5 Questions to Consider Before Building a Mobile App

­Mobile applications have become the portal of choice by most consumers today. Whether playing their favorite game, browsing social media or connecting with a local business, today’s smartphone users are consuming more app content than ever. Major corporations and small businesses alike are recognizing the need to incorporate an app into their current business strategies and become more accessible to their customers. With smartphone penetration at an all-time high, there’s never been a better time to get started.

Before diving into the development of your app, every business should answer a few specific questions:

1) Should I develop my app in-house or outsource?

The answer to this question lies within the specific objectives of the development project. When developing an application in-house, you can expect to have greater control over the nuances of production, and increased collaboration from working closely with the team. This, however, is typically a more expensive option than outsourcing. If your budget allows for this, pursuing a custom, in-house application may be for you.

Businesses that choose to outsource their app development forego some of the hands-on input and control over the process, but benefit greatly from less overhead, time and stress involved. If you are comfortable with relinquishing some control over the project, outsourcing is definitely be a great option.

2) Which device should I develop for?

Nearly two-thirds of Americans are now smartphone owners, and for many these devices are a key entry point to the online world. (source) Consumers now have a multitude of choices when purchasing a smartphone, which can prove to be challenging when developing an app. Take the time to research your customer demographic and existing traffic to a company website to gain insight into what platforms are most prevalent.

You may decide to build out an Android app first if analytics show that a majority of your consumers shop through Android devices. However, recent studies show that Apple users spend more money than Android users. (source) In particular, tablet users of both platforms tend to make more purchases than through smartphones. If your budget allows, the best option is to develop for both platforms and implement a sleek mobile website that works well across any other devices.

3) What functionality should my app have?

There are several ways that this can be approached. However, it all boils down to the type of business that you operate and the specific objectives of your application. If you operate a restaurant or shop, your goal may be to implement a mobile ordering system or customer loyalty program. The functionality will vary by industry and purpose, nevertheless your app should be engaging, fun, practical and very informative.

4) Can my business handle the increased traffic?

Creating a mobile app will draw in tons of new users and customers. It is essential that you are prepared to handle the influx of customers, and that your existing website and social media are up to date. As always, focus on the customer experience and overall satisfaction. Creating a new app is very beneficial so long as you are able to continue growing your positive reputation in the industry.

5) How should I design my app?

Now that you’ve hashed out all the details of your app, design must become the priority. For apps in today’s market, design has become central to popularity, engagement and effectiveness. A well designed app should have beautiful aesthetics, smooth transitions and ton of useful functionality. Additional design considerations include app performance, data consumption and storage size. When designed properly, your app will deliver that WOW factor to the end user and ensure that they continue coming back for more.

Now that you’ve considered the 5 questions above, you’re ready to jump in and start building your app. Cluvis Apps can help your develop a beautiful app that accomplishes the goals of your business, for an extremely affordable price. Get started today!