Unleashing the Power of Flutter

Photo by Artur Shamsutdinov on Unsplash

Introduction:

In the dynamic world of app development, choosing the right framework can be a game-changer. Flutter, a UI toolkit developed by Google, has been making waves in the industry for its versatility and efficiency. With its unique features and robust capabilities, Flutter has become a preferred choice for developers aiming to create cross-platform applications. In this blog, we’ll explore the numerous benefits that come with using Flutter for app development.

1. Cross-Platform Development:

One of the primary advantages of Flutter is its ability to facilitate cross-platform development. With a single codebase, developers can create apps that run seamlessly on both Android and iOS platforms. This not only streamlines the development process but also reduces the time and effort required to maintain two separate codebases. The hot reload feature further accelerates development, allowing developers to see instant changes and improvements in real-time.

2. Expressive and Beautiful UI:

Flutter provides a rich set of pre-designed widgets that enable developers to build expressive and visually appealing user interfaces. The framework allows for complete customization, giving developers the freedom to create unique and engaging designs. The “widget” system in Flutter simplifies the creation and arrangement of UI elements, resulting in a more intuitive and efficient development experience.

3. Fast Development Cycle:

Flutter’s hot reload feature deserves a special mention for its impact on the development cycle. With hot reload, developers can instantly see the effects of code changes, making the debugging and testing process quicker and more efficient. This real-time feedback loop enhances collaboration among team members and fosters a more iterative and agile development approach.

4. Consistent Performance:

Flutter leverages a compiled programming language called Dart, which allows it to achieve native performance levels. Unlike some other cross-platform frameworks that rely on web views, Flutter renders its own UI directly on the device, ensuring a consistent and smooth performance across different platforms. This results in faster app startup times, reduced lag, and an overall enhanced user experience.

5. Large and Active Community:

Flutter has gained significant traction within the developer community, leading to a vibrant ecosystem of resources, documentation, and third-party packages. The extensive support from Google and the open-source community ensures that developers have access to a wealth of knowledge, making problem-solving and learning more accessible. Additionally, the constant updates and improvements from the community contribute to the framework’s overall robustness.

6. Cost-Effective Development:

The cross-platform nature of Flutter translates into cost savings for businesses. Instead of maintaining separate development teams for Android and iOS, companies can invest in a single team proficient in Flutter, reducing development costs and timelines. The efficiency of the development process, coupled with the ability to reuse code, contributes to a more cost-effective app development lifecycle.

Conclusion:

Flutter has emerged as a powerful and efficient framework for app development, offering a myriad of benefits to developers and businesses alike. From cross-platform compatibility and expressive UI to a fast development cycle and cost-effectiveness, Flutter is changing the landscape of mobile app development. As the framework continues to evolve and gain popularity, it is clear that Flutter is here to stay, providing a robust and modern solution for creating high-quality, visually appealing, and performant applications. I Sawan Narendra Aware, Have 7 years of experience in flutter app development and I can help you build a beautiful flutter app.

By — Sawan Narendra Aware

Technology Enthusiast and Developer

7 Reasons to Develop a Mobile App for Your Salon

Are you struggling to fill the appointment book at your beauty salon? The solution is right at your fingertips – literally! Introducing the power of a salon app built on the Mass Mobile Apps platform, the ultimate tool for crafting cutting-edge applications that elevate your business to new heights.

In today’s fast-paced world, having a mobile app is not just a trend; it’s a strategic move that can transform your salon business. The Mass Mobile Apps platform makes it easy for beauty salon owners like you to create a personalized and user-friendly app that caters to the dynamic needs of your clientele.

