Is an app right for your business?

Apps can deliver huge benefits. But building one without a clear reason often leads to wasted time and money. Before diving in, ask yourself: what problem does this app solve? Is it tied to a wider business objective? How will it provide value?

There are many strategic reasons to build an app. You might be looking to deliver a new service or extend an existing one into the digital space. Maybe you’re trying to improve customer experience, cut down on manual admin, or gather better data. Perhaps it’s about enhancing brand loyalty or launching a new revenue stream.

Whatever the goal, the key is clarity. If you can’t define what your app is for and how it will support your wider business, it’s worth pausing to reconsider whether an app is the right tool for the job.

Apps aren’t always about direct revenue. Yes, they can make money, but many also succeed by improving service, building loyalty, or supporting internal operations.

If revenue is your goal, you might explore:

• Paid downloads
• Subscriptions
• In-app purchases
• Freemium models with paid upgrades

But if you're focusing on broader value, your app could:

• Help retain customers through improved experiences
• Offer more personalised service and communication
• Provide data insights that inform business decisions
• Create proprietary IP you can license in future

The important thing is to define your success metrics early. That way, you can track progress, justify investment, and make informed decisions post-launch.

Choosing the right technical approach depends on what your app needs to do, how fast you need to build it, and how much you're willing to invest.

No-code tools are ideal if you’re testing a simple idea or building an MVP. They’re fast and cost-effective, but come with limitations on scalability and functionality.

Web apps offer flexibility and are relatively easy to maintain, but they can’t access all the features of a device and won’t work offline.

If performance, user experience, or native device features (like the camera or GPS) are key to your concept, a native or cross-platform app might be the right call. These options cost more but often pay off in terms of speed, reliability, and quality.

This is where having a knowledgeable tech partner can really help. They can walk you through what’s possible, what’s practical, and what’s likely to deliver the most value.

Apps can be powerful tools when aligned with the right strategy. But not every business needs one, and not every idea is best served through an app.

If you’re unsure, we’re happy to help. We always start by asking: is an app the right solution? And if it is, how do we make sure it delivers real value?

With over a decade of experience, we’ve helped ambitious organisations like Eurotunnel, the NHS, and Bentley create high-performing digital products. Explore our success stories or get in touch to talk through your ideas.