English poet John Donne famously observed that “no man is an island,” and we’d suggest that can hold true for apps as well! Why go at it alone when you can team up and do so much better?
The right kind of app integrations can fill certain voids within your app, while providing more engagement and attention on both sides of the equation. App integrations can provide a richer experience for users and can keep users in your app for longer periods of time.
We’re highlighting a few of our favorite app integrations – these apps joined together to delight their user base, highlighting how beneficial reaching across the aisle can be!
1. JetBlue Lyft
Travel is all fun and games, until you land and need to stand around waiting for you luggage before figuring out how to get home, all while managing some serious jetlag. Many airline apps have begun partnering with ride share programs to help travelers get home more quickly and easily.
United has been letting its users hail Uber rides from within the United Airlines app since 2014. More recently, JetBlue has followed suit and added Lyft integration into their app. JetBlue users can even earn loyalty points for hitching a Lyft ride from within their airline app, providing an additional incentive!
This integration bolsters brand endearment for JetBlue customers and keeps app users in-app for longer, turning the JetBlue app from an optional extra to a must-have for flyers.
2. Starbucks Spotify
Starbucks is another app with some interesting integrations that might not be initially expected from a coffee app, but still manage to delight the Starbucks fan base.
The Starbucks app’s main value lies in its mobile quick pay capabilities, on-the-go ordering, and customer rewards system that all come together in their well-designed, much-adored app.
However, Starbucks also uses its app to experiment with ways to further build brand loyalty and keep app users engaged.
One way they do this is through their Spotify integration. Starbucks app users can connect to their Spotify app to view their local Starbucks’ playlist. Users have the ability to favorite the tunes they like best, influencing which songs Starbuck’s will choose to play in the future.
This integration isn’t just a fun extra – it also shows customers that Starbucks cares about what its coffee clientele thinks and is actively open to feedback from loyal regulars!
3. Google Maps Uber
Google Maps is king when it comes to navigation – many Millennials have never even owned a traditional GPS car unit due to the impressive functionality of the Google Maps (+ Navigation) app.
When it comes to providing directions, the Googs has it covered, but what about those who would rather opt for ride sharing rather than taking to the wheel themselves?
Google Maps’ popular app includes a rideshare option that may go unnoticed by some – it’s the icon featuring a little man hailing a cab.
Clicking that option on Google Maps brings up estimated route times for various rideshare services, featuring integration with Uber and Lyft, among others.
This integration is a great example of knowing the needs of your customer and meeting them, even when it means teaming up with an outside app.
Until Google starts their own ride sharing service (and with the leaps and bounds happening in the realm of robot cars, this may not be too far off), Uber and Lyft are the best partner to have for journey-ers looking for a lift.
4. Snapchat Bitmoji
Snapchat has become the mainstay messaging app for many young users, basically putting face-in-hole cutout boards out of business with their array of photo filters.
Despite being masters of their domain, Snapchat isn’t afraid to partner up with others to please their fan base, as seen through their cooperation with Bitmoji.
Bitmoji is the beloved app that allows users to create and send stickers featuring their own mini avatars. These hilarious Mini-Me-s can be set up to strike a variety of sassy poses and express a range of sentiments from “Get Well Soon” to “Morning Hugs!”
Rather than seeing Bitmjoji as an image-sharing-based rival, Snapchat has added Bitmoji integration, letting Snappers add favorite avatars to their photo messages.
This functionality simply adds to the already fun-filled Snapchat, giving users even more ways to get a laugh out of their friends.
App integrations are handy for a number of reasons. Not only do they add capabilities that your app may not be able to offer, they also show users that you’re willing to go above and beyond in order to meet their needs. Fans notice that kind of dedication – and they’ll love you for it!
What are your favorite app integrations, and how have they benefited you?