Why You Should Embrace the Salon App Revolution:

  1. Boost Brand Recognition: With your salon app, you become more than just a business – you become a recognizable brand. Enhance your visibility, attract a broader audience, and establish a direct line of communication with your customers. Send customized push notifications to make them feel valued and ensure your services stay top-of-mind.
  2. Gain a Competitive Edge: Stand out in the crowded market of beauty salons by embracing technology. While many competitors may not have a salon app, you can gain a competitive edge by partnering with Mass Mobile Apps. Provide your users with a seamless and friendly app experience, showcasing professionalism that sets you apart from the rest.
  3. Eliminate Queues: Say goodbye to long queues and telephonic hassles. Your clients can effortlessly check available slots and book appointments at their convenience through your salon app. This not only saves time for your clients but also streamlines your scheduling process, ensuring a smoother operation.
  4. Facilitate Easy Payments: In an increasingly cashless society, your salon app becomes the gateway to hassle-free transactions. Integrate popular mobile payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal, allowing users to make quick and secure cashless payments. Say goodbye to the inconvenience of carrying cash.
  5. Showcase Your Services: Your app becomes a virtual showcase of all the services your salon offers. From last-minute emergencies to planned beauty sessions, users can quickly browse through your service bundles, prices, and even catch a glimpse of client testimonials. Make it easy for users to choose your salon for their beauty needs.
  6. Loyalty & Reward Programs: Everyone loves a good deal! Use your salon app to effortlessly roll out loyalty and reward programs. Personalize coupons, update offers, and showcase enticing discounts to keep your customers engaged and loyal. It’s a surefire way to boost sales and recoup your salon app development costs.
  7. House All of Your Digital Asset: Your salon app becomes a powerful marketing tool. Promote your business on various social media channels, online forums, and other platforms and embed all of those chanels inside your app. Let your customers become brand advocates by promoting your app on their social media platforms.

Conclusion: In a digital age where connectivity is key, investing in a dedicated salon app is not just a choice; it’s a necessity. The Mass Mobile Apps platform empowers you to take your beauty salon into the digital era with a feature-rich app. Don’t just keep up with the times – stay ahead and watch your business flourish. Partner with a reliable development company to unlock the full potential of your salon app, combining basic and advanced functionalities for a truly exceptional experience. Elevate your salon, connect with your customers effortlessly, and embrace the future of beauty business with Mass Mobile Apps!

How to Build a Custom Mobile App

  1. Conceptualize Your App:
    • Define the purpose and functionality of your app.
    • Identify your target audience and their needs.
    • Outline the main features and screens your app will have.
  2. Sign Up and Log In:
    • Visit the website of the no-code mobile app building platform (e.g., Mass Mobile Apps).
    • Sign up for an account if you haven’t already.
    • Log in to your account.
  3. Choose a Template or Start from Scratch:
    • Many no-code platforms offer pre-designed templates for different types of apps.
    • Select a template that closely matches your app’s concept or start with a blank canvas.
  4. Design Your App:
    • Customize the app’s layout, color scheme, fonts, and branding elements.
    • Add and the required features your app will need.
  5. Add Screens and Content:
    • Create the content for the features you added, for example if you added food ordering, then you will need to add menu items into your app.
    • Use drag-and-drop tools to add buttons, text, images, videos, forms, and other interactive elements.
    • Configure navigation between screens using links, buttons, or menus.
  6. Configure Integrated Rewards Programs:
    • Rewards programs are vital for the success of your app, its the hook that keeps your app on your customers device
    • Most platforms have pre built basic solutions like digital stamp cards or coupons you can add seamlessly
    • If you are looking for more robust options its important to investigate the platform on which you will be building your app. Mass Mobile Apps has 11 different feature rich rewards programs that can be customized to fit your businesses needs.
  7. Test Your App:
    • Use the platform’s built-in preview function to test your app’s functionality and appearance.
    • Check for any usability issues, glitches, or design inconsistencies.
  8. Refine and Iterate:
    • Based on testing, make necessary adjustments to the design, layout, and functionality.
    • Optimize the user experience and fix any identified issues.
  9. Publish Your App:
    • Once you’re satisfied with your app, follow the platform’s guidelines to publish it.
    • This will involve generating an AAB file (for Android) and submitting your app to an app store (e.g., Apple App Store, Google Play Store).
  10. Market and Promote:
    • Share your app with your customers through social media, email campaigns, and other marketing channels.
    • Rewarding your customers for sharing your app is a sure fire way to get downloads.

