Introducing, Where’s It App, offering all you need to build your business a complete branded app, which will be based around the goal of keeping your customers happy every step of the way. Using reactive marketing tools you can keep your customers fully up to date with your news and deals, always keeping them coming back for more! Where’s It App, branded apps have built in Digital Loyalty features to ensure you and your customers are getting the most out of your business and services.
The Interview (London) talks to Colleen and Justin on how they started their business and the difference that having a branded app can make to the success of a company. At a time when we are all glued to our iPhone’s and all the information we could possibly want is at our finger tips, it is clear why branded apps are so prevalent amongst startups and established brands alike, they make sure your customer base is easily engaged and connected to your brand at any given time.
Hi Colleen and Justin!
Please can you both introduce yourselves and your roles at Where’s It App?
Hey - We are Colleen Howe & Justin Bailey, the founders of Where's it App. Creating you your own Branded App. We work with fantastic independent businesses, from start ups to well established larger businesses.
What were your previous jobs/careers prior to starting Where’s It App and how did your partnership come about?
Our paths crossed, as we were both photographers in the early days. Working together in our studio a little over 12 years ago (wow just worked that out, time flies) …. We both ended up going our separate ways in the creative field, and then we later reconnected over a coffee years later. Only within the last 6 years have we worked full time in our business together.
Can you tell us about the branded apps you’re building and the difference this can make to a business?
The power is in your hands as a business. The Branded App is completely tailored to your customers, being able to collect your customers data capture and send push notifications straight to their smartphone. This is very reactive marketing (a much cheaper option than an advert in a newspaper and most importantly it is going out to your target market of customers.)
We always suggest having fun with these if you own a restaurant for example, if it's a sunny day send out a push notification about a “New dish” or if you're a beauty salon owner a “New beauty treatment”. We believe in not always giving away freebies but to engage your customers and keep them coming back.
Your apps are based around customer loyalty. Can you tell us more about the systems your apps have in place to keep customers happy?
Our branded apps have a key feature, which is Digital loyalty – We call it the Sticking factor! We all like to be offered something for being a good customer at our favorite deli, café, barbers, bar or restaurant. Within the branded apps we create, we work with our clients to work out the best type of loyalty they can offer their customers. Whether it is a point scheme where customers can accumulate points to redeem or a digital stamp card loyalty (replacing the paper stamp card, which we all end up having 101 of in our wallets and at the bottom of our handbags)
What other key functions are there on the branded apps you design?
Some other great functions, as a customer you can book a table at your restaurant or book an appointment at your barbers whilst you’re on the tube, pre order your lunch and pay through your app, shop, or post on the fan wall within your app –
Customers can share their own photos at your establishment within your app; it is like having your own community. All social media accounts are linked in your app customers do not need to leave your app to see what you have posted on Instagram.
Why use an app over mobile websites?
“Why do I need an app when I have a website?” We used to hear this quite a lot, or “A branded app is for the future, thank you.”
The key thing about having your own branded app for your business is the customer engagement – which you cannot do via a website. Send out push notifications (like a text message) directly to your customers, we can track the most viewed page within your app, how many downloads you have had amd each individual customers data capture.
No long-winded “Sign up for our offers” like on a website. As your app would be updated with the offers you wished to set. Whether it was seasonal or an offer of the week– We see the branded app as a portal which is a one stop shop. Your customers can view your offers / menus, collect loyalty, book within the app, order and pay all in one place!
What was the catalyst that made you decide to start your own business?
It was something we both wanted to do, it was important for us to create a business, which we were proud of. Both dedicated and hard workers, we saw this as a strength that we had to use to its full advantage in our own business. Whilst working for an employer we didn’t feel as inspired or use our skills to their potential.
What strategies did you have in place beforehand?
A clear plan – setting our own targets to hit (not that all were always reached in the early days)
How did your first clients approach you and how are you building your customer base?
We were approached locally to start with, born out of our own frustration, as we believe branded apps should be affordable even to the smaller business. It always came down to how much it cost or the thought that a branded app was for the future and not now! We looked into various ways of getting this product out there in a cost effective way. Quickly realising the key features that businesses wanted so we made this possible, using our coding and design to get the ball rolling.
What advice would you offer to others starting out on their own?
Be realistic and have set goals to hit. Make sure you are prepared to work twice as hard and do not delay ideas, simply put them into action.
Get your Branded App at http://www.wheresitapp.co.uk/