Nowadays, it seems like there’s an app for just about everything. Whether you’re looking to manage your bank account, order a meal or even buy a cup of coffee, there’s an app that can help get it done faster and in less time. In fact, you don’t even have to actually speak to anyone in order to accomplish what you want done.

But when it comes to your fitness studio, what are the pros of launching a mobile app dedicated to your business? Is it more of a hassle than it’s worth? How does having an app benefit your clients? To answer these questions and more, we asked a few pros for their take on why launching an app can be a powerful tool for studio owners. Read on for the pros of going mobile.

It provides on-the-go access

Even if your website is mobile-friendly, having a dedicated app that gives your clients easy access to sign up for classes, check the schedule, get directions and more can make a huge difference. “More and more people are looking to their mobile device to do and find anything,” says Keval Baxi, CEO of Codal. “In order to stress the importance of an app as opposed to just a mobile-friendly site, users spend 18 times more time on an app,” she says. Basically, you want to be where your clients are — aka on their mobile devices.

It enhances your client relationships

As with any successful relationship, communication is key. Meaning, the easier it is for your customers to engage with your business, the more connected they’ll feel. “Having an app boosts customer relationships because it offers a unique, relevant mode to interact with them in a way that’s meaningful to them,” says Angela Zade of Evus Technologies. “It also makes doing business with your studio easier — and customers value convenience.”

It increases your brand awareness

“Developing an app specifically for your brand can allow you to create a platform that exudes your brand personality,” explains Baxi. “Additionally, having a user download the app and having it on their phone is a constant reminder of your brand.”

Connect with your clients via notifications to keep your studio top of mind.

Not to mention, the ability to connect with your clients via notifications helps keep your studio at the top of their minds as well. “An app allows instant ability to reach the user with forms of marketing to entice action,” Baxi says. “For example, push notifications have been found to be extremely effective.”

It makes operating your studio easier than ever

“Creating an app to allow students to register for HIIT IT! was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” says Daphnie Yang, certified personal trainer and founder of HIIT IT!. “Having an app allows my students to easily purchase and register for classes, and before each class I’m able to know exactly who to expect. Students now know if there are any schedule or instructor changes because of push notifications occurring when changes are made.” Plus, you’ll be happy to know that making an app of your own isn’t all that complicated. “Creating the app was incredibly easy,” says Yang. “I went directly through MINDBODY, and pay them per month for use of their services.”

It puts you ahead of the game

Anything you can do to stand out from the competition is undoubtedly going to give your business a leg up. Having a mobile app that makes it easier than ever for students to sign up for class also sets you apart from studios that don’t have the same capability. “Building an app puts you ahead of your competition,” says Zade. “It gives your business more exposure, and enables your business to compete with even larger competitors.”