How Branded Apps Build Brand Loyalty: Research and Options

     Unleashing the power of brand-name apps to create brand loyalty, backed by research.    

While mobile technologies continue to permeate every aspect of our lives, branded apps are an intriguing new way of building brand loyalty. Businesses use apps with branded names to bring their brand at the fingertips of customers. deliver a brand-immersive experience across different channels, and create a connection through high-value services.

In today's highly competitive market, ensuring your brand's image isn't just a "nice-to-have," it's a necessity. Branded apps are continuing to change the way companies interact with their customers, clients or learners, understanding how to use them can aid in building brand loyalty and maximize the return on your investment, while mobile applications are what people crave.

In this article we'll look at a variety of app-related definitions and compare branded and unbranded apps. Then, we'll look into the latest research that is compelling on the role of branded apps in building brand loyalty and share how you can access these benefits with no high cost associated. Let's get started:

Go ahead.

•    What is a branded app? And different types of App Branding
•    What apps that are branded build brand trust
•    The science behind branding applications and loyalty to brands
•    "'s Branded Mobile offering
•    The next step in creating brand loyalty through branded apps
•    FAQs

What is a branded app? There are many different types of branding for apps.

A branded app is a mobile app designed and created by a certain brand. It is designed to showcase the brand's identity, including the logo, color scheme, as well as other distinctive features. Businesses use apps with branded logos to increase customer interaction as well as build brand loyalty as well as provide services, goods and content.

Businesses often choose to invest in brand-name apps because they give companies the capability to communicate with their customers and provide content direct on smartphones, while providing a more personalized experience that is a reflection of the brand's ideals, ethos, and style.

Brands like Starbucks, Walmart, and Nike make use of branded apps to engage customers, improve brand recognition, and boost sales.

Nike, another industry-leading application that is branded makes use of its Nike Training Club app to help make the brand an exercise and lifestyle partner. It is able to do this by providing high-quality content like mindfulness exercises, self-care routines, and exercises at home for its diversified user base, all while advertising its product offerings.

While Starbucks and Nike provide excellent examples of what a branded application can accomplish for your company, we're only getting started. However, before diving into how brands can help build brand loyalty and build brand loyalty, there are two more apps "classifications" that you need to know about--unbranded and white-label apps.

What is an unbranded application?

Contrary to apps with branded logos and apps with a brand name, they are apps that provide a service, product or content online that do not display a brand's primary logo.

Some examples of apps that are not branded are 7 Minute Workout as well as Smile.io. Smile.io, for example, lets businesses create loyalty and referral programmes for mobile customers. But, they can also interact with several brands using the app on their mobile.

Then we'll get to the third and final app style you need to know about.

What is a white-label app?

A white-label app is a generic app developed by one firm (the developer) and sold to another (the buyer) so that the purchasing business can use the same branding and distribution method to market the app in its own name.

White-label applications are a branding-driven alternative to nonbranded apps that makes them a great alternative for those who need all the advantages of brand-name apps, but without the price tag or the need to build an app internally.

What is the distinction between brand white-label applications?

Now that we've covered branded white-label, unbranded, and branded apps, let's examine what makes them different and what makes companies choose one over another. We'll start by looking at what sets these app experiences apart by looking at the experiences in our previous cases.

It is the Nike Training Club application is an app with a logo designed specifically to appeal to the Nike audience. Nike's name appears in the app name, its logo is displayed in the app's icon and Nike branding is visible across the app, which includes the video content.

Contrast that with the 7 minute Workout. 7 Minute Workout a brand-neutral workout app, so it's not affiliated with any large fitness brands. It's not likely to see Nike, Underarmour, GNC or similar branding as you use the app.

White-label apps differ because they aren't technical "branded" as well as "unbranded" applications. Instead, they mix the best to both.

Good Firms reports that a basic branded app could cost anywhere between $12,000 to $30,000; complex apps between $34,000 and $60,000, and advanced apps can cost between $56,000 and $82,000. Apart from these staggering price tags, simple apps take three to seven weeks to develop, while complex applications take eight to 14 weeks, while advanced apps can take between 13 and 19 weeks for development.

