ROI for Apps: Return on Interesting

appsbar.com sees an average of up to 1,000 downloads within the first day of an app being published. An audience won't magically appear, however. Just like your website, you need to make an effort to let consumers know your app is available. It helps if the app is interesting and provides a function (e.g., an exclusive discount or coupon to loyal customers).

The single most effective way any small business can see a return on investment from an app is to let the world know it’s available, whether that’s a sign in-store, a notice in every email sent, or it's made available on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

There have never been more tools and resources available for small businesses to join the app phenomenon. With a projected 98 billion apps downloaded by 2015, you need to make sure yours stands out.

Scott Hirsch is co-founder of appsbar.com, an online resource where any small business can build and publish a professional-level smartphone app. Scott can be reached at scott@appsbar.com.