It’s a fact that there’s an app for everything. I mean, everything. There’s an app to remind you to drink water, an app to count your steps, and even an app to tell you how well you sleep. And I’m thinking, what did we do before apps? Wander around dehydrated, sleep-deprived, and step-countless?
And then there are business apps. Nowadays, every business owner says, "We need an app!" Really? Does your artisanal bakery need an app? Are people sitting at home thinking, "I wish I had a mobile app to learn about sourdough"?
You can think of business apps as multi-functional tools. They're supposed to do a little bit of everything - manage your tasks, handle your finances, maybe do a little jig if you're feeling down. Okay, possibly not the last part, but you get the idea.
So, here we are, scratching our heads and wondering, "Does my business need to join this bandwagon?" I mean, what if this is just like when I bought a treadmill, and it ended up being a very expensive clothes hanger?
I’m not here telling you to get an app because, hey, it's the 21st century, and that's what we do now. No, it's about figuring out if you really need one. It's like deciding whether to put ketchup on a hot dog. Some people say it's essential; others say it's a crime against culinary arts. But in the end, it's your hot dog, your decision.
If you’re familiar with the App Store or Google Play, it's like walking into a party where everyone's trying to sell you something. One app says it can increase your productivity by a thousand percent. Another app promises to make accounting fun - yeah, right. And there's always that one app lurking in the corner, promising to revolutionize your life... for the low, low price of $4.99 a month. There's an app for ordering coffee, an app for booking haircuts, even an app for pre-planning your funeral. I'm not kidding; that's a real thing.
Let's be honest: how many of these apps do we actually use? I have about fifty apps on my phone, and I use maybe... six regularly. The rest are just sitting there, taking up space, like the gym membership I bought in January.
But amidst this app avalanche, some businesses genuinely benefit from having an app. Some apps are changing the game for businesses, making things easier, faster, and, oddly enough, more human.
So, the million-dollar question remains: How do you know if your business is one of those that need an app? Is there a secret sign? Do the app gods send you a notification? Spoiler alert: they don’t. But don’t worry, that's what you and I are here to figure out.
So now, let's talk about the good, the bad, and the... well, the apps that make you go, "Who thought this was a good idea?" Evaluating business apps is like going through a buffet line. Some of it looks great, some of it looks questionable, and some of it, you're pretty sure, is just yesterday's leftovers repackaged.
First, there are the good apps. These are the gems, the ones that actually make your life easier. Need to track your expenses? There's an app for that. Want to manage your customer relationships better? There’s an app for that too. The kind of friend who's always got your back.
Then, there are the bad apps. These apps promise the world, but once you download them, you realize they're about as useful as a chocolate teapot. They're clunky, they crash, and before you know it, you're back to doing things the old-fashioned way: pen and paper.
We also have useless apps. These apps make you wonder, "What was the meeting like when this was approved?" An app that turns your phone into a level? Sure, because that's what I've always needed during a business meeting. A compass app that not only shows directions but also mimics the sound of the wind? Perfect, just what I needed to navigate through the rooms of my house.
The trick to navigating this app wilderness is knowing what you actually need. You don't want to go grocery shopping in there hungry and come out with a cart full of things you'll never eat. You need a list, a plan, and maybe a little bit of self-control.
Not all apps are created equal. Some will revolutionize your business, and others will just take up space on your phone. The key is to know which is which. And no, there's no app for that. You've got to figure it out the old-fashioned way – with common sense and a touch of criticism.
First off, let’s ask the million-app question: Will an app solve a specific problem or improve a process? Do you have this problem identified and agreed upon by leadership? If your customers are lining up around the block (digitally speaking), maybe an app can help manage them better. But if you're just looking to impress people with how tech-savvy you are, well, maybe reconsider.
Then, there's the whole issue of customer engagement. If your customers are young, hip, and always on their phones, an app might be like the digital version of a secret handshake. It's cool, it's exclusive, and it says, "We're in the club." But if your customers still think a tweet is something a bird does, an app might just be overkill.
Let’s not forget about the cost. Developing an app takes time, money, and a level of mental strength most don’t consider when getting into the game. It's like deciding to adopt a pet. It sounds great until you realize you have to walk it, feed it, and clean up after it. And in the case of an app, update it, debug it, and constantly persuade people to use it. Don’t underestimate this! Many do.
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and pursue building technology for your business and, if you’re wise, with Helm. Now, what does it take to make a good business app?
1. User-Friendly Interface: First and foremost, your app should be easy to use. If people need a manual to figure it out, you’ve already lost. It should be as intuitive as turning on the TV – which, granted, with five remotes on the coffee table, isn’t always that easy.
2. Real Functionality: Your app should do something useful. If it's just a glorified brochure, you might as well hand out flyers on the street corner. It should solve a problem or fill a need.
3. Speed and Reliability: Nobody likes an app that crashes more often than the offensive line of the Bills. It needs to be fast and reliable. It can't fumble when it matters most.
4. Regular Updates and Support: An app isn’t a 'set it and forget it' kind of deal. It's more like a garden. You need to tend to it, update it, and make sure it's free of bugs – both the software and the creepy-crawly kind.
5. A Touch of Personality: Your app should reflect your business's personality. If your business was a person, what would it be like? Friendly? Professional? A little bit quirky? Your app should be the digital embodiment of that personality and family across your customer touchpoints.
If you want to know about the process of developing an app, just book some time with us. We’ll talk your ear off.
It's time to ask the big question: To app or not to app? While apps can be incredibly useful, it's important to remember that they may not be the perfect fit for every business.
If you've got a great idea that solves a real problem, go for it. Just remember, it's not just about the idea; it's about execution. Knowing what to build and when. Knowing how to distribute your idea and communicate your value proposition.
In the end, whether you decide to develop an app or not, the most important thing is to stay true to your business. If an app fits your brand and meets your customers' needs, fantastic. But if not, that's okay, too. There are plenty of ways to make your business stand out in the digital world, with or without an app.
We talk about product, technology, and design. Welcome!