A brand such as Nike who spent over $3 billion on advertising in 2022, an app that costs $100,000 can be considered pocket money. However, for the majority of businesses the price and long development commitment behind branded apps make them unattainable which opens the way for applications that are not branded.

Apps that are not branded are created and maintained by a particular company, while the customers (different brands) work within the confines of the app to engage with their clients and develop loyalties. Unbranded apps function like a commercial rental space. In this way, retailers can choose to rent the space instead of building it themselves, helping companies avoid the risks such as costs for maintenance, construction, as well as development expenses that come with building a brick-and-mortar location.

While less expensive, non-branded applications offer limited control over the application. However, the branded apps offer full control over each aspect of user experience. Between the two experiences is the white-label applications.

The white-label app is basically templates that other companies could make use of. Instead of spending tens of thousands of dollars, brands can pay a fraction of the cost for a fully operational app while still creating custom-designed experiences for smartphone users. This allows you to benefit from the advantages and benefits of apps with a brand name.

How brand-branded apps help create brand loyalty

We'll turn our attention to why you're here Building the bonds of loyalty.

One of the most significant advantages of creating a branding app, shadowing its cons it has the capacity to increase brand recognition. This is both crucial and complicated for the majority of businesses. To simplify the process, we've identified five crucial strategies that differentiate branded apps from unbranded apps to build brand loyalty.

1. Deliver a customized user experience

One of the major benefits of having an app that is white-labeled or branded can be its capacity to deliver users with a smooth experience, effortless navigation, and a beautiful and user-friendly design, without distracting users or diverting their focus to competing brand names.

Nike Training Club is an outstanding example of a brand-name app tailored to a brand's intended audience, which is primarily those who train and exercise for Nike's instance. Upon opening the app the users will see a clean, easy-to-navigate user interface. Images of high quality reinforce Nike's brand value--inspiration and innovation to every athlete worldwide. Nike worked hard to deliver a mobile experience that fit the brand and appealed to its intended audience.

2. Deliver a personalized user experience

Although personalized and customized user experiences might sound alike but they're distinct. The term "customized" refers to the global experience your mobile users have. An experience that is personalized, on the other hand, refers to the specific experiences each user enjoys that are specific to that user only.

For the sake of building upon this Nike Training Club example, as users regularly consume or save content Nike's app can suggest further and more relevant outcomes under the "Top picks for you" section.

3. Give incentives and reward points

Sure, unbranded apps can offer referral and loyalty programs however, they usually do it for different brands at the same time. If you're encouraging customers to download an app, you probably would not like them to go on an app that has their plumber, barber as well as fitness trainer.

Branded apps keep the user within a space that is completely committed to your brand. So when you reward your users for meeting a new target, completing the task or purchasing something the user will associate your brand with that positive user experience.

4. Establish relationships

Like with all relationships that you have with your customers, helping them build connections with your brand is a requirement. You must maintain that relationship. With branded apps, that means utilizing notifications to share information about the latest promotions or remind users to finish the lesson.

Do you remember that last time Snapchat brought you back to your demise or Dualingo reminded users to keep their learning going? The push notifications can be a great method to encourage users back to the app. The apps that are branded give you more control over when and to whom you send notifications and the way they appear.

In addition to the notification function, brand-name apps help create brand loyalty through allowing you to collect feedback and offer support. Feedback is vital in assessing the performance of your application. Does it meet expectations of users? The most effective way for determining this is to talk with the client directly. The addition of support services to your mobile offering repertoire can also provide you with more interactions with your customers, helping you keep them satisfied and happy with their experiences.

5. Create an experience for customers across all channels

Omnichannel customer experiences are an experience that has many touchpoints to customers, clients, or learners. Furthermore, clients should be able to start an activity on one channel and pick up where they left off in another.

For e-commerce purposes consumers who have added footwear to their shopping cart while waiting at the Doctor's office ought to be able connect to their computer at home and go shopping without loosing any beat. Online course creators should be able to learners must be able create a lesson from the office desk and then finish the course on their mobile via an Uber.

Do you see how branded and white-label apps appeal to numerous companies? Seamless connectivity and shifts are being demanded from consumers more and more. Providing that smooth experience will improve the user experience as well as build trust. It will also boost brand loyalty.

