Why You Should be Building Your Own B2B Marketing App

If you didn’t know, Kylie Jenner created an app. It’s called, of course, Kylie Jenner and offers it’s users indispensible updates on the 18-year-old’s “lyfe”, looks, and music choices. Created by Whalerock Digital Media, the app also fashions a live feed, giveaways, and an interactive offline experience. Oh, and according to Apptopia, it reached 1.75 million downloads during the first week of it’s availability, bringing in over $134,000 dollars.

Not convinced your business needs a mobile app, yet? Well, let’s give mobile apps some more context, shall we? According to Juniper Research, by 2020 there will be over 38.5 billion mobile device users on the planet. Still not convinced? If you’re a business owner here’s a list of why you should consider getting a mobile app for your business:

Mobile apps help build a direct marketing channel

At the touch of a button, your customers can receive important updates and promotions from your company. These push notifications can include price changes, general news, coupons, latest products, new services and so on. This allows you to have a direct dialogue with your customer without having to wait for them to come to you for questions.

Mobile apps provide faster solutions

Time plays an important role when it comes to preserving and building website visitors. Most mobile apps can be accessed without the use of the Internet, allowing customer’s access to your company any time of the day. The faster and easier it is for customers to reach you, the better your ROI will be.

Superior user engagement

According to Techcrunch.com, smartphone users spend nearly 84% of their time on apps. Instead of navigating a web browser, users are attracted to the simplicity of the all-in-one business application. Not only are mobile apps readily accessible on anyone’s smartphone home screen, but push notifications allow your business to build substantial brand loyalty.

Mobile transactions

Largely due to the rise of Google Wallet and Apple Pay (simple one-click purchases), customers are able to easily purchase products and services using a business app. Impulse buys have thus rocketed, leading to much higher conversion rates on apps then on websites. 

Social media integration

According to Techcrunch.com, users spend nearly half an hour a day (14%) on social media outlets using mobile apps. For that reason integrating social platforms such as Instagram, Facebook (1.25 billion mobile monthly active users), or Pinterest is crucial in sustaining a loyal standing with your customers. Most customers, 66% to be more accurate, will check out a product or service on social media before committing to a purchase, which says a lot about buyer behavior these days.

Receive real customer feedback

A mobile app enables customers the ability to comment, like, or share your products and services. In turn, you will receive insights into your audience’s behavior and thus understand how to target future customers and preserve existing ones. This can be done in a variety of other ways, too, such as an in-app survey, review section, and so on.

It’s safe to say the benefits of developing and maintaining a mobile app in this day and age, is indispensible. Perhaps its not the right move for every business, but for the vast majority, the opportunities are endless. There are thousands of mobile app developers, so, which one is right for your company? Here is a list of the top 5 best mobile app developers for business.

1. Appmart

With Appmart, the world’s #1 iPhone and Android App Builder (running on over 140 million devices worldwide), your business can compete with the ever-growing marketplace. They do all the heavy-lifting for you. Appmart allows you to build your brand, broadcast alert messaging, share social media, engage with your customers, make mobile purchases, and much more. Their simplistic, easy to use templates beautifully display your business’s products and services, and also allow for dynamic coupons, digital loyalty cards, interactive directions, and one-touch calling. Through Appmart, your mobile business app is published to the world’s leading app stores such as the Apple Store, Google Play, and Appmart’s very own platform. Working with a team of world-class software developers, graphic designers, and incredible customer support professionals, you can breathe easy knowing your app will look and function amazingly.

2. WillowTree

Located in Charlottesville, VA, WillowTree has created powerful mobile solutions for brands such as TimeWarner, Fox News, Fisher-Price, and Pepsico. They have a rock-solid development team and offer user-centered design.

3. Y Media Labs

Y Media Labs help clients see what they can’t see themselves. They are focused on one thing: “creating world-class digital experiences that blow the doors off expectations and establish brands as category leaders.”

