Offering your customers an app can offer the host many attractive advantages. You’ll have two options to launch your own small business mobile app: developing it yourself or working with a third party. App development does have some benefits, but there are also challenges – especially if you’re an entrepreneur with limited resources. The benefits of having a small business mobile app One of the most apparent benefits of launching a branded app is reaching a larger audience. This is particularly true now that mobile usage has surpassed desktop browsing. However, there are other advantages, including the ability to: · Promote and offer more self-service options to customers. Letting diners manage their accounts help save you time and reduces your staffing costs. · Leverage omnichannel reporting. An app creates another avenue to collect customer information, learn about their pain points, a nd refine your marketing message. · Geo-target customers’ mobile devices with relevant ads and promotions as they pass by your brick-and-mortar business. · Enhance your brand image by providing a streamlined mobile platform with notifications which are designed to boost customer engagement with your business.
Local patrons increasingly expect mobile support even if none of these benefits seems to apply to your business model directly and since more and more companies now offer apps, remaining competition may require that you do, too. It is also important to consider the potential challenges before starting the development process. Customize the user experience by developing an app from the ground up – rather than relying on a one- size-fits-all solution. The challenges of having a small businessmobile app One of the biggest hurdles in app development is the cost involved. Not only do you need a developer for the initial design, but you also need support for any ongoing improvements in the future. These costs can increase if you develop your app for multiple platforms – e.g., iPhone versus Android. Moreover, there is always a risk that users will not respond well to your app. This does not mean small business mobile app development is not worth exploring. Instead of building something from scratch, you may better search for workable solutions already on the market. For example: · Many restaurants turn to third-party delivery apps – such as Door Dash, and Uber Eats, rather than design bespoke solutions.
· The same is true for retailers that rely on third-party marketplaces, such as Amazon, instead of trying to develop a competing app.
This assumes that offering a branded mobile experience makes sense for your small business. Even though shoppers increasingly expect app support, many companies rely solely on face-to-face interactions.
Should your business have a mobile app?
If you have the resources and a clear need to develop an app, it may be worth considering to stay competitive. However, there may be a more straightforward and more cost-effective way to achieve your goal of increasing sales – while still satisfying user demand for mobile connectivity.
At eatOS, for example, our point of sale (POS) systems integrate seamlessly with a host
of third-party apps that can automate and streamline everything from taking online orders to managing loyalty programs to scheduling employee shifts.
Schedule a free demo with eatOS Business Consultant today to learn how our POS solutions and seamless app integrations can help your small business grow.
