"Consumers are using mobile apps to research locations to shop, eat, play and relax – and it's up to businesses to be where their audience is," noted Krista McLandress, marketing manager at app development software company AppsBuilder . "Most businesses understand that a mobile-friendly or responsive website is imperative to their business, but many still lag behind adopting a mobile app strategy."

Clutch's survey also examined the key reasons why small businesses are building apps. The number one reason—selected by 76% of respondents—is to improve customer service.

"The most successful small businesses know that the single deciding factor for them as a competitor is making sure that their loyal customers are treated well and want to keep coming back," stated Shira Anderson, marketing manager of DIY app solution Como . "That is what mobile apps do best. Mobile apps allow you to really reward your loyal customers with a certain exclusivity and intimacy that isn’t available on any other channel."

The mobile apps report is the final of four segments Clutch has published examining the results of their first annual small business survey. Earlier pieces examined small business online marketing, web design, and social media. To collect the data, Clutch analysts gathered over 350 survey responses from small business owners and managers distributed across the US.