You know that flat, metal, mini computer that we carry with us everywhere we go? We call it a smart phone, but if we’re being honest, that’s a misnomer. The phone part of our “phones” is one of the least-used functions of the whole device. There’s a myriad of other things we do on our phones, and the majority of them are thanks to apps. They say there’s an app for whatever you want to do, but is that true? And if so, what does that mean for your business?
Recently, several new apps have been launched by various charity groups that do a good job of answering these questions. Apps can be beneficial to your business in a variety of ways. You can create one specifically for your company, or you can utilize third party apps to boost your brand to consumers. These apps show that you don’t have to have the flashiest, trendiest app on the market. What matters most is your message and how you position it to your audience.
Take Your Walk for a Dog: https://www.wooftrax.com/
The premise here is simple – every time you walk your dog the app donates money to an animal shelter or rescue village of your choosing. This proves that a simple idea can be effective when you know your audience. If you want to reach dog lovers, what better way than to meet them where they are every day- on the walk with their dogs? Every time their pup scratches at the door, they’re going to think of this app, and their local shelters will benefit.
The UNICEF Tap Project: https://tap.unicefusa.org/
This may be the only app that doesn’t want you to use your phone. For each minute you aren’t active on your phone, national brands who sponsor UNICEF donate money so that more and more clean water can be donated to children and families in need of it. By simply reversing the traditional app-usage idea, it gets the audience thinking differently about the message without having to make any dynamic changes.
Charity Miles: https://www.charitymiles.org/
Walkers, runners and bikers can use this app to earn corporate sponsorships for charity organizations. Companies like Humana, Johnson & Johnson and Kenneth Cole support the app, allowing users to earn money for every mile they travel. This is another example of third party involvement – businesses can use the app to sponsor charities, and any charity can benefit from their involvement.
Donate a Photo: https://www.donateaphoto.com/en_US
Are you a fan of selfies? Then you can make money for a cause you love. Johnson & Johnson will give a dollar for every photo that is shared through this app. This shows an understanding for our current cultural climate. Everybody is taking selfies (particularly those increasingly important millennials), and this allows third party involvement from businesses to utilize that for the benefit of charity organizations.
These are just a few examples that show that thinking outside the box doesn’t require you to redesign the box all together. Apps are a great way to get your message out there. If you present that message clearly and effectively, apps can be a great asset for your business.
That’s what we’re all about. We help our clients develop the right message that is meaningful to their audiences. There’s no app that combines data and gut. That’s our job! So contact us today (on your smart phone if you want!) and we’ll help you get your message out there.
