Do you need a mobile app?

When analyzing web traffic across multiple sites, there is a definite trend of increased mobile versus desktop traffic. Many businesses have started to capitalize on this trend, as you can see in the Apple App Store and Google Play store. Seemingly everyone has a mobile now, from florists to pizza shops.

It is cheaper to create a mobile application today than ever before. Like watching the stock market go up, it is easy to want in on the trend, especially when more accessible than before. Having the right mobile app helps you build relations and gain traction with your customers. But the real question is, does your business need an app? An application that does not bring value to a business will never deliver a return on the investment to develop. Worse, a poorly executed app could be detrimental to business.

Does your competition have an app?

Survey the business landscape and see if any of your competitors have mobile applications. If they do, it could be an indicator that there is value for you. It is essential to look at the statistics from different app stores to determine if there is value for their business. Key indicators include the number of downloads and ratings. 

Do you have a mobile friendly website?

Many businesses can avoid having development costs associated with a custom application by merely optimizing their website for mobile devices. If you have a properly designed, responsive website, most businesses can deliver customer's needs from there. 

Does your app solve a problem?

Does your app solve a problem for your customers? Often when you see rising trends, people want to be a part of them without understanding the "why". Instead of creating a problem so you can create a solution, think about what issues your customers face, and then determine if a mobile application. Or even your website can solve those problems. A current example is some law firms are currently creating apps to help guide a safe return to work.

Can you utilize the latest technology?

Mobile devices have more processing power and advanced sensors than ever before. Many of these advanced sensors, such as accelerometers, cameras, compasses, and LiDAR, offer the ability to deliver unique solutions to client problems. Does your business have customer pain points that can innovatively utilize this technology?

If you answered yes to one or more of the above questions, a custom mobile application could be right for your business. Make sure to focus on solving your customer's pain points, and you are on your way to having an application that will pay off.

Rook Advisors solves problems for business owners, solutions delivered by real people, not robots. Solutions that give you peace-of-mind, increased revenue, and, most importantly - more time. Our team of advisors assists clients through tough technical decisions, such as if they need a mobile app and properly executing their vision when necessary. We partner with industry-leading experts to ensure that the final product is the best possible and help guide them through the entire process.