For a recap, apps with a brand name assist you in:

1. Create unique experiences
2. Provide personal experiences
3. Offer incentives and rewards, encouraging loyalty
4. Establish relationships with mobile users
5. Create a seamless, omnichannel customer experience

However, don't simply take our word for it. Let's look at what the science has to say about branded apps and building the brand's loyalty.

The science behind branded apps and brand loyalty

In 2022, Daria Plotkina as well as Landisoa Rabeson wrote an article titled "The significance of transactionality in mobile branded apps in brand experience and the impact it has on loyalty." This study sought to better understand how brand-named, non-transactional apps impact the loyalty of brands. What did they find? Profound.

Information from the Journal of Brand Management's research on branded apps

We've gathered three of its most valuable findings to save readers from the lengthy 14-page report. Before that, we'll provide you with an explanation of the significance.

Plotkina and Rabeson provide some fascinating findings on how users view branded apps. But, prior to presenting their conclusions, the authors emphasize that consumers consider free apps as more engaging appealing, interesting, and unique in comparison to apps with a price tag. So, consumers are more likely to prefer non-transactional apps more that semi-transactional (think freemium) or transactional apps.

With this in mind, they went into their research hypothesizing that free branded apps will generate more brand loyalty than transactional apps by facilitating more brand personality, satisfaction, and identification--spoiler alert, they were right.

Let's get to the main results.

  1. Branded apps are now defined in a new way. apps

We defined branded apps at the beginning of this piece. However, it's important to know how other people define the word.

Plotkina and Rabeson employ this definition: "software downloadable to a smartphone that clearly displays an identity for the brand through its name, the title of the app and also the presence of a logo for the brand throughout the user's experience."

  2. Brand identification as a new mediating factor between brand experience as well as loyalty

Plotkina and Rabeson found that brand identification acts as a formerly undiscovered mediator between experience of brands and brand loyalty.

They claim, "Specifically, the results of field and laboratory tests demonstrate that the process of creating brand identification is an effective way to trigger the loyalty of customers to brands after experiencing brand-name mobile applications."

In order to be precise, brand identification here is not referring to how people or consumers identify with the brand, as when you spot the Swoosh logo and recognise it as Nike. In reality, the term "brand identification" refers to the way that consumers associate with your company.

It is recommended that the Nike Training Club app should concentrate on activeness since the Nike customers are typically active. This helps its active customers identify with the brand.

What does this all means for you? You can create and keep your brand's identity intact through branded apps, which is a proven method to build the brand's loyalty.

  3. The effect of sporadic application use on the personal connection with the brand

It's good to know that users don't need to constantly be engaged in order for you to foster and increase the brand's loyalty. Plotkina and Rabeson observed that even occasional app usage increases personal bonds to the brand, further reinforcing brand loyalty. The primary reason for the increase in loyalty is the intimacy that comes with the app's permanent residence on the user's device.

According to their words, "...having an app on one's smartphone and using it even sporadically increases the intimacy and connection with the app, as it "lives" on the screen of one's closest friend."

Researchers also discovered that the quality of content that users discover once inside your app is more important than how frequently they access your application. The research team found that content for free ought to be "very" top-quality and that's something developers, marketers as well as other users strive for.

If your mobile application that is branded allows for a certain amount of transactionality. If so, users must view that transactions as an opportunity to make their experience better rather than seeing it as a commercial transaction--which, again, emphasizes quality and value.

  Further insights  

It is clear that non-transactional mobile apps bolster the brand's reputation significantly more than apps that are transactional. That is, in the eyes of consumers, mobile apps need to be about more than a means for commercial transactions. For companies looking to build brand loyalty, that means they should focus on creating the perception of their brand and ensuring satisfaction with innovative experiences like a branded app.

Nike is mentioned frequently in this piece, and with reasons that are good. Nike has demonstrated that they are aware of the importance of transactions within mobile applications. It goes so that it recommends the Nike approach, stating, "Other companies may follow the Nike model and offer semi-transactional or non-transactional applications. This is already the case for its direct competitors." They go further to refer to Rebook as well as Adidas tactics that are reminiscent of Nike's.

