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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 Sales reps never have outdated information, and never “run out” of materials.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.
 

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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.

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Uncategorized

Techsurvey13: What devices are your listeners using to listen to podcasts?

Side view of beautiful young woman in sunglasses adjusting her headphones and looking away with smile while sitting outdoors

Every year, our sister company, Jacobs Media, presents Techsurvey, the radio broadcasting industry’s largest online survey. Now, in its thirteenth year and with over 50,000 respondents, it identifies key consumer trends in the mobile, social, and connected car spaces. Techsurvey has helped radio stations better understand their brand and, more importantly, their audiences in a world where technology changes quickly. Podcasting has been central to Techsurvey the past several years. We asked respondents about their preferred podcast listening device. The responses say a lot about which piece of technology is (literally) closest to their hearts:

  • 51% of respondents prefer to listen to podcasts on their smartphone.
  • 30% reported that they listen to podcasts on their desktop/laptop.
  • 11% enjoy listening on their tablet.
  • 6% prefer listing on their in-car audio system.
  • 3% prefer to listen on their in-home audio system.

The number of active podcasts and their audiences continues to grow. Effectively reaching these listeners allows radio stations to grow their audience and spread the word about their station.
We will be attending the Podcast Movement in Anaheim, CA from August 23-25 and provide highlights of the event next week.  And, if you work in/around radio and would like $100 off your Podcast Movement registration, our sister company, Jacobs Media, was nice enough to provide a discount code. Use JACOBS100 for the $100 discount when you register here.

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.
 

Categories
Podcasting Radio Techsurvey

6 Ways Podcasting Can Help Your Business Grow

Back view of a teenager listening music with headphones from a smart phone on a vacations destination

With the growth of smart technology, podcasting has exploded in popularity.  The number of active podcasts and their listeners has skyrocketed, creating more opportunities for businesses to reach their target customers.  As Small Business Trends reports, there are 6 major benefits for companies that create podcasts:

  1. Alternative to video
    • Creating an attention grabbing video can be challenging for some businesses, as well as expensive.  Since we live in an “on the go” world, it can be more effective to provide audiences with content to listen to rather than watch.
  2. Audience generation
    • There are many opportunities to reach new audiences through podcasting.  Podcasting is a great way for interested people to sample your content.
  3. Build audience relationships
    • People form relationships with the podcasts they subscribe to.  They want to gain a sense of familiarity and trust from who they’re listening to.
  4. Easy to create
    • Podcasting is a cost effective way to reach your audience.  Most equipment is reasonably priced and basic editing software is free.
  5. Engagement tool
    • As previously stated, people want a sense of trust with the podcasters they listen to.  Products promoted on air are likely to be purchased by frequent listeners.  A survey conducted on 300,000 listeners found that 63% of listeners that responded purchased the products promoted by hosts.
  6. Improve public speaking skills
    • Hosting podcasts allows you to develop confidence in public speaking.  Speaking effectively to your target audience helps you to promote your business.

So, what’s the best way of delivering podcasts and other on-demand content to your audience? With a mobile app, of course. And an app that puts you front and center in the connected car ecosystem. More than a third of respondents reported driving while listening, so the car is an important place for your brand to deliver its content.
If you’re currently involved with podcasting, or looking to get involved, make sure to check out the largest gathering of podcasters in the world at Podcast Movement. This year, it takes place in Anaheim, CA from August 23-25. And, if you work in/around radio and would like $100 off your Podcast Movement registration, our sister company, Jacobs Media, was nice enough to provide a discount code. Use JACOBS100 for the $100 discount when you register here.

Podcast Movement 2017: Broadcasters Meet Podcasters


As always, you can reach out to us by clicking here. Or, you can give us a call at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com.

Categories
Amazon Echo Google Home Mobile UX Voice Commands

What is a “Template” vs. a “Platform” App?

Man using mobile payments online shopping and icon customer network connection on screen, m-banking and omni channel

Each type of app can bring different advantages for your company. Understanding those advantages help shape the goal of your app.