If your app’s requirements are more sophisticated, you might eventually need to transition to a platform like ours that can customize features based on your requirements, or move to a custom-coded solution where you will need to hire a development team. Mass Mobile Apps can handle your project whichever way you choose to go.

How Can a Mobile App Help Your Business in 2023

Mobile apps have become an essential tool for businesses in today’s digital age. Here are a few reasons why mobile apps can be beneficial for your business:

  1. Increased customer engagement: Mobile apps allow businesses to connect with customers in a more personal and direct way. With push notifications, businesses can easily keep customers informed about promotions, sales, and other important information.
  2. Improved customer loyalty: Mobile apps can help businesses build customer loyalty by providing a convenient and personalized experience. Features such as loyalty programs and rewards can encourage customers to return to the app and make repeat purchases.
  3. Increased sales: Mobile apps can help businesses increase sales by providing customers with a quick and easy way to make purchases. With in-app purchasing, customers can make a purchase without ever leaving the app, making the process seamless and convenient.
  4. Cost-effective marketing: Mobile apps can be an cost-effective way for businesses to reach and engage customers. Marketing campaigns can be targeted specifically to app users, and push notifications can be used to promote sales and special offers.
  5. Improved customer service: Mobile apps can also be used to improve customer service by providing customers with easy access to information and support. Features such as chatbots and FAQ sections can help customers find the information they need quickly and easily.

Overall, mobile apps can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to improve customer engagement, increase sales, and build customer loyalty. With the increasing popularity of mobile devices, it is becoming increasingly important for businesses to have a mobile app to stay competitive in today’s digital landscape.

*This article was written with ChatGPT

Contact Us to Find Out How We Can Help!

When Will Your Company Go Mobile?

If you are a business owner today — no matter what size your business is — you need to start thinking about a mobile-first strategy if you have not already done so. In today’s world, businesses everywhere are looking for an edge, especially small businesses. Mobile can be that edge.

It is no longer a question of if your business should adopt a mobile strategy, the question is when. When small business owners start their research into app development, they might be discouraged when they find out what it is going to cost. The average mobile app can cost $270,000 to develop, according to a survey from Kinvey.

Those figures are sure to scare away most small business owners, and even some of the bigger ones. I have some unique insights into this process, having seen it from both sides. I have a retail background and in 2014, I was looking for a way to better connect with my customers. I tried many of the marketing tools available to me, including radio, magazines, flyers, email, social media and paid web. Some avenues had results and others did not, but with all the competition for the attention of my customers, it became increasingly difficult to stand out.

The goal of my marketing efforts was to get my message in front of my customers in the most effective way possible and to increase sales as a direct result of those efforts. A Google search for how to increase sales resulted in my “aha moment.” Businesses with loyalty programs generally have profits that are higher than businesses without one, and companies like Starbucks saw a 26% increase in profits after introducing a loyalty program. I began looking for ways to implement a loyalty program for my business and after a few days of research settled on a mobile loyalty app. In 2014, the mobile app landscape was not where it is today and what I was looking for did not exist, so I went out and built it.

As a retail owner who also founded an app development company, I know that a business owner today can design, build and publish their own custom mobile app for less than it would cost them to publish 10,000 flyers just once. The mobile app today is as essential to businesses as a website has been in the past. Over time, I believe it will become the most effective way to connect with and engage your customers.

If you look back 20 years, how many businesses had a website? Today, a business without a website is like a business without a sign. If I look ahead five years, I can imagine a landscape where mobile is the dominant medium — even more so than it is today.

When looking for a mobile solution, it is important to make sure that the solutions being offered are ones that you will use. There are a lot of mobile app builders available today, and the solutions they provide are as different as the businesses they serve. Look for a platform where you can speak to a real live person to get a full understanding of the solutions they offer.  Features are important, and like anything, it is quality, not quantity that matters here. Look for the types of features that you will use in your business.

