By Michael ‘Hank’ Wilson – We hear from folks who tell us that someone, usually a well-intentioned friend, has told them that they really should get a mobile app for their business.  Well since we’re in the business of building mobile apps, I thought I’d take a minute to put together some things you might want to consider . Before you contract with someone from India to have a mobile app built ask yourself these questions.

Why do I want a mobile app? What am I hoping the app will do for my company? Am I willing to invest the time and money to make sure it’s kept current? That last one is a big issue even for companies like ourselves who have a lot of mobile apps in the market.  So let’s take these questions.

Why do I want a mobile app? If you have a company that markets your products around the country then it might be a good idea.  When you are a community leader who want to promote your town or city to increase tourism, it might be a good idea.  for a business that has information that others need and that information can change, a mobile app might be a good idea.  If on the other hand, your target audience is only those in your vicinity, then your mobile app is nothing more than an electronic tri-fold brochure.  You’ll reach more people with a tri-fold brochure than you will with a mobile app.  

What am I hoping the app will do for my company? That goes back to the first question of why do I want one.  If you think that you can generate business through your app then by all means check out getting one made. If it’s more for vanity then save your money for trade shows and local advertising.  Mobile apps by themselves do absolutely nothing for a business, plus consider that the Google Play Store, Amazon App Store, and Apple App Store have thousands of apps in inventory. You’ll have to spend money to promote your app and then hope for a good return on investment.  

Finally ask yourself the big question, am I ready to invest the time and money needed to keep the app current.  Since 2013 we have published over 350 apps of various types.  Trying to keep them all current, (when Google, Amazon, or Apple make changes to their operating systems, we have to try and update the apps) is difficult.  It is very time consuming and often not worth the return on investment. 

Now all this is meant not to scare you but to help you understand the process.  If you would like to know more about this, then you can CONTACT US for a no cost evaluation and discussion.