Skip to content

Approaching App Development for Small Businesses

    Apps have become an essential aspect of our daily computing life, and it’s no surprise that most businesses, regardless of their size, are looking for ways to have a customer-facing or internal app. However, app development is often considered a complicated and costly process, making it hard for small businesses to develop one. But, with modern advancements in technology and coding frameworks, creating an app is now more accessible and affordable, especially with the rise of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).

    This post will discuss how app development is becoming more accessible and affordable for small businesses due to modern advancements in technology and coding frameworks, particularly with the rise of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). The post will emphasize the importance of considering the app’s purpose and intent, surveying and testing, and adopting a realistic approach for small businesses when starting an app development project. It will also highlight the benefits of PWAs, which will provide an experience that fills what most small businesses seek in native apps, such as push notifications, offline capabilities, and quick access to features.

    What You Should Consider Before Starting an App for Your Business

    Before starting any app development project, small businesses need to consider the following:

    1. Purpose and Intent: Small businesses must have a clear purpose and intent behind their app idea. They should ask themselves the following questions: Who is the app for? What will the app do for them? How often will users use the app? What does the technology usage of a typical user look like? The answers to these questions will dictate the overall direction of the project.
    2. Survey and Test: Surveying the app’s target audience is a wise decision to get feedback and understand how the app can better serve them. Testing is also crucial to a successful app development project, and there are various ways to test the app’s features before moving into the development phase.
    3. Realistic Approach: It’s essential to approach the app development project realistically and not compare it to larger corporations like Facebook or Amazon. Small businesses need to focus on their project’s core features and approach it in a realistic manner to ensure success.

    Web Apps: The Perfect Solution for Small Businesses

    PWAs are web apps that work similarly to native apps, but they do not require downloading from app stores. They offer an experience that fills what most sought in native apps, such as push notifications, offline capabilities, and quick access to features. With the recent introduction of Windows 11 and iOS 16.4, PWAs are now accessible on both desktop and mobile devices, providing a seamless user experience across all devices. Small businesses must approach their app development project wisely, considering the app’s purpose and intent, surveying, and testing, and adopting a realistic approach. With these considerations in mind, small businesses can create successful web apps that enhance their customer experience and internal processes.

    nv-author-image

    Erik McNair

    Erik McNair is a digital marketing professional living in Arlington, OH. As co-owner of McNair Media, he has focused on developing and executing SEO and marketing strategies in a manner that supports the client’s consistent business growth and enhances brand equity and awareness. He attended and graduated from Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville GA with a degree in Mass Communications with a concentration in Telecommunications. He’s a certified Google Adwords, Google Analytics, and Bing Ads marketing professional. Outside of marketing, Mr. McNair is an avid technologist. He’s always running the latest software betas and testing out new and exciting products. He occasionally writes about thoughts on technology, but his main focus has been on growing and establishing McNair Media.