Does Your Small Business Need a Mobile App?

How to decide if your business should invest in a mobile app.

Mobile applications have transformed the way businesses operate and how they reach customers.

If you look at the applications on your smartphone right now, chances are you have a mix of apps from a variety of brands and companies.

App development isn't just for large companies with complex projects — it's accessible to companies of all sizes and use cases. 

Mobile and web technologies make it easy to streamline repetitive processes, connect with customers, improve the overall customer experience, and so much more. They can also be a useful marketing tool for promoting new products and services.

But, does your small business really need a mobile app? Take some time to think about the questions below to help you decide.

1. Do your direct competitors have mobile apps?

Before diving into app development, see what your competitors are doing.

Just because the competition has a mobile app, doesn’t necessarily mean that you need one, though. 

Look at each competitor’s app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Take note of:

• Number of downloads
• Number of reviews
• Review scores
• Common complaints
• Most-praised features

After analyzing the competitive landscape, you may realize that there's an untapped opportunity to reach your customers in a new way. Alternatively, maybe the market is tapped out. Or, perhaps a branded app is the norm in your industry.

2. Will a mobile application help you achieve business goals?

You don’t want to create an app for the sake of it, so spend some time thinking about your goals. 

Here are some examples of business goals that could be achieved with the help of a dedicated mobile app:

• Streamline redundant processes and save money.
• Promote new products and services to existing customers.
• Help customers keep track of loyalty program information.
• Retain customer data (like billing and shipping information) to increase conversions.
• Provide customized shopping experiences for regular customers.
• Make it easy for customers to share content that features your products and services (which can then be used on social media and other channels).
• Maintain regular contact with customers (if you communicate with customers frequently, an app can streamline the communication process).

These are just a few examples of what a mobile app can do, but let’s also take a look at one very specific scenario where a mobile app helped a business streamline its processes and save money:

Rug Doctor needed a web-based solution for the Account Service Representatives (ASRs) who manage the company’s 30,000+ retail locations. Codepoet created an iOS app that allows ASRs to service locations quickly and efficiently.

Before the iOS app, Rug Doctor’s ASRs were using outdated handheld technology. Prices for this antiquated tech skyrocketed because there aren’t many manufacturers who make or support these tools. Rug Doctor’s equipment costs went from $3,000 per ASR before Codepoet, to $50 per user once the iOS app was implemented. 

This is a great example of how a mobile app helped a business save money and time. It also shows that not every app needs to be consumer-facing. Sometimes, an internal app can help you achieve business goals better than a different type of technology.

3. Will an app help solve a common problem better than your website?

Before hiring developers to build your mobile app, think about which functions it will perform that can’t be accomplished on your website. 

If an app will help users accomplish something that your mobile-responsive website can’t, it could be a good idea to have one developed. 

4. If you think your business needs a mobile app, let’s talk

Developing a dedicated mobile app for your business is easier and more accessible than ever before. 

If you’d like to chat about how a custom business app can help your business, get in touch with us today.