The Mobile-First Era: Why Apps Are Taking Over

The digital landscape has certainly shifted to be a mobile-first world, changing how and when people are consuming content. Smartphones have become THE gateway to information, entertainment and engagement. People are spending more time on their phone than ever before, and data shows apps are a significant portion of that time. Whether it’s catching up on news, streaming videos, or engaging with communities, apps have become the preferred and most immersive way for people to stay connected.

For digital publishers, journalists, or content creators, this shift is more than just a trend - it’s a call to action. Your audience isn’t just browsing websites—they’re scrolling, engaging, and consuming content on their phones all day long. To stay relevant it’s essential to meet them where? they are consuming content - on mobile apps that offer seamless experiences, instant access, and real time engagement.

Let’s break it down and take a look at the numbers:

?? 6.9 billion smartphone users worldwide – Nearly 86% of the global population now owns a smartphone, making mobile the dominant way people consume content. (Source)

? 4-5 hours daily spent on mobile apps – The average user dedicates a significant portion of their screen time to apps, proving that mobile engagement is at an all-time high. (Source)

?? 88% of mobile time is spent inside apps – Compared to mobile browsers, users prefer the ease, speed, and engagement of an app experience. (Source)

?? The average smartphone owner uses 10 apps daily and 30 apps monthly – Whether it's social media, news, or niche content platforms, users return to apps they trust day after day. (Source)

The Cost Barrier: Why Most Publishers Don’t Have an App

While the benefits of having a branded app are clear, one major roadblock stops most independent publishers from taking the leap—cost.

?? The average cost of developing a custom mobile app:

• $5,000 - $50,000 for a simple app
• $50,000 - $120,000 for a mid-level app
• $120,000+ for complex apps with custom features (Source)

Beyond the initial investment, publishers must consider certain things that can add tens of thousands of dollars to the long-term cost of having an app. These include:

• Ongoing maintenance?
• Updates
• Compatibility fixes

For independent content creators, sports journalists, and niche media groups, these numbers make developing a standalone app nearly impossible—until now.

Push Notifications Are a Vital Tool for Engagement

Push notifications are a pivotal tool for enhancing user engagement within sports media apps. Here's a breakdown of their effectiveness:

• User Engagement: Sports media apps that effectively utilize push notifications have seen significant increases in user engagement.
• Retention Rates: Implementing push notifications can substantially improve user retention. Data indicates that app users receiving push notifications are four times more engaged and twice as likely to remain active compared to those who opt out. (source)
• User Preferences: A significant portion of app users find push notifications valuable. Approximately 70% consider them extremely useful, and 53% are willing to share details, such as their location, to receive more personalized notifications. (source)
• Case Study – DK Pittsburgh Sports App and Activity Feed: DK Pittsburgh Sports has had the BoomPress app for years. In 2023 we added?

These points show the potential of push notifications to significantly boost user engagement and retention in sports media apps. By delivering timely, relevant, and personalized content, sports media platforms can foster a more engaged and loyal user base.

How BoomPress Makes Apps Accessible for Every Publisher

At BoomPress, we believe that every content creator should have access to the power of a branded mobile app—without the massive upfront costs.

? Integrated App Feature – We offer a fully branded app for our clients at a fraction of the cost of custom development. Your readers can download your app, receive notifications, and engage with your content just like they would on social media—but without the distractions of third-party algorithms.

? Real-Time Notifications & Increased Engagement – Push notifications let you reach your audience instantly—a key feature that social media platforms use to retain users. With a BoomPress app, your audience will engage with your content more frequently because they’re reminded of new stories, updates, and breaking news directly on their phone.

? A Seamless, On-the-Go Experience – Users expect their favorite brands to have an app, and a mobile-friendly experience keeps your audience loyal and engaged. By offering an app alongside your website, you ensure your content is easily accessible anytime, anywhere.

? Cost-Effective Alternative to Custom App Development – Instead of spending six figures on an app, BoomPress clients get a branded mobile app for a small monthly fee, making it an affordable and scalable solution for independent media.

The Future is Mobile—Are You Ready?

If your audience is already spending hours a day on their mobile devices, why not meet them where they are? With a branded app, you can increase audience retention, reduce reliance on unpredictable social media algorithms, and own the experience from start to finish.

BoomPress is making it easier than ever for independent publishers to launch a professional, scalable, and cost-effective app—without the headache of custom development.

?? Ready to elevate your audience engagement and future-proof your content strategy?

?? Let’s talk. Schedule a demo today and explore how a BoomPress mobile app can work for you!