We’re Living in an App World
Want to send money to a friend? There’s an app for that. Want to buy groceries? There’s an app for that. Want to find a charity you can donate money to? There’s an app for that.
So with more than five million apps across the various mobile application distribution platforms, it’s safe to say there’s an app for everything. As a small business owner, you may be thinking about developing an app of your own. While you may think it’s a smart move to jump on the bandwagon, you need to avoid the most common mistakes when it comes to building an app for your business.
1. Building an App When You Don’t Need It
Which business doesn’t need an app in today’s world? It’s true that a mobile application sometimes can take a business to the next level, but not every business needs an app. Perhaps your business is just getting started or the nature of your business doesn’t warrant an app service. Before you start building an app, establish whether your business truly needs it.
If you just launched a small business, for example, there’s no value in focusing your efforts on app development. A proper business app costs a tidy sum to build, and you likely have other priorities that you need to fund first. So hold off on building the app until your business is making sustainable profits.
Another example is if you’re in the petroleum manufacturing industry. Because of the way petroleum products are consumed, your business isn’t going to benefit substantially from having an app. The people who buy petroleum products, such as engine oil, typically don’t order them online. They drive to a gas station to get the product.
2. Not Knowing What Your Target Users Need
When you’re building a business app, you aren’t making it for you and your employees. You’re making it for your customers — your target market consumers. Don’t make an app without knowing what they want. If you do, you risk ending up with an app that doesn’t solve any of your customer’s problems.
The journey to building a useful app starts with doing in-depth research, so you can develop a good understanding of your customers’ needs. For example, you can conduct a survey, asking your customers to list the features they’d like to see in the app. Don’t create a need; solve one.
It also helps to do some competitor research. Because apps are readily available in an app store, download your competitors’ apps to discover what they’ve done. With this information, you can then embark on building a better app to satisfy your customers.
3. Deciding on a DIY Approach
While you can do certain projects in-house, such as writing blog posts, there are others you should leave to the experts. One example is mobile app development. It’s easy to see why some entrepreneurs resolve to take the DIY route. The cost of a small business app can range from $50,000 to $250,000, depending on its functionality.
If you’re running on a shoestring budget and can’t afford to pay for professional app development services, what do you do? Don’t take the DIY route when it comes to business app development. Leave it to the experts. Your business has a reputation to uphold. Offering a half-baked app is a sure way to ruin your business’s reputation and hurt your customer experience.
Instead of taking the DIY approach, it’s better to hold off on building the app until you have the financial capability. And when you’re ready, be sure to find the best app development service. An experienced app developer can build an app that meets your users’ exact needs. Whether you’re a tech magazine that wants to make it easy for readers to access tips and learn tricks — such as how to split screen on Mac — or a grocery store that wants to offer in-app shopping, a professional developer can bring your vision to life.
4. Developing a Bloated App
Have you ever used an app that felt convoluted, as if it wanted to do everything at once? That’s what your users will feel like if you build a bloated app. A bloated app doesn’t just lower customer experience. It can cause your customers to start buying from a competing business that offers a better app.
Small business owners are at risk of developing bloated apps when they don’t understand an app’s niche or purpose. While a professional app developer advises you on the maximum number of features your app can support, based on its structure, you may keep coming up with “great ideas” that you demand the developer to include. Resist the urge and stay focused.
5. Failing to Update the App
At long last, you finally launch your app. You may believe that the task is done for good. But that’s not the way it works.
App development isn’t a one-off task. It doesn’t end as soon as your app goes live. An app needs to be improved and updated regularly. If you’re not doing this, if you’re not willing to do this, it won’t be long before users start uninstalling it.
Avoid These Business App Mistakes
Now you know the mistakes to avoid with business apps. Mistakes with apps are common, especially among small business owners. While a useful, targeted app has the potential to compound sales in your business, it can also do the opposite if you don’t take its development seriously.
Don’t let a bloated app or a poorly designed app lead to a decline in sales. Be prepared for the long haul of development and maintenance when you’re ready to enter the business app market. It can do wonders when you avoid these mistakes for small business apps.
This was a guest blog post written by Ester Adams.