How iPhone applications can help your business

Who doesn't have or know about an iPhone nowadays? It seems Apple has its own Internet niche and platform, especially with the popularity and dominance of the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch (not to mention the iPad that was released this month). The web experience on an iPhone is quite different than any other mobile device with web browsing capabilities. It seems that iPhone-based mobile websites have a different feel compared to other wireless websites- They look, feel, and are experienced differently.

Because of this superiority in how a mobile website can be experienced using an iPhone or iPod, Apple iPhone application development is extremely popular to corporations and businesses alike. the Apple iTunes store has become dominant as compared to other Internet giants, namely Google, Blackberry, and Microsoft. People are more likely to spend money on an iPhone app than to use a free wireless application offered by other service providers. This exudes Apple's dominance, and therefore businesses need to understand this and develop an iPhone application for their products or websites aside from any other mobile initiatives. It seems have a "Apple" plan of action is an area now that is completely independent from all other online initiatives. This is powerful stuff.

As a business owner myself, and an iPhone app developer too, reliance on Apple's web audience is both important and essential to success and long term planning. Everyone expects Apple App development to continue to grow, so a business that relies on e-commerce of Internet exposure as an arm to their growth needs to implement an iPhone app initiative to remain ahead and competitive in their market. But, what kind of iPhone app should you develop? This intriguing question can result in either spending a few thousand dollars, to upwards of $50K+ in development.

Realizing what you want your iPhone website to do is important. Its it what you want the app to do that matters. There are two main distinctions in development:

1) Do you want it to be an extension of your web content.

or

2) Do you want your iPhone app to accomplish a task or function with your customers? For example, sell, execute a task, or store data.

Such a distinction is important both financially and strategically. Some retailers do not have the capability to sell on mobile devices, so, rather then develop an iPhone app with that capability, it will not be feasible in the foreseeable future. Therefore, developing an iPhone app that triggers web traffic and promotes products is just as valuable and important. But, for those companies that do have the ability to afford mobile sales and iPhone database development and execution, being realistic in expectations and studying competitors is also crucial.

Remember, iPhone app development is exciting but it has its limitations. Many developers are frustrated that Apple only gives limited code access and manipulation, therefore limitations exist. Also, once you develop your app, getting it on the App store requires much work and PR initiatives, as well as rules and guidelines.

For more information on app development and marketing, my company would be glad to be of service. You can write me at info@rgpacific.com with your specific questions or call me directly to discuss your project ideas. Apple is now important to business strategy on the web, how will you apply it to yours?

Take care and until next time!

How to Drive Traffic to your Website

In my experience as a web marketing consultant to small businesses, the most asked question is always this: How the heck do I get visitors to my website without spending a fortune? Stemming from this question, which boggles the mind of every business owner who hears about the internet, there seems to be a lot of questions out there about what the internet can really do for a business. This is the main reason I am writing this article.

Most small to mid-size business owners do not have the resources to launch glitzy media campaigns with banner ads on ESPN, CNN, or AOL. On the contrary, most of them are on tight budgets and look to the internet as a viable alternative to regular print advertising, which gives them no solid results. Unfortunately, they are not aware of many low cost methods and techniques other than banner ads that they can afford with their marketing budget. The internet promises so much, but to many business owners who know little about it, achieving success means either hiring a full time web developer or outsourcing the work to someone else. Ultimately, a business owner is promised no more than what he or she knows. Internet Marketing consists of a series of different options, methods, and trends. The goal for a online marketer is to explore the different types of online marketing that exists so that you can have the tools and knowledge at your disposal that you need in order to either make an informed decision about outsourcing your work, understanding what it can do for you business, and if you can ideally do it yourself. Whether you know HTML, own a website currently, or are planning on developing one, finding the right business model is the key!

The benefits of online marketing are endless. It is a new marketing channel that is quickly becoming a necessity for all types of business. As a consultant, I have worked with niche market clients such as Home Repair, Law, Restoration, Landscaping, and more. Every industry sees an advantage with marketing online, and with good reason. The internet gives you not just the opportunity to sell your product or service to the world, but the ability to track and retain information from every marketing method you implement. It is a revolutionary product that allows you to choose your audience, as precisely as possible, and can increase your Rate of Return (ROI) to a higher rate that TV and Print can never match. This is the reason why so many companies are going online, and why Google, Yahoo, and other web companies have become such a powerful presence in everyday life. The internet has become a medium, and any company looking for longevity and growth needs to utilize the internet in order to gain or match their competitors in every market.

Later on I will give you a background into the most popular and common online marketing techniques. I will also show you how they are used, how they work, and what impact they can have on your business. You can use this blog as a reference point to your everyday business routine and will hopefully serve as a milestone in your quest to creating a more profitable business utilizing the methods you will learn in this book. Please keep in touch! and remember… The more you know about internet marketing, the easier it will be for you to find business online.

Ray Galan
www.rgpacific.com