The Role of Mobile App Development in 2018

JUST RECENTLY, giant home electronics Japanese maker Panasonic announced that they are currently designing and working on a bedroom that will provide users a comfortable experience and a good night sleep. So, how does this work?

The room will be equipped with electronics that are connected to the internet, and through this connection, the lighting system will be controlled automatically depending on the user’s mood and feelings. At the same time, the air-conditioning system will increase and decrease in degrees depending on the user’s body temperature to provide them with a comfortable environment for a great slumber.

With this concept, the company said they have embraced the Internet of Things (IoT) in their latest product lines of home appliances and electronics. With the use of the internet technology, everything will be made easy with automation through the human-technology connection.  

Another example of this is a microwave oven that can detect the dishes’ ingredients with their right measurements and cook the food according to how you want it to be or depending on your health condition. It also has a special function that can detect your sugar and cholesterol level, and thus, decide on the proper diet ideal for your needs. It can even order food online. Amazing, isn’t it?

But of course, this will be done through the internet and it would be impossible to make the connection of these appliances and equipment work without a software to program it with. Now, this is where and when the mobile application comes in the picture since we need to have something to be able to control the IoT environment.   

As the internet technology becomes big this year, mobile applications will surely create a huge demand. With huge companies targeting IoT in their creations and services, demand for mobile app development will surely increase this year.

In fact, according to Forbes on their article released in January this year, the IoT will be massive in 2018. As the percentage of connected devices is expected to reach 20.4 billion by 2020, this technology will continue to be a hot item.

With this increasing demand on IoT, we would – most often than not — need our smartphones, laptops or tablets and smartwatches among other devices to integrate such connectivity and control the things we use at home.

Several sources online would show us the further increase of the usage in IoT. Thus, the world will need more and more people and companies to develop custom mobile applications to keep at par with the internet technology.

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Top 3 Mobile Application Development Companies in Chicago

YOU HAVE COME to this page undoubtedly because you are looking for a reliable source of ideas and inspiration to shed light on your company’s custom software needs. A bigger percentage would be, you are a businessman or among the C-level personalities in your company – situated in Chicago – looking to upgrade the firm’s computer program by tapping into the field of mobile application.

You might have heard the importance of going mobile these days, with the vast and tremendous demand for mobile applications by over a billion smartphone users worldwide, it is no doubt that jumping into the bandwagon of this trend and capitalizing on this need would surely create a leverage on your business or company’s return on investment (ROI).

So, here you are, looking for the best mobile application developers in your area who could deliver exactly the company’s mobile custom software needs to provide convenience not only to the establishment’s pool of workforce but most importantly to your clients and customers. Hence, we have listed the top three mobile application development companies in Chicago.

1. Custom Software by Preston (CSP)

The company delivers both website and mobile development within the clients’ range of budget and custom software needs. With top ratings among its users and clients, CSP received comments and testimonials saying the firm provides technical prowess and professionalism delivered at a tight deadline. They were rated as one of the best Android application development companies by an independent authority. They have offices in Durham, North Carolina and in Chicago, Illinois.

1. Mercury Development

The software development firm provides mobile development both for Android and iOS. They pride themselves in their years of experience delivering 19 years of service in the market and three awards they bagged: In App Store’s Best of 2017, Clutch Global Leaders in the same year and Gold Microsoft Partner.

1. Vault Innovation

“Build a business, not an app.” As the mobile development company puts it in their motto, they pride themselves in transforming ideas into incredible digital products. The company is composed of a Chicago-based pool of designers, developers and entrepreneurs providing mobile and web development and design, as well as strategy.

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When Don’t You Need SEO Services?

