Apps for business

Mobile apps for business

Do you really need one? WORDS BY KERRY SMITH CERTAIN

There have been some world-changing apps like Uber and WhatsApp etc. As the saying once went, ‘there’s an app for that’ for just about everything these days. If you’re tempted by the appeal of an app for your business, let’s first consider if you really need one.

App developer Kalpesh Modha, CEO at Opmen, an app and web development company, shares what you need to know about apps.

What is a mobile app?

A programme that runs on your mobile device; this can be games to utilities to business applications. The two most popular mobile operating systems are iOS and Android. There are others, however, these two are the most popular.

Do you need a mobile app?

It depends on your business. Most of the common apps are food ordering apps and are all similar in what they do and certain ones will be the same just with a new colour scheme. Mobile games are apps as well.

Not all businesses need a mobile app for the sake of it. Certain apps provide customers with enough information about your business and services to entice them to call you. Others are used for customers to collect loyalty points. Websites are the same – they’re either there for providing information or taking orders and processing.

Don’t create an app just because everyone has one. Before you invest, ask yourself these questions first: ◆ What’s the value that a customer could gain from an app for your business? ◆ What would be the unique selling point for your app? ◆ What’s the business plan or end goal for this app? ◆ What’s your budget? ◆ Does this app fit in with your marketing plan and technical support? ◆ How long before your app is released and how will you maintain it to keep it fresh and relevant?

Which type of app to choose

If you’ve decided your business could do with an app, there are native, hybrid, and progressive app types to consider. Kalpesh can’t really say which is better or worse, but that the decision is based on requirements.

APPS PROVIDE CUSTOMERS WITH ENOUGH INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND SERVICES TO ENTICE THEM TO CALL YOU Native apps

◆ Great performance – they’re fast and user-targeted ◆ Developed for specific devices – makes use of the operating system’s functionalities ◆ Higher development cost

Hybrid apps

◆ A combination of native and web app but don’t require a web browser ◆ Uses Fast development for both Android and iOS and require less maintenance ◆ Poor performance on older devices, potentially ◆ Not suitable for all app types, depending on functionality required

Progressive apps

This blurs the line between an app and a website. Like hybrid, it depends on the requirements. But this will run straight from your website and pretend to be an app.

Find out more about the advantages and disadvantages of each app type at opmen.com.