Broker invests thousands in client-focused app

“They can contact me 24/7, read about issues of importance, ask a question, watch videos on different topics, calculate repayments and find related trusted services,” he said.

Mr Heath said he had invested tens of thousands of dollars in the app and that it is currently the main focus of his business.

“This, to me, is the future, and our business is there now,” he said.

“I have a business belief that I need to be in someone’s thoughts when they are ready to make a decision. To be there, I need to have created value in the ongoing relationship.

“Our smartphones are all about engagement and with a single touch, anyone can now engage in conversation and with information.”

However, Mr Heath said it is not about having an app – it is about engagement and an app needs to be one part of a complete strategy.

Mr Heath is not the only broker using mobile technology to help improve their business.

Alliance Mortgage Solutions director Eric Cui – who was recently named Broker of The Year for New South Wales at The Adviser's Better Business Summit – said he uses WeChat to generate referrals and provide potential and existing clients with real-time updates on his products and services.

WeChat is a social networking app for mobile devices that lets users communicate through text and voice messaging and share photos, videos and documents.

The app also allows users to exchange contact details and translate messages.

"Nearly 80 per cent of our clients use WeChat to look for updates to product promotions and market information," he said.

"Many of our existing clients will send our contact details to friends, relatives and business partners via WeChat."

[Related: Major brokerage releases app as part of digital rebrand]