SMBs: You may need an app for that

It was happening before the 2011 holiday shopping rush hit, but shopping via mobile device is getting more headlines now that researchers have seen the holiday upsurge in traffic. Mobile devices are becoming the go-to device for a larger number of consumers. How can your small business offer app-based information without shooting the marketing budget? One solution is Magmito; I recently chatted with their Ted Iannuzzi about the SMB app space.

The Magmito platform allows SMBs to create branded apps free of charge (with ads) or for $99 without ads; the apps can be used on most smartphone handsets. Businesses simply design the app - templates are available - and then upload the content and publish it through various outlets.

"The cross-platform compatibility ensures small businesses can reach everyone with their mobile message," said Iannuzzi. "Regardless of network speed, your phone does not always have a network connection. Unless your content is cached or resident on the handset - in the form of an app, for example - you have nothing without that network connection. Magmito generated apps are delivered as both a native app and via a Web app, allowing the consumer to choose."

The big benefit of an app, especially for SMBs is the connection. Iannuzzi believes mobiles are and will continue to be of high importance to consumers; they're shopping, researching, checking email and social networks. That connection-focused mindframe makes mobile and apps a good marketing option for SMBs.

"It communicates messages to customers, whether it's coupons, products in-stock, special events or business hours," said Iannuzzi. "By using a DIY app creation tool like Magmito, businesses can create multiple apps for multiple areas of their business. For example, we have a photocopier repair shop using an app exclusively to report back to the office on the status of service calls."

Tags: app content, appvertising, Magmito, mobile content, mobile marketing, small business, SMB trends