So, you’re thinking about building an app? Everyone else is doing it, right? Stop right there. In the app-crazed world we live in, businesses seem to think that having an app is the golden ticket to success. But the truth is, most apps fail. Let’s dip a bit deeper.
Before you sink your hard-earned cash into development costs, marketing, and endless updates, ask yourself this: does my app actually offer something unique that my website can’t?
Let’s be brutally honest, most don’t.
Here’s the cold, hard truth:
- Costly Development: Building a decent app is expensive. Think design, development, testing, bug fixes… the costs add up fast. And that’s before you even think about maintenance and updates. Every new operating system launched and in some cases also new devices and device types in the market may require that you will need to go back to your app and update it as necessary. As you can imagine, every change or update will carry some costs.
- Market Saturation: The app stores are overflowing. To stand out, you’ll need a truly innovative idea, flawless execution, and a hefty marketing budget. If you have a look at your own phone, you will notice that apps that are really successful are tools that have either been heavily marketed and/or tools that provide a tangible advantage (Aliexpress, Temu, Revolut, BOV Mobile etc.)
- User Engagement: People download apps, use them once or twice, and then forget they exist. Unless your app provides undeniable value and a seamless user experience, it’s destined for the digital graveyard.
- Website Cannibalization: A poorly planned app can actually steal traffic and conversions from your website, hurting your business instead of helping it.
- Time is of the Essence (and it Takes a LOT): Developing an app isn’t a quick process. It can take months, even years, to go from concept to launch. This means tying up valuable resources and delaying other potentially more beneficial projects.
Don’t fall into the trap of building an app just for the sake of it. Unless your app offers a truly unique benefit – think exclusive features, personalized experiences, or offline functionality – you’re likely throwing money down the drain.
Focus on what truly matters: a strong online presence, excellent customer service, and a product or service people actually want. Sometimes, a well-optimized website is all you need.