Every person has a coccyx, a rudimentary tail, from birth. During evolution, the need for it ceased to exist. We observe a similar situation with paper newspapers and magazines. They are relics of the past. All the tabloids were developing websites first and then by mobile apps. Because apps are more relevant today, let's talk about the opportunities they provide for news resources.
Competition
The electronic media market is notable for its density and high competition. However, truly quality (speaking of official ones, of course) apps are lacking for most resources at the moment. Such a state of affairs is quite favorable because standing out against competitors by creating a quality mobile app is not that difficult. If it is convenient and robust, you can be sure that users/readers will not leave it without proper attention and a high rating in the "store." And a high rating is exactly what can ensure audience growth in the future.
Reputation
Let's say you are a regular reader of a certain resource. You enjoy the frequency of news updates on it and read analytical articles with interest. Now imagine that you want access to what you like on it to be even more convenient, right on your smartphone. You go to Google Play or the App Store, carefully type the name of the resource in the search bar, and—oh, disappointment!—it's not there!
This is a significant blow to the reputation. Moreover, it is a reason for the reader to compromise and reconsider their attitude towards other news resources. The determining factor in this reassessment will undoubtedly be the presence of a mobile application.
Push Notifications
Very often, on news websites, you can notice the option of email newsletters. It seems all right; nevertheless, practice shows that this option is more often ignored than ensuring website visits. At the same time, mobile apps have a tool called Push notifications. Thanks to them, the user can receive summaries of interesting news.
And since the phone that received the push is in their hand, they can easily open the app to read what caught their interest. Moreover, the reader can set a convenient time for receiving such notifications.
Offline Mode
An internet connection is required to read news on a website. In turn, mobile apps depend on the Internet relatively less. They usually provide the option to save an interesting piece of news or article and read it even without an internet connection. Needless to say, is such convenience appealing?
Advertisement
The fact that your news resource has a mobile app can and should be used as a promotional opportunity. Press release distribution, articles on partner sites, mentions directly on the website, and even television advertising—are tools designed to provide the application with a large number of downloads and then—popularity.
Monetization
If your news resource can boast a substantial audience, launching a mobile application opens up the possibility of earning revenue from advertising. But there are pitfalls: the appearance of advertising is perceived by users ambiguously.
Some may refrain from using the application due to its presence, while others will get used to it (naturally if it is not excessive). Therefore, the first category can be offered the option to disable ads in the application for a small fee. The same can be done regarding any exclusive features, such as the ability to offer news.
Mobility
With each passing year, the number of mobile devices sold increases, as does the amount of internet traffic from them. Users make purchases, order food, schedule haircuts, etc. Roughly speaking, they derive maximum benefit from using a device that is constantly at their fingertips. You don't need to be a genius to understand that such convenience also extends to satisfying news hunger.
Adaptability
In essence, the mobile app appears as an adapted version of the website. This means that all its sections, categories, and overall style are neatly tailored to a small screen. All are accompanied by pleasant animations for perception.
Conclusion
The utility of mobile apps for news resources and media is undeniable. As traditional media evolves, mobile apps offer a dynamic platform for delivering news directly to the user's fingertips, combining convenience with modern technology. Through effective use of competition, reputation enhancement, interactive features like push notifications, offline accessibility, strategic advertising, etc can not only survive but thrive in today's digital landscape.
For any news resource looking to maintain relevance and grow its audience, investing in a robust mobile app is not just an option—it's a necessity. This proactive approach ensures that your news service remains accessible, engaging, and responsive to the needs of a mobile-first audience.