Pros and Cons of Building a Mobile App for a Small Business

Small businesses often struggle with the decision of whether or not to build a mobile app. On one hand, there are many advantages to having an app – it can help increase brand credibility, engage customers, provide a personalized experience, act as a direct marketing channel, and let businesses create a loyalty program. However, on the other hand, there are also several disadvantages to consider – such as the cost of developing and maintaining an app, complying with Apple and Google’s store security and performance policies, the phenomenon of consumer app fatigue, and lack of customer use. In this article, we will explore both sides of the argument so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to develop an app for your small business.

Biggest Advantages of Building a Mobile App for a Business

Another advantage of having a mobile app is customer engagement. A study by Forrester found that 78% of smartphone users check their phone within 15 minutes of waking up, while 60% check their phone within 15 minutes of going to bed (Forrester, 2014). This constant connection gives businesses a unique opportunity to engage with their customers throughout the day. Creating a loyalty program or sending push notifications about sales and promotions can help increase customer engagement and keep your business top of mind.
As consumers become increasingly connected with businesses on their smartphones and devices, many businesses develop mobile apps to connect with their customers. If your company is going the app route, you want to be sure it’s worth your time and money. While a mobile app can be an invaluable tool for many companies, certain company types may not necessarily need one. —Forbes.com
Building a mobile app can also provide a more personalized experience for your customers. With an app, you can collect data about your customer’s usage patterns and preferences which can then be used to customize the experience for each individual. This is much harder to do with a website because there is less data available about how users interact with it. For example, if you own a clothing store, you could use the data collected from your app to show each user relevant products based on their previous purchases and browsing history. This personalized experience can help increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. Finally, having a mobile app gives businesses a direct marketing channel to reach their customers. With over 90% of Americans owning a cellphone (Pew Research Center, 2019), businesses have a unique opportunity to reach a large audience with targeted messages. You can use push notifications to send special offers and announcements directly to your customer’s phones. This is an effective way to increase sales and improve customer retention.

Common Disadvantages of Building an App for a Business

While there are many advantages to building a mobile app for your small business, there are also some disadvantages that you should be aware of before making the decision. One of the main disadvantages is cost. Developing and maintaining an app can be expensive, especially if you hire a professional company to do it for you. In addition, you will also need to pay Apple and Google a yearly fee to keep your app in their respective app stores. Another disadvantage of having a mobile app is that you have to comply with the security and performance policies of both Apple and Google. This can be difficult and time-consuming, especially if you are not familiar with the technical aspects of building an app. If your app does not meet these standards, it could be removed from the store which would damage your business’s reputation. Despite the disadvantages, there are still many advantages to building a mobile app for your small business. These include increased brand credibility, improved customer engagement, and a more personalized experience for your customers. In addition, an app can act as a direct marketing channel and provide you with valuable feedback about your products and services. If you do your research and assess the needs of your target market, you can decide if a mobile app is right for your small business. What are some other pros and cons of building a mobile app for a small business? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your input! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Like this article?

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linkdin
Share on Pinterest

Related Posts

Here’s the Real Reason MoviePass is Failing So Spectacularly (Hint_ It’s Not what You Think)

September 13, 2018 No Comments

MoviePass is failing in-part because it didn’t fully understand the business on which it tried to build its own empire. A slew of news interviews with theater operators points this fact out. They say the service just doesn’t understand how the cinema business works. But, perhaps more importantly, what’s caused things to go so badly in such a short time is it was always too good to be true. In other words, the company overpromised. That’s really why the startup is quickly sputtering out-of-control. And, it’s what gets far too many fledgling companies in big time trouble. Eager to please and deliver jaw-dropping results, they promise the moon and hardly leave earth’s atmosphere. Biggest Overpromising Pitfalls Undoubtedly, critics say it’s time to face reality and close up shop. Irate subscribers and suing shareholders might disagree. (The former wants out, while the latter wants its investment money back.) But, it’s now apparent the movie-selling service just can’t operate as it has. And, for good reason. When you overpromise, you put undue pressure on yourself. Not to mention, you artificially raise expectations to unreachable heights. How many times has a salesperson promised to increase your company’s exposure by 50%, double your client list, and quadruple your profit margin? In this age of instantaneous satisfaction (thanks, technology!), many entrepreneurs and corporate leaders are so eager to appease stakeholders and worried about the bottom line that they seize amorphous opportunities and are disappointed with the results. —Forbes.com There’s more downsides to overpromising. You’re not only letting down one customer, you’re also sending a message that you just aren’t competent or capable of delivering. Then, there’s also the fact that you create resentment among your employees — toward you and each other. 3 Effective Ways to Avoid Overpromising So, how do you avoid the trap of overpromising. After all, you want to sell your business as the solution. Here are a few helpful suggestions for how to avoid overpromising: Learn your customer’s expectations first. Before you begin making promises about what you can do for someone, be sure to ask about their expectations. There’s no good reason to offer lofty solutions or goals when you don’t know what’s really needed. Be completely open, honest, and transparent. As you’re talking with your customer (and with your own team), it’s very important to always be honest. One of the fastest ways to invite disaster is to keep secrets. It’s just counterproductive to hold back because it will eventually come back to bite you. Keep all communications flowing between everyone involved. Communication either solves or prevents a whole lot of misunderstandings. It’s not enough to just be honest but also, to make yourself accessible. When everyone communicates, everyone is on the same page. And, that’s an invaluable element since it paves the way to success when all parties are on-board and totally in-the-know. What other ways do you avoid overpromising? Or, what other advice would you give? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Read More »

