Should You Build An App Or a Website

You’ve decided you want to build out your idea but you don’t know where to start. Will you need a website, app, or both? When it comes to deciding whether to build a native app or a website, the most appropriate choice depends on your end goals.These 6 points will serve as a good guideline for what would be best choice

  • Is your budget over $10k USD?

Most complex mobile apps will require a budget greater than 10k USD while certain no-frills web applications can be built for less.

  • Will you need  to deliver information in real-time?

Will you need to present your customers with relevant information in real-time? Mobile apps can do things websites can’t, like push notifications

  • Will your user visit your app more than 5 times a day?

If your user will be visiting your app often then it makes sense to start with an app. It’s fast to launch, convenience, and will keep users up to date with information. Games, notes, to-do lists, reminders, alarm clock, e-mail or social media are mostly recommended to have as a mobile app

  • Will mobile be your core differentiator from competition?

Will having an app simplify a workflow specifically for mobile devices? Will having an app help you stand out from more established companies? If, yes then a mobile app makes sense

  • Will you need access to features native to your phone like the camera?

Camera, Gyroscope, Sensors will always work better with a native mobile app. So, if one of these are crucial for your app – You should consider building a native app NOT a web app although you can access a your mobile camera, gyroscope and geolocation via the web

  • Will you need to provide content offline?

If you need to provide offline access to content or perform functions without a network/wireless connection then an app makes sense.

Finally Thoughts

Generally speaking, if you want to just develop a web presence then a mobile website should be considered your first step. Apps are useful for a very specific purpose that cannot be effectively accomplished via a web browser.