You’ve heard the Apple commercials claiming “there’s an app for that,” which means that you’ve probably heard the jokes, (Insert every-day problem here) accompanied by the witty , albeit annoying, rebutal, “Isn’t there an app for this…?”  (There’s even a website called App For That which generates user-submitted “there’s an app for that” jokes). Well, that’s because there essentially is an app for everything.

One key element for having a successful website is your ability/efforts to drive traffic to your website.  One way that you can improve website traffic is to be more active with social media.  And good news, there’s an app for that.

If you have a smartphone, tablet, iPad, or iPod touch, then you probably use applications (apps).  But with over 425,000 apps (according to Wikipedia) available from Apple’s App store alone, it’s not all just fun and games.

Sure you can make a grocery list, share pictures with friends, and listen to your favorite music, but apps on your mobile device can be used for a lot more.  Do you realize that you have valuable marketing tools at your fingertips wherever you go?  You can Tweet links to your followers, update your Facebook and LinkedIn profiles, and write blogs right from your mobile device.   You don’t have to be chained to your desk if you want to be active on the web.

CNET recently reported that a study by Flurry found that people are spending more time using mobile apps than they are surfing the web.

According to the study, “The amount of time spent using mobile apps has jumped 91 percent over a year ago, which Flurry attributed to more sessions per person per day rather than an increase in the average amount of time spent per session. In contrast, the amount of time spent on the Internet has grown only 16 percent over the past year.”

You can read more about the Flurry study here.

Social media apps allow you to provide your followers with useful and interesting information, including links back to your website.  By building relationships through social media, you’re increasing the likelihood that your followers will share your content with their followers.  Before you know it, your site is flooded with brand new traffic.  Gaining access to your followers and potential website visitors has never been so easy.  Take advantage of social media apps to help drive more traffic to your site.

Here are some of 360’s favorite apps:

What are you favorite apps?

Chris

I like the Google office apps.

Kelli

Aside from the usual social media apps (specifically Facebook, LinkedIn, and IntoNow), one of my favorite apps is AroundMe, a location-aware application that finds the nearest businesses and services, such as banks/ATM’s, gas stations, hospitals, etc.  It allows you to seek out a specific establishment with the built-in search feature. I also use GoogleMaps to find EVERYTHING… I’ve driven all over the country relying solely on my iPhone.

Lee

So many apps,  so little time!  My favorite app is my wireless tether which turns my phone into a mobile hot spot for devices around me.

Jason

Gmail, Calendar, YouTube, iBeer and BIC Concert lighter.

Ben

Advanced Task Killer, Radar Now, Bible, Yelp, Chordbot, Jambox

Angie

My favorite apps are: Rdio, Instagram, The Weather Channel, Tweetbot, Diptic, Redbox, Wedding Gawker.

What app(s) do you use most often?  What do you use it for?

Chris

Writing scripts/conversation starters/word processing.

Kelli

Aside from my GoogleMaps obsession, I’ve been using the Netflix application more than I would like. I use it as background noise in lieu of iTunes or Pandora.

Lee

Gmail and Google Calendar apps are used several times throughout the day.

Jason

I use Gmail and Calendar for work and to keep track of my events, all other ones are just for fun.

Ben

Advanced Task Killer is used almost every time I use my phone.  One button kills unnecessary apps and saves battery life.  I probably use Radar Now and Chordbot the most.  Radar Now shows weather radar for the past hour giving me a pretty good idea of what’s going on in my area and Chordbot is a great tool for arranging chord progressions which I use while playing guitar.

Jordan

Sportscenter app – to keep up to date on all my teams; Flixster to check movie times, watch trailers, etc.; Facebook to keep up to date on the social world; Words With Friends  to showcase my amazing scrab-ility (19 points);  The Weather Channel to find out today or tomorrows crappy forecast that will most likely be inaccurate.

Angie

I use Rdio, Instagram, Tweetbot & Facebook most often; Rdio for music sharing, Instagram for taking pictures of my dog mainly, Tweetbot & Facebook to stay connected & entertain friends & family with my witty thoughts daily

What app(s) do you use for work?

Chris

I use Google docs and spreadsheets.

Kelli

It’s not often that I use my iPhone apps for work, because I handle most of our social media updates though our website’s built-in Social Media Publishing tools. I do get meeting reminders though Google Calendars, though.

Jason

I use Gmail to keep track of email, especially when I’m in meetings or outside of office.

Ben

Calendar and email are my go to apps.  Google Navigation is helpful if I’m traveling.

Angie

Currently, I only use my calendar for work on my iPhone to remind me of meetings. But I’d like to hear what everyone else is using to see what I should/could incorporate.

Are there any apps that would make your work or personal life easier?  If so, what are they?

Lee

A universal TV remote app would be pretty awesome!  I have a remote for my media player on my computers but a TV remote app would be even better!

Jason

Yes, a note taking app (that would require a stylus); it would help to organize all notes on projects and discovery meetings.

Jordan

I’m sure there are a bunch out there, I just don’t have time to browse through thousands of them.

Angie

Personal life:  AroundMe to find anything around you (when you’re in an unfamiliar area) when you need it; Grocery iQ – you make your grocery lists, designate to certain stores, and check them off once you’ve purchased the item.  Also, you can scan the item’s bar code to immediately attach it to your list, so you get that brand and exact product. You can also link it to find coupons on coupons.com; RedLaser to scan a product’s bar code to find if that item is cheaper anywhere close by; IMDB – just because you don’t want to waste your entire day letting the 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon drive you nuts

Do you think that smartphone/iPad/tablet apps are useful for anything other than pure entertainment?  Why or why not?

Kelli

There are many apps available that can help increase productivity (we even wrote about some useful Twitter apps in our newsletter a while back).  Personally, I’m working on tracking my personal expenses with the CashTrails app right now… It’s useful because it’s almost always accessible, and it means that I don’t need to carry a notebook and pen with me everywhere I go.

Lee

Mobile devices act as portable computers where you can virtually do anything thing on them.  Update your web content or blog, post new pics of your social accounts, and even create presentations on the go.  The sky’s the limit.

Jason

Not currently.  Most are targeted towards entertainment uses and not educational or work productivity.  While applications due exist for these purposes, most are missing essential features or integration that would make them worthwhile.

Ben

I was skeptical at first as it seemed to be gimmicky or just a smaller version of a laptop with less functionality.  Now I can see it being useful for someone who is really plugged in …or just a more convenient way to waste more time online.

Jordan

Absolutely, there’s tons of apps that help you become more organized as well as stay informed with information that’s either important or relevant to you. I think most apps are designed for entertainment, but down the road I feel a lot more will be developed to help business professionals, as well as for businesses themselves.

Angie

I think they can be extremely useful. If you apply yourself & change old habits – some of these can be insanely helpful in streamlining your day and allowing you more time for more important things like family and friends.

 

How do you think someone could use smartphone/iPad/tablet apps could help someone promote their brand?

Chris

Build a custom app that interfaces with clients or prospects.

Kelli

Custom applications go a long way in the form of branding, as we are starting to see with many larger businesses. Personally, I prefer applications that offer tools or resources that are relevant to the brand, but don’t necessarily share the same function as the website. A good example of what I’m talking about is the Nike Training app.

Lee

Social media is the most convenient way for marketers to communicate with potential clients and these new devices are all integrated with apps to assist in the social marketing.

Jason

By creating a small app to allow customers to do something useful.  For example, insurance companies typically have applications that allow clients to capture and submit claim information right over the phone.

Angie

By making an app that applies to their business model. Allowing people the convenience of an app, gives them the ability to get to your brand quicker & at essentially anytime or place.