the podcasting world, or rather, the bridging of the two worlds. Examples of this were evident in the revealing moments showcased in the panel, “Podcast to Radio, Or Vice Versa? Exploring Potentials and Realities” moderated by Nathan Tobey. Specifically, when Molly Wood and Kai Ryssdal, a savvy veteran anchor, teamed up to do the “Make Me Smart” podcast, they found their styles and delivery set the stage for the flow of the podcast.
Podcasts and radio shows differ in the fact that a great podcast will move their listeners to search for it, download it and listen to it. While there is vast audience for radio, podcasts create a more interpersonal community that supports the podcasts they subscribe to and continue to come back to them. As audiences crave a more personal connection to the radio stations they listen to, the stations must adapt their delivery styles to convey a more personal relationship with their listeners. And of course, the majority of people consume their favorite podcasts on their mobile devices, so one way to cut through is to feature your podcasts on your app, or even create an app specifically for your podcast(s).
The Podcast Movement conference in Anaheim, CA wrapped up yesterday and we will provide highlights of the event next week.

Podcast Movement 2017: Broadcasters Meet Podcasters


The key to staying connected starts with us! Click here to reach out to us today. You can also give us a call at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com to learn how your station can stay connected.