Consumers are constantly on the hunt for convenience when they are browsing the web, and if a process feels too long-winded, it can leave them clicking straight off the site and looking elsewhere.
Micro web apps are small applications that are designed to simplify complex processes, providing a quick and simple way to carry out a specific task.
When it comes to campaigns, creating micro web apps that sit separate from a business’s main website means users can be targeted with personalized content that saves them from having to navigate through a whole website.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective ways that businesses can utilize micro web apps in their campaigns to provide a more streamlined user experience.
Why Micro Web Apps are Important
One of the biggest reasons that micro web apps are used is because of how much they simplify the user experience. Instead of clogging up a website with multiple different systems that are all tucked away in the sitemap, creating different web apps helps create a more streamlined process as users can instantly access what they need.
Since micro web apps each have their own functionality, they require much less processing power to run. Having multiple systems all working alongside each other on a website can quickly cause it to load slower and create a frustrating user experience, so keeping web apps separate will inevitably make them faster.
As well as benefiting users, micro web apps open up more opportunities for developers. Instead of having to integrate new systems into an existing website, they are able to create a new system without having to worry about existing wireframes. This is also particularly useful in the development process since they are not working on the live site and risking the entire website going down.
8 Ways to Use Micro Wep Apps
For businesses that are looking for practical web app ideas to introduce into their upcoming campaigns, here are eight ways that micro web apps can be used to improve everyday operations and create a more engaging user experience…
1. Simplified payment systems
By using a micro web app to carry out transactions, the process is streamlined so customers can complete their purchase securely.
This is advisable over redirecting users elsewhere as they are able to checkout within the micro app – minimizing the chance of them changing their mind due to security concerns when they are redirected to a third-party site.
Once the user arrives at the checkout, they will be able to simply enter their payment details and process the order instantly since the micro web app can integrate with popular payment gateways such as PayPal or Stripe.
2. Real-time delivery tracking
If a customer feels as if their order is taking too long to arrive, it can cause them to get frustrated with the brand and put them off ordering again in the future.
This is why providing delivery tracking options can help maintain customer satisfaction. In fact, 51% of online shoppers want real-time visibility into their order status, allowing them to see exactly where their parcel is and when it is going to be delivered.
As well as keeping customers up to date on the progress of their order, using a micro app with real-time tracking features takes a lot of pressure off the customer service team. Since they won’t have to handle enquiries from customers wondering where their order is, they can focus their efforts elsewhere.
3. Individual accounts for users to log in to
Introducing user accounts is a great strategy when looking to retain customers and keep them returning.
Whether people need to sign up to access personalized discount codes, receive updates on their order, or track points that can be used towards deals, managing these accounts on a micro web app is an easy way to handle a campaign.
If every user has their own personal account that contains any information they need as well as personalized recommendations or offers, they are more likely to return to the app and keep interacting with the brand.
4. Live chat for customer support
Since 73% of consumers say that live chat provides the highest level of satisfaction among communication methods, creating a standalone web app will separate campaign-based enquiries from standard website enquiries.
If website users have questions regarding a campaign, providing a dedicated live chat micro web app will provide them with immediate assistance – a great way to retain customers and strengthen brand image.
As well as this, using a separate live chat will allow the employees in charge of responding to be those who are familiar with the campaign and able to provide the most useful information.
5. Manage competition entries
For campaigns which include competitions, creating specific micro web apps can make it much easier to manage them.
Once a user has submitted their details on the web app, it will centrally manage all of the entries so the business can keep track of progress. Depending on the nature of the competition, it can also be used to display a real-time leaderboard.
This approach makes it a much fairer competition since entries can be limited to one per IP address and the winner(s) can be randomly selected.
6. Loyalty programs
Loyalty programs are a common strategy for businesses looking to retain customers since it can be up to 25 times more expensive to acquire a new customer than to keep an existing one. Since this is the case, there needs to be a good incentive for users to sign up for a loyalty program.
By launching a micro web app to manage a loyalty program alongside the main website, businesses can provide a simpler interface that creates a more personalized experience.
If a user is able to easily log into their personal account to see their points, redeem rewards, and access exclusive offers, they are much more likely to return and turn into a loyal customer.
7. Meeting scheduling systems
As well as focusing on how micro web apps can enhance the user experience, businesses should also consider how they can improve their internal processes when managing campaigns.
One ongoing struggle dealt with by teams across all industries is trying to schedule team meetings. Whether they aim to get everyone together in person or using video conferencing tools such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams, busy calendars and last minute changes in plans can result in hours of lost time spent trying to find a time that works for everyone.
Using a micro web app can cut out the need for endless email chains by giving all users the option to see everyone’s availability when trying to schedule a meeting. By highlighting any times that are free for all required attendees, a convenient time can quickly be found.
8. Timesheet recording
Another internal use for micro web apps during campaign planning is a timesheet recording system. 73% of businesses have said they get value from automating the time-tracking process, helping them monitor how much time is being spent on a campaign so they can measure profitability.
Having a simple web app system that employees can log into at the end of each day to record their timesheet means that a workforce doesn’t have to adapt to a time-consuming and complex HR system.
Since web apps can be accessed from mobile devices, they are also ideal for remote teams or employees who travel across sites, keeping things simple for all employees.
How Micro Web Apps Can Have a Big Impact
By creating a range of simple web apps that are each designed to speed up a common process, businesses can create a more streamlined user experience that will maximize the chance of customers carrying out desired actions.
As well as creating a more efficient experience for users, micro web apps can also benefit internal processes so that productivity is increased. From providing customers with real-time delivery updates to scheduling in internal meetings in seconds, there are endless options available to help enhance a campaign.
