Does My Business Need a Mobile App?

Apps—they’re everywhere.

With more than six billion smartphones connected to the internet, we live in a world where nearly everyone stays connected via mobile apps. Like websites themselves, mobile apps are capable of being used for almost anything; gaming, photo editing, scheduling, shopping, you name it. There’s a reason why Apple ran a series of advertisements with the tagline “there’s an app for that.”

With so many uses for mobile applications, it has left many business owners wondering: does my business need a mobile app?

Here’s what you need to consider before beginning mobile app development for your business.

What would your business’s mobile app do?

There are so many ways to use mobile apps to benefit your business, but not every app works in the same way. How your business functions and what it offers your customers should inform the development and design of your mobile app.

For example, a restaurant or bar may use their app to allow customers to order ahead or as an implementation of a loyalty program, like the way the Starbucks app functions. For businesses that sell physical items, a mobile app may be a simple way for customers to order products and have them shipped to their homes, without the need to navigate a clunky mobile website.

Would your customers use your business’s mobile app?

Just like anything your business does, your decision to begin mobile app development should be informed by your target demographic. Who your customers are and how they interact with technology is a huge indicator of what your mobile app design should look like.

First, you need to decide whether your customers would use a mobile app.

Consumers between the ages of 18-24 are far more likely to be active mobile app users than older users, so if your target demographic is comprised of older generations, your customers may not use the app.

You should also consider how your users interact with your business. If your target demographic is on-the-go working professionals, a mobile app is a great idea. On the other hand, if your customers are comprised of people who do much of their work on large screens like desktops, a mobile app wouldn’t serve them well.

Would your customers truly benefit from a mobile app?

If your business’s website already offers everything your customers require from your business, you may not need to begin mobile app development. The marketplace is inundated with apps, but that doesn’t mean your business must offer one, too.

If you’re unsure whether mobile apps are right for your business, the professionals here at the RIDIL group are happy to offer guidance. Schedule a call today!