What are APIs … and Why Do They Matter for Your Business? » Small Business Bonfire

Whether you know it or not, when you use an app, send an instant message or check something like the weather forecast on your smartphone, you are using an application programming interface.

In the most basic terms, an API is a software intermediary. It enables two applications to communicate with one another. For example, when you use an app on your smartphone, the application connects to the net and sends data to a server.

The data is retrieved by the server and the server then interprets that data and performs the necessary actions before sending it back to your phone. The app then interprets the data it has been sent and presents you with that data in a readable way.

APIs have numerous benefits, so they really matter for your business. Let us take a look at the various ways in which they can be beneficial.

Hiring an API Designer

Modern APIs have characteristics that make them extraordinarily useful and valuable, but you need to understand how to utilize them in order to reap the benefits.

If you want to create an API and do not have the technical know-how, it is a good idea to hire a professional API designer who would be in charge of designing the API structure.

A professional designer can also help with the testing, building, managing, and versioning of an API’s development lifecycle.

OK, now let us explore how APIs can help your business.

Why APIs Matter for Your Business

Why are APIs so helpful for your business? They have multiple benefits. Here are some of the most important advantages.

You Can Gain the Functionality of Other Programs for Your Website

Whether you hire a developer to build an API from scratch or use an existing third-party API, your website can be empowered by using an API.

You can quickly share data from other sites or programs without having to write any lengthy code. By simply embedding an API that is suitable for your business, your website can gain the functionality of other programs.

For example, you could use an API to provide your website visitors with the latest weather forecast or stock exchange information.

You Can Enhance Your User Interface

When you integrate third-party APIs with your website or app, you can provide all manner of enhanced experiences to your visitors.

For instance, you can seamlessly integrate user interface components for things like audio and video streaming, graphics, and maps for geo-locations, to name just a few features.

In turn, that allows you to provide your customers with a much better user interface. Just make sure the integrations are suitable for your specific website or app.

You Can Provide Your Customers with Remote Storage

APIs are not only about sharing data from other sources. You can also use an API to provide your customers with remote storage.

Customers can upload things like documents and images through a cloud API and access the items whenever they are needed.

By providing your customers with a remote storage option, you can attract and retain customers and gain customer loyalty. Of course, you can also use an API to create remote storage for your own business needs.

You Can Track Customer Behavior to Create Advanced Marketing Strategies

By using APIs for your website or app, it becomes easy to track the behavior of your visitors. For instance, you can track customers’ previous visits, their purchase histories, and their social media behavior.

In turn, that allows you to customize your content accordingly to target your buyer personas. You can also better engage with marketing activities like sending out customized emails of specific interest to relevant leads. 

You Can Automate Processes with the Help of APIs

Every business owner knows that you cannot do everything at once. But you can get nearer by automating parts of your business processes. That becomes much easier when you use APIs.

You can use automation tools to build efficient workflows and provide end-users with a better service. For example, you could use an API to automatically add visitors to a subscription list.

When you reduce the manual effort needed to accomplish such tasks, you can save a lot of time. And as you know, time is money. 

You Can Reach More Customers When Your APIs Function Across Different Devices

Being able to reach customers through different devices is of the utmost importance in today’s digital landscape. There has been a huge shift in people using mobile devices to access content. So, the last thing your business wants to do is restrict its customer scope.

By using APIs that work on different devices and are accessible through various platforms, like Windows, Android, and IOS, you can reach a wide customer base.