The phone is already the first screen
Think about it: how many times a day do you check your phone? Your customers do the exact same thing. And if your business isn't there, on their screen, you're missing opportunities you don't even know exist.
This isn't about having a social media profile (that helps too). It's about making sure that when someone wants to see your menu, your hours, or book an appointment, they don't have to find your phone number and call you. For many people, that hassle alone is reason enough to go somewhere else.
An app isn't just for big companies
There's a widespread idea that having an app is expensive, complicated, and only useful for big companies. And a few years ago, that was true. But things have changed quite a bit.
Today there are tools that let you create your own app in minutes, without knowing anything about coding. You pick a design, enter your info, and you're done. Your business has a mobile presence, just like the big chains, but without the big chain budget.
What can an app do for a small business?
It depends on the business, but three things come up almost every time:
- Show your offering: products, services, prices, photos. Everything updated and accessible instantly.
- Bookings and appointments: if your business runs on appointments (hair salons, clinics, beauty centers…), having an online booking system takes a huge problem off your plate.
- Always within reach: an app installed on your client's phone is a direct channel. It doesn't depend on Instagram's algorithm or on someone remembering to search for your website.
The QR code changes everything
One of the things that works best is combining the app with a QR code. You print it, stick it on your counter, on tables, on the door… and every customer who scans it now has your business in their pocket.
It's a minimal gesture for them, but for you it means that next time they need something you offer, they'll open your app instead of searching Google. And over time, that makes an enormous difference.
No need to overcomplicate it
If you're reading this and thinking this isn't for you, that your business is too small or your customers wouldn't use an app… just try it. Current tools let you build your app for free and see how it looks before investing anything. And you'd be surprised how many of your customers would install it on day one.