Apps have been around for some time now. While at first they seemed like a must-have for any business who wants to be taken seriously, today it may not be the best option for you. Building an app takes effort. Sure, you might think it will not be a big deal. Your team might be big enough to spare a few people to manage the whole process. And you might think you can afford it financially speaking. But is it really what your business needs? Will it bring actual return in terms of investment? Let’s look at some solutions. This way you can take a better informed decision and find a solution that fits your business’s needs.
Option 1: White-label app
These are applications developed by a white-label app development company. How is this relevant to our theme? Simple. If you are considering building an app for your business, white-label solutions could end up saving you a lot of time and money. They are built by someone else and simply rebranded for your business. You are buying the app’s features, functions, layout, design and other elements. They can be customised, but only in limited amounts.
White-label apps are usually basic. Your business will not be able to boast an innovative, cutting-edge interface or features. However, if you are not looking to reinvent the wheel, it could be a great option. A great deal of white-label apps are built for e-commerce. Thus, if you have an e-commerce business, it would make sense to go for something that is already tried and tested. In this case, the developer could charge a monthly fee as well as a percentage of your sales profits. If you are a services business, you could simply pay a monthly fee that will ensure the app is up and running.
Option 2: Web app
The main difference between a web app and a mobile app is that the web one needs an internet connection to work. Still, in the case of a web app, the user doesn’t need to download anything on their device. They only need a browser and they can be easily updated by the developer. Think Facebook or Gmail.
Another big advantage of web apps is the lower price compared to mobile apps. This happens usually because mobile apps need to be built for multiple operating systems. These systems have clear and rigid guidelines, which leads to a greater number of extra steps to the build process. Also, a web app is easier and more cost effective to update as they rarely have to meet an operating system’s guidelines.
Option 3: Custom mobile app
A custom mobile application is developed from the ground-up. It has your precise specifications in mind and can be a great asset for your business. Keep in mind that this is the most costly option. Not only in financial terms, but also when it comes to human and time investment. A custom mobile app is developed following a process with clear and necessary steps. There has to be an objective, there is user experience to take into account, there are features to be decided and so on.
However, it should not scare you. A well made custom mobile app can convert visitors into customers and increase customer loyalty. It can deliver a brand experience that is otherwise hard to create. If your app manages to actually solve your customers’ problems, they will end up loving your brand and being loyal no matter what.
Before you decide on which option is best for you and your business, you need to ask yourself some very important questions:
1. What business problem are you trying to solve? Could it be solved with a website that is better optimized for mobile?
2. Does your competition have apps? What are they and how do they help the customer?
3. What is your budget? Can you afford an app?
4. Will the app have a return on investment or is it just a vanity app?
5. Do you need to retain customer data? Are you a business with return customers?
6. Do you have or are you considering a loyalty program?
7. Does your business rely on accessing device capabilities GPS, click-to-call, cameras or scanners?
If you need some advice or help deciding what the best solution for your business is, our experts at Atta Systems can’t wait to meet you. Here, at Atta Systems, we love to help our customers develop software solutions that have a real impact in their business. If you would like to work with us, let’s talk!
