Does your business really need a mobile app?

This might seem a controversial heading to this post being that we are a software development firm and rely on walk-in clients that need us to build mobile applications for their businesses. 

However, though we like the business coming in, over the years we have realized that even if you get paid for the work done, if the resulting product does not help the client’s business grow, or increase its efficiency in certain aspects then we are most likely of getting an unsatisfied client which means a broken word of mouth referral link which might even lead to worse, defamation, so let’s get started on the topic of discussion.

In a mobile device-driven world, many business owners today are quick to jump on the mobile app bandwagon, maybe because their competition already has one or just because they can afford one. But before you invest time and resources (especially money) into a mobile app, ask yourself (the business): Does my business need a mobile app?

In this post, I am going to help you understand what an application is, who it is for, how it is built, and how much it will cost you based on your area of business, and guide you through key questions to assess your specific needs.

What is an application?

Simply put, an application is software that runs either in your browser, computer, or mobile phone to perform specific tasks. The tasks vary depending on the application’s purpose say productivity, communication, or entertainment.

The Allure of Mobile Apps

Today we discuss specifically mobile applications and why they are a big topic currently, there's no denying the potential of mobile apps, almost everyone can benefit from mobile applications either directly or indirectly. 

This is what a mobile app can do for your business:

• Enhanced Customer Engagement: If your business is in the eCommerce category having a mobile application provides a direct channel to connect with your customers, fostering loyalty and brand awareness. Features such as reminders or push notifications can keep them updated on promotions, new products, or special events.
• Improved Convenience: Sticking with eCommerce, a mobile application for your business can offer an eWallet option to allow your customers to easily access, and pay for products. Those in the service sector can use the mobile application for making payments as well, booking appointments, or pre-ordering.
• Increased Brand Visibility: A well-designed app is as a constant presence on your customers' phones, keeping your brand with them all the time.
• Valuable Customer Data: With mobile apps your business can collect valuable data on user behavior and preferences, this enables you to personalize marketing efforts and improve customer experience.

These are some of the major benefits of an application to your business, but like any other investment you need to look and both sides of the coin, let’s discuss some of the drawbacks or reasons why you may not need an application as of now.

Developing and maintaining a mobile app requires ongoing investment to keep the application beneficial to the business. Here are some things to consider:

• Development Costs: Building a high-quality app is expensive and to make our clients understand this is a hurdle that if passed we are confident that there is a need for the app by the business. 
• Application Maintenance: Like any field of engineering, products resulting from software engineering also require constant maintenance, this is because of technologies that are constantly changing.
• App Store Competition: The app stores (Playstore and Appstore) are flooded with applications. Standing out requires a unique and valuable app concept, though if your application is targeting a unique business this should not be a problem i.e. an application for your hardware business
• User Engagement: Just building an app isn't enough. You need a strategy to keep users engaged and coming back, through digital campaigns on social media platforms.
• Web Application vs. Mobile App: A well-designed web application can often provide similar functionality to a mobile application, which doesn’t cost as much to develop.

As we conclude, before seeking app development, consider your target audience, are they, heavy app users? Does your app have a unique value proposition, do the essential features offered by the application directly benefit your business, and most importantly do you have a budget for the application development and maintenance costs?

Remember, the goal is to enhance customer experience and grow your business, so choose the digital solution that best achieves those goals, yes mobile apps can be powerful tools for businesses, but they're not a solution for all businesses.  Carefully consider your target audience, budget, and the unique value your app offers before making a decision.