Let’s play a game. Think about the last four things you did on your phone today. Maybe you ordered food. Checked Instagram. Booked a ride. Paid a bill. Now, ask yourself, how many of those things happened on an app? If you’re like most people, the answer is all of them. Here’s the truth: Customers aren’t browsing websites anymore. They’re tapping on apps. If your business doesn’t have one, you’re missing out, big time.
Still not convinced? Let’s talk numbers:
- 90% of smartphone time is spent on apps, not browsers.
- 57% of consumers feel more connected to brands that have an app.
- 3X more sales happen on apps than on mobile websites.
- 85% of shoppers prefer apps over websites for shopping.
See where this is going? If your business has an app, you’re always in your customer’s pocket. If you don’t, well… your competitor probably does.
So let’s talk about why every business needs an app, and more importantly, how you can get one designed.
The Importance of Having an App
Some businesses still think apps are just for big brands like Amazon or Uber. Not true. Small businesses, local stores, online shops, everyone can benefit. Here’s how:
- More Customer Engagement
- An app makes it easier for customers to interact with your business. Instead of searching for your website, they just tap an icon.
- They can browse, book, buy, all in a few seconds.
- Higher Customer Loyalty & Retention
- Let’s be honest: people forget brands fast. But when your app is sitting right on their home screen? They won’t forget you.
- A loyalty program inside an app can keep customers coming back. (Ever noticed how Starbucks rewards app users more? That’s not a coincidence.)
- Faster & Better Communication
- Customers have questions. They want answers, fast.
- With an app, you can:
- Provide instant updates on sales, deals, or new products.
- Competitive Advantage
- Here’s the reality: Most small businesses still don’t have an app.
- Send push notifications instead of emails that get ignored.
- Offer in-app support so customers don’t have to wait for email replies.
That means if you do, you instantly stand out. Customers will see your brand as modern, professional, and easy to do business with.
And guess what? That translates into more sales.
“But My Business is Too Small for an App!” – Why That’s a Lie?
- Even a tiny local coffee shop can boost orders with an app.
- Small businesses with apps see higher customer retention than those without.
- Apps level the playing field, you can compete with bigger brands.
- A simple booking, loyalty, or shopping app can increase revenue by 25%+.
- Customers now expect apps, even from small businesses, don’t disappoint them!
How My Friend’s App Saved His Failing Business
My friend Alex owned a small fitness studio. Business was slow, and clients kept canceling at the last minute. He was struggling. One night, over dinner, I asked, “Why don’t you create an app?” He laughed it off. “I run a gym, not a tech company,” he said. But I convinced him. He hired a developer and built a simple app, allowing clients to book classes, get reminders, and access workout plans. Within months, cancellations dropped by 50%, and memberships skyrocketed. Now? His studio is packed, and he’s launching a second location. One app changed everything.
Identifying Your Business Needs for an App
Before you start designing an app, ask yourself:
1. What’s the goal of this app?
- Selling products?
- Engaging with customers?
- Providing faster support?
2. Who’s your target audience?
- Are they young and tech-savvy?
- Are they mostly iPhone or Android users?
- Do they shop online often?
Your app should solve a problem. If it doesn’t, people won’t use it.
Types of Apps to Consider
Not all apps are the same. You’ve got three main choices:
1. Native Apps (Best performance, highest cost)
- Built for one platform (iOS or Android).
- Fastest and most powerful option.
- Expensive to develop.
Example: Uber, Instagram.
2. Web Apps (Cheapest option, but limited features)
- Runs on a browser, not downloaded from an app store.
- Works on any device.
- Slower & less advanced than native apps.
Example: Google Docs in a browser.
3. Hybrid Apps (Best of both worlds)
- A mix between native and web apps.
- Works on both iOS and Android.
- Cheaper than native apps, but still good performance.
Example: Airbnb, Twitter.
If you want a balance of cost, speed, and performance, hybrid is usually the way to go.
Key Features Your Business App Should Have
A good app isn’t just pretty, it needs to be useful. Here are some must-have features:
- User-Friendly Interface: If people can’t figure it out in 10 seconds, they’ll leave.
- Seamless Navigation: Simple menus. No confusion.
- Push Notifications: Stay connected with customers (without annoying them).
- Secure Payments: If you sell stuff, make checkout easy & safe.
- Social Media Integration: Let users log in with Google, Facebook, or Apple.
And here’s a pro tip: Keep updating your app regularly. Nobody likes outdated, buggy apps.
How to Get Your App Designed
Okay, you know what you need. Now, how do you actually get an app?
Option 1: DIY App Builders (Cheap, But Limited)
Platforms like Wix, Appy Pie, and Adalo let you make an app without coding.
- Cost: $10 – $100/month
- Pros: Fast, cheap, no coding required
- Cons: Generic design, limited features
Option 2: Hiring Freelancers (More Custom, Still Affordable)
You can find app designers on Upwork or Fiverr.
- Cost: $5,000 – $20,000
- Pros: More customization, better quality
- Cons: Hard to find reliable freelancers
Option 3: Hiring an App Development Agency (Best Quality, Higher Cost)
If you want a professional app, an agency is the way to go.
- Cost: $30,000+
- Pros: High-quality, custom features, long-term support
- Cons: Expensive, takes longer
The App Development Process
Here’s how it works:
- Planning: Define the goals & features.
- Wireframing: Rough sketches of the app layout.
- UI/UX Design: Making it look clean & user-friendly.
- Development: Actual coding happens here.
- Testing: Fixing bugs & improving performance.
- Launch: Your app goes live!
Never skip testing. A buggy app = bad reviews = lost customers.
Marketing Your App
You built it, now what?
Here’s how to get downloads:
- App Store Optimization (ASO): Make sure people can find it.
- Social Media Marketing: Promote on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.
- Influencer Partnerships: Let influencers review your app.
- Email Campaigns: Tell your customers about it.
“What If No One Downloads My App?” (How to Get Users Hooked)
- Offer a killer first-time discount, people love free stuff.
- Make it fun, gamify it with rewards, streaks, or challenges.
- Use FOMO marketing, limited-time offers only for app users.
- Get early adopters hyped, run a pre-launch giveaway or beta access.
- Leverage push notifications smartly, don’t spam, but stay top-of-mind.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be real. The world is mobile-first. Your customers aren’t sitting at desktops browsing your website—they’re glued to their phones, tapping on apps. If your business doesn’t have one, you’re already behind.
The good news? Getting an app designed isn’t rocket science. Whether you use an app builder, hire a freelancer, or go all-in with an agency, there’s an option for every budget. The key is to start now.
Because while you’re still “thinking about it,” your competitors are already launching theirs.So here’s the question: Will your business be the one customers tap on… or the one they forget?
