To App or Not to App?

Technology has changed dramatically over the last decade. Most people have heard about apps. You know, those games and social media things people put on their mobile devices to entertain themselves or stay connected. Well, the world of apps has evolved. Apps are now used to connect the mobile market with companies, products, services, and support. They assist customers to efficiently purchase and use products and services while keeping them connected and engaged. An app may replace or complement a current online service to make it more accessible and convenient. Businesses are also utilizing apps to manage their companies. Apps are used to assist businesses with data management, productivity, timesheets, employee management, project management, and team collaboration.  So, how do you determine if apps are right for your business? Taking the time to analyze the following questions will help guide you to your answer.

1.      Does an app make sense for your business?

What direction is your business heading and what needs does your company have? Is your business an e-commerce site wanting customers to be able to quickly access and purchase products without having to search the web to find your website? Does your company need a better way to track your employees' hours and productivity? Apps need to be utilized, practical and improve processes; therefore, your business’s vision, needs, and plan are essential factors to consider. Evaluating areas needing improvement, planning your future business needs, and reviewing the direction of your business allows you to analyze if app development is the right move for your business.

2.      What is the goal of your app?

Knowing the goal of what you want your app to accomplish for your business is crucial. How would an app be beneficial? Is your goal customer based to increase sales, gain new customers, increase accessibility of services, keep customers connected, or customer engagement? Is your goal company based to manage data, track productivity, enhance employee collaboration, promote project management, or allow employees to be more efficient with daily work tasks? There are limitless amounts of ideas on what you can do with apps. Constructively think about "if only I had" suggestions; those things you have always wished for that would help you be more productive, efficient, make life easier, and connected. Keep a list of all your ideas to run them by a software developer. If you can dream it, they can make it.

3.      Who will be using the app?

There is a big difference in apps for customers versus internal apps for employees. Knowing your target audience will significantly assist your software developer in designing your app. From the colors, layout, user experience, and graphics, knowledge of your target audience is dependent on these. An app with cute cartoon unicorns and pandas is not what your users would appreciate if your target audience are middle-aged men. You also would not want to have a high-tech app which is challenging to navigate for people with basic technology skills. Target audiences drive the design of your app, and your software developer will appreciate your knowledge of this from the get-go. Write a description of your target audience. What is their age, identity, occupation, hobbies, likes, dislikes, location, and tech knowledge? Once you have narrowed down your target audience, search online for images of people who represent your target audience as a visual. Visualizing your target audience opens the flood doors of creative potential as it allows you to see your target audience in a more realistic view.

Business analysis complete; you conclude an app is a great move for your company. Now what? There are multiple options for app development; choosing the right choice is dependent on your business needs. Explore various options to see what makes sense financially for your business. Get quotes from multiple companies to assure your money will be best utilized. The following are some options for app development.

1.      App Builder/Maker Sites and Apps

Online app builder sites and apps allow you to create your own apps for business and personal use. Some sites and apps offer features such as drag and drop options, templates, and online support. Requiring no coding is an advantage for people with no software development experience. These features make creating an app simple and user friendly; however, a limitation to using templates is they do not create a unique look for your brand and you can be limited in what you can do depending on the template design. Logo design is also a limitation as most sites assume you already have a logo or offer basic logo design templates. Templates and stock images can appear generic and bland; furthermore, your app should stay true to your brand and using generic images and logos will make that difficult. Creating an app with aesthetically pleasing colors, fonts, and images across platforms while staying true to your brand may sound easy, but it is harder than you think if you are limited by the restraints within the tools and options you are using to create your app. Not everyone is a designer and making small mistakes can lead to the costly and timely endeavor of recreating your apps, marketing materials, logo, and brand. On the plus side, this is a fast and affordable option if you are creating a simple app or an app where appearance, logo design, and brand consistency across platforms is not of high importance.

2.      Freelance Software Developer

Freelance software developers offer customers a more tailored approach to app development than app builder sites and apps. Freelance software developers work one on one with your company to develop an app that will meet your business needs. Some freelancers specialize in specific areas of app development, so they can offer more insight into your specific needs and how to successfully obtain them. Contacting local businesses in your area for references to whom they recommend is a simple and easy resource. Finding a local freelancer may be difficult depending on where you live; however, working with someone virtually is always an option. Time may be the most significant limitation working with a freelancer.  They are individuals, so it may take more time to get your app finished, primarily if they are working on multiple projects. They also do not have a multi-talented team to collaborate with; so, you may have to hire other professionals to do the work the freelance developer cannot do. However, they may be dually talented as a software designer, graphic artist, marketing wiz, or they may know connections if you need help with these areas.

3.      Software Development Company

Software development companies offer a more all-around custom and tailored service. They utilize the multiple talents of team members to collaborate ideas, designs, and problem solving during the app development process. Their team members work together to take your ideas and turn them into reality. They may have software developers who specialize in e-commerce working on the product purchasing feature of the app while their graphic designer creates an exclusive design which incorporates your brand across all platforms. You get an original, precise, and distinct app to meet your business needs along with customer support when you need it. Meeting deadlines is easy due to their team approach.  Cost is potentially the biggest limitation to using software development companies; however, you are getting a more all-around package of services and not all companies are costly. Search for local businesses or ask other companies in your industry whom they used as a reference. Don't shy away from small and medium-sized businesses as they offer high quality at more reasonable prices. Plus, they tend to offer a more individualized customer experience with outstanding customer service as they take the time to do so.

With more people becoming online and mobile consumers, it is essential your business stays up to date to accommodate your customer base. In addition, companies are increasingly utilizing virtual offices requiring technology to keep employees connected, manage data, collaborate, and manage projects. Deciding whether to app or not is a big decision. Taking the time to analyze if an app is right for your business, to determine the app’s goal, and to define your target audience makes the decision less stressful. Not every business needs an app. Analyzing your business needs is a worthwhile investment; saving you time, money, and keeping your business up to date in the mobile and virtual world. So, take the time to ponder, to app or not to app.

Laura Potter is an independent contractor in Social Media and Marketing for Letter B LLC. For more informtaion on app development or to inquire about app development services, contact Letter B LLC 844-524-5378 or http://www.letterbllc.com