Why and how to develop a mobile application for your business?

The mobile app market has been growing exponentially for several years, to the point of becoming an essential channel for reaching and retaining customers. Businesses, whether large corporations or small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), have every interest in taking a close look at this strategic lever.

Why develop a mobile app for your business? How do you go about it?

This article reveals the key points to successfully implement your mobile app project and get the most out of it.

1. Why develop a mobile application for your business?

1. A stronger digital presence: With a mobile app, your brand is always accessible on your customers' smartphones. You gain visibility and proximity.

2. A direct communication channel: Push notifications allow you to communicate with your users in real time. You can promote new products, share offers, or build audience loyalty instantly.

3. A better user experience: Mobile apps are often faster, more user-friendly, and more intuitive than traditional websites. They facilitate navigation and improve conversion rates.

4. A source of valuable data: By offering a user space, you can collect information (preferences, purchase history, app usage) that will help you better understand your audience and personalize your offers.

5. A competitive advantage: Many small and medium-sized businesses have yet to make the leap to mobile apps. By anticipating this trend, you can stand out from your competitors and add a modern dimension to your brand image.

2. How to define your mobile application project?

1. Identify the main objective

   • Is it about improving customer service (appointment scheduling, after-sales service, etc.), selling products (e-commerce), building loyalty through a points program, or offering specific content (training, news)?

   • Clearly defining your goal will help guide the app's features and design.

2. Know your target

   • Who will use the application? Existing customers, prospects, partners?

   • Define the user profile, their needs and their mobile browsing habits.

3. List the essential features

   • There's no need to try to do everything right from the start. Focus on two or three key features that will bring real value to your audience.

   • Example: user account management, push notifications, e-commerce, live chat, geolocation, etc.

4. Plan a model or prototype

   • Before starting development, create a wireframe to visualize the screens and user journey.

   • This step allows us to validate the ergonomics and refine the technical requirements.

3. The different development approaches

1. Native apps

   • Developed specifically for Android (Java/Kotlin) or iOS (Swift), they offer the best performance and an optimal user experience.

   • Higher development cost and more complex maintenance if you target multiple operating systems.

2. Hybrid or cross-platform apps

   • Based on technologies like React Native, Flutter or Ionic, they allow you to code once for multiple platforms (Android and iOS).

   • A good compromise between performance, cost and speed of development.

3. Progressive Web App (PWA)

   • These are optimized websites that install on the user's device and offer an experience close to the application (push notifications, offline access, etc.).

   • Less expensive to develop, but some native features (GPS, camera, etc.) are sometimes more limited.

4. Best practices for successful application

1. Think UX/UI first

   • Ergonomics (UX) and interface (UI) must be carefully considered. Opt for a clean design, sufficiently large buttons, and intuitive navigation.

   • Test regularly with users to detect potential friction points.

2. Optimize performance

   • The app must be fast and stable . Users are more likely to uninstall an app that crashes too often or takes a long time to open.

   • Monitor package size and battery consumption.

3. Take care of data security

   • Protect your users' personal information.

   • Implement encryption protocols (HTTPS) and ensure GDPR compliance if you operate in Europe.

4. Implement a communication plan

   • Launching an app requires a marketing strategy: website announcements, email campaigns, social media, etc.

   • Update the app regularly and communicate about new features to keep users' attention.

5. Analyze and continuously improve

   • Use mobile analytics tools (Firebase, Mixpanel, etc.) to study your users' behavior.

   • Collect feedback, fix bugs, and add the most requested features.

Conclusion

Developing a mobile app can be a tremendous asset for strengthening customer relationships, increasing sales, and modernizing your brand image. Before you get started, take the time to clarify your objective, target essential features, and choose the most appropriate development method. Need support? At Espoir Enjeux , we design and build custom mobile apps, designed to meet the challenges of each business. Contact us to discuss your project and make your app a success!