For example, almost every mobile app builder offers some type of loyalty program. Most that I have seen are simple programs like a digital stamp card — buy nine and get your tenth free. If you are running a cafe, that might be sufficient, but most other types of businesses will need something a little more robust. In designing our loyalty system, I really wanted to have something that would not only reward my customers but would boost my bottom line. As a result, we introduced transaction-based rewards where users are rewarded for the purchases they make. The more they spend the more they earn. This is a win-win proposition for both the consumer and the business owner. When thinking about making a purchase, the consumer is incentivized to not only buy with you but to spend more when they do. The business owner can now offer rewards instead of discounts and ensure that their best customers receive the most rewards.

That is one example of how different features can be between app providers, even if they sound the same. While you think you are comparing apples to apples, in reality, the two offerings could be very different. Do your research, check out more than one company and tell them what you are looking for and what you hope to gain with your mobile app. This is an extremely important decision, and you need to do it right the first time because unlike a website that can be redesigned if you are unhappy with it, moving to a new mobile app platform will not only cost you more money, it will cost you more time and you will lose the downloads you have accumulated.

Your company’s shift to mobile is an inevitability. It’s no longer if you go mobile, but when.

How much is an app worth? Apple will soon make you choose

A huge swath of American consumers will soon have to make a choice about how they support their favorite apps, and an entire industry is on the edge of their seat, waiting. Why? Because Apple made it so. They even made a very big deal of it on World Privacy Day in January.

If you have an Apple device, you’re likely running iOS 14, even if it’s not the most current iPhone 12. Typically, 50% of iPhones are successfully updated to the latest OS within 30 days of launch — and as of December 2020, 80% of iPhones were running iOS 14.

If you’ve updated and successfully removed the red notification from your settings app, it also means you are now using the new operating system and according to Apple, “Privacy. That’s iPhone.”

While their “Privacy” ads don’t explain how the company protects your information, anyone working in mobile can explain, firstly, that it now requires apps to tell you exactly which information they would gather, if given permission, in what Apple is calling a “Privacy Nutrition Label:”

Now that you know exactly what they would gather from you, you have the option to opt-in to data information gathering and tracking.

On earlier versions of Apple’s operating system, you had to make a concerted effort to opt out via settings. Now, Apple forces developers to give you that choice earlier through a popup that will appear when a developer requests your device ID. It will inquire if you want to “Ask app not to track” or if you’ll “Allow” it.

Most people say they care about privacy, and that they don’t trust tech companies’ use of their data. Yet, when asked if the “trade-off” of sharing information is worth more personalization and other benefits, they say yes. When there is a clear purpose to data-sharing (e.g., stopping COVID-19 spread) consumers are extremely willing to share even sensitive health data, as well as their location, social media, and search history.

So maybe it’s time to think about what you want out of your app experiences. More specifically, what is the purpose of app tracking and sharing your data with that developer? What is the benefit of saying “Allow” when that modal pops up?

First, many app developers have functionalities within their app that require some level of data about you in order to serve you their experience as it was intended. You can’t check the weather or traffic where you are without opting into location tracking.

Second, while most people dislike ads, they aren’t going away anytime soon. Those weather, traffic, and even mobile gaming apps are free, and the people who create them need to get paid — so unless you’re paying to upgrade that app or buying items within it, you’re going to get ads.

If you opt out of that tracking option, the advertising you receive will be generic ads that will likely annoy you even further. Remember the early web? Viagra ads were seemingly everywhere. Think about that … but with video and more!

What about the collective good? If there is one trend that has marked this past year, it’s been seeing new possibilities of altruism in society. Human beings do take actions to help others — as long as it doesn’t harm us, of course.

When you opt in to being tracked for the sake of advertising, to sharing that ID, you’re saying, “I support the advertising model where I receive value (i.e., news, gaming, entertainment) in exchange for my attention. I recognize that content creators need to make a living.” It’s a value exchange, just like seeing commercials when you watch TV, Hulu, and so on.

Even if I didn’t work in advertising, I would take that trade. Why? Because I live in Texas where barbecue is practically a religion. To perfect my own technique, I watch BBQ channels on YouTube. If those guys (shout out to John Setzler and Malcolm Reed) weren’t compensated by ads, I don’t think the content created would be nearly as well thought-out nor frequent. It would be their hobby, not a job or a side gig.

