A new infographic from global IT and business solutions provider Cognizant shows the real deal about retailers and mobile apps and well -- they're kind of doing it wrong. It would appear retailers employing the "Field of Dreams" theory (if you build it they will come) are not actually paying attention their customers so much.

That means that they create mobile apps that fall short of customer expectations and do not come even close to meeting their actual needs for a mobile app.

Truth be told -- the mobile app and smartphone market is and will continue to explode and the growth opportunities that are available are being missed by retailers that are not doing the key thing you should be doing when you build an app for your customers. Remember you're not trying to get new customers first -- you're trying to service your current customers which in turn will get you new customers.

1. Make an app your customers will actually use. Don't just make it your electronic marketing monkey. You know what customers like in our digital age? Technology that makes things easy to do.
2. You create an app that adds value to your brand, product or service and offer your customer base something more that what they can get in the store or online.
3. Make it easy to use and easy to find and make your app on multiple platforms.

Sounds simple right? Apparently, not so much. Think smart, develop wisely, and make something worthwhile.