It is no doubt that Search Engine Optimization is a very effective digital marketing tool. This is the reason why demand for the service has been surging higher since over a decade ago and has even doubled these past few years. While the growing demand for SEO has pushed the need to inculcate the digital marketing strategy in any business as a vital investment rather than just a mere option, there is always an exemption to the rule. No matter how popular, marketing-efficient and cost-effective SEO is, it could not be applied to everything. Hence, here are three reasons when you do not need to use SEO in your business:

1. When You Need Immediate Result

SEO can be very effective, but the process is slow. In fact, according to a Digital Marketing Specialist Tony Wright of Wright IMC, SEO marketing is effective in providing Return on Investment (ROI), but only second to quality opt-in email list. And while you will see results with SEO, this strategy does not show profits generating until up to six months. Hence, for companies taking advantage of SEO, patience is a requirement, aside from virtue.

1. When You are Promoting Different & Changeable Offers

If you are selling tickets for a one-time concert happening in three months and you hope to use SEO to market these, it would not be such a good idea to do so. Chances are, your event will hit a high rank by the time it is over. SEO would not be of much use then. Same goes when you are giving a one-time offering like limited edition products or those on seasonal sale. Paid advertising, public relations, or even Facebook are rather more ideal to use in this case.

1. No One Knows Your Product Exists

It does not mean your product is not cool or whatsoever. It may just be so unique that the market even had no idea it already existed. For example, you may have invented a bicycle that can turn into a baby-stroller and then into a chair, too. However, who would ever expect such innovative product existed? Parents do not even have an idea about it, and so they do not search for it online. In this case, SEO is not yet necessary unless an advertising and awareness campaign is created informing the market that it really does exist, as well as educating them what it can do and how you can use it. Therefore, prior to the applying SEO, you may need to shelve some amount for paid advertisements to inform the public that your product does exist in the market.

 

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The Pros and Cons of Getting White-Label App or Custom Mobile App

SEVERAL establishments have come to realize the importance of getting mobile applications. It is so far one of the ideal means to generate more sales and deliver customers and clients’ needs with utmost convenience and time-efficiency. It is, therefore, considered as a great necessity in every business’ investment and not just a mere option.

Mobile app development is one of the fastest growing sectors in the industry. In fact, in 2017, the figures recorded for downloaded free apps have reached over 250 billion, a rapid increase of 57.33 billion in 2012. Giant establishments in different industries like banking, hospitality, retailers, food, and etc. have already been taking advantage of mobile apps, using various types of software in the increase of customer interaction and engagement, branding and marketing, among others. Small and medium-sized enterprises have also followed this lead as they started tapping into mobile app developers to create and design custom apps for their unique business needs.

It is important to have a good insight into the individual needs of both the company and the clients. Knowing your company’s specific goals and needs in terms of mobile application will contribute to a better understanding of what type of app your establishment could use. Hence, you weigh the pros and cons of having to settle into a white-label app or get a whole new customize application.

The white-label mobile app is already pre-set and designed for a particular purpose or business; you only rebrand it to suit your specific business needs to make it appear you created it. On the other hand, the custom mobile app is tailored specifically to the uniqueness of your business. Everything is created from scratch.

Going for a white-label app could save you time and money since you will only be using a general type of app with few modifications. For example, if you are operating a pizza shop and wanted to get an app for a faster delivery procedure. If you get a white-label app, you will be using the app used by a Chinese restaurant for their delivery method since you both belong to the food category. However, each business delivers the services and procedures differently. In the long run, you will come to realize that you would need more than just a white-label app.

When you get a custom app, it does not come cheap and the time frame would take a bit longer, but the overall performance would bring you utmost satisfaction, not only on a short-term usage but as long as the company operates in the same industry type.

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The Most Important Factor to Consider for Your Website Design

MOST PEOPLE judge quality by what they visually see.  Before even speaking to a person you shape an opinion about them based on how they look.

This is also true when it comes to shopping. Walking inside a shopping area with so many boutiques and shops along the streets – most brands, unfamiliar to you – unless given the entire day to explore the whole place, you will not go inside all the stores you pass by. You will check out many shops for sure, but only those that really appeal to your senses, particularly your sense of sight. In simple words, you choose to go somewhere you find pleasing and hence, enter only those shops that attract your eyes.    