So I’m all in on supporting the ad model. In my opinion, it works. Apple has essentially made privacy its defining feature versus Google’s Android, potentially to the detriment of hundreds of thousands of app developers out there. If your favorite app runs ads, ask yourself, what would you pay for it if it wasn’t free? If it’s less than about $5 per month, per app, it’s not enough.

When Apple finally launches this feature in early Spring, you will have a decision to make. It’s an entirely personal choice, of course, and for users who know they care about privacy and have already taken some actions to protect it — which is about 1 in 3 people, called “privacy actives” — the choice is clear.

But for the rest of us, it’s not so obvious.

Written by: Jonathan Harrop who is Senior Director, Global Marketing & Communications at AdColony.

How to Test or Preview Your App While Building it?

Getting Started

To test beta versions of apps and App Clips using with an Apple device you will need to use the TestFlight app, you’ll need to accept an email or public link invitation from us and have a device that you can use to test.

All other invited testers can access builds that the developer makes available to them. A developer can invite you to test with an email or a public link.

The testing process with Android devices are much simpler – simply download our Preview Tool App and input the Preview Code and you are set. You will be able to see a working prototype of your app on your smart phone.

Required platforms

  • iOS apps: iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 8 or later. App Clips require iOS 14 or later. iMessage apps and sticker packs require iOS 10 or later.
  • tvOS apps: Apple TV running tvOS 9 or later.
  • watchOS apps: Apple Watch running watchOS 2 or later.

TestFlight is not available for Mac apps.

Available Languages

TestFlight for both iOS and tvOS is available in Arabic, Catalan, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English (Australia), English (U.K.), English (U.S.), Finnish, French, French (Canada), German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Spanish, Spanish (Latin America), Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.

Installing and Testing Beta Apps

Each build is available to test for up to 90 days, starting from the day the developer uploads their build. You can see how many days you have left for testing under the app name in TestFlight. TestFlight will notify you each time a new build is available and will include instructions on what you need to test. Alternatively, with TestFlight 3 or later, you can turn on automatic updates to have the latest beta builds install automatically.

When the testing period is over, you’ll no longer be able to open the beta build. To install the App Store version of the app, download or purchase the app from the App Store. In-app purchases are free only during beta testing, and any in-app purchases made during testing will not carry over to App Store versions.

Installation

To get started, install TestFlight on the device you’ll use for testing. Then, accept your email invitation or follow the public link invitation to install the beta app. You can install the beta app on up to 30 devices.

Installing a Beta iOS App via Email or Public Link Invitation

  1. Install TestFlight on the iOS device that you’ll use for testing.
  2. Open your invitation email or tap on the public link on your iOS device.
  3. Tap View in TestFlight or Start Testing; or tap Install or Update for the app you want to test.

Installing a Beta tvOS App via Email Invitation

  1. Install TestFlight on Apple TV.
  2. Open your invitation email on a mobile device or computer.
  3. Click or tap Start Testing. You’ll be taken to a web page with a redemption code.
  4. Open TestFlight on Apple TV.
  5. Go to Redeem and enter the redemption code.
  1. Install TestFlight on an iOS device and Apple TV where you can sign in to the same App Store account.
  2. Tap the public link on your iOS device.
  3. Tap Accept for the app you want to test.
  4. Open TestFlight on Apple TV. You must be signed in to the same App Store account you used on your iOS device.
  5. Install the app you want to test.

Installing a Beta watchOS App via Email or Public Link Invitation

  1. Install TestFlight on the iOS device that you’ll use for testing.
  2. Open your invitation email or tap on the public link on your iOS device.
  3. Tap View in TestFlight or Start Testing.
  4. If you’re testing an app that’s for Apple Watch only, tap Install or Update from the Apps list.
  5. If the app is an iOS app that includes an Apple Watch app, install the iOS app first, then from the App Details page under the Information section, you will see a Watch section. If the Apple Watch app is available and compatible with your watch, you’ll see a button to install it.

