THERE IS AN APP FOR EVERYTHING

Whenever a new way of doing something pops up most people ask: “Is there an app for that?” Nearly all of us are now dependent on apps to perform our daily tasks. Mobile applications are growing faster than most personal technology we use.  Convenience and cost make them ideal even for the luddites among us. In our mobile world where apps are ubiquitous, businesses have to use this channel to promote products or services. Even NGOs now use apps to highlight their cause.

In Jamaica, consumers are adjusting their expectations and demanding more from business and institutions. This has pushed all promotions into a new digital age. Consumers clearly want to access information, databases and products in the most convenient way possible. They don't want to stand in lines, go in-branch or leave their homes to do business. And websites no longer satisfy today’s consumer expectations.

Banks here have had to adjust quickly. Most have developed apps for customers so they can access their accounts, check funds and even do transactions. The commercial banks with mobile apps include NCB, Bank of Nova Scotia, Sagicor, CIBC and First Global Bank.

Outside of banking, Digicel has been a leader in the local app market. The telemarketing giant created the apps My Digicel and Digicel Top Up to improve their customer experience. Digicel customers can access their mobile accounts, top-up phones, send credit and perform other transactions. Both Digicel apps are marketed on the company’s website, on television, through text messaging campaigns and on other media.

Other popular apps from Jamaican companies include news publication ones from JIS, Loop News, Jamaica Observer and Jamaica Gleaner. The Jamaica Stock Exchange, RJR Radio, Flow and National Housing Trust have also stepped into the mobile age.

As a digital marketing agency, Panmedia jumped into this space early. We have developed apps in the gaming, entertainment, business and social categories, available on both platforms. Prips, Business Events Jamaica and Art Events Ja are among the popular Panmedia applications. As the technology matures, Panmedia is looking to develop more advanced mobile apps to meet new market needs. We plan to be part of the changes in new media that mobile brings.