If you own a business, the idea of creating a mobile app is relevant and seems like a justified step. However, as movies about Spider-Man teach us, with great power comes great responsibility. To ensure that the created app is truly useful, you need to answer 3 important questions. Of course, you should ask and answer them before starting the search for a mobile development company.
Question 1: Who are Your Customers?
Any audience represents a collection of preferences, opinions, and tastes. They, in turn, depend on age, gender, and individual characteristics. Your mission in this context is to analyze the target audience of your business and determine the percentage of those who actively interact with their smartphones. With this data, you can closely approach the considerations of the feasibility of a mobile app. Once you've done that, it's a good idea to ask yourself, "Are my customers looking forward to a mobile app?"
The answer to this question can be obtained through empathy: you simply need to put yourself in the consumer's shoes. At the same time, it is possible that the nature of your services is so specific that even a client aged 18-36, who does not part with a smartphone for a moment, may not feel the effectiveness of the app. It is also quite likely that the created mobile application will be unable to adapt to the existing "kitchen" of client relationships. You should take this into account and draw the right conclusions.
Question 1: Should We Stick to a Mobile Version of the Site?
When you have gained ground in the form of knowledge that the app will be in demand among your customers, it is necessary to understand that, in addition to developing a mobile application, there are other ways to implement the planned. Of course, we are talking about a mobile version of the site, which, although inferior to the mobile application, is less costly. To be fair, we should note that its creation implies independence from modern operating systems. If created qualitatively and professionally, a mobile version of the site will function equally well on Android and iOS. At the same time, there is no need to spend money on 2 apps.
Question 3: Do We Have the Necessary Resources?
There are plenty of apps in the markets that resemble the current fate of the "Titanic". Such apps were also developed and launched; they were useful, but in the end, they stopped supporting them, and now they resemble zombies. Oddly enough, the primary responsibility lies not with the users but with the owners.
After all, the lack of updates, bug fixes, and a negligent attitude towards user reviews are reasons why a client will delete one or another app. And most importantly, they will be negative towards its creators and owners. A similar fate awaits the mobile version of the website.
The truth is that a mobile app is akin to a newborn baby: it is impossible to simply release it and then forget about its existence. It needs support, control, and, if we have drawn an analogy with children, upbringing. This leads to spending financial resources. Hence, the question: "Do you have the necessary resources to invest in the development of the created app?"
Conclusion
Embarking on the development of a mobile app for your business requires more than just a vision; it demands a deep understanding of your customer base, a clear assessment of your technical options, and a committed investment in ongoing support and maintenance.
By carefully considering who your customers are, whether a mobile app or a mobile-optimized website suits your needs, and if you have the resources to sustain the app long-term, you position your project for success. Remember, a mobile app is not just a product but a long-term commitment to your customers. Making informed decisions at each step can transform this responsibility into a significant business advantage.