Is It Necessary to Have An App

These days, you can hardly use your smartphone without being nudged to download another app. One super app is aimed at shopping, banking, or booking a table. Companies are eager to get a spot on your home screen. 

With so many apps competing for attention, the question arises: is it truly necessary?

For businesses, having an app can seem like a must-have in today’s digital landscape. Apps promise convenience, loyalty, and a direct connection with customers. Still, before jumping in, it’s worth asking if an app is really the right move for your business goals.

Why Apps

Almost everyone relies on mobile apps. A better experience comes from using an app, especially when websites don’t perform well on mobile browsers. Have you ever tried ordering a pizza through your phone’s browser? While some websites are mobile-friendly, many still aren’t, so making an app is the easier choice and super handy.

Accessibility is another big win when it comes to an app, particularly for non-technical users. Instead of opening a browser, finding the right tab, and typing in a URL, it’s just a straightforward tap. Having an icon on the home screen saves time and effort, making it a no-brainer for many people.

Lastly, owning an app can also do wonders for branding, even if it’s just for show at first. “Download our app on the App Store and Google Play” adds a layer of credibility. Not only does it sound impressive, but it also positions your brand as more established and forward-thinking.

Relying on mobile apps means you can track your daily activities 24/7 and manage your day-to-day tasks. With these features in your pocket, it’s all about staying on track.

• Push Notifications

People are easily distracted and often need reminders. This is good as it keeps you glued to your brand.

• Ability to Work Offline

Both websites and apps need a stable internet connection. However, operating apps with no loading page is still possible. You can still operate it in offline mode. 

• Utilising Mobile Apps in Advance

Mobile apps can leverage device features like the camera, GPS, NFC, and contact list to create more interactive, efficient user experiences. While mobile websites can access some of these features, there are limitations due to technology and privacy concerns.

Why Not Apps

Deciding to have an app means knowing your target audience. Blue-collar workers are most likely to be detached from digital forms. For instance, if your target users are farmers, channels like WhatsApp or a website might be the easiest for them to access. Clearly, it is about solving a problem and fitting in with the target user’s behaviour.

Building an app also comes with a high level of commitment. Development costs are often double what you would spend on a website, not to mention ongoing maintenance and updates. Without a clear roadmap and long-term plan, it is easy to end up with an abandoned app within a year.

Pixalate, a top analytics platform specialising in fraud protection, privacy, and compliance for Connected TV (CTV) and mobile advertising, released its Q3 2024 Abandoned Mobile Apps Report. Over 1 million apps on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store have been abandoned.

There are 332,000 apps in the Google Play Store and 682,000 apps in the Apple App Store.

Once an app is live, the work does not stop there. You need to market it, gather user feedback about the experience, fix bugs, and continuously release improvements. If you are not ready to invest in that long-term cycle, building an app might not be worth it just yet. You may need it, but later, at the right time, once your subscribers’ numbers reach the target.

At Upscalix, it’s all about discussions and understanding what’s your business about. Start by defining your target users or exposing your brand. Let us help you build a website and determine when to develop your app, as it’s a matter of business projection ahead.