It does not stop there, even in online shopping, we browse through lots and lots of websites and online stores, but we stop and check a bit longer on those websites that first attract our eyes. Hence, whatever appeals to our eyes first, will hook us there.

This is the reason why in creating a website for your business, looks and designs matter. But with so many things to consider for your webpage’s appearance, it is sometimes confusing on what to follow. Thus, we have listed down three very important factors that you might want to consider before coming up with your website designs and features.

Before you get too excited with the limitless possibilities for your webpage design and immediately opt for those with wild, dazzling and colorful graphics, try to think first. Would you really want your online visitors to focus their attention on your webpage designs rather than the products/services the business offers? I guess not.

Therefore, keep it clean. Keep it simple. Go for simple designs that allow viewers to focus on the value of what you offer. Treat them to a clean background and designs that allow them to read the content of your website clearly. Generally, most giant websites have a white and clear background. Getting a clean design is fundamental to creating a pleasant user and viewer experience, encouraging first-time visitors to return to your page.

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Why Web Development Companies Incorporate Reviews & Testimonials to Your Website

IS THIS company reliable? This is one of the first question that pops up in your mind when you are considering hiring a company.

With the proliferation of online scammers and inadequate service providers, you cannot just depend on what a company says about themselves on their websites. Most companies would never divulge anything on their page that may cause them to lose their clients, so you can’t expect to read everything you need to know. Unfortunately they just don’t present the whole truth.
And so, the next thing you do is to ask your circle of friends if they could recommend a company.  Getting their referral instantly established alot of trust between you and the company.

And while going about the search may be a bit tiring and time-consuming, you would rather not take chances with your hard earned money on a company you just met online. It’s much safer to take the recommendation of a friend.

On the opposite side of the coin, being the vendor or the service provider, you risk losing a prospective client if you can’t establish trust on your website.

This is the reason why incorporating a section for reviews and testimonials from clients and customers is important, as this feature becomes a fundamental tool in acquiring new customers. A business is only as strong as it’s reputation online. Even better is getting reviews on third-party sites like Yelp or Google Reviews.  This will enhance the credibility of your company since business owners can’t manipulate the client’s feedback. At the same time will make it easier for users and viewers to gain perspectives into your clients’ satisfaction on their patronage of your brand. Users can gain insight into your company’s products and services, skills and commitment to your clients.  An additional benefit of this feedback is companies can learn from their customers what’s needed to improve their products and services. They can also attempt to resolve any issues a client has and respond online to the problem.

Detailed testimonials are critical to company’s to establish trust, land new clients and improve their offerings.   Give it a try on your site and you’ll see.

 

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3 Reasons for the Demand Increase on SEO Firm Services in 2018

IN THE previous years, many have predicted that the future of SEO firms is bleak and that demand for the service will cease to progress and continue. They were wrong.

Ironic as it may seem, it was predicted about a decade ago, at the same time when the demand for SEO services have increased in three-folds. In fact, this year promises great opportunities for SEO firms as the demands for SEO services are seen to have increased rapidly in 2018 and will continue to grow in the coming years. Several sources have proven this with research, studies and figures.

Nevertheless, contrary to what was previously forecasted, why is the demand for SEO services great and even increasing tremendously?

 

1. SEO is still the most effective online marketing approach at a reasonable cost. With the proliferation of global online businesses, competition has become very tough indeed. All these vendors and service providers would want to be on top of the search engine pages. They hope to showcase their brands ahead of their competitors to gain a better and wider market percentage. With this in mind, demand for effective SEO services – being the leader in online marketing strategies – will tremendously increase to answer to every vendor’s and service provider’s needs.

1. Manually creating backlinks and links continues to play a vital role in ranking algorithm. This is because links that are relevant and of superior quality are only manually created and built. An SEO firm and agency with a big circle of SEO experts and specialists who can access and make use of research tools can create about a hundred backlinks in a week to help improve the website’s overall SEO rating.

