The difference between a “tech startup” and any other kind of startup has dwindled to the point of practical non-existence. Every entrepreneur should be grappling with technological advances. Every new business can use technology to gain an edge, no matter what their industry, and no technology is more pervasive than mobile. Mobile has spread to every corner of the globe, and has had a profound effect on every industry it touches, from media publishing to banking. No matter where you plan to innovate, you can’t afford to ignore mobile.
4 Things Successful Startups Know About App Development
1. Mobile isn’t done growing.
If you think mobile is a big deal now, just wait. IDC reports regular year-over-year increases in smartphone shipments of around 30-40% as smartphones spread into more markets. This represents an enormous pool of potential customers, and an incredible resource that no startup can afford to ignore.
Mobile has grown beyond the established markets in North America and Europe to become a key access point into emerging markets like India and China—see WhatsApp, which took advantage of growth in emerging markets and eventually sold to Facebook for $19 Billion! Startups with an eye for international business opportunities will have a hard time looking away from mobile.
2. Almost any business can benefit from a mobile app.
Apps are not reserved for large corporations or “mobile-first” startups. Apps can extend the consumer experience, increase employee efficiency, improve brand recognition, or provide unique services and experiences. Remember: apps can put your business right into your customers’ pocket, giving them unparalleled, instant access to whatever services you choose to offer.
Just because your business doesn’t fall into a traditional “mobile friendly” industry, doesn’t mean there isn’t an opportunity to move in that direction. That’s the essence of entrepreneurialism, after all, isn’t it? Look at things like FlightAware, or Uber—they didn’t invent the concept of flight tracking or transportation, they just took those industries and found useful ways to apply the advantages of mobile. Or how about Leafly, the marijuana review startup. Only in recent years have marijuana dispensaries become legal in select US states, but Leafly immediately saw the potential for a mobile app in that sector.
Just because it hasn’t been done yet, doesn’t mean it can’t be. And for
3. Build your business with a plan for mobile and get ahead.
As a startup you have the unique opportunity to modify your business model to better incorporate a mobile element. While established companies have to find ways to fit a mobile component into their existing structure, a startup can be built ground-up to take full advantage of mobility. Many startups are built specifically to take advantage of the app market (Snapchat, Yo), and are nothing but a mobile app. For most startups mobile will be a smaller component, but don’t be afraid to commit to mobile. The benefits of a mobile app can significantly outweigh the costs.
For instance, many restaurants are now building mobile apps which allow users to browse menus and make orders remotely. For a major, established business, adoption of these new technologies is slow and takes a long time to build momentum while the new mobile app awkwardly competes with the old way of doing things. Since a startup isn’t tied down to any “old way,” it can reap the advantages of a mobile app much faster.
Most industries are moving towards mobile solutions already. It pays to have a plan and get ahead of the competition.
4. Incorporating a mobile element is not expensive.
Mobile apps are an investment, like any other, and thus require research. Many short-sighted business owners dismiss the possibility of a mobile app out of hand, because they don’t want to pay the upfront costs. Sure, it can be nerve-wracking for new businesses to shell out money while their revenue is not fully established, but for the average startup, app development costs account for a tiny percent of annual revenue—and you only pay for development once.
The initial price tag can vary quite a bit based on what the app actually does, but for most businesses, an app will cost between 20 and 40 thousand USD to develop. Beyond launch the cost of maintaining the solution is generally low, though you may want to build updates later on down the line; nothing will come close to the price of the original development. When you measure the total against the potential benefits over time, apps turn out to be a pretty good investment.
If you own a Startup or Leanstartup and are looking for more information on app development and pricing, get in touch with our mobility strategists at online or at 408 802 2885 for a free consultation and quote.