4. Dom and Tom

Innovators in mobile and web, Dom and Tom provide user experience and mobile app development for iOS, Android, and web. They have worked with priceline.com, Bloomberg, Condé Nast, and Dignity Health. Small, but mighty, the mobile app developing company includes 46 total team members and 4 offices.

5. Appster

Appster loves building apps that surpass client expectations. They use the “Lean Startup approach, combined with revolutionary product hacks, to build dynamic, beautiful, user-centric software.” They help companies and startups achieve scale and business ROI.

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What is Youchat? Everything You Need to Know About Acesse’s™ New Toy

You may not have heard of Youchat, but it’s a mobile messaging app on the rise. And you’re going to keep hearing about it now:

Here’s what you need to know about Youchat:

What does YouChat do?

YouChat allows you to chat in real time, group chat with friends, easily share photos, review your chat history, record and send video, all without having to pay for SMS. Build a detailed profile, including status updates visible by your contacts. Stay in touch with friends and family all over the world for absolutely free. Say goodbye to costly roaming fees, data overages, or faulty servers, and say hello to free and easy messaging. Just download the YouChat app and start messaging away.

In a sentence, YouChat makes messaging cheap and easy. In another sentence, it’s the Skype of text messages.

If you’re working abroad, YouChat makes it easy to stay connected to your business—free of hassle. Schedule a group chat using YouChat’s live video feature where you can host a conference call, tune in on a meeting, or simply say what’s up. The multi-user video chat feature, which allows you to live video chat with up to four other users at the same time, is your handy tool for boosting productivity. Being away from the office has never been less nerveracking.

This all-in-one social networking app for Android and IOS gives users the ability to chat with friends and family internationally. Unlike iMessage, with YouChat you can get the same experience talking to someone with a totally different operating system. It works on iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone, and Nokia.

Although YouChat isn’t a unique messaging app—it has plenty of competitors—it’s one of the most streamlined and easy-to-use services of its kind. You can also have fun with YouChat’s custom sticker packs. Enrich your chats with colorful stickers and emojis.

OK, so who figured out how to make global messaging happen?

Steve Renner, CEO of Acesse™ Corporation, founded YouChat in 2015. YouChat is based in Minneapolis, Minn., and the team will likely stay there. The company employs over a hundred people and has offices all over the world.

Who uses YouChat and where can users download it?

YouChat is available to anyone and everyone. You can download it on Google Play, the App Store, and Acesse’s very own Appmart.

What should YouChat users be expecting?

YouChat will remain autonomous and operate independently. You can enjoy the service absolutely free. No matter where in the world you are, or what smartphone you’re using, you can always rely on YouChat. And you can count on an ad-free experience.

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A Cost-Effective Guide on How to Rank in Google Apps

So, you developed an app. Consequently, you’ll want it to rank well with Google. You may be thinking it’ll cost you an arm and a leg, not to mention thousands of dollars. Fortunately, it is possible to rank well without going broke. Here’s how:

For starters, keep your eye on the prize. It’s important to understand the value of being ranked in the top 10. It’s estimated that in order to do so, your app must be downloaded at least 15,000 times and installed up to 25,000 times a day to make it even close to the top. Seems daunting? Luckily, with the use of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, marketing your app is much easier. Try exposing your app via social media outlets (paying smaller amounts for ad space) and watch you app gain traffic over time.

Respect the launch window. New apps tend to rank easier because users are always searching to try new things. This gives you a window to capture their attention. Try allowing users to test a demo of your app during this time.

Keep a close watch on user reviews. Although user reviews do not affect the backend of the ranking system, they do figure into whether or not new users will want to download your app. Make an effort to speak with your audience, answer their questions, and inform them on any changes. If the review is negative, be sure to address the issue in a respectful, attentive manner. The worst mistake you can make is ignoring a bad review. Do your best to resolve the matter, and show new and existing users that you are there to help them.

Make it freemium. People can use the app for free, but switch over to a premium option for even more features and items. Don’t make the mistake of putting a price on your app too early. Users tend not to invest in something they know nothing about.

