Spark and Putti help SMEs go mobile

Tuesday, 17 February 2015, 1:36 pm
Press Release: Spark NZ

Spark and Putti help SMEs go mobile

Businesses looking to target the growing number of Kiwis who shop on their mobile phones have received welcome news this week, with Spark Business offering Spark business mobile customers a Putti “build your own” mobile-responsive website free for 24-months (RRP $19.95 per month).

Putti, a local Kiwi start-up, offers a simple, step-by-step process for building mobile responsive sites and apps, which can then be used to sell products, send out special offers or loyalty vouchers, or simply make information (such as product details or store location) easily available to customers no matter where they are.

Business owners can keep costs low by building the mobile-responsive site or app themselves or Putti can build them a more customised product for a one-off fee. With the Spark Business offer, the ongoing support for a mobile-responsive site (which covers maintenance, updates and security) is free for 24 months.

Spark Home, Mobile and Business CEO Chris Quin said “we know that more than half of New Zealanders now regularly buy things on their mobile phones, and that number is growing fast as the majority of our mobile customers now own a smartphone. This presents a massive opportunity for businesses who want a low-cost and effective way to engage with their customers.

“However, there is currently a bit of a mismatch between where customers want to buy products or find information, and how businesses are making that information available. Less than 40 percent of small businesses have a website and, of those that do, only a quarter have a website that is mobile responsive.

“New Zealand businesses are generally very open to new technology – but they are time-poor and cashflow is always an issue. That’s why Putti is such a great option for them. They can build the site or app themselves, and the support costs are very affordable.”

In the case of mobile apps, the Putti Platform automatically codes the business’s inputs into a native app for the iOS and Android platforms, and the Putti Team submit the app to the Apple or Google stores for approval. Usually within two weeks of the app being registered and published, it’s in the Android and iOS stores and ready for downloading. Putti then provides ongoing support to ensure the app remains compatible with new smartphone technology and app store requirements.

Putti CEO Aaron McDonald says once businesses have built the mobile-responsive site or app, it opens up a whole new world of ways to connect with customers, build loyalty and drive sales.

“What we find is that business owners and managers are generally very clear on their goals – whether it’s building loyalty, selling stuff online or managing stock through special offers at the right time. What they need from us is the technology and expertise to do that through people’s smartphones and tablets.

“It really is that simple, but the impact in terms of opening up new opportunities for businesses is phenomenal.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. More information on the free Putti mobile-responsive website (RRP $19.95 per month) for 24 months, and exclusive discounts on Putti services, may be found at:http://www.spark.co.nz/business/shop/webservices/mobile-apps-websites/

2. A Tech in a Sec video on Putti may be found here http://www.spark.co.nz/business/discover/putti-mobile-apps

3. More information on Putti may be found at http://www.puttiapps.com/

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