Developing an efficient, user-friendly mobile app is one thing, but actually distributing that app and promoting consistent user adoption of that application is an entirely different challenge. Realistically, app distribution should be a key concern because the most innovative functionalities and well-architected features won’t bring any benefit or ROI to your company if users aren’t installing and using the application. So whether you have a private enterprise app intended for internal use within your business or have a public-facing platform that’s targeted to the general public, App Clips can serve as a very effective engagement and adoption tool.
What Are App Clips?
App Clips — also known as micro apps — are a small piece of an app, designed to quickly demonstrate value to a user.
Here’s how Apple describes the App Clip: “…an App Clip is a small part of your app, it’s developed in the same Xcode project as your full app using the iOS SDK. And because it’s small, an App Clip is fast to open even when it’s not already on the device.”
So App Clips are exactly what they sound like — a small preview or “clipping” of your mobile application, usually with a single key feature / functionality. Think of the App Clip as a single “bite” of the full meal that you’re offering. Just as restaurants offer samples in the mall food court in an attempt to engage potential diners, companies can entice users to download the entire app with an App Clip. The clip offers a small but very delicious sampling that will show users just how wonderful your app can be — without the hassle of installation.
How to Use App Clip Technology for Distribution
Installation is a major obstacle to engagement and transactional activity due to the hurdles that users must overcome. You need to log into the App Store, reset your password (with a password that you’ve never used before and will never remember again….so you need to try at least five variants), click the install button, register for the app, configure your login and preferences – then you can get to work! There are a lot of steps that stand in the way of a user who wants to try a new mobile app and you’ve got to convince them to jump over these hurdles before you’ve had a chance to really make your case.
It’s clear that in the world of app distribution, getting users to hit the “install” button is a major hurdle. Combine this with the human’s natural aversion to change and you have a major challenge that has stymied dozens of well-made applications. This even extends into private enterprise apps that are mandated for use by a company’s employees.
But the App Clip sidesteps some of these obstacles by allowing users to try a small piece of your app in moments. It’s an ideal option for any marketing or mobile distribution strategist who has ever said, “If only users would just try the app — they’d love it and use it regularly!’
Since there’s no installation required, the lightweight App Clip is a relatively “easy sell” in terms of app / software adoption. This tool can be especially advantageous for mobile apps that are really innovative and super engaging. When used strategically and the App Clip is offered up at the ideal time in a process, installing the full-featured mobile app will just “make sense.”
In fact, Apple has made it easy for developers to transition an App Clip user into an installation. According to Apple, “To make it easier for users to get your full app, you can present an option for download at an appropriate time in your App Clip. You can even persist any information the user has provided and seamlessly transition it to the full app.” This means that you can seamlessly segue into the app installation process once the user is fully engaged by the App Clip and “sold” on the application.
Using App Clips to Distribute a Mobile App for Your Business
7T has successfully leveraged App Clip technology for enterprise mobile app clients and the possibilities are truly limited. Keep an eye on 7T’s Insights page to learn more about a couple of micro app use cases where App Clips have brought a significant advantage to businesses. App Clips can also be used in conjunction with other distribution tools, such as Apple Business Manager, which is ideal for distributing apps within your organization or another select group of individuals. 7T’s team is well-versed on the many tools and strategies available to ensure that your development project rollout is a true success.
At 7T, we specialize in digital transformation by developing mobile apps and software platforms that feature emerging technologies such as AI, . Whether it’s mobile app development, custom software projects such as CRM platforms and ERP development, or Snowflake data solutions, we are ready to deliver collaborative, multi-phased software development services to clients in all business sectors.
7T has offices in Dallas, Houston, Chicago, and Austin, but our clientele spans far beyond Texas and the midwest. If you’re ready to harness the power of App Clips for an enterprise mobile app or require help developing a custom enterprise software platform, an enterprise mobile app and today’s most innovative technologies, contact 7T. We invite you to call our Dallas area offices at 214-299-5100.