Startups: Is a mobile app really necessary?

An entrepreneur’s main objective is getting their startup to stabilise and begin growing. Every business owner’s dream is to realise a return on their investment in the shortest time possible, but it’s an expensive venture that’s doomed to fail when a newly established company takes too long to grasp the market after it is launched. With the increased use of mobile phones, no better strategy nurtures an innovative entrepreneurial endeavour than a mobile phone app.

Contrary to common belief, starting a business from the ground up is no easy task. There are numerous pitfalls and obstacles along the way that may hinder growth and stall development plans. Early-stage challenges lower morale that debilitates efforts, causing many startups to fail during the first few months or years. Hence the unforeseen prevalence of new business owners taking advantage of mobile applications to advertise goods and services, validate their operations and eventually generate more sales. These so-called apps have the power to influence consumer decisions and mainstream trends – not to mention their efficacy enhancing marketing, advertising and promotion campaigns.

Simple as it seems, when it comes to creating a mobile app there’s a lot involved and several factors to be considered before, during and after the app development.

Step one: Assess whether a mobile app is needed

So many companies seem to have an app, but that doesn’t mean every startup needs one. Designing and developing applications is often costly and time-consuming, so it’s a good idea to do a bit of research and evaluate whether a mobile app is required to reach the business’s target audience and grow the brand. It can be useful to create a list of goals and expectations, then try to project if an app will help achieve those targets.

Step two: Pick a platform to run the app

What the app needs to do will depend on the business and its needs. Currently, there are two major platforms that host applications for mobile users: iOS and Android. Both pose different pros and cons, therefore it’s necessary to consider which is the most suitable for the specific type of business at hand.

The Android platform is the most commonly used as it supports a comparatively large number of apps. It is also the go-to for developers looking to incorporate features not endorsed by the iOS platform. Nonetheless, iOS does not fall short and is favoured by developers who claim it is less costly and has more features specifically oriented for the user.

Here again, it’s best to go the extra mile to find out which platform is best suited. The Internet is awash with articles and blogs to help shine a light on the mobile app platforms. It’s also sometimes worth consulting a professional developer, if budget allows, for an expert opinion.

Step three: Formulate a budget

Free mobile apps help startups gain a competitive edge against richer competitors, but hiring a mobile app developing company increases the chances of ending up with a desirable and functional product. Different developers will have varying rates for their services – some can cost up to six figures.

It’s standard practice to request developers send quotations so that prospective buyers can compare packages and take advantage of any discounted offers. The best practice is to opt for one that is affordable without compromising on the quality of work. Next, expectations must be set ahead of time, both in terms of the finished product and the timeline. The chosen developing firm must have the capacity to bring all ideas to life. Where money is a bit short, it will be necessary to approach potential investors to help raise the required funds. Having an all-inclusive budget plan will contribute to the startup’s success.

Last word

It’s paramount that a startup looking to establish a niche in the market maximises the potential of their mobile app by regularly updating and upgrading in order to stay ahead of trends that influence target audiences. An app is a fully-fledged business on its own and ought to be treated as such: it must cater to a diverse customer base and deliver cutting-edge solutions that grow the business.

The editorial unit