By the end of the year, more than 60% of mobile users will access the internet globally. Companies small or big are pushing to mobile to connect with on-the-go customers.
Having a mobile-friendly website or a web app isn’t enough in this competitive digital environment, where many indistinguishable service providers are vying to attract customers through mobile applications.
Thanks to recent advancements in software technology, businesses can afford to go for custom made apps. The reduced cost of development process comes with promising results and tailored apps for small businesses and startups alike.
Social media too has been instrumental in engaging brands and users in many ways. Setting up a mobile app that is user-friendly with a strong call to action should be prioritized.
With Mobile App, a business can generate revenues that seem unlikely on the web.
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These are the perks of having a mobile app:
- A wider audience. More visibility.
- Works as a marketing tool with feature-packed functions.
- It offers personalized services with coupon codes, offers, and loyalty programs.
- Boosts brand value and recognition through seamless user experience and design.
- Engages customers through the help desk and maintenance programs.
Web apps can be optimized but to a certain extent, whereas mobile apps are fully optimizable because of the amount of user data they bring.
Here are some important points that one needs to consider before switching to a Mobile app.
1. End user
Deployment methods vary on the type of mobile app that will reach to end users.
A consumer app can easily be deployed on the Application store for download as it rests on the public domain. When it comes to apps that are designed for enterprises, an IT department is equipped to install the app on the necessary devices. Employees have access to direct channels to download approved apps.
An enterprise app store gives end users access to install corporate-approved software applications. A target audience determines how much investment is required with other factors such as platform type and features.
Also Read: Can Artificial Intelligence Change Web Development Process?
2. Design – UI/UX Experience
Seamless mobile user experience defines success in the digital age. Good design and functionality are what companies should strive for if they are looking for increased conversion rates on mobile platforms. Opt for a web app development company that scores high on crafting UI/UX experiences tailored to the target audience.
A design doesn’t have to be overblown or excessive. A simple yet intuitive design makes more rounds and should be ideal for businesses small or big.
3. Data and Security
Native enterprise applications often run the risk of security breaches since the data is stored on the mobile device. It does not provide cloud support.
If the phone gets misplaced or lost, it compromises the whole data. Corporate sectors that rely on apps should ensure that the data stored in mobile should not reach third parties for any mistreatment of confidential information.
Way to encrypt the data is only accessible through the app and by sandboxing (A computer program executes in a separate environment if any security issues arise) if a device gets lost or stolen.
4. The right Framework
This is where it gets tricky for many enterprises.
Ask the right questions!
- Purpose and target audience of the app
- Will the app require cloud or local storage
- The ideal level of encryption for the storage data
- Features to be integrated (Geolocation, camera et)
- Operating system capabilities with the app
There is no single framework that satisfies every other enterprise need. However, the right framework can address a variety of needs for an organization.
Native apps require a set of different development tools. Whether you are targeting android, ios or windows users, specific codes are written for every platform and can’t be reused. Building native apps are expensive and take substantial time to roll out.
Also Read: What are Intelligent Apps (I-Apps)
Cross-Platform apps are faster and offer better web development services. Applications can be compiled to work on different platforms in one single click.
They are developed using cross-platform frameworks. CSS components and HTML. Popular cross-platform frameworks are Xamarin, React Native, Flutter and Apache Cordova (formerly known as PhoneGap).
Hybrid Development is somewhat between Native and Web Applications. Access to API/device features draws it closer to native apps while multiple platform utility to web applications.
It renders mobile applications from a single codebase for multiple platforms. Popular frameworks are Ionic, React Native and Onsen UI.
Develop an MVP product
Before going all in for your dream phone app, its advisable to put your time and money on to create a minimum viable product (MVP).
An app developed under MVP guidelines will roll out with just enough features to your potential customers who in turn can offer feedback for the next stage of the app development.
It’s cost-effective and an ideal alternative to the full-featured app. The main reason why many fully functional apps fail is due to incorrect market assumptions and improper analysis.
One can save a lot of headaches by vying out for MVP. The early prototype with minimal resources relies on constant feedback for improvement and is a win-win situation for everyone associated with the app.
Extend features to mobile apps after evaluating the performance and reports of your MVP product.
Conclusion
The hybrid cross-platform app should be an ideal choice for small businesses since they are cost-effective, save development time, and meet the audience’s needs on multiple platforms.
To streamline business it’s important to share important functions among your mobile and web app. A web app should be able to perform more complex functions whereas a mobile app should take care of on-the-go requirements.
