Should you develop an app? Use our quick questionnaire to get a % viability score
Let’s cut to the chase: you’re thinking about developing an app.
Maybe you’ve convinced yourself it’s the golden ticket to skyrocketing user engagement.
Perhaps you believe it’ll put you leagues ahead of the competition.
Or maybe you just reckon it’s what businesses do these days.
Well, buckle up because we’re about to drop some truth bombs that might save you a heap of time, money, and headaches.
Here’s the kicker: most of the time, you probably don’t need an app.
Shocking, isn’t it? Especially coming from a tech company.
But at Riselabs, we’re not in the business of selling you solutions you don’t need. We’re here to help you make smart tech decisions that actually drive your business forward.
So, let’s break down why that mobile app idea might need to go back to the drawing board.
1. Users are Suffering from ‘App Fatigue’
Remember when apps were the new, exciting thing?
Yeah, those days are long gone.
Now, users are drowning in a sea of apps, most of which they rarely use.
According to a 2022 study by BuildFire, the average smartphone user uses only 9 apps per day and 30 apps per month, out of an average of 80 apps installed on their phones. In other words, most apps are just taking up space.
Our take on app fatigue
If your app isn’t in that top 30 (or better yet, top 9), it’s probably not worth developing.
Question to ask your team
Is this app essential, or nice to have?
2. Web Apps Are Often More Than Enough
Here’s a little secret: with modern web technologies, you can create web apps that are just as powerful and user-friendly as native apps.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) can offer offline functionality, push notifications, and even home screen icons.
The best part? Users don’t have to go through the hassle of downloading and installing anything. They visit a website, and voila!
From a financial perspective, if you build a web-based app the cost is significantly less compared to the build of a mobile app.
Our take on web apps
Before you jump into app development, consider if a well-designed, mobile-responsive website or PWA could meet your needs.
Question to ask
Is there specific technology your mobile application needs to work, or will a web-app suffice?
3. Maintenance is a Money Pit
Developing an app isn’t a one-and-done deal.
It’s a commitment to ongoing maintenance, updates, and bug fixes.
Every time Apple or Google updates their operating systems, you might need to tweak your app.
For example, Google often role out API updates for newer versions of Android. If you don’t update this version, your app will be blocked from newer versions of Android.
And let’s not forget the joy of managing two codebases if you’re developing natively for iOS and Android.
Our take on app maintenance
Unless you’re prepared for this ongoing investment, an app might become more of a burden than a benefit.
Question to ask your budget controller
Do we have budget for ongoing maintenance of £200+ a month?
4. App Store Approval is a Nightmare
Getting your app approved by Apple’s App Store or Google Play isn’t a walk in the park.
Both have strict guidelines, and your app can be rejected for the slightest infractions. This can lead to frustrating delays and additional development costs.
For example, you cannot link to a privacy policy document if it’s a PDF. It must be a hosted web page.
Our take on app store approval
If your app’s main functions can be achieved through a website, save yourself the app store headache.
Questions to ask your compliancy team
Will your app be 100% compliant?
Do you have your Privacy documents all up to date?
If you are advertising to users, do you have all of the required permissions?
5. Users Hate ‘Pointless’ Apps
If your app is just a repackaged version of your website with no additional value, users will see right through it.
A Google study found that 29% of users will immediately abandon an app if they don’t find it valuable.
In fact, both app stores will actively block apps that appear to be just a shell for web content. Your app must have specific value to users.
Our take on shell apps
An app needs to offer something unique, something that truly leverages a mobile device’s capabilities. Otherwise, it will just create digital clutter.
Questions to ask
Does this app add anything to our service?
Can a website offer the same functionality?
So, When DO You Need an App?
We’re not saying apps are never the answer. There are certainly cases where an app is the right choice. Consider developing an app if:
- You need access to specific device hardware (like the camera for AR experiences).
- Your service requires real-time updates or offline functionality.
- Your users will interact with your service frequently (daily or at least weekly).
- You’re offering a unique, mobile-specific experience that can’t be replicated on the web.
The Bottom Line
Before you create an app, ask yourself: “Will this app solve a real problem for my users in a way that a website can’t?”
It might be time to reconsider your strategy if the answer isn’t a resounding yes.
At Riselabs, we’re all about using technology to solve real business problems.
Sometimes, that means developing an app. But often, it means finding smarter, more efficient solutions that don’t involve adding to the digital clutter on your users’ phones.
If you’re grappling with the app question, give us a shout. We’ll help you cut through the hype and find the solution that truly drives your business forward – whether that’s an app, a website, or something else entirely.
After all, the best tech solution isn’t always the flashiest or the most complex. It’s the one that gets the job done effectively and efficiently.
