KNYSNA NEWS - Those without a bag full of all the different guides on where to go and what to do for whatever your need in Knysna can now thankfully resort to a one-stop shortcut at your fingertips.
Yes, Findit In Knysna, is a cellphone app designed by a full-blown, 80-year-old Knysnarian, for businesses in the area to showcase their services, and for customers and visitors to easily find what they need, discover what the town has to offer, and possibly find new favourites.
The app is designed to enhance the smartphone and tablet experience by making every business in town available on the app, and the first Android editions have already been available on Google's Play Store, at no cost, since the beginning of the year. The search tab allows customers to find businesses, phone numbers, directions, links to websites and other contact details.
Owner of the app, Peter Dijkstra, says, “Locals and visitors who wish to use the app only need to go to the Play Store, then to Categories, use the search icon, and enter Findit In Knysna. The detective icon appears with the name, and the download is free.”
Apple also on board
And after engaging with Apple for 18 months, which tested his technical ability, endurance, perseverance and tenacity to the absolute maximum, he says, this David and Goliath tale has ended in the app being available in IOS as well.
He says the app is constantly being reviewed and updated to ensure a comprehensive, accurate service, and invites input from local businesses.
Dijkstra says his biggest challenge since the launch of the app is loading the extensive volume of information. Business names, owners' names, phone numbers, web addresses, email addresses, directions, among others – all to ensure that the users can always find what they need.
“I spend roughly six hours a day uploading information, but apart from that I am very excited – so far I’ve received nothing but positive feedback,” he said.
On a question on how he as a developer will make an income out of the app, Dijkstra says, “Businesses can pay a small fee to advertise on the app, from as little as R50 a month.”
Customers can browse business categories to find the provider they need or use the phone directory to get and dial the number of any business. There are also links to book accommodation, call the businesses, or view their websites.
Businesses interested in being featured on the app can contact Peter Dijkstra on 082 493 1520.
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