If you have ever wondered, “does my business need a mobile app?” you need to keep reading. Building a mobile app for your business is highly recommended in our current age. Today, the number of global smartphone users has been estimated at 6.4 billion. This is a 73.9 percent increase over the number of smartphone users there were in 2016. That is only five years ago.

Nowadays, people use smartphones for everything — to follow the news, to listen to music, to play games, to watch movies, to order food, to read product reviews, and, most importantly, to buy things. As a result, having a mobile app is a critical step in getting your business noticed by potential customers. And Profound can help you with getting started with this feature so you can get the most out of it. However, when it comes to getting a business app…

There are 5 things to consider:

1. Understand the different types of apps

Native Apps For clarity, a native app is also known as a mobile app and you must first install it on your phone before you can use it. Because a native app must be built separately for each operating system, it is commonly referred to as an iOS or Android app. These apps are available for download in the App Store or Google Play.

Web App A web app is not an app in and of itself. It does not need to be installed on your phone, but you can access and use it by entering the app’s unique URL into your browser. The distinction between a website and a web app is not always clear – this is often a point of contention. We use the term websites ourselves for sites with more statistical content, primarily to inform readers. Web apps are used for interaction. You must frequently log in with your personal profile in order to communicate with the system or other users.

Hybrid App A hybrid app is a cross between a native and a web app. This app, like any other native app, can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. A hybrid app may appear to the user to be identical to a native app. But it is created in a unique way. A web app serves namely as the foundation for a hybrid app, which is then adapted for the operating systems of choice.

When should you choose a hybrid, native, or web app? Whether a native, web, or hybrid app is the best option for you is determined by factors such as your target audience, goals, and budget. In terms of user-friendliness, native apps are generally the best (if well built of course). The entire app is designed for a specific platform, such as iOS. As a result, the app frequently fits perfectly with the operating system for which it was designed.

2. Make a strategy

Make a detailed plan. Simple apps with minimal functionalities can be created for a low cost. It is more expensive to have a custom software built that is perfectly matched to your demands.

3. Ask yourself some questions

Do you, for example, only want an app that works on Android smartphones or do you want it to function on iPhones as well? Is your primary focus B2B or B2C? Or do you believe that the app’s ultimate users prefer to use a web app because installing a native app is too much of a barrier for them to overcome? Be critical, put yourself in the shoes of the customer, and ask what he or she really needs.

4. The costs

Various businesses benefit from having an app because it is a great tool for enhancing many processes. When selecting whether or not to invest in an app, the price is a crucial factor to consider. Let’s start with the most often asked question among app developers: how much does it cost to make an app?

The development of custom native app solutions typically costs between $20,000 and $58,000. We’re talking about the complete process, from conception through UI/UX design, and from development to app store release. The final price is always decided by the unique combination of requirements. As a result, some programs may even cost less.

5. Plan ahead

We primarily perform custom work. The needs of the customer and the user are taken into consideration when developing an app. The functionalities decide the final costs. As a result, it’s crucial to plan ahead of time for the (return) profits model or cost savings. A custom app for process optimization, for example, frequently pays for itself quickly because administrative tasks are handled more quickly and effectively.