Be mobile ready. Make certain your app is compatible with a variety of devices, such as an iPad, tablet, iPhone, Android, desktop, and laptop. By allowing users to access your app on multiple devices, you will increase your app’s install percentage.

Enhance your visibility by implementing effective search engine optimization techniques. Practice proper SEO techniques by using keywords and phrases that uniquely represent your app. When done correctly, people who search for those keywords can effectively appear in the top search results. SEO is an important department all on its own and can take some time and energy. Therefore tools such as Google Keyword Planner are a great help in choosing appropriate keywords.

In conclusion, reaching the top ranks in Google Apps takes a lot of time, energy, and some money, but the rewards are high if you keep at it. Finding a proper marketing solution is your first step. Create a product that speaks to an audience and use the guide provided!

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Pokémon Go Etiquette: The Dos and Donts

The sudden phenomenon that is Pokémon Go has already been noted as the most successful mobile game ever to hit the U.S. Since its debut on July 6th, the game boasts 21 million daily active users and has topped over 15 million downloads. According to IOS usage data, users are spending 33% more time on PG than Facebook and 46% more than Snapchat.

The app, for the uninitiated, is a virtual scavenger hunt, allowing users to hunt and capture over 151 different characters (Pokémon) on their phone using augmented reality. In other words, players are able to explore the real world with their smart phones using GPS signal. For millennials and new generations alike, the game is a fun, interactive activity to the beloved 90s franchise. A chance to “be the best like no one ever was.”

Like its predecessors (Candy Crush, Game of War, Draw Something), Pokémon Go is highly addicting. Users are actually required to leave the comfort of their couches and venture out into the “unknown” that is their neighborhood in order to catch Pokémon. Players also have the ability to “battle” strangers in Pokégyms, collect prizes at various designated Poké stops (namely landmarks), and join together in teams. Mind blown? If you haven’t downloaded the app by now you probably will by the end of this post.

But however addicting the game can be, it’s important we remember our good manners and moral aptitude. For that reason, here is a list of Dos and Donts when playing Pokémon Go:

Do be a good sport. If you lose a battle, shake hands, not fists.

Do buy goods from businesses that are also Pokéstops or house wild Pokémon.

Don’t be intrusive with others. No one deserves bloodshed over a Pikachu.

Don’t play Pokémon Go in cemeteries, hospitals, memorials, synagogues, or churches, unless the Pokémon is extremely rare. Do be very quiet and respectable about it!

Do read the information provided at a Poké stop. You will learn new things about your surroundings.

Don’t run into the street and cause a traffic jam (or, worse, an accident).

Do only play Pokémon Go on your break at work. If you don’t have a job, how will you pay for all the data you’re using playing the game?

Don’t trespass!

Do explore your city. See where the game takes you and maybe even meet a few new friends.

Have you passed? Great! Now go out and catch ’em all!

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Marketing Must-Haves to Boost Productivity in 2016

A marketing plan is your guide to promoting and growing your business. It will help you answer important questions about your business: Who is your target audience? How will you reach them? Where will you advertise? A good marketing plan will answer all of these questions and more, ensuring the success of your business.

Every marketer needs tools in order to carry out key marketing components. These include: managing content, driving traffic, managing customer relations, and analyzing online behavior and sales. Fortunately, to each of these components belongs a plethora of tools designed to jumpstart your business.

Considering how many marketing tools exist (hundreds), you might be wondering which ones are absolutely essential. While each company’s marketing “bundle” is different, below are a few crucial tools every modern marketer should consider.

