Businesses wanting to offer mobile-responsive websites now have an option to do it the hassle-free way by using Putti, a kiwi startup which offers a step-by-step process for business owners help to build mobile-friendly sites and apps.

Using mobile-friendly apps and sites will enable businesses to offer loyalty vouchers, special offers, or send out product or store details.

Spark Business is now offering its mobile business customers 24 months of free service from Putti covering maintenance, updates and security; or customers can get Putti’s help to build a more customised product for a one-off fee.

Spark Home, Mobile and Business CEO Chris Quin notes that more than half of New Zealanders now regularly buy things on their mobile phones, and that number is growing fast.

Spark’s website notes that 63% of customers move away from a website if the site is not mobile friendly. 

“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% 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,” Quin says.

How it is done

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. Putti also submits 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,” McDonald says.