Small businesses need to start taking the mobile Web seriously in hand. According, 80 percent of smartphone and tablet owners have used their mobile devices at some point in the purchase process. The most common use for a smartphone was finding a store, followed by checking the price, researching and reading product reviews, and using lists while shopping. br If your target market is on the mobile app boost Web that means your business needs to be there too. And with the rise in apps, identifying and building an app that appeals to your customers can help you get noticed, build brand recognition and keep customers coming back for more. br Building apps 3 things to consider br Apps have come a long way since building one required either a computer school degree or Rs.15,000 to hire a developer. Still, small business owners need to be savvy with their marketing efforts. Here are three things to keep in mind when deciding if an app is right for you and your business. br 1. Where is my audience? br smartphones are more common among consumers who are well educated, financially comfortable and under the age of 45. If your business targets senior citizens, an app might not be the way to go. If you cater to college students, it’s practically a no-brainer. br 2. Is my app useful? br Apps help people get things done. Or, in the case of Angry Birds, avoid getting things done. If you’re an event planner whose clients have a hard time staying on budget, you might create an app that helps track expenses. If you’re a designer, you might create an app that allows clients to play with color schemes or rearrange furniture layouts. Start by identifying what your clients want and then figure out how you can provide it. br 3. What kind of app do I need? br Even without web developer training, you can make a few basic decisions about your app that will help you figure out where to go next.