Must-Have Features in a Small Business Mobile App in 2022

Yes, you have heard it right, mobile is the new leader in digital interactions. Although some believe that mobile apps are only for large enterprises, a huge number of small businesses pave their way to the world of mobile apps.

If you already have a mobile app idea, share it with us to kick start developing and leveraging modern technology to boost your business.

In this article, you will read through the must-have features of a small business mobile app. You will then have a complete picture of every small business app's basic features.

1. Security in mobile apps

Digital security is an overarching problem for businesses, and mobile applications do not make an exception. You need to keep your customers safe and protected from theft, fraud, and malware.

Many mobile applications store sensitive and personal information, which is lucrative for hackers. Therefore, it is vital to choose a reputable mobile application development company to take care of all these.

Mobile app development is an ongoing process, and you need to implement a security maintenance plan for the whole production time. You can read our blog article about the Zero Trust Model of Information Security to understand the matter better.

2. Mind the loading speed

Internet users have short attention and consideration spans. 70 percent of users abandon a mobile app if it takes too long to load.
Mobile apps should take no more than 3 seconds to load. It would be best not to make the users wait and lose your chances of winning their attention. Therefore, your mobile app should load fast and not be saturated with irrelevant animations.

3. Keep the menu structure simple

To keep users engaged in your app, you need to develop a mobile app with a simple mobile menu structure. A mobile app needs to be easy to navigate and use.

If you over-complicate your app navigation, users will get frustrated and not stay long. As a result, your potential customers may end up using your competitor’s app.

Lesson learned: you should opt for a simple mobile app design. You can also keep improving the navigation based on the existing user experience. You should find what your customers need and deliver it in the most accessible way with some research. You can use user experience research methodologies like A/B testing and refine your app structure.

4. Allow app customization

One of the most significant features of a mobile app is customization. Let your users customize the app; it helps improve the user experience.

Customization can refer to the content, layout, font colors, etc. You may also allow customizing the system functionality to make them feel comfortable spending time on the app.

5. Add social media integrations

Having a solid presence on social media platforms is crucial for businesses today. And why not take a step further and integrate your social media accounts on your mobile app.

You can connect your social media pages within the app, and you will get one more touchpoint with your customers.

6. Make your app available offline

Making an app available offline is a feature that gives you an advantage. You have a chance to be at hand when users don’t have an internet connection available.

Depending on your industry, you will need to make some features work without using mobile data. For example, travel apps must have offline features because travelers don’t always access the internet.

Even if you are not planning to have any offline features or your app doesn’t entail any offline functionality, you still can optimize the uses interface for offline visibility.

Making your app available offline differentiates you from a company with a responsive website. Have a look at the benefits of having a mobile app and responsive website.

7. Add push notifications

Mobile apps let you have a direct communication channel with your customers, and it is essential to prompt that communication frequently. Whenever you send a push notification, you are potentially starting an interaction with a user.

This feature is most useful for retail apps, for example, when users have left items in their shopping cart.

Push notifications are personalized and will help you send promotional offers in any form and increase app engagement. It will also enhance the chances of monetization.

8. Update your app regularly

Mobile app trends are hectic, and to keep your hand on the pulse, you need to update your app regularly.

With advancing technologies, users always expect alterations, even on their favorite mobile apps. Therefore, you need to improve your business app by enhancing the user experience and being open to customer feedback.

Besides the rapid technological changes, be ready to update your app’s content. Providing relevant information to your users is invaluable.

9. Add feedback options

Retaining a business is about staying in touch with your customers. Communication can solve many business problems if you are open to it. Being open to customer feedback is an advantageous strategy for improving your business.

So, adding a customer feedback and support feature to the apps is a step towards open communication. You will connect and understand what the user wants to see in the app.

Moreover, feedback is a straightforward way to seek improvement. With constructive feedback from the users, you will have spots to update your app. It will also help you envisage the future of your business app.

In the end, you have got a clear idea of must-have features in small business mobile apps. Last but not least, rely on professional help and trust your mobile app development partner. These features are essential for your app to survive in the digital world.

If you have an app idea, you can share it with our professionals, and our savvy project managers will help you specify the scope and give an excellent mobile app.