Testing

Testing iMessage Apps (iOS 10 or later)

  1. Install TestFlight on the iOS device that you’ll use for testing.
  2. Open your invitation email or tap on the public link on your iOS device.
  3. Tap View in TestFlight or Start Testing; or tap Install or Update for the app you want to test.
  4. If you’re testing an iOS app that includes an iMessage app, launch the beta app from the home screen as you would with any app.
  5. If you’re testing an app that’s for iMessage only or a sticker pack, you can launch it from inside Messages.

Testing Beta App Clips (iOS 14 or later)

After accepting your email or public link invitation to test the app, you’ll see the option to test the App Clip in TestFlight. You can install either the app or the App Clip on your device (but not both at once), and can replace one with the other at any time. If the app is installed on your device, testing the App Clip will replace the app and some app data may be lost. You can reinstall the app by tapping Install on the app’s page in TestFlight.

  1. Install TestFlight on the iOS device that you’ll use for testing.
  2. Open your invitation email or tap on the public link on your iOS device.
  3. Tap View in TestFlight or Start Testing; or tap Install or Update for the app you want to test.
  4. Go to the app’s page in TestFlight.
  5. In the App Clips section, tap TEST next to the beta App Clip you want to test.

Managing Automatic Updates

After installing TestFlight 3 or later, you’ll be prompted to turn on automatic updates. This allows the latest available beta builds to install automatically. TestFlight will notify you each time a new build is installed on your device. Automatic updates can be turned off at any time.

Change automatic update settings for all of the beta apps you’re testing using TestFlight:

TestFlight for iOS

  1. Open TestFlight and tap Settings in the upper-right corner.
  2. Tap Automatic Updates.
  3. Tap On or Off.

TestFlight for tvOS

  1. Open TestFlight and click the Settings tab at the top.
  2. Under GENERAL INFORMATION, turn Automatic Updates On or Off.

Change automatic update settings for individual beta apps you’re testing using TestFlight:

TestFlight for iOS

  1. Open TestFlight and go to the app’s page.
  2. Under App Information, turn Automatic Updates On or Off.

TestFlight for tvOS

  1. Open TestFlight and go to the app’s page.
  2. Under the app icon, click the More button.
  3. Click Turn On Automatic Updates or Turn Off Automatic Updates.

Testing Previous Builds

When viewing an app in TestFlight, you’ll see the latest available build by default. You can still test all other builds that are available to you.

  1. Go to the app’s page in TestFlight.
  2. Tap on Previous Builds.
  3. Tap and install the build you want to test. The one you select will replace what’s currently installed.

If you already have the App Store version of the app installed on your device, the beta version of the app will replace it. After you download the beta app, you’ll see an orange dot next to its name that identifies it as a beta.

When you accept a TestFlight invitation through a public link, your name and email address are not visible to the developer. However, they’ll be able to see your number of sessions and crashes, the day you installed their app, and the latest installed version.

Giving Feedback

While testing a beta version of an app or App Clip, you can send the developer feedback about issues you experience or make suggestions for improvements based on the “What to Test” content. Feedback you submit through TestFlight is also provided to Apple as part of the TestFlight service.

iOS Apps

If your device is running iOS 13 or later, you can send feedback through the TestFlight app or directly from the beta app or beta App Clip by taking a screenshot, and you can report a crash after it occurs. If you were invited to test an app with a public link, you can choose not to provide your email address or other personal information to the developer. Apple will also receive all feedback you submit and will be able to tie it to your Apple ID.

Sending Feedback through the TestFlight App (iOS 13 or later)

  1. Open the TestFlight app on your device.
  2. From the Apps list, tap the app.
  3. Tap Send Beta Feedback.
  4. In the share dialog, tap Include Screenshot to choose a screenshot. If you don’t want to send an attachment, tap Don’t Include Screenshot.
  5. Add your comments (up to 2,000 characters), and optionally enter your email address if you were invited with a public link.
  6. Tap Submit.

