Nowadays, many travel agencies are developing their own mobile apps, and you might be interested in why they choose to do so. If your agency doesn’t have an app, does it mean you’re missing out on something? If so, is it a big deal, or just something to consider for later?
Well, we wrote this article to help you answer these questions. Let’s see what makes apps so popular and how they can benefit your business and your clients, and let you decide if investing in developing one for your agency is worth it.
Benefits of mobile apps
Increased revenue
According to Statista, mobile users generate over 64 percent of all online traffic in the travel and hospitality segment. That is a huge audience you can cater to if you know how to do it — and the right way is by offering them an app.
Unlike mobile versions of websites, apps are very efficient when it comes to selling services. Every part of the process is seamlessly integrated, and the whole deal can be finalized in a matter of a few minutes, ensuring more people will purchase on the go without unnecessary delays that can lead to extra doubts.
Apps also include promotional tools like targeted push-up notifications and loyalty programs, which can significantly increase your total revenue and your customers’ lifetime value.
Competitive advantage
Apps are way better than mobile versions of websites. They work much faster and smoother, provide a lot more functionality, and can store all the necessary data so that users won’t have to re-enter their data again.
While apps are quite popular, many travel companies are still working without them. This means that you can easily outplay your competition by providing unparalleled convenience to your clients.
Increased customer engagement
Apps are designed to be as engaging as possible. Their comfortable user interfaces (UIs), stunning visuals, notifications, and gamification possibilities make them perfect tools to keep your clients’ attention.
Simply, apps become an entirely new channel to speak with your audience. You can offer them great new offers, keep them updated on the latest news from the company, or excite them with possible journeys and destinations.
And don’t forget that you can add some app-exclusive benefits so they will be even happier to use your app.
Brand recognition
When it comes to branding opportunities, apps offer the advantage of always having your brand logo on your clients’ screens. Your company is just one tap away, serving as a constant shop window advertising your services. Once your clients get used to it, your app will be the first thing on their mind whenever they need any travel-related services.
Personalized customer experience
Mobile apps are designed to provide a perfect fit for any user, thanks to unparalleled personalization possibilities. Apps store all sorts of relevant data and use it to tailor your clients’ experience. For example, if they travel with their family, the app will start offering kid-friendly accommodations. If they choose to go skiing, the app will learn to recommend ski resorts in the future.
But that’s not all. You can offer various feedback options to help your clients customize their experience. You can provide interactive maps so that travelers can pick their own routes for sightseeing. All of these features can make a huge difference in overall customer satisfaction and ensure that they will return for more of your services in the future.
Convenient payments
Providing your clients with the option to pay easily with Google Pay, Apple Pay, or any other quick payment method is a huge advantage. Manual insertion of necessary data during the payment process can be tedious, so easing this process goes a long way. Your mobile app can also store electronic receipts for your services, providing your clients with a sense of security and comfort about their purchases.
Improved customer service
Mobile apps allow you to provide much better customer service. Firstly, it’s much more convenient for users to have an in-app chat instead of opening a webpage or calling your company.
Secondly, you can have a chatbot or even ChatGPT answer various questions from users, ensuring 24/7 availability and quick responses, which takes customer satisfaction to another level.
Finally, notifications ensure that travelers are always in control of their travels, even if they encounter surprise booking changes or flight delays. When your app is the reason they are informed at all times, customers appreciate it, rely on it more, and trust your services.
Data and analysis
Custom apps provide invaluable behavioral and demographic data that you can use for your marketing strategies. With the help of apps, you can easily learn which features are most popular, allowing you to focus your efforts accordingly. Apps also make it easy to gather feedback, from in-app surveys to simple like/dislike systems. These tools provide you with the necessary data to analyze your business and make data-driven decisions moving forward.
Conclusion
Mobile devices are the most important companion for every traveler, making it crucial to provide your clients with an app.
From offering a superior service and gaining the trust and loyalty of your audience to obtaining unique data and gaining a significant competitive advantage, apps are an invaluable tool for any travel agency focused on growth.
Creating a custom mobile app for the travel agency of yours is a win-win solution for both you and your clients. In the current market, there is already a need for such an app, so it’s only a matter of time before you should start developing one. It’s better to start sooner rather than later.
