HispanicBusiness

American-Statesman: How did the business concept for App Express originate?

App Express CEO Mary Beth Brendza: App Express was born from the idea that small and local companies could truly advance their businesses by connecting with customers through mobile devices. When you consider that 50 percent of all mobile searches have a local intent, mobilizing your business becomes a must-do for small businesses. Building a mobile app can be complicated and costly for a small business owner. So our team of small-business advertising experts came together to take on the mission of developing a solution that would empower small businesses with cost effective and powerful mobile apps to easily connect, delight and engage their customers.

What is App Express doing to stand out in the crowded online market?

Unlike other solutions that simply display a mobile website in an app frame, we offer a truly native app experience. We are also able to differentiate because App Express mobile apps actually solve some of the real everyday problems small businesses face. Our apps help small- and medium-sized businesses become more efficient with features like appointment scheduling and payments. We also help businesses engage with their customers through deals and couponing, messaging, easily accessible contact information and the ability to share on social networks.

How does the service work?

Most small- and medium-sized businesses access the platform through one of our partners, like User Friendly Media or North Texas Magazine. It's also available direct to small businesses at appexpress.com. Working with one of our partners, the small business owner answers a few questions, their app is created and submitted for approval. With virtually no coding effort or technology knowledge on the part of the business, their app is available in the iTunes App Store and Android Market in about a month.

What kind of vendors are eligible to use the mobile app builder?

App Express is available to any small business looking to increase loyalty, engage with its customers and increase its operational efficiency through mobile. Most small businesses access the app builder through one of our reseller or white-label partners, which include media companies and agencies that serve the marketing and advertising needs of local and small businesses.

How do you see App Express growing in the future?

As we continue to build our reseller partner network, we will be able to reach even more small businesses. We will enhance the platform with the feedback we receive from our small business users. We already have plans for several enhancements, including HTML5-based Web apps, vertical industry apps for restaurants, salons, dentists and others, and a local-based feature for easily finding App Express business apps in a consumer's local area.