Sending Feedback through the Beta App (iOS 13 or later)

When you take a screenshot while testing a beta app or beta App Clip, you can send the screenshot with feedback directly to the developer without leaving the app or App Clip Experience. Developers can opt out of receiving this type of feedback, so this option is only available if the developer has it enabled.

  1. Take a screenshot on your device. For details on how to take screenshots, see Take a screenshot on your iPhoneTake a screenshot on your iPad, and Take a screenshot on your iPod touch.
  2. A thumbnail of your screenshot appears in the lower-left corner of your device. Tap the thumbnail and, if needed, add drawings and text with Markup. Then tap the Done button.
  3. Tap the Share Beta Feedback.
  4. Optionally, you can add comments (up to 2,000 characters), and your email address if you were invited with a public link.
  5. Tap Submit.

Sending Crash Information (iOS 13 or later)

If you experience a crash while testing a beta app or beta App Clip, you’ll receive an alert asking if you want to send crash details to the developer through TestFlight. Developers can opt out of receiving this type of feedback, so this option is only available if the developer has it enabled.

When the crash alert displays, tap Share, add any additional comments, and tap Submit.

Sending Feedback through the TestFlight App (iOS 12.4 or earlier)

If your device is running iOS 12.4 or earlier, tap Send Beta Feedback to compose an email to the developer. The feedback email contains detailed information about the beta app and about your iOS device. You can also provide additional information, such as necessary screenshots and steps required to reproduce any issues. Your email address will be visible to the developer when you send email feedback through the TestFlight app even if you were invited through a public link.

Staying Connected With Customers

In today’s COVID-19 world, where businesses are closed and social distancing is the new normal how do you as a Business Owner stay connected to your customers? Any and every way you can… I have received emails from most of the companies I deal with telling me about the measures they are taking to combat the virus and after a few of those I have begun deleting and moving on without reading the rest.

That’s where having a channel that a Business Owner can use to get their messages out and know they are being seen is CRUCIAL! Its not so much about now, but about after this blows over (and it will blow over) that your customers will need to know that you are back and how you will be conducting business moving forward.

The main stream media is doing a great job at keeping people informed on the general conditions and closures that we are all having to deal with now, so letting your customers know that you are closed is not a necessity. What is important is staying in touch with your base during this time with positive content and information about your business and when the time comes that we can get back to some type of normalcy to let them know when you will be back.

With this down time, its the perfect time to get your business setup with the channels of communication your customers are used to using and there is no better channel than Mobile. The team at Mass Mobile Apps have the ability to set you up with a custom mobile app that will allow you to connect with customers via 1)Push Notifications 2)Email and 3)SMS/Text Messaging. All 3 channels are directly integrated into our system and will give you 3 x the advantage of just using 1.

Connect with our team to get you setup and connected with your customers, we understand that your revenues are down so we are offering low cost options to get you setup.

There is no point in panicking over things you cannot control, get ready and be ready for the moment when you are back in business!

Benefits of a Mobile Loyalty App

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s Consumer spends an inordinate amount of time on their smart phones.  From playing games, connecting on Social Media, and even doing their banking.  Smart Businesses have seen this trend, and understand that they need to position themselves on a channel that consumes so much of their clients attention.

The absolute best and most effective way to do this is to adopt a Mobile First Strategy for your Business, one that includes a Responsive Website (which means that the site is view able on mobile) and a Custom Mobile App.

 

  • Apps Reduce Marketing Costs

Built in E mail and SMS programs, along with unlimited Push Notifications give your business the ability to connect with your customers and know your message is being seen, all at virtually no cost.

  • Apps are a Constant Reminder of Your Business

Mobile Apps REINFORCE YOUR BRAND by increasing visibility.  Your Businesses Logo in an icon on a screen your customers look at hundreds of times a day is priceless!

  • An App Will Generate Repeat Business and à INCREASE SALES!

With our integrated tiered Loyalty Program, you can now reward your customers for shopping instead of discounting.  Studies have proven, that Businesses with a Loyalty Program in place do 20+% better than those without one.  Our Proprietary Actionable Loyalty Initiatives, (ALI) will allow you to reward your customers for actions in the app, like sharing an image, notification or liking any of your existing social media pages.

