The luxury market is becoming ever more competitive, with a host of new brands and start-ups having emerged since the pandemic meaning that affluent buyers and status seekers now have more choice than ever before. But while the number of high-end products and services on offer is continuing to multiply, not every brand has got its marketing or customer service strategy nailed down, and those that fail to adapt quickly to the digital age we now find ourselves in and to cater to surging customer demand for ease and accessibility from anywhere, anytime, may soon find themselves struggling to stay afloat.
In the luxury sphere, providing a seamless customer experience is especially important. Consumers of high-end products and services don’t just expect high standards from the items they buy themselves, but also from the way in which they’re delivered – starting from the first point of contact, and continuing all the way until post-sale aftercare and the ongoing relationship beyond.
One way that luxury brands can ensure they stay ahead in meeting – and exceeding these expectations is through the provision of a smartphone app, which enables customers to log on and browse wherever they happen to be – whether that’s a sun lounger in the Caribbean, or just their sofa at home. Gone are the days when apps were reserved solely for the likes of big name brands, and today, even small and niche luxury start-ups are piggybacking on the trend to get ahead of the game. A website alone is no longer enough, and investing in a responsive, user-friendly and mobile-optimised app is becoming not just optional, but essential.
If you’re unsure about how having a bespoke mobile app developed for your luxury business can help elevate your digital marketing game to the next level, then look no further – because these are all the reasons you need one in 2022 and beyond.
Increased visibility
If you’re worried about app design cost, then don’t be. After all, it’s a known fact that in business, you have to speculate to accumulate, and investing in an app for your luxury brand could be just the transformative tonic you’ve been looking for. One of the most important reasons for this is the dramatic increase in visibility it will provide when compared with relying on a website alone.
With the average adult spending close to four hours per day on their smartphone, having an app that users can download is a great way to stay at the front of their consciousness, as they’ll see it each time they unlock their phone, rather than having to specifically think about your brand and seek it out themselves. The result? Increased awareness, and a greater amount of time spent perusing – and hopefully buying – your products and services. It really is as simple as that.
Improved customer relationships
Having an app will make it easier for you to reach your customers and maintain a great relationship long-term – something that we know is essential for building both trust and loyalty. With email marketing becoming increasingly questionable in terms of its effectiveness thanks to spam filters and low open rates – being able to send offers and updates to your target audience via app-based push notifications is priceless, and will allow you to keep them in the loop about special offers and promotions, as well as giving them exclusive early access to new product launches.
Add to that the fact that you can include a live chat option in your app, using artificial intelligence to ensure customer queries are tended to in a more timely and efficient manner, and it’s easy to see where an app could enhance your strategy.
Get ahead of the competition
We’re not yet at a point where the majority of luxury brands and businesses are leveraging their own apps, which means those that embrace this growing trend now stand to get ahead of the competition and enjoy an increased market share as a result.
By making it easier for your customers to shop and communicate with you, you’re giving yourself an easy edge over close competitors that do not offer a smartphone app – and because time is of the essence when building a small business or a new start-up, eclipsing them now is something that can’t be undone. Don’t wait until you have to get an app – have one developed now and you’ll stand out due to your forward-thinking approach. Offering an app is a great way to build brand recognition and establish yourself as an exclusive luxury brand, and your customers are certain to thank you for the seamless user experience.
