DIY Apps for Small Business: A Guide to Developing Your Own App
In today’s fast-paced digital world, having a mobile app can greatly benefit small businesses, helping to cut costs, boost sales, enhance productivity, and build customer relationships. With more people buying smartphones every day, having a mobile presence has become increasingly crucial. As of the latest statistics, about 45% of American adults own smartphones, and this figure climbs to 66% for those aged 18-29 and 68% for people in higher-income households.
But how does a small business go about creating a custom app, especially when hiring a professional developer might not be financially feasible? Thankfully, a growing number of DIY app development tools make it possible to create quality apps without coding expertise.
Do You Need a Developer for a High-Quality App?
Hiring a developer can be costly, which makes it an impractical option for small businesses on a tight budget. However, this does not mean you have to sacrifice quality. DIY app development tools have evolved to offer features that rival professionally developed apps, often at a fraction of the cost. These tools cater to small business owners who want to improve customer engagement or internal efficiency without breaking the bank.
Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing a DIY App Builder
- Platform Compatibility: Decide if your app will run on iOS, Android, or both. It’s essential to reach as many customers as possible, so cross-platform capabilities are highly beneficial;
- Target Audience: Will your app be customer-facing or for in-house use? This will determine the features and complexity of your app;
- Relevant Features: Ensure the app builder offers the functionalities you need, such as push notifications, GPS, or social media integration;
- Promotion and Accessibility: Consider how you will promote your app and whether you want it available in major app stores like Google Play and Apple’s App Store, as this may incur additional costs;
- Budget: Establish how much you are willing to spend upfront and for maintenance. Compare DIY options with the cost of hiring a developer;
- Time Investment: Some platforms have a steep learning curve, so factor in how much time you can dedicate to app development;
- Monetization: Decide if you want to include paid features or upgrades to generate revenue.
- Ease of Updates: The ability to quickly and easily update your app is crucial for long-term success.
Types of Apps: Native vs. Mobile Web
Apps come in two forms. Native apps are developed for specific operating systems (like iOS or Android) and are distributed through app stores. Mobile Web apps, on the other hand, run in a browser and are compatible across platforms but may be slower. When choosing your DIY app tool, decide whether your app needs to be available in app stores or if Web access will suffice.
DIY App Development Tools to Consider
Based on a comprehensive review of available programs, we’ve identified several standout DIY app builders:
Top DIY App Programs
- Bizness Apps: Designed with small businesses in mind, Bizness Apps offers an easy-to-use platform with features tailored for businesses. Starting at $29/month, it provides an affordable yet scalable solution;
- KitApps: Ideal for events and conferences, KitApps lets you create mobile guides in as little as 30 minutes. More business-centric features are in development;
- Magmito: Suitable for creating promotional apps, Magmito has affordable plans starting at $4.99 per app. Business packages are available at $9.99/month for updates;
- Mobile Roadie: Known for creating feature-rich apps, Mobile Roadie is pricier ($99/month) but offers advanced customization for those needing robust features;
- SwebApps: Allows real-time updates for iPhone and Android apps. While setup costs are higher, it’s a solid choice for businesses needing regular updates;
- TheAppBuilder: Provides an intuitive interface for creating apps for businesses, events, or groups. Web apps are free, while premium plans allow for app store submissions;
- Tiggzi: A cloud-based tool for building HTML5 and hybrid apps with a free option and scalable paid plans.
Special Recognition
- Aisle Buyer: Recently acquired by Intuit, Aisle Buyer specializes in mobile commerce, turning smartphones into powerful sales tools;
- Appcelerator: Best for those with some coding knowledge, Appcelerator’s Titanium platform is a strong choice for ambitious app projects.
Budget-Friendly Options
For those testing the waters, consider these budget-friendly or free tools:
- AppBreeder: Plans range from $29 to $59/month;
- AppsBar: A beginner-friendly platform that’s entirely free;
- AppsGeyser: Free but ad-supported, with monetization options.
Honorable Mentions
While not specifically geared towards businesses, these tools offer excellent features:
- AppMkr by Socialize;
- App Inventor (open-source);
- GameSalad: Great for businesses looking to create gamified experiences.
Blended Approach: Hiring Help with a DIY Tool
If you don’t have the time or interest to develop an app yourself, consider hiring a freelance developer to work with a DIY platform. This way, you save on costs while still having a say in the app’s design and features. Once your app is live, you can easily make updates yourself.
Conclusion
Creating an app for your small business doesn’t have to be a daunting or expensive task. With the right DIY tools and strategic planning, you can develop an app that enhances your business operations and provides a significant return on investment. Whether you choose to do it yourself or collaborate with a professional, the key is to select a tool that aligns with your goals, budget, and time constraints.
