Do small businesses need to have their own mobile app?

One of the most common questions we get from small and medium size businesses is whether or not they need an app to take their business to the next level.

The answer to that is, as with almost everything in App development, is not straightforward.

It depends

Most often there is no need to start developing for all platforms as revenue streams from mobile devices can easily be opened using responsive web technologies. So, unless there is a special requirement for some native features that are only available through native development on mobile platforms there is no need to start with an app.

It’s much more cost-efficient to start with a web offering that can be served on both mobile and desktop devices than to start with even a cross-platform product like React Native or Flutter.

Why?

Whether or not a small business needs its own mobile app depends on several factors. Some of the things to consider include the target audience, the nature of the business, and the goals of the business. If a small business targets customers who are likely to use apps on mobile devices, then having a mobile app can be a great way to reach and engage with those customers. For example, if the business operates in a location-based industry such as retail, food service, or personal care, an app that allows customers to find the nearest location, view hours, and make appointments can be a valuable addition to the business. If the business is a service-based business that requires customers to perform some sort of action or transaction, such as booking a service or making a purchase, then having a mobile app can make it easier for customers to perform those actions. On the other hand, if the business does not have a clear need for a mobile app or does not have the resources to develop and maintain one, then it may not be necessary to have an app as responsive web design can be accessed from web browsers on mobile devices.

alternative to mobile apps are mobile-responsive website.

This can be a good option for small businesses, as it allows customers to access the website on their mobile devices without the need to download an app. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to develop a mobile app for a small business should be based on a careful consideration of the goals and needs of the business, as well as the resources available to the business.