TFT: Mobile App Development - To App or Not to App?
Should you develop your own application?
Developing a standalone app could be a great way to bring your customers into your ecosystem. They can learn about your offerings, see what you are developing for other customers and engage with your team. It can be a challenge to upkeep the app. It can also be a heavy lift to develop one to begin with.
To App
Considering developing a mobile app for your business? It could be a fantastic way to bring your customers into your ecosystem. With a dedicated app, customers can place orders, track their projects, and communicate with your team directly from their smartphones. An app allows them to learn about your offerings, see what you’re developing for other customers, and engage with your business more intimately.
However, developing a standalone app can be challenging. It requires significant time and resources to create and maintain. The benefits, though, are substantial:
Control the Customer Interface: Customize the user experience to fit your brand and business needs.
Collect Customer Data: Gain valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences.
Build a Stronger Brand: Hosting your own app can make your business appear more robust and established.
While starting with third-party platforms is practical, as your business grows, having your own app becomes increasingly appealing. It eliminates dependency on third-party hosts and allows for complete customization of the customer experience, including project tracking and status updates.
Not to App
On the flip side, you might think, “I’m not a tech person. I focus on customer experience and building great products.” Developing an app is expensive and time-consuming. You might need to hire tech experts, which can be daunting.
Yes, apps can be costly and require ongoing maintenance. Plus, you need to decide on the best technology, which can be challenging. And do your customers really want another login and app for a one-off project? Maybe, maybe not.
With platforms like Upwork and Fiverr , you can find freelancers to develop an app at a reasonable cost. However, you still need to manage the maintenance and updates. It’s crucial to consider whether an app will genuinely enhance your customer experience or just add unnecessary complexity.
At some point, it might make sense to develop a custom application for your company. Ensure you have a steady stream of customers, sufficient capital, and time for the rollout. Maintain your current operations while developing the app, and don’t fully transition until you’re confident it’s working seamlessly. While there are many benefits to having your own app, it’s essential to avoid creating friction for your customers.
Action Step:
Identify five companies with independent applications. Analyze their apps to determine which features are beneficial. Evaluate your customer service process to identify areas of friction. Consider whether an app could eliminate these issues.