We live in a world on the go, the nature of which is exemplified by our constant use of mobile apps. But some apps are more constantly used than others.
Only 16% of people will try out an app more than twice. In fact, according to Compuware, somewhere between 80% and 90% of all apps are used only once and then eventually deleted by users.
The 2013 Direct Marketing News 40 Under 40 winners are a busy crowd, so they need apps that work for their lives—but they’re also a fun bunch that likes to kick back and mess around with apps that aren’t necessarily business-related.
If you’re looking for some apps-piration, check out the list below for a few of our winners’ faves. These apps are DMN 40 Under 40-certified “handy.”
Peep: Katie Klumper, Group Account Director, Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal + Partners
App: Gilt and Rue
Why? “They’ve done an amazing job of tapping into a consumer insight and delivering against it. Many apps are put into the marketplace and companies expect people to use them daily. But you need to give users a reason to make it a ritual, whether it fits into their routine or has new information. Companies that develop apps need to invest as much time and energy into maintaining it as they did building and launching the technology in the first place. Also, I just love to shop. It’s important to do something for yourself every day—a guilty pleasure. And mine happens to be shoes and bags. What woman isn’t a sucker for a new bag or pair of shoes?”
Peep: Louis Cohen, SVP, Head of Search, Affiliate Marketing & Lead Generation, Citibank, NA
App: Shopkick
Why? “They’re doing some really innovative things to bring offline transactions and engagement back into the digital world. I also like the rewards and loyalty incentives they offer for shopping. The free gift cards don’t hurt either.”
Peep: Aaron Bell, CEO, AdRoll
App: Toca Train
Why? “Actually, it’s my daughter’s favorite.”
Peep: Jodie Sangster, CEO, Association for Data-Driven Marketing & Advertising (Australia)
App: Newsle
Why? “It’s a news app which connects to my LinkedIn and pulls through any press releases my contacts have send our or news stories from any publication related to the people I’m connected to. They go straight to my news feed. It’s a fun way to keep track of my network. For me, I’m connected to an inordinate amount of people—1,000+—and to set up something like a Google Alert for so many people just wouldn’t be possible.”
Peep: Gene Turner, SVP, Managing Partner, Horizon Media
App: United Airlines
Why? “I’ll admit I’m not the most organized with travel details and I travel frequently. The United app has been extremely helpful on more than one occasion.”
Peep: Loni Stark, Director, Product & Industry Marketing, Adobe Systems
App: Next Issue
Why? “It’s a monthly subscription model that encourages me to read as many articles from great magazines as possible, like Time, Fortune, and Wired. I’m like a kid in a candy store. And yes, I do love flipping through Architectural Digest and Sunset, too.”
Peep: Greg Alvo, Founder & CEO, OrderGroove
App: ESPN
Why? “I’m a die-hard Miami Heats fan.”
Peep: Jeremiah Desmarais, VP, Marketing and Strategy, Health Partners America
App: Jot
Why? “Keeps our accountant happy.”
Peep: Justin Gray, CEO, LeadMD
App: Expensify
Why? “It’s an app that streamlines how individuals and companies manage expense reports. My VP of sales introduced it—and if a sales guy can use it and loves it, it must be easy.”
Peep: Andrea Wilson, VP, Strategy Director & Luxury Practice Lead, iProspect
App: Instagram
Why? “I’m such a visual person, and it’s my favorite way to combine personal and professional interests in one place. It’s relaxing, easy to digest during down time, and also fun to watch how different brands are pushing themselves to try new things and show their personality in a dynamic way.”
Peep: William Peterson, Email Marketing Manager, U.S. Bank
App: Y! Sports
Why? “I’m a huge sports fan and I love to follow my favorite teams in college and the pros. This app has easy navigation to move between teams, scores, and stats.”
Peep: Carrie Chitsey, CEO, BLK24
App: Ferris and UMeTime
Why? “Ferris is a new mobile video application that allows you to record and edit your life moments. UMeTime is an app that allows local merchants to push out short, time-sensitive local promotions good for only a couple of hours. It defines your day.”
Peep: Judah Fontz, VP, Search Fundraising, VeraData
App: EverNote (for business) & Yahoo Fantasy Football and Face in the Hole (for fun)
Why? “EverNote makes it easy to save and organize great Web content across all devices. Yahoo Fantasy Football and Face in the Hole—do I really need to say why?”
Peep: Geoff Gross, President, Medical Guardian
App: Uber
Why? “I’ve used it in five cities. That app is a perfect example of a solution to a huge need in the marketplace and a great customer experience!”
