Nowadays, no idea is considered a bad one. We live in a time when creating new services and products with out-of-the-box approaches is the norm. However, not all ideas are viable for implementation or ready for the market. Every year, many startups emerge all around the globe, seeking to offer something new.
Before beginning this endeavor, it is essential to understand that both web and mobile app development are paramount for a business’s success in the long run. Although some startups come fully equipped with excellent apps, beautiful websites, and plenty of capital, not all have the such financial capability. Therefore, it’s okay for a newly launched startup to have web and mobile app development immediately.
But having money doesn’t mean you can spend recklessly. You need to invest where you can be sure of getting a return on your investment. Having an idea is one thing, but executing it is a different challenge.
Before taking the plunge and beginning development for your startup, make sure you have done enough market research. This will help you make wise decisions, such as focusing on a website or an app during the initial stages.
In the current digital age, web apps are no longer as widely used as they once were. However, they remain relevant and will continue to do so for some time. Both mobile applications and websites have their unique advantages and disadvantages. It is often suggested that businesses invest in a website before eventually creating a mobile app. However, this is no longer necessarily the case.
It all depends on what business you are planning to operate and the decisions that come with it. To help you decide if you should opt for a website or mobile app, here is a guide that you should ask yourself before making your choice:
Uncovering Insights: Results of Your Market Research
What you need to keep in mind is that your product or service is something that has never been seen before. Therefore, it naturally comes with a certain level of risk. People may love what you have to offer, or they might not. Thus, you must research the market before making substantial investments and commitments. Here are some of the critical areas to focus on during your market research:
1. Make sure people want the solution you’re providing
Before investing all your resources into starting up a business, it is essential first to understand the market relevance of your product or service as well as assess consumer behavior. Market research involves gathering data that can help you form a sound plan.
A tool called MVP (Minimal Viable Product) can be advantageous in this process. An MVP consists of a beta version of your service that is much simpler and basic compared to the complete solution. It could be a screencast video, a landing page about the product, or even a small mobile application containing primary elements. This way, you can test the waters before making any significant investment.
Now you must decide whether to go for a web-based Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or a smartphone application MVP. To do this, consider several factors, like the target customers, your competitors, and how much money you are willing to invest.
You can use interviews and online reports as sources of information regarding your target customers. You can also examine the strategies used by other companies in producing their MVP and how successful those strategies were. Finally, determine the amount of money you are willing to spend on getting an MVP up and running.
The third factor to consider is your competition. Do some research on what they have accomplished in their MVP phase and see how you compare. Lastly, consider the budget you are willing to allocate for your MVP.
2. Know your Customer’s Behaviors
You can begin constructing a strategy by utilizing the data you acquire during the MVP phase. Interpreting your customers’ behaviors from the information you have amassed will aid in designing and reworking your startup. What operating systems are they using most?
Are they accessing websites on mobile devices or desktops? Which screens do they regularly visit within an app? All of this data will aid in grasping your customers more effectively. After finishing your research, you should be able to opt for one of the two platforms.
The market research phase should help you determine which solution is most suitable for your needs and how it can be improved. At the end of the process, you should have a clear answer.
Engaging Your Customers
The next step is to consider how customers will interact with your offering. Consider what capabilities they need, such as real-time data insights and actions. Is there a benefit to having a mobile app? Can you improve the product in other ways? Take these points into consideration when designing your solution.
The next step is understanding how often your customers will use your app. Generally, apps such as WhatsApp and Instagram are used regularly by most people. Due to this, users prefer the convenience of using mobile applications rather than visiting their web apps for tasks they can complete quickly and easily.
However, suppose your startup provides services similar to companies like Myntra and Amazon, which are used less often. In that case, it might be more beneficial to have a website instead of an app in the beginning stages. Customers may not be willing to download and install an app to purchase something once or twice a month. These types of businesses usually fare better with websites rather than apps.
3. Native Features in Phone App Development
Native features are hardware components like cameras, speakers, and microphones that come pre-installed on mobile devices.
If your startup planning involves storing device locations or using native features, it is best to opt for a native mobile app.
While some developers can build web apps that utilize native features, they tend to make the solution complex and slow. Specific smartphone platforms put restrictions on web apps for using certain native features, such as iOS does with geo-notifications.
