The importance of mobile apps for newspapers

{ A Presteligence Point of View } "We have a responsive website" and "We don't want to lose website pageviews" are the top two reasons newspaper executives aren't interested in a mobile app for their publication. If you agree with this statement, please keep reading! If you don't, keep reading anyway to pat yourself on the back for doing the right thing. These are our top 4 reasons why newspapers need a mobile app ASAP! 1. Push notifications drive traffic Let's take a look at some stats. Push notifications increase app engagement by 88%. What that means for you, the publisher, is that by finding that perfect amount of not too many notifications, but not too few, you will increase your engagement of readers. 65% of users return to an app when push is enabled. The same retention rate does not hold true for mobile, responsive sites. 2. Readers want apps. It's no secret mobile usage continues to skyrocket. Time spent per day on mobile devices has increased 575% in three years and 80% of the time spent on mobile devices is spent using apps! What do you think happens when readers search the app store for your newspaper and your publication isn't in the search results…. They download the app that does show up! These apps are usually your local radio station and competing or near-by newspapers. Why drive traffic to other sources when you have the means and content to fulfill an app yourself? Readers simply want apps. 3. Apps provide value to your readers. As THE local news source for your community, it should be your app that readers access for breaking news, weather, community events, and coupons and deals from local merchants. Don't let social media sites and marketplaces take away your revenue from your local market. Your app can and should be much more than news. 4. Apps cultivate customer loyalty Most circulation departments have some sort of loyalty program or have at least toyed with the concept at one point or another. Typically, these are special coupons or perks given to premium, long-standing subscribers. Driving that concept into the digital age keeps publishers in front of subscribers and makes it easy and convenient for them to use. Instead of sticking to the archaic paper coupon, make it possible for customers to collect their rewards via your mobile app. The result equals more downloads, more returning users, and ultimately more engagement with your newspaper and brand. * * * * * Data provided by Cyber-gear and Localytics