How to create an app for museums

You were thinking it, so let’s address it. Every new app owner knows that achieving downloads can be a battle—that is, if your app does not offer a) something unique and unavailable elsewhere, or b) an incentive to the user (think reward, gift, etc.). The customer life cycle of a museum is a little bit unique. Unlike a bar or salon, normally visitors do not return on a regular basis, and for the ones that do, the intervals of their visits are likely much more elongated. So : why would someone download an app that has a one-time (or a few times at best) purpose? 

It’s true that by default, this is a little bit of a tough sale, but with the incorporation of a few key elements, we’ve seen several museum apps have great success in attracting users, and even have a positive impact on the short lifecycle mentioned above. 

First, you must create some visibility for the app, which is best done through advertising. The optimal place to advertise a museum app is probably in other applications related to local tourism, culture, or directories (using an internal ad server in an app is the perfect way to create a targeted ad appearing exactly where you want it). In order to bring the viewer to click the ad leading to download it from the stores, an incentive displayed, such as an entry discount or exclusive exposition admittance is an effective way to achieve that CTA. 

Once the user is where you want them to be, the screenshots in the stores are where you have the most room for showcasing exactly how this app will enhance their museum visit, with beautiful images of some of your key features. In need of some inspiration? Here are just a few of the possibilities for museum apps:

With a little bit of work in advance on your part, you can set up a really spectacular experience for your visitor. First, using a Map section, create a logical itinerary for the user on how they should go about making their way through the exhibits. You can create multiple itineraries—based on interests, how much time they have to explore, most popular displays, etc. To take the tour to the next level, consider incorporating beacon technology, which will allow the visitor to receive notifications with relevant information for each exhibit they approach. This is a great alternative for those who want the details offered in a group tour, but who want to go at their own pace and learn only about the items of their interest. 

The professional, informational explanation offered for each exhibit is necessary, but hearing the opinion and interpretation other visitors have had is an eye-opening bonus that makes the experience all the more interesting. By including a “Submission” section, users can send in a photo of exactly what they are looking at along with text to describe their take on it, or any questions they have. This content can then be published to create a community discussion where reactions, points of view, and theories can be shared. 

To show users your appreciation for their attention and participation, take advantage of great, native features such as Rewards and the Loyalty Card to give them attractive offers. An example of using the Rewards feature could be offering them a half price ice cream when they approach the snack zone. Loyalty Card participants can earn free visits, or other exclusive privileges from regularly returning to the museum—this is one way in which an app can play a role in lengthening the typically short client lifecycle. 

If you are a museum without an app, hopefully some of the benefits are more apparent—start gradually eliminating those brochures and offer your visitors a more up to date, enhanced experience. If you are an agency on the lookout for new opportunities, consider taking on this industry as an often overlooked source of leads. The demand is there!  

If you are ready to make the launch, our Agency Guide will help you identify the key points to consider when approaching your future clients. Use it, it's yours, for free: