Unlocking convenience: The rising power of on-demand apps

The prevalence of technology has fostered a culture that increasingly craves instant gratification. As a result, we are witnessing a wave of on-demand apps that are revolutionizing various industries and fundamentally reshaping our lifestyles. This is by no means a fading fad;  this trend is here to stay. There is no doubt that an increasing number of verticals will be swept up in the on-demand wave. Let’s explore the verticals currently in the spotlight and shed light on how enterprising apps in other sectors can leverage the on-demand business model for a competitive advantage.

Firstly, what are on-demand apps? On-demand apps are any app that offers an “immediate” service or product that is just a tap away. For services that are not instantly available in-app, or products that must be delivered, delivery or availability within a few hours also counts as “immediate” in this context. However, this window is gradually shrinking as technologies such as drone delivery continue to develop.

The on-demand economy has experienced staggering growth over the past decade, fueled by the convenience-seeking behaviors of consumers who desire instant access to goods and services. Following initial growth in urban communities, on-demand services have become ubiquitous–catering to a broad spectrum of users across suburbs and rural areas.

There are a few app verticals, in particular, that are currently dominating the limelight.

The on-demand economy continues to expand into new mobile app verticals, providing convenient solutions for various aspects of daily life. Let's explore some key considerations for app developers and marketers looking to leverage this model.

1. Collaborate with partners: If you don’t have the infrastructure currently to support the on-demand model, start off by partnering with a major player in the space who does. Think DoorDash or Postmates, and research deeper into your niche from there. Offer discounts and deals via those partnerships to build your brand’s reputation as an on-demand player while you establish a long-term framework within your own app.
2. Lean on technology: Consider the aspects of your app for which you can leverage technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) or augmented reality (AR) to create an instant experience. For example, you may not be able to ship a couch to a customer in under 2 hours just yet; however, adding an AR function which allows users to visualize the couch in their space straight away is a step in the on-demand direction. Similarly, you may not be able to schedule a live call with a stylist right away, but allowing your app users to interact with an AI chatbot to give personalized recommendations for the time being is a great starting point.
3. Explore full commitment: Whether or not your app falls into one of the verticals that is currently prominent in the on-demand space, investigate ways in which you can deliver immediate experiences for your app users. After all, this is the way that society is moving culturally, so it’s best to learn from early adoption rather than lagging behind the competition in the future. For example, a gaming app could introduce on-demand support, rather than an email form for assistance.

The on-demand economy shows no signs of slowing down. As the market expands, opportunities for on-demand apps will continue to grow. App marketers should keep an eye on emerging verticals such as healthcare, where the demand for on-demand services is gaining momentum. Adapting to new technologies like AI and AR can also help app marketers stay ahead of the competition.

On-demand apps have reshaped industries, created new business models, and transformed consumer expectations. App marketers and developers have a unique opportunity to capitalize on this booming space by understanding the dynamics of the on-demand economy and tailoring their strategies to meet the evolving needs of consumers. By focusing on vertical selection, user experience, personalization, reputation-building, and strategic partnerships, app marketers can position themselves for success in this exciting and dynamic market.

Learn how Adjust can help your app leverage data analysis and optimization throughout all trends new and yet to come.