The Essential Blueprint for Small Businesses Caught in Trade Wars

September 18, 2025 No Comments

Ever feel like global economics are playing a game of chess with your small business as the pawn? Trade wars can certainly make it feel that way. But don’t fret. Below is an essential blueprint to not just survive, but thrive, even when tariffs are flying and supply chains are strained. So, let’s get strategic and make these challenges work for you.

Read More »

How Business Owners Running on an Empty Tank can Refuel

May 10, 2022 No Comments

Are you feeling run down and stressed out? Are you finding it hard to get motivated to work on your business? If so, you are not alone. Many business owners find themselves in this position at some point in their careers. However, just because you are feeling worn out doesn’t mean that you have to give up. There are things that you can do to re-energize yourself and get back on track. In this article, we will discuss some of the best tips for overcoming burnout and getting your energy back. Start by Lowering Street, Eating Senisbly One of the most important things that you can do to combat stress and fatigue is to control your stress levels. If you are constantly feeling overwhelmed, it is important to take some time for yourself and relax. There are many ways to do this, such as yoga, meditation, or simply taking a walk outside. Taking some time each day to de-stress will help you feel more refreshed and ready to work on your business. Burnout hurts. When you burn out at work, you feel diminished, like a part of yourself has gone into hiding. Challenges that were formerly manageable feel insurmountable. It’s the opposite end of the spectrum from engagement. The engaged entrepreneur is energized, involved, and high-performing; the burned-out entrepreneur is exhausted, cynical, and overwhelmed. —Harvard Business Review Another way to re-energize yourself is to make sure that you are eating light lunches. Heavy meals can make you feel sluggish and tired. Instead, focus on eating healthy foods that will give you sustained energy throughout the day. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein are all great options for an energy-boosting lunch. Effective Steps Burned-Out Business Owners can Re-Engergize In addition to reducing stress and eating light lunches, it is also important to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and make it difficult to focus. Make sure to drink water throughout the day to stay properly hydrated. But, these alone may not be enough. So, also do the following: Exercise. Exercise is another great way to combat stress and fatigue. Taking a brisk walk or going for a run can help you clear your head and boost your energy levels. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-enhancing properties. If you can, try to get in some exercise every day, even if it’s just a short walk around the block. Sleep better. Getting more restful sleep is also crucial for overcoming burnout. If you are not getting enough sleep, you will find it difficult to focus and get things done. Make sure to give yourself time to wind down before bed and create a relaxing environment in your bedroom. This will help you fall asleep more easily and get the restful sleep that you need. Take breaks. Finally, it is important to take regular breaks throughout the day. Working non-stop will only make you feel more stressed and tired. Instead, take a few minutes every hour or so to take a break. Stretch your legs, grab a cup of coffee, or simply step away from your desk for a few minutes. Taking breaks will help you stay refreshed and focused on your work. If you are feeling burned out, don’t despair. There are things that you can do to re-energize yourself and get back on track. By following these tips, you will be well on your way to feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world. Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Read More »

Imagine Selling Your Business…

How Would Your Life Change?

You didn’t start your business just to stay busy—you built it to create freedom, security, and options for yourself and your family. Selling your business can be life-changing, but the real question is whether you’re intentionally building toward that outcome or simply leaving it to chance.

Sign up below for a free consultative session to learn what your business could be worth today and in the future! 

Thank you for your interest in learning what your business is worth. We will be in touch shortly.