“We need an app” is one of the most common requests we’ve heard in more than a decade of building technology for businesses. It’s also one of the most expensive mistakes we see.
Why the app rarely pays back
- People don’t install apps for occasional purchases. If a customer buys from you a few times a year, they’ll use your website.
- Installing isn’t using. Many installed apps are rarely opened after the first week.
- An app is never finished. Operating system updates, bug fixes and store releases continue for as long as it exists.
- It splits your effort. Two front-ends to design, test and market instead of one.
What usually works better
- A fast, mobile-first website that loads in a couple of seconds on mobile data.
- WhatsApp for updates, support and repeat orders; it’s already on the customer’s phone.
- Saved details and one-tap reordering on the website.
When an app is the right call
- Customers use it weekly or daily (ordering staples, booking, tracking).
- It needs phone features a website can’t use well, like offline mode or background location.
- The app is the product, such as a SaaS tool used in the field.
From our work: [A client who asked PURSHO for an app, and what we recommended instead (or why we agreed)]
If you’re weighing it up, our technology consulting starts with exactly this question.
How PURSHO approaches this
See how we help with this in Technology & IT Consulting, or book a free 30-minute consultation. Related case study: [Industry] distributor going online.
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