Why a website where you can have an application for the iPhone? No, seriously. These are two versions of a web site or application are more similar than different, and may be considered in making the main sites of its iPhone version. In large sites such as AutoTrader, Expedia and Volkswagen require another site or application? Maybe not, but understand that the application site is an iPhone digital marketing tool in itself.
What can the iPhone application to carry out, that the site can not. What about the following possibilities:
- Portability and mobility: to show to anyone, at any time that you are interested, or what I would recommend to the proportion of lime in the other ... incredibly easy to do in real time and a great difference between e-mail to someone and expect a response. A great way to encourage word of mouth recommendations and trade!
- Integration of social media: the ability of an application for Facebook and Twitter introduction of direct access to your account in order to facilitate access and benefit sharing, is equal to or better than a Web site widgets, which must be downloaded and installed.
- Warnings and Alerts: Alerts latest iPhone operating system can be sent to notify users in real time ... it is not possible through the web and how e-mail notification is not optimal, since the output and less likely to be opened.
iPhone platform, of course, is limited in many ways, some of which are being studied by his cousin IPAD - screen real estate, sailing, navigation, content, etc. Although the iPhone application is not a substitute for a Web site can be considered a portable site appeal to these markets and demographics, which benefit from the unique opportunities it offers.
It should be noted that a large amount of information that was available on the website can be used or reused coincided with iPhone applications, especially if your website is based on CMS and RSS capabilities. Thus, the content assets capable of repeated use, and their sites and applications are used as a means of delivering content.
If your target market has the elements of mobility, the participation of social media and efficiency in decision making, then consider the application for the iPhone in addition to and in support of its traditional website.
T Marek is head of RadioTrafix.com, mobile interactive agency specializing in recovery movement by providing traditional marketing of new digital media, including the iPhone Apps, messaging applications and Augmented Reality.