SEO is not an independent service anymore. Contrary to what a lot of people believe – that SEO service alone can still generate bigger gains — SEO rankings should also go hand in hand with designing sites that are optimized for conversion, that is getting visitors to fill out the contact form, call or buy products.  Ultimately companies are looking for that “conversion” as opposed to just alot of web traffic. And as soon as a company implements this concept and approach, creating real value from the campaign is more easily achieved. Thus, this is a great opportunity to start offering full scale online marketing services (not just SEO).

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The Projected Growth of IoT and Mobile App Development Companies in 2020

This year will be promising for companies who take a mobile-phone-first approach to their online presence.  As we hop into the mobile-priority era, businesses should be able to keep up with the trend as this will not be dying down anytime soon. In fact, as the Internet of Things (IoT) grows constantly, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) move along in the same manner, thus, this trend on internet technology is seen to be growing huge in the coming years.

Several sources have reported on the rapid growth of the internet and other related technology. In fact, according to PR Newswire, the IoT will grow from US$170.57 billion in 2017 to US$561.04 in 2022, an increase of more than 50% in a span of 5 years.

Moreover, the IoT market will reach about US$267 billion in two years. This is according to the records released by the Boston Consulting Group.

Forbes also said that with an average of US$40 billion each, Manufacturing, Transportation and Logistics, and Utilities will be the leading spender in IoT by 2020.

Consulting firm Bain and Company forecasted that the industrial and segment enterprise will be among the most competitive areas of IoT, further adding that by 2020, consumer applications will generate about US$150 billion. Business to business (B2B) applications will be worth over US$300 billion. As per the firm’s estimation, enthusiasm for IoT ignited over US$80 billion in terms of merger and acquisition (M&A) investments by major companies with over US$30 billion in terms of venture capital.

Furthermore, according to IBM Vice President, Bret Greenstein, this highlights the belief that data is the basic and thus, the most important factor of digital revolution. The market can foresee huge waves rising for data storing, analyzing and collecting technology – including but not limited to IoT, AI, blockchain & edge — in the coming years.

And while these figures may slightly differ from one report to the other, all these sources are still heading into one direction; one with a conclusion that says the future of the IoT will continue to grow tremendously. As a result, this will create a domino effect on the other technology supporting this, thus opening greater demands for app development companies to provide such data, software, and services.

More and more app development companies will be tapped to supply the services and support needed to cater to the tremendous demand the internet technology has provided.

 

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The Future of Mobile Application Development

THE RADICAL CHANGES internet has brought to mankind has pushed the need to place convenience at the tip of our fingers and on our palms. Hence, comes the birth of the mobile applications used in various smartphone models from different makers followed by its proliferation in the global market. With all sorts of entertainment, security, commerce and banking, shopping, online education, and gaming, etc. readily available on our palms, it is a no-brainer that smartphone users are growing in numbers dramatically.

Designers man drawing website ux app development. User experience concept.

According to a survey conducted by Statista, there is a steady increase of smartphone users globally in a span of 6 years beginning 2014. It started with 1.57 billion global users in 2014. It increased to 1.86 billion in 2015. It continued to increase to 2.1 billion in 2016 and 2.32 billion in 2017. As of this year, it is currently at 2.53 billion and it is projected to further soar high in the next two years with a projection of 2.71 billion users in 2019 and 2.87 billion in 2020. Indeed, the figures are talking not just in millions here, but in billions.

Such demand and trend have encouraged mobile application developers to create and build many more mobile applications that respond to the needs of the market including but not limited to social networking, online education and mobile payment systems, to name a few. This is a dynamic industry that brings and creates changing and various trends as the year progresses, and with the rapid rise in the percentage of application usage – both in iOS and Android – this creates tough competition.

The trend of the mobile application development is directly proportional to the yearly increase of smartphone users globally, hence, signifying a promising future for this field. In fact, more than 179 billion mobile applications have been downloaded every year with users looking forward to new and unique mobile applications that function with better and more improved features and usability.

The mobile application development is indeed expanding at an amazing rate. All other industries are going with its flow and moving towards that direction, as well. Hence, the industry will undoubtedly continue to shine in the years to ahead.

 

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