Deciding which type of app is right for your company is crucial  

When jācapps was formed back in 2008, we built every app from scratch. Development took a long time, repairs and updates were tedious, and flexibility was minimal. As we became more sophisticated, our development leaders had a vision to create a platform that would enable us to not only build, service, and update apps faster, but also provide an incredible amount of flexibility to our clients in layout, design, features, and functionality.
Concurrently, other developers were working on their own version, and a few have created a “templated” approach. In this model, app design, features, and functionality are uniform. The only thing different is the content in the app (the stream, links to social media, etc.).
Two approaches – both are credible and deliver on the promise to clients. Our approach is a modular, customizable platform. The other approach is a template.
Here’s why we believe the modular platform approach delivers more advantages to our clients than a template:

  1.  No two radio stations are the same. Sure, most radio station apps have streams, podcasts, social media, and more. But each radio station is its own brand. A Top 40 station in Wichita should reflect their brand and their market, and shouldn’t look like a Christian radio station in Madison. Some stations have huge morning shows that should be featured. Others should highlight social media. A template can’t provide that flexibility. A platform can.
  2. Different formats require different functionality. When our partner company, Jacobs Media, began conducting the TechSurvey, it became clear to us that audiences of different formats interact with their favorite radio station in unique ways. For example, Twitter use by Sports radio fans is through the roof, so our sports station clients can feature that on the main screen in their app. News stations in commercial and public radio feature a headline news feed on their main page, and music-oriented stations feature last-song played. A template can’t provide that flexibility. A platform can.
  3. A platform app can best reflect what’s on the air. One of the main advantages of a platform app is that it can be “programmed” to be responsive to what’s on the air. So, if the morning show has a special guest, the app can instantly be changed to feature a picture of the guest prior to them appearing, and then taken down when the interview is complete. Station promotions, contests and events can be showcased, and removed when the event is over. Templated apps are static, and cannot promote the station in as timely and effective a manner as a platform app.

 There are many other reasons why a flexible platform is the best solution for your mobile strategy. We have been fortunate to work with hundreds of radio stations over the past 8+ years, and they have inspired us to design our platform with the unique needs of their business in mind. The result is the most flexible, customizable, and reasonably priced solution going.
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of the jācapps platform, contact us at sales@jacapps.com.
 

Categories
Amazon Echo Google Home Mobile UX Voice Commands

The Importance of UX Without the Screen

UX

In today’s world, brands must increase user engagement, among other priorities, to stay relevant and meet their goals. These goals can be met with a mobile app, but it goes beyond just having an app for your business.

A good User Experience (UX) can mean the difference between success and failure

Many times, when we think of UX we think of wireframes and pretty colors. We consider whether a button color change would increase the purchase rate. But UX isn’t always on a screen. UX goes beyond the screen with audio products.
Designing for the suite of voice apps (Alexa, Google Home, and the HomePod) moves us away from visual representations and takes us to one single sense – sound.
As with all applications, user testing is critical. There are a few common red flags that come up when testing audio. One must make sure the audio demands make sense to the user. They should feel spontaneous and free of fluff. You must consider all the different accents and how they may be mispronounced. There also needs to be solid evidence that people would use the skill.
Done well, the audio platform takes your company and your product, off the screen and into the home.
At jācapps, we understand the end user and how they use mobile in a variety of settings – at home, at work, in the car, etc. We can help you build a UX strategy that works both on the screen and off the screen to reach your audience and keep them engaged wherever they may be.
Reach out to us today by clicking here. You can also give us a call at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com.

Categories
Connected Car Mobile Apps

The Car Continues to Evolve… Thanks to Mobile

mobile

The car and mobile technology have both come a long way. Over the years, technology like the radio, cassette player, CD player, and Bluetooth have all made their way into the car. Some have stayed, and some have been phased out. Over the past three years, tech giants Apple and Google have made their way into the car as well. Because of this, consumers are changing how they access their favorite music, personal playlists, and go-to podcasts when on the road.
It’s no secret why Apple and Google are trying to make a name for themselves in the car. Whether it’s the newest iPhone or the latest Samsung Galaxy, people consume media on their terms through the device of their choice. Per Techsurvey13, 64% of people can connect their mobile phone in the vehicle they drive or ride in most often. Apple and Google have capitalized on this by allowing drivers to seamlessly connect their mobile phones in the place where they spend hundreds of hours annually – their car.

Who can connect their mobile device in the car?

mobile
About 1 out of every 5 respondents to Techsurvey13 like the idea of autonomous cars. Soon the driver will have no need to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. Instead, their hands will likely be holding some sort of mobile device and their eyes will be glued to that. This opens the door for your brand to establish its place within the mobile ecosystem. One of the best ways to get your brand into the connected car is to enable your mobile app. That way, you are where your audience is.
Apple and Google getting involved is one indicator that drivers are more loyal to their OS/mobile device than they are to a car brand or radio station. No matter what kind of music your station plays, it won’t be able to compete with listeners’ preferences, subscriptions, and personal playlists. With our App Everywhere® initiative, we can help keep your brand connected within the connected car.
Let’s talk mobile! Click here to set up a conversation. You can also give us a call at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com.