Mobile apps are gaining more popularity these days as more and more people are using smartphones. In United States alone, two-thirds of young adults (66% of those aged between 18 and 29 years) and 68% of Americans belonging to higher income groups are using smartphones (Source: Pew Internet, Aug-12).
As an auto dealer, you need to promote your business by using the state of the art techniques to stay ahead of your competitors. You can do so by providing a mobile app designed and customized to your smartphone-using customers. This article helps you know the features you should look at while selecting a mobile app design for your auto dealership business.
Features to look for in a mobile app design
Having a mobile app for your dealership is a cost effective way to approach and engage your customers. A well-designed app makes it easy for the people to find you at any time. However, the effectiveness of the app depends on its design and the available features. Following is a list of features you need to include in your mobile app design in order to create optimal benefits for your business:
• Cross platform capability: Look for the cross platform capability of the app. This is important as it enables the app to operate in any smartphone irrespective of its operating system. Thus, your app will work with any smartphone.
• Real time new and used car inventory: See that the app enables your customers to browse your new and used car inventory quickly and easily. Update your inventory at regular intervals to provide your customers with the latest information. Make it easy for the customers to search for used cars and their history using vehicle name and model. You can also provide information about new models like expected time of arrival, offer price, etc.
• Push notifications to show promotions: A push notification is a message that is sent using a mobile app. This enables you to send any informational or promotional messages, which can be scheduled beforehand. It can keep you in contact with your customers who opted for services like feedback response, service specials, deals, promotions, and the like.
• GPS directions: This is a 'must include' feature as it enables the customers to visit the physical location of your dealership easily. With a single tap the app will provide directions to your dealership. The app should be able to find the best route from any GPS location.
• Tap to call or mail options: Get a mobile app designed such that it enables users to send e-mails or make calls to your dealership instantly. This feature eliminates the need to go to the Internet, find a phone number or e-mail address, make a call or send mail for any service related queries or sales inquiries. This will make it easier for the customer to approach you, and thus, makes them happy.
• Tool for scheduling service appointments: Get your mobile app designed with a tool which makes it easy for the customers to schedule a repair or service appointment with your dealership. As the app is available 24X7, it becomes easy for the customers to request a service appointment, based on their convenience.
• Social media integration: Integrating your mobile app with the popular social media platforms enables your customers to share their favorite cars, interesting offers from your dealership, videos, etc. with friends using the social networking sites.
Find mobile apps developed by reputed service providers
Designing an app that is optimal to your users' needs is significant. To get a customized app for your dealership, find a reputed service provider that has expertise in designing mobile apps specific to auto dealerships.
Getting a mobile app designed with these features from a professional app designer will give your dealership an optimal advantage in terms of sales, customer satisfaction and above all sustaining your business in the long run.