If your startup planning includes storing device locations or using native features like cameras, mic, and speakers, you should consider a native mobile app. Web apps can use these features, but only in a limited way that might not improve your solution. Some smartphone platforms may restrict web apps that prevent them from accessing certain native features, as iOS does with geo-notifications.
Therefore, it’s essential to consider the drawbacks of web apps when deciding whether to use a native mobile app.
4. Online vs. Offline Dilemma: Making the Right Choice for Your Business
The next thing to consider is whether your product needs a constant internet connection. If it does, then having a website may be the best way to start. However, there are products that require an internet connection to function, such as social media and music streaming services like Spotify and Facebook. For these services, apps are far more convenient for users as they need to stay connected to the internet to work.
So, the key is to understand how your product can be best utilized. If it relies solely on an internet connection to work, then a website is the way to go. However, if there are features that can work both online and offline, an app might be the better choice. Take gaming apps for instance – they usually have both modes of operation.
Data and a player’s progress is saved internally on the device when offline, and once it finds a sufficient internet connection, these scores and achievements can be uploaded to the server so that their progress remains up-to-date.
5. Assessing Financial Capabilities
Without money, your startup plans can be ruined right at the beginning. Whether finding someone to construct a website or build an app, you need finances to do both. It all depends on your budget and what you are willing to spend. Also, regular updates and maintenance will add up to the bill in the following years. It is essential to develop an app for multiple platforms, each of which will cost separately.
Finally, assess your financial capabilities. Developing a mobile app will require money and effort. If you are on a budget, go for a web app or a basic version of the native app. You can always upgrade later with more features as your business grows. Research the costs associated with developing different apps, check out development platforms that can reduce the costs and timescales involved, or even find a good developer to help you build an app on a budget.
Website design is a cost-effective and uncomplicated way to create a website. With the help of services it’s possible to construct a site or store it yourself. You can also find expert web development companies or offshore firms to build your web app for you – prices will depend on the extent of your project and which route you choose. Generally, building a website costs between $10,000 and $150,000.
So before landing on a decision, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- Which platform – Mobile App or Website – is best suited to enhance your business?
- Does your solution require real-time data exchange?
- Does your solution need to use native features for specific devices?
- Will the solution be operational in an Offline or Online mode?
6. A Mobile app- is it worth it?
Creating a mobile app is typically expensive and takes tremendous time and effort. There’s always the risk that it will provide a small return on your investment. To determine if it will be worth it, ask yourself questions about your business model and how having an app might help you target more customers or generate more profits. If the answers point to a positive outcome, it may be worth pursuing mobile app development.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
Q: What’s the cost of creating an app?
A: The cost of developing a mobile app varies depending on its complexity and features. Developing a mobile app requires anywhere from $10,000 to $150,000.
Q: Should I develop a website and a mobile app for my business?
A: That depends on your budget and the needs of your users. If you have investors with deep pockets, investing in a mobile app and website may be a good idea. However, if you are conservative with resources, market research should show which option is best for you. The right choice depends on your product and the needs of your users.
Q: Is it worth investing in a mobile app?
A: Creating a mobile app is typically expensive and takes time and effort. To determine if it will be worth it, ask yourself questions about your business model and how having an app might help you target more customers or generate more profits. If the answers point to a positive outcome, it may be worth pursuing mobile app development.
Q: How can Mobiroller help me create a mobile app?
A: Mobiroller is an easy-to-use platform for building your mobile app without coding knowledge or experience. It allows you to create an app for iOS and Android devices with a few simple steps. It also provides powerful features such as push notifications, analytics, backend integrations, and more to help you get the most out of your mobile app.
Q: Is it possible to develop an app on a budget?
A: Yes, developing an app on a budget is possible. You can look for platforms that offer cost-effective solutions or find a good developer to help you.
CONCLUSION
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when deciding between a mobile app or a website. If you have investors with deep pockets, investing in a mobile app and website might be a good idea. However, if you are conservative with resources, market research should show you which option is best for you. The right choice depends on your product and the needs of your users. So make sure to assess all the factors before deciding and invest in something that will help you get the most from your business. With careful research, a well-thought-out plan, and the right development team, you can create an app that stands out in the crowd. Come and Discover how you can create a mobile app for your business with Mobiroller and take the first step toward success!