For practical advice that you can bring to your team members, "The developers and marketers must ensure that there's a minimal number of users who bounce and are not able to uninstall your app." Unsatisfactory experiences using your mobile application won't result in the satisfaction of your customers or to a positive image and will impede that user's journey to brand loyalty.

The results of this study is clear: loyalty increases customer lifetime value and, by extension, a return from your investment in acquisition. Whatever the purpose of your application regardless of whether it is transactional, semi-transactional or even non-transactional, your final goal is to create positive user experiences that will increase the loyalty of your brand.

It's Branded Mobile offering

Like Nike's competitors, more and more companies recognize the value of branded apps. Plotkina and Rabeson couldn't have said it better "Branded apps are growing in popularity when it comes to branding strategies because they allow proximity to the clients and offer a fantastic opportunity to keep them engaged and loyal."

White-label apps are a great option. They allow companies to offer branded experiences personalized to their audience without the investment branded apps need.

Benefits and features of Branded Mobile

The first within our field, Branded Mobile has a many advantages to provide. Here are five of the benefits of Branded Mobile that we believe that you will find very valuable.

  New revenue possibilities  

By using Branded Mobile, you can let your customers further their education through its in-app purchase feature. Your users can easily purchase additional courses and to continue to consume the content within your application. Since it eliminates the requirement to navigate away from the application, Branded Mobile ensures uninterrupted engagement as well as a smooth shift from discovering to purchasing which ultimately generates additional revenues.

  We'll design it for you.  

Our trusted team of experts at will take care of developing and managing your white labeled application, allowing you to focus on running your business. In contrast to creating an app completely from scratch, in which a significant amount of time and money is required for the development process the app, and then maintain it, Thinkfiic will handle building an app, then submitting it to the market as well as distributing frequent updates at a cost of $199 per month.

  Your brand shines  

  Flexibility  

The bond that a personalized app creates between your company and its users is unmatched. With Branded Mobile, you can deliver an intuitive and easy-to-use platform that is at your learners' fingertips, demonstrating respect for their lifestyle and strengthening the bond between your company and your students.

Branded Mobile is also designed to seamlessly integrate into your users' routines. This makes it simpler for users to learn and engage with their courses and communities all according to their schedules improving their learning experience and brand experience.

  Better connection  

"In short, developing and maintaining brand identification through experience with branded apps helps consumers consider the brand as a potential lasting friend. So, they are in a deep relationship with the company, which could benefit their loyalty intentions."     Daria Plotkina and Landisoa Rabeson, Journal of Brand Management

Notifications and in-app components are designed to reflect your company's visual image. This unique, consistent design will help build the trust of your customers. In time, that trust will turn to become brand loyalty.

Learn more about: Maximize your brand potential with Branded Mobile. Branded Mobile app

The next step is to build brand recognition is to create brand-name apps

Branded apps have emerged as an effective tool to build the brand's loyalty. There's no doubt that more and more companies are planning to invest in them, as they're a proven way to reach and consistently keep their users engaged.

FAQs

What's the difference between unbranded and branded apps?

The main difference between branded and unbranded apps lies in their function and style. Branded apps are utilized by organizations to create an experience for users that is unique and helps to build brand recognition and customer satisfaction, eventually establishing brand loyalty. However, unbranded apps, while useful, do not always provide the level of customization needed to express the brand's personality.

What are some app examples?

Some excellent examples of branded apps are Nike's collection of applications. Some of Nike's most well-known applications include Nike, Nike Training Club, and Nike Run Club. The two apps for clubs offer an array of transactions and features that are in line with the brands offerings as well as its personality. Brands competing with Nike like Adidas and Reebok have followed Nike's lead and have developed their own branding apps. Other examples include Starbucks, Walmart, Walgreens, and Quizlet.

How can companies build the brand's loyalty?

Businesses can build brand loyalty through providing highly relevant, high-quality content and regularly communicating with users via channels like mobile apps. Particularly, apps that are branded will help businesses increase branding recognition and customer satisfaction both of which play crucial aspects in ensuring brand loyalty.