Today, a good CMS (Content Management System) is vital to the success of your business online. When choosing one, make sure it’s easy to use, scalable, flexible, and offers support and plug-ins to extend functionality. Here is a list of the best CMS software of 2016, according to TopTenReviews:

1. ocPortal

2. WordPress

3. WebGUI

4. Drupal

5. Rubedo

6. Joomia

7. eZ Publish Platform

8. MODX

9. concrete5

10. X3 CMS

The most popular tool for marketers who plan on increasing their investment via content marketing is, of course, a blog. Blogging is a necessary tool to improve your SEO and attract consumers to your website. Below are a few of our favorite content marketing tools to make the most out of your blog:

• Optimizely
• CoSchedule
• Buzzmo
• Moz
• Contently

Today, effective marketers learn as much as they can about customers. It’s not enough to just leave it to the IT team. In order to drive leads that convert customers, a good marketer follows and understands customer behavior and activities. Therefore, a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software system that infuses marketing is crucial. Look for a CRM that is popular with your clients, offers integration with other applications, and includes prominent marketing automation platforms. Here is a list of top 10 CRM software in 2016 (source):

1. Salesforce

2. HubSpot

3. Nimble

4. Pipedrive

5. Zoho

6. Salesnet

7. PipelineDeals

8. ProsperWorks

9. Workbooks

10. Microsoft Dynamics

One of the most critical tools to help improve your company’s ROI (Return on Investment) is marketing automation. For many B2B marketers, being able to rely on marketing automation to help with complex sales involving dozens of decision makers is imperative. With any platform you choose, keep in mind that it’s only as good as what you do with it.

In order to generate, qualify, nurture, and ultimately close leads, you first need to have the proper marketing plan set in place, along with good IT and sales alignment—not to mention a significant amount of content. According to g2crowd, these are the best marketing automation platforms of 2016:

1. Hubspot

2. Pardot

3. Marketo

4. Act-On

5. Oracle Eloqua

6. iContact Pro

7. Active Campaign

8. LeadSquared

9. Real Magnet

10. Infusionsoft

Last, but most certainly not least, every smart marketer should implement an effective web analytics package. This is key to understanding user behavior, what is and isn’t working on your site, traffic sources, etc. In short, you have to know your customer and optimize your site for optimal effectiveness. Check out a few reliable web analytic systems below:

• Google Analytics
• Google Analytics 360
• KISSmetrics
• Digital Analytix
• Adobe Analytics

Although the value of a brand is important, without a solid marketing plan, you might as well roll down your sleeves and pack up. The tools above are just that—tools. Marketing technology is only as good as the plan and content you feed it. How they are executed will determine their adequacy and rewards.

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Know Your Basics: How to Drive Traffic to Your Site

There’s no secret to driving visitors to your website. Without refreshing content and a strategic marketing plan, you’ll likely hear crickets. Having a plan may sound overwhelming at first, but with a few key elements your site is sure to grow in no time. Let’s take a look at some basic marketing fundamentals:

First off, fresh content is indispensable.

Writing informative, inspiring articles and blog posts are your bread and butter. Keep posts fresh by switching the format from long and descriptive, to short and sweet. Lists are also a great way to catch and hold a visitor’s attention.

Do your research about trending topics and put your own spin on it. It’s okay to be opinionated—that’s what will make you stand out. Always take the opportunity to engage with your readers. Ask them what they think, too, and what they’d like to read from you.

Reinforce your content with compelling photos, videos, and graphics. Posting a nice balance of both original and shared multimedia is a great way to stay connected. Make certain they are eye-catching and synonymous to your content.

Get social. Decide which social media platform works for your business. Is your company tech-heavy? Facebook and Twitter might be your best option. Design-based? Instagram and Tumblr provide amazing gallery features. With any platform, make certain you are posting regularly and engaging with your followers. Scheduling software makes it easier than ever to post automatically at optimal times of the day. Here are a few other handy tips for excellent social networking:

• Share posts from fellow bloggers, tweeters, and Instagrammers
• Include social sharing buttons on every post
• Reply to comments and emails
• Collaborate with other bloggers to produce content
• Don’t forget to hashtag! 

Master the ins and outs of SEO. Stay ahead of the curve by becoming familiar with search engine optimization. So what is SEO and why is it so important?

