We are often asked by our clients what is a mobile app and if it is the same as responsive design.

First and foremost, Mobile Apps are very different than the term Responsive Design. The latest is just the way your website re-formats itself based on the mobile device used while a mobile app is an actual software program.

An app (short for application) is a computer software program that has been developed to run only on smart phones and tablets. Many mobile devices already come with standard mobile apps such as calendars, music library, road mapping, weather updates and more. Those that are not already installed in the phone or tablet can be downloaded using what is known as a “Distribution Platform”. For instance, iPhones use Apple App Store, Windows phones use Windows Store and so forth. Some apps are free to download while others charge a small fee.

Should your business offer a mobile app?

Well that depends. We always like to go back to the old ROI … the Return on Investment. The development cost varies greatly based on the complexity of your app.

Apps are becoming very popular and everyone uses them at some point or another. Apple alone has close to 1 million apps available on their platform. Saying this, the app you create has to provide value to entice the user to actually download it on his smart phone. If you intend to charge for the app, that is even more important. Also make sure that your idea has not been developed by other companies.

Figure out the main goal of having a mobile app for your business.

Is it to entertain? Is it to make purchasing easier and faster for your buyers? Is it to provide valuable information? Is it to increase the visibility and popularity of your brand? Is it to push product awareness? Is it to collect data from the users?

The truth of the matter is you are not sure what the ultimate business goal of the app is, you should save your money and spend your marketing budget on other efforts with more immediate and significant returns on your investment.

What else should you think about?

Spending money and time on developing a mobile app is fine but it still needs to be promoted. That means you have to set aside a serious marketing budget to promote the new app so that users would be made aware of your new app as well as being encouraged to download it.

We know that, as a business owner, you may be able to develop a small app on a small budget but, unless you can market it, this is wasted money. It would be the same as having a brick and mortar store with no signage on your door or window.

If you are interested in a complimentary consultation to discuss if a mobile app is good option for your company, simply give us a call at (707) 794-9999 PST.