How brands can use mobile apps for customer aquisition

Scott Michaels, Atimi Software Vice President, was interviewed by Luxury Daily about how luxury brands can use mobile apps to acquire new customers.

The article makes the point that the most effective apps make the customer experience the focus of the app while the brand itself takes the backseat.

Scott says that there are three ways to use an app for customer acquisition: creating a brochure-like experience for the customer, customization offerings and either creating of using a third party app that encourages walk-ins.

An example of a brochure style app is something that assists or educates the customer while subtly incorporating the brand.

A customization-offering app lets the user interact with the product or brand more personally by customizing the product; for example cars or shoes. In this case, Scott says it is very important to deliver a high level of polish within the app, as it may be the first interaction the brand is having with a potential customer.

Another great way to boost customer acquisition is through the use of third party location apps such as Shopkick and foursquare. These apps allow users to publicize where they are or “check-in” from their mobile phone. This is an especially cost effective strategy as these app are already available on most mobile OS and don’t require much in terms of development.

Brands can get involved in third part location apps by offering promotions to customers who walk in to the store and check-in through a third party app. Third party applications like foursquare even offer metrics such as total check-ins, top visitors, and time breakdown to businesses using the app.

Click for the full article or more information on foursquare and Shopkick.