  • Apps Give You Measurable Marketing Tools

Push Notifications have open rates of 98%, SMS/Text Messages have open rates of 99.9%, compare that to emails that have open rates of 20-30%, and you will start to see a real return on your investment.  You no longer have to rely on “Hope Marketing”, with the built-in marketing tools in the Mass Mobile Apps platform you can new send a marketing message and know it’s being seen!

  • M-Commerce – Monetize With Mobile

Integrate your existing e-commerce site into your app, or add an e-commerce module that will allow you to sell products directly through the app.  Today its important that your business is available to your customers in a Mobile Channel.

4 Ways to Build Trust With Your Customers

What efforts do you take to build trust with your customers? Building solid, trusting relationships with your customer base is one of the best ways to retain them. In fact, News Cred’s recent study revealed that among millennials, the top three brand loyalty drivers include a great product (77%), followed by brand recognition (69%) and trust (69%).

Research also shows that retaining customers is much cheaper than acquiring new ones. The longer a customer is loyal to a brand, the more money they spend. What does that mean for your bottom line? According to a study cited by Retention Science, increasing customer retention by just 5 percent increases profits by 25-95 percent.

Needless to say, building trust with your customers is a worthwhile and profitable endeavor.

Here are four ways to build trust with your audience:

1. Communicate with customers on a regular basis
Communications with your customer base should not revolve solely around purchasing. If customers feel like every communication is a sales push, before long, your attempts to connect will get ignored and you’ll dash any hope of building trust.
Instead, communicate with your customers on a regular basis. Consider emailing a regular newsletter, sharing links to helpful articles on your social media channels or providing how-to articles on your blog. Customers appreciate useful information that makes their day a little better.

For example, if you run a fast casual restaurant, create a monthly newsletter to highlights upcoming menu items and introduce new staff. If you run a cleaning company, share an article containing tips to clean up nail polish or general organizing or stain removing hacks. Be intentional with your communication. If customers hear from you with useful tips, product updates, relevant market research, etc… on a regular basis, your occasional promotional email won’t feel out of place. It’s just another message from a friend.

2. Provide quality customer service in your store

One of the best ways to gain trust is to offer your customers service they can’t find anywhere else. Here’s a quick checklist to make sure your service inside your store is top-notch:

  • Make sure your staff is friendly.
  • Create a welcoming environment that keeps customers coming back.
  • Train employees to nurture your customer relationships. Don’t assume employees know how to interact with your audience, show them.
  • Collect and use feedback. Ask your customers to provide feedback and use it to implement changes that can improve their experience. Collect feedback in store and online.
  • Show gratitude. Make sure your customers know that you appreciate them. Send exclusive deals to your most valued customers, host a customer appreciation event and set up a loyalty program that rewards your customers for their continued support.

3. Consider providing customer support on social
With so many of your customers being on social media, using these platforms to offer service and support is quickly catching on. Xbox, a popular gaming system company, offers customer support through Twitter. Customers can tweet questions and get live help. It’s so popular that Xbox has created multiple accounts to manage the traffic.
If you plan to offer support on social channels there are a few tools that can help. ZenDesk, for example, offers software that manages customers’ requests and creates a self-help arena for customers to troubleshoot issues on their own. Desk.com is another option. It creates a universal inbox where you can help your customers through social sites like Facebook and Twitter all from one dashboard. Your online service should compliment your service efforts in store.

4. Own up to mistakes

Customers reward companies that are honest and transparent. If you make a mistake, own up to it. Whether you missed a service appointment or have products on back order, it’s important to communicate any issues or delays with those customers.
As soon as you’re aware of a problem, reach out. For example, when Adorama fell short on cameras, an email was sent to explain that the item was on backorder. The company apologized for the wait and offered additional relevant information like how to cancel an order.
Mistakes happen. Research shows 95% of complaining customers will forgive a company if a problem is resolved in the next interaction. So, in addition to being honest, you also need to act quickly. Customers expect swift solutions.

How do you build trust with your customers? Feel free to share any additional strategies or tips.