Many people prefer mobile apps to websites because they are easier to use, load faster, and are usually more fun, too. People are using mobile apps to find information, buy products, access services on the go, or enjoy media content.
While most businesses with an online presence can benefit from building a mobile app, it’s especially e-commerce sites, banking services, auction sites, and news corporations that can make the most of mobile apps.
Why Building Apps Is Not Hard
What deters most businesses from building a mobile app is the apparent difficulty of the process. Also, they worry about the cost. But there are 900,000 apps in the iTunes store alone, and you know why?
Building apps is easier than building software. For example, Google offers the Google Cloud Platform that enables even small businesses to develop apps.
Building a mobile app for your website is not hard. But first, you have to decide how you want to do it. Hire a team of developers, or build it yourself? If you have the money, the first option is the best.
But if you have a limited budget, you can make it yourself with online mobile app building tools, even if you don’t have any clue about app development. Most are drag-and-drop tools that feature comprehensive tutorials that guide you through the whole process. The paid ones tend to offer more features.
App Design Tips
Regardless of the app design tool you decide to use, consider the tips below.
1. Know what your customers want
Bank customers want a fast and safe online banking experience. They want security and convenience. E-commerce customers want to browse, view, and purchase products. They want to be able to compare products with ease.
A good app may serve multiple purposes, but first, it should provide what customers want the most. Understand why people visit your website and what they expect to find there. Draw on your marketing data and use analytics to understand on-site behavior better.
2. Don’t try to offer all the features that your site does
Apps have their limitations. If you pack too many features in an app, you may affect its performance and accessibility. Focus instead on the core features.
3. Keep it free if you can
Making your customers pay for an app that offers the same features as your main site could be bad marketing.
4. Chose the right distribution
If you’re marketing the app to existing customers, it can be more convenient for you to make it available for download via your site or through a QR code. If you place it in an app store, it has to pass an approval process and adhere to the store’s rules. However, if you want maximum exposure, put it in the store.
5. Get inspired by your competitors
By looking at the apps your competitors have developed before you, you can discover which features are popular and which are not. In this way, you can avoid making the mistakes your competitors have already made.
In the end, building a mobile app is easier now than it has ever been. Start building your app today.