If you’re a business owner, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: should we launch an app? With over two billion active app users, it’s no wonder that more and more businesses are considering developing an app. But before you decide, there are a few things you need to ask yourself to prevent wasting your budget.
Benefits of Launching an App
So, why are so many businesses launching apps? There are several reasons:
An app can help you reach a larger audience. In 2021, there were over 230 billion active app downloads; that number is only going to grow as app usage becomes more widespread. Therefore, companies want to get their products in front of as many people as possible, and an app is a great way to do that.
Additionally, an app can help you build a stronger relationship with your customers. When customers download your app, they’re essentially giving you permission to contact them directly on their phones. This allows you to send them notifications about sales, new products, or other important updates. As a result, they’re more likely to stay engaged with your brand and make repeat purchases.
Is an App Right for You?
Of course, launching an app isn’t right for every business. It can be a time-consuming and expensive process, so you need to be sure it’s the right fit for your company. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before making the decision:
Do you have the resources to develop and maintain an app? Thankfully, this isn’t too important if you’re using a no-code app builder. Also, you’ll find lots of amazing services like StraightSource that will build your app for you. By outsourcing this process, you can focus on other important aspects of your business while still getting a fantastic app at the end.
Do you have a clear idea of what you want your app to achieve? Your app should have a specific purpose, whether that’s to improve customer service, make it easier for people to buy your products, or simply raise awareness of your brand.
Who is your target audience? It’s important to know who you’re making the app for, as this will affect the design, functionality, and overall feel of the app.
Is there a demand for an app from your customers? If your customers are constantly asking for an app or if you think an app would make their lives easier, then it’s worth considering. If the demand isn’t there, people simply won’t download or visit your app no matter how great it is.
Can you afford to develop and maintain an app? Apps can be expensive to develop and maintain, so you need to make sure you have the budget for them. You should also consider whether you have the internal resources to handle an app or if you will need to outsource some of the work.
Will we benefit from an app? Take a look at your business goals and OKRs. An app can help you achieve certain goals, such as increasing brand awareness or generating more sales. If you can’t think of a way an app would benefit your business, then it’s probably not worth developing one.
What features will our app need? Once you’ve decided that an app can benefit your business, you need to think about what features it will need. What kind of functionality do you want it to have? What will make it stand out from other apps on the market?
Can we afford an app? Finally, you need to consider the cost of developing and maintaining an app. If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to rethink launching an app. As mentioned before, outsourcing this process is more affordable than ever so don’t write it offer immediately.
