While there are scenarios which make relying on the mobile version of website a logical, economical and satisfactory option, there is also a whole range of advantages that native apps bring to the table.

When a business looks to launch, they'll always think about their mobile presence before they think about their website. In the startup world, many companues are building their business on mobile before the plain old web.

Fast-growing mobile traffic is forcing most website to refresh their mobile versions that are focussed on high-end touch-screen iPhone and Android phones and move away from the dying Nokia and Blackberry phones.

If you are planning to create your own mobile application, it is advisable to be aware of the differences between these to types of apps in order to be able to choose the one that best fits your own needs.

You've had a great idea for an app and want to make sure it is optimized to be fully performing on all the devices commonly used, right?

In the technological industry each year is more exciting than the last. The best proof for that are the years we've left behind us - the memory of the first iPhone version, the last goodbye to the Blackberry, the EDGE.

In times when competition in the stores is getting tougher and tougher, it is especially handy to spot the key steps to be taken to achieve popularity and offer a thoroughly satisying user experience through your own application.

Whether you are a fresh new startup looking for your moment in the spotlight, or an already established business looking to attract new customers, you should definitely be keeping an eye on mobile apps!

It doesn't take a technology expert to realize that smartphones and tablets have become essential companions to our daily life, allowing us to access information on the go and simplifying our busy daily routine.

It is now accepted as a common truth that we are living in a mobile age and any business that wants to be competitive and successful must build its mobile presence through apps and mobile-optimized sites.

Few things are more effective than coupons and special deals to attract new cleints and boost customer loyalty.

It is much easier to build your mobile community around some strong common interests.

As with many other great revolutions, the mobile revolution has carried along a whole new mindset. Mobile is not just a device, it's a way of thinking.

In this section we will focus on the main design principles to keep in mind when creating your app icon and splash image, to boost your chances of getting your app published in the stores and provide a superlative user experience at the same time.

Every app needs an icon, not just because it is an element required by all the major app stores, but because it is the place where branding and strong visual impact come together into instantly recognizable, attractive design.

Given its crucial role, app icons must meet specific size criteria in order to be displayed correctly on all devices.

Sticking to the following guidelines will increase your app's chances to be published in the stores and make an awesome first impression on the app store shoppers.

Along with the app icon, the splash image will help users get a first impression of the app and the type of content and design awaiting them.

As pointed out for app icons, it is important for the splash image to be consistent with what users are expected to find inside the app.

While it is true that the internet is overflowing with content, it is quiet rare to find web-optimized content, in other word, a text that satisfies web users reading habits and needs.

Considering the dramatic increase in mobile web traffic occured over the past two years, it is clear that content is every more consumed on the go, especially in the form of mobile applications.

Here comes the real challenge, how to reach your users and get them to download the app.

With over a million apps currently available across major platforms, simply publishing an app with unique features and incredible design is no longer enough.

Getting the app discovered is the major problem faced by app developers, even before the problem of monetizing your app and turning it into a business, due to the tough competition in the world of mobile apps.

With a little luck a good idea will often pay off, especially if we're talking about some kind of technological innovation.

A good push marketing strategy can boost app engagement which leads to customer conversion and loyalty. For many apps, push notifications have played a critical role to success.

There is no better way to reach a target audience with the exact message and direction you'd like to take them, which is why push has become the next frontier of marketing.

SMEs have embraced mobile/social advertising, and see mobile apps as a significant opportunity to break out from the crowd.

It's easy to view apps as a simple commodty in which one app download equals one unit of success. Most app creatores approach the process with stars in their eyes, that their app will be the next million download hit.