A mobile app is one of the most effective advertising tools businesses can use today. With millions of people owning a smartphone or handheld device, you can’t afford to miss out on the chance to get your brand across to these potential customers and engage with them.
However, creating a mobile tool does not mean listing down your products or services and adding the necessary features that allow users to connect with and conduct business with you. Since there are dozens of similar apps, you need to make sure yours stand out and that it stays on the minds of people.
Mobile App Branding
Branding experts from a digital agency in Dubai say that showcasing your brand in your app can make your mobile tool stand out.
Mobile app branding makes it easier for users to recognize and remember your brand. When you get this right, your tool will be able to convey the right visual image of your business — the one that you want to stick to their minds.
Your app will then be a reliable and effective marketing, lead capturing, and sales tool.
Additionally, when users look for and download your app, they will never have any doubts that you own it and they can use your tool to engage or transact with you securely.
However, mobile app branding is not the easiest process to navigate. If you want to get this right during the development stage and have a tool that conveys your brand, follow these tips:
1. Choose a relevant app icon that stands out.
The app icon is the primary visual symbol representing your brand on mobile devices. It is an interactive branding sign that presents the application on different platforms.
As such, you have to put some thought into this key app element.
In most cases, you can use your brand logo as your app icon. However, it has to meet the requirements of the platform.
This is because an app icon is placed on a limited amount of space. If you have a large or complex emblem logo, it won’t work well on the platform. Due to this reason, most app icons feature symbols or letter marks and not the logo itself.
If you go this direction, make sure that the icon has your brand colors and fonts. It should be instantly recognizable and not leave anyone doubting that they are engaging and transacting with your company.
2. Use the right keywords.
Branding your mobile app is one thing; ensuring consistency is another.
You can ensure mobile app branding consistency by establishing a set of relevant keywords to use.
Start by setting your brand keywords. These include your business name and its different variants.
Next, choose your descriptor keywords — the ones that identify and describe your brand clearly. These keywords should define your app’s core feature and allow users to know that your company is the one behind it.
Lastly, set your brand-plus keywords. These are phrases made up of your brand name, your products and services, and other terms related to or representative of your company. This collection of keywords will be helpful in creating content and your SEO campaign.
3. Create a standout landing page.
The landing page or homepage is where users land on when they tap your app. It gives the user a clear idea of what your app is all about.
Since you need visitors to use your app repeatedly, you have to create an impressive, eye-catching landing page.
Your landing page should set the vision for your app and articulate your target audience’s pain points. It also has to explain clearly how your tool will solve these issues.
For an effective landing page, make sure it contains the right amount of graphics and copy that conveys the message that will hook your users.
4. Ensure the app has the right amount of custom graphics.
Since your app should appeal to the sense of sight, make sure it has the right amount of eye-catching custom images and graphics.
Having a well-designed logo is the first graphic content you should work on. Next, add your mascot if you have any. This element pertains to a character that communicates with the user on your behalf.
Don’t forget to add custom illustrations, such as visual prompts on features and functions and interactive branded elements, which include splash screens and loaders.
5. Create well-written content.
Don’t forget to incorporate branding in all types of written content as well. This means creating copy for the app, the App Store, Google Play store, and website that follows your branding guidelines.
Consistency is crucial in written content. As such, make sure your in-house or freelance writer creates copy that conveys your official branding style. This should be evident in the app and other platforms and communications.
Taglines are also crucial elements of any app. They summarize your mobile tool’s benefits to the user.
Aside from adding the tagline to your app, highlight it on your website, social media accounts, and email communications.
6. Create a good user experience.
Finally, to ensure users love your app, you have to make it easy for them to use. The more enjoyable experience you can give them, the better. And this will do wonders for your brand.
Keep in mind that a great user experience translates to customer satisfaction and frequent app use. You, therefore, have to focus on the usefulness of your tool and making it easy for people to use it.
Resisting the urge to cram your app with features that people don’t need is a good start at giving them an excellent user experience.
Additionally, focus on the user onboarding components since they introduce new users to your app.
The techniques, messages, and interactions you have on the user onboarding feature also carry and convey your branding. Because of this, you also have to choose the right graphics and copy to use.
Additionally, these elements help support brand loyalty and shape a positive user experience at a critical entry point.
Creating an app requires a considerable amount of investment. Ensure you get the most out of it by turning it into an additional effective branding and marketing tool.
