With many businesses creating mobile apps for user engagement, some may ask what benefit an app has and how it can make that game change for their business. In this article I will look at the pros and cons and do’s and don’ts which will help you to make the right choice before spending your good money on that sought after app.
I have spent many years in software development from literally all angles from being a developer myself to project manager and eventually executive levels. During this time, I have seen a whole lot of great developments and probably more terrible ones. With this, I have built up vast experience which in the main, leads to good decisions.
Make it ground breaking and unique
Firstly, apps can certainly lead to huge uptake in products and / or solutions, but just throwing an app on Apple or Google stores is not going to do anything. A clear thought out plan and execution is required to attract the attention of potential users. Also, the app needs to be ground-breaking and unique in order to stop that user simply hitting delete on their next clear out of their phone.
Now, even before you consider starting the process of building an app, remember it is part of your business and a very public part which can make or break overnight. I have seen so many apps which were just not really thought about and let’s remember that people love to write bad reviews more than they do good ones. Even though an app is literally an organic growing solution, which is capable of improving with features and content over time, that V1 is the one you need to get right first time.
Mapping out your app
So, I have covered some of the pitfalls, but now let’s concentrate on the path to success of an app. Research, research, research! Do not simply copy another app and add an extra feature. Find pain points which will help your target audience; that is where you will focus technology, fixing a real-world problem! Build the pain points into a feature list and plan which will be the best to release in version one. Don’t try and release too many in one go, it could cost a lot more money and time, along with giving you nothing to entice people to upgrade with new features. Look at WhatsApp from its early days to now. Also, focus groups are great for prioritising or even adding / removing features and this is the best time to act.
Next think about how you are going to monetise the app, you need to earn money somehow! Try to avoid adverts as a sole source of revenue, it will soon drive your audience away, especially with the privacy concerns people are now very aware of. Is the app your revenue, or is it a window into your services? There are various angles to look at this and you need to have all this planned way before you seek the designers and developers to bring your app to realisation.
Next step – make sure you choose the correct delivery model. For instance, if you are providing a voucher app, make sure you have companies lined up way before you launch the app, or again, people will use once and drop the app. I have seen this exact issue recently with a voucher app, which had a handful of hospitality companies signed up. Poor reviews from users and little chance of recovery.
Now, you have your ground-breaking app all documented and ready to start the development. This is where it can horribly wrong. Make sure you engage with user experience consultants with a big and positive history. A clunky feeling app will be off that phone within minutes! Next, pull in the best architects your money can buy. Do not consider cheap to be good here, it will backfire badly. Also, never ever engage with friends or family to develop your product, it will just not work! Finally, pull in as many people into a test group and test the app, improve, test, improve, deliver.
Apps are the now and the future
Apps are the now and the future of business. Tech stocks are rising continuously and it is led by software solutions, apps and the tech around app devices. Businesses are judged and used through apps more so today on hand devices than at any time.
It seems that everything we do or aspire to, all comes through apps. When was the last time you saw an impressive business or service that did not have an app?
~Business Game Changer Special Promotion~
By Steven Jupp
Steven is a highly regarded and successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, with a high-profile portfolio of businesses and investments, who has now founded and is the current CEO of High Impact Office.
A software developer and logical (cyber) security expert since the early 1980’s, Steven began his software career with Sinclair microcomputers and progressed to developing on the C64 and Amiga platforms, specialising in code optimisation.
After graduating, Steven specialised in mechatronics, mainly industrial CO2 lasers. He developed an algorithm for CAD to NC controllers, increasing efficiency of both the processing and the optimisation of the cutting process. This was ported to many CAD systems and NC controllers. He demonstrated an approved attack of a manufacturing corporation, where he exploited security within the network and was able to gain complete control of all plant.
During his many years in technology and manufacturing, he is a renowned problem solver for businesses with technology, with many case studies demonstrating a boost in efficiency, ability to develop better models and grow beyond their competition.
In his role at High Impact Office, he has built a team of leading experts in business, communications and strategy to manage his portfolio. His main purpose is to create the next global leading brands and launch them for the good of our planet.
Steven also engages with humanitarian and environmentally impacting charities and organisations. He is currently working with UK so help children and parents of all backgrounds realise their dreams in technology and science.