In short, SEO are words and phrases respective to your site that ensures detection by search engines—Google, for example. With that in mind, the more valuable the content and easier it is to share, the better your chances are at being discovered and ranked. A good ranking increases your visibility and thus brings in more traffic to your site.

There are a hundred ways to increase traffic to your website, but getting down the basics is a great jumping off point. The aforementioned should be enough to get started. Other great tips include, but are not limited to:

• Review products and share them with other brands
• Include a link to your RSS feed
• Add links to your most popular post on your sidebar
• Run a blog giveaway or competition
• Optimize your website for mobile
• Include a search function
• Buy a pay-per-click service (Adwords)
• Create an app!

Explore your options and see what works best for your company. It’s better to excel in two or three fundamentals than risk quality control dabbling in a smattering of applications.

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8 Tips for Crafting Successful Social Media for Your Business

Let’s face it: Social media is a business. Ubiquitous “Instagram Celebrities” aside, your social media platforms, when utilized correctly and strategically, can do wonders for your brand. Using social media, entrepreneurs can increase brand recognition through syndicating content and building visibility; improve brand loyalty by engaging with customers; increase conversion opportunities by organically interacting with customers and potential customers as your following grows; and more.

Here, we’ll explore some expert tips on how to build successful social media for your business.

Tip #1: Should you be on social media? If so, where?

Not every business should be on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Snapchat, or Instagram, Different social media platforms work better for different businesses. Establish your target demographic, their preferred social media platform, and then decide where your highest payoff will be.

Tip #2: Nail down your social media goals.

It’s always a good idea to start with a plan. Once you’ve decided what your best social media platforms will be, planning ahead is the way to consistent audience engagement. Here are a few good jumping off points:

• Create/increase brand awareness
• Increase digital footprint
• Show off expertise
• Build within your community
• Build new partnerships/strengthen existing partnerships
• Provide customer service
• Original, relevant content

Tip #3: Define your audience. Who do you want following your business?

Not all social media platforms are made the same—for a reason. What works for twenty-something-year-old fashionistas (Pinterest, Instagram), doesn’t necessarily apply to tweens, teens, and in-betweens (Snapchat, Kik). Location and timing are other factors in determining your target audience. Are most of your customers on the West Coast? Schedule posts that fit when they’ll check their feeds. But don’t over do it—more than three updates throughout the day might tip over into annoyance.

Step #4: Content, Content, Content! Don’t make the mistake of skimping on original, pertinent images and writing.

Be an expert on your business. Offer insightful knowledge about your company values, what you do, and what you’re interested in. Showing a unique personality is key in distinguishing your company from the rest. Keep it casual. Presenting a friendly, approachable atmosphere for your customers makes it easier for them to respond.

Skip the stock photos. Maximize your efforts by investing in a top-quality production team. Customers want to see your business, thriving, and in vivid color.

Tip #5: Ditch the sales pitch!

No one likes to feel like they’re being sold something. In today’s modern world people appreciate a company that values both quality in their products and principles. Establish long-term relationships with your customers by building their trust. Be authentic and they’ll be more receptive down the road. Here are a few pointers on how to sell without really selling:

• Make customers feel special
• Share your secrets
• Tap into their desires
• Tell stories
• Be conversational

Tip #6: Engage with your audience as often as possible.

There’s nothing worse than having your needs ignored. Whether a comment left by a customer is positive or negative, it’s important that your company is responding accordingly. Your presence online is a direct reflection of your business practices and followers want to see that they are top priority.

Tip #7: Be mobile ready.

By now, most people have a smartphone or tablet. With half a billion Facebook users primarily using their phone, you want to move right along with them. Making sure your site is fully optimized for all mobile devices ensures ample accessibility.

Tip #8: Remember that social media is an adventure.

Social media is a great way to showcase the humanity behind the work. Don’t get hung up on being perfect. No one is and you’re no exception. Be creative, be knowledgeable and most of all: have fun!