Does Your B2B Business Need a Mobile App? The Case for Building a Custom App for Your Business
Gone are the days where businesses, even B2B ones, can get away without digital tools or some level of digital marketing presence. With mobile technology becoming increasingly integral to business operations, customers expect to be able to find information and connect with your business online.
At some point, B2B business owners will be asking themselves: Does my B2B business need a mobile app? And more importantly, should we invest in building a custom one?
Let’s first explore the types of mobile apps commonly used by B2B businesses and the existing solutions available. Then, we’ll make the case for why a custom mobile app could be the key to unlocking new opportunities for your business.
Common Mobile Apps Used by B2B Businesses
In the B2B landscape, several types of mobile apps are used to streamline operations, improve client engagement, and enhance productivity. Common types include:
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Apps
These apps help businesses manage interactions with current and potential clients, track sales, and automate marketing efforts. Popular solutions include Salesforce and HubSpot. (Guys please help suggest, Zendesk?) - Project Management Apps
Tools like Trello, and Monday.com allow teams to collaborate, track project progress, and manage tasks efficiently. - E-commerce and Ordering Apps
B2B businesses often use apps to facilitate orders, manage inventory, and streamline supply chains. Shopify, Alibaba and Amazon are examples of platforms that offer robust e-commerce solutions. - Communication and Collaboration Apps
Apps like Microsoft Teams, and Zoom have become essential for enabling real-time communication and collaboration across teams and with clients. - Accounting and Financial Management Apps
QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks are commonly used to manage invoicing, expenses, and financial reporting. - Inventory and Supply Chain Management Apps
B2B companies use apps like TradeGecko, SAP, and Oracle to manage inventory, track orders, and optimize supply chain operations.
While these apps effectively address many needs B2B businesses require, they are also designed to be broad, catering to a wide range of industries and business models. They might not align perfectly with your specific business needs. This is where the limitations of off-the-shelf solutions begin to show.
The Case for Building a Custom Mobile App
Here’s why building a custom mobile app could benefit your B2B company internally and also help with brand differentiation.
- Tailored to Your Unique Business Needs
Unlike generic apps, a custom app can be designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing systems, automate your specific workflows, and provide features that are directly aligned with your goals.
For example, if your business relies heavily on data analytics, a custom app can be built to offer advanced reporting and real-time data visualization that gives you deeper insights into your operations and customer behavior.
- Enhanced Customer and Client Experience
In B2B, strong relationships with clients are crucial. A custom mobile app can offer a personalized experience that makes it easier for your clients to do business with you. Whether it’s a client portal that provides real-time updates, placing orders, a streamlined ordering system, or a customized communication platform, a bespoke app can significantly enhance client satisfaction and loyalty.
At Skubbs, we work closely with you to create user-focused apps that your clients would love. Tailoring bespoke features can set your business apart from competitors using generic apps.
- Streamlined Operations and Increased Efficiency
Efficiency is key in an increasingly fast-paced business climate. Having your own mobile app means various functions can be consolidated into one single platform, reducing the need to switch between different tools and systems. This not only saves time but also minimizes the risk of errors.
For instance, if your business involves complex supply chain management, a custom app could integrate ordering, inventory tracking, and supplier communication into one cohesive system, ensuring that your team has everything they need at their fingertips.
- Facilitating Better Management
A custom mobile app can be a powerful tool for management, offering insights into operations, sales, and customer interactions in real time. With a tailored dashboard, you can track key performance indicators, monitor team performance, and make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.
For instance, a custom app can provide managers with real-time data on sales trends, inventory levels, and customer feedback, enabling them to respond proactively to emerging issues or opportunities.
- Competitive Advantage and Scalability
In a competitive market, differentiation is key. A custom mobile app can give your business a unique edge by offering features and capabilities that your competitors simply don’t have. As your business grows, your app can be scaled and adapted to meet new challenges and opportunities.
Imagine being able to quickly launch new features or services through your app that respond directly to market demands or customer feedback. This level of agility can be a significant advantage, allowing you to stay ahead of the competition and capture new business opportunities.
Balancing the Costs and Benefits
Of course, building a custom mobile app requires an investment in time and resources. But when you consider the potential benefits—enhanced client relationships, streamlined operations, increased efficiency, and a competitive edge—the ROI can be substantial.
At Skubbs, we specialize in creating bespoke mobile applications tailored to the specific needs of B2B companies. Our team understands the complexities of your industry and is here to help you unlock the full potential of a custom mobile app.
Let’s connect!