5 Alternatives to Mobile Apps for Engaging Users

In the search for innovative ways to engage users beyond traditional mobile apps, we’ve gathered insights from five industry experts, including CEOs and a digital media strategist. Their recommendations span from leveraging AI-powered chatbots to cultivating a meaningful culture and messaging. Dive into this treasure trove of alternative strategies that could redefine user engagement for your business.

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Leverage AI-Powered Chatbots

One alternative to mobile apps for user engagement is using AI-powered chatbots. As a tech CEO, I’ve seen how these digital assistants can instantly respond to user inquiries, making them feel valued. They can operate 24/7 on any device that has internet access, providing convenience to users whenever they need assistance or information. Most importantly, chatbots can use data insights to offer personalized responses, enhancing user engagement. In an era where instant gratification is key, chatbots could be the game-changer.

Abid Salahi, Co-founder & CEO, FinlyWealth

Revamp Mobile Web and Messaging

More than half of all internet traffic is on mobile devices. Brands that want to engage users beyond apps should revamp their mobile websites, email, and SMS programs, and consider using a mobile wallet. Segmented messaging on the mobile web (either through pop-ups or embedded content) can be leveraged to engage users. Email campaigns should be mobile-friendly. If you have an app, deep-link to it. If you don’t, ensure your website is optimized for mobile users.

Jennie Lewis, Sr. Manager Customer Insights, Airship

Implement Interactive Voice Response

An engaging alternative to mobile apps is the use of Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems. This technology allows users to interact with a company’s host system via a telephone keypad or by speech recognition, after which they can service their own inquiries by following the IVR dialogue. It is particularly effective in areas with lower smartphone penetration or among demographics less inclined to use smartphones.

My recommendation is to integrate IVR systems into your customer service framework, particularly for businesses that deal with a high volume of inquiries and require a scalable solution. This system can dramatically improve user engagement by providing instant support and services, reducing wait times, and freeing up human resources for more complex queries. Additionally, IVR systems can be personalized to deliver a more user-friendly and satisfying experience.

Jason Hennessey, CEO, Hennessey Digital

Develop Progressive Web Apps

One specific alternative to mobile apps for engaging users is implementing Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). PWAs combine the best of both web and mobile app experiences, offering users the ability to interact with your content directly through their web browser, without the need to download an app.

For example, we developed a PWA for our online jewelry store, allowing customers to browse products, receive push notifications, and even make purchases seamlessly across all devices. The PWA provided a fast, app-like experience with offline capabilities, which was particularly appealing to users who were hesitant to download another app.

My suggestion is to consider PWAs if you’re looking to provide a mobile-friendly experience that reaches a broader audience without the barriers associated with traditional app downloads. PWAs are cost-effective to develop and maintain, and they offer the same interactivity, speed, and engagement as native apps.

Additionally, PWAs are easily discoverable through search engines, enhancing your visibility and accessibility. By offering a PWA, you can engage users more effectively, providing them with a smooth, reliable experience across all platforms without requiring them to commit to a full app installation.

Aviad Faruz, CEO, FARUZO

Cultivate Meaningful Culture and Messaging

It doesn’t take a college course in psychology to understand the basic need of people to be seen. If companies want to understand the basics of marketing and garnering attention (weirdly, their own need to be seen), they need to see their market, or at least help their market feel seen. 

Mobile apps are strategic tools for companies, but without ethos, culture, and the right “vibe,” a company’s mobile app is the ’90s version of a brochure left on the counter of some Orlando timeshare scheme—it’s dusty, okay? The only alternative to mobile apps that’s worth anything is meaningful culture and a message that makes your target audience say, “I want what they have.”

With all our current gadgetry, marketing is still basically a human endeavor—connect with people, and you win.

Jesse Crowley, Digital Media Strategist, Tier Level Digital Marketing

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