Does my business really need a mobile app?

At some point, all digital businesses face a fundamental question: should I create a mobile app or is my website enough? The doubt is legitimate and increasingly common in companies that are growing and seeking to offer a better experience to their users.

And it is not an easy decision. Creating a mobile app involves investment, time, maintenance and a completely new strategy. So, is it worth it?

Mobile app or web version: which is the best option?

Not all companies need an app. Sometimes a website optimized for mobile is more than enough, especially if users do not require native device functions such as camera, GPS or push notifications.

In our company, this debate is constant. We are always evaluating whether it is worth creating an app or if our well-optimized website fulfills its function. Should we invest in separate versions for iOS and Android? Or will it be enough to continue improving the mobile experience of our current website? We have even considered developing a complete software that integrates key functionalities instead of simply “adapting” what we already have.

These questions arise every time the business grows and we strive to provide the best service to our users.

So how do we know which is the best option? Let’s start by understanding the key factors.

Key factors to consider when deciding whether to develop an app

Before you rush out to hire a development team or learn Swift on your own, ask yourself:

• Are your users asking for it?
• Do you need features that only a native app can offer?
• Do you have the resources to maintain the app in the long term?
• Is mobile use essential to your business model?
• Are you going to generate revenue directly from the app?

If you answer “yes” to at least three of these questions, you probably have a real need for an app. But if your customers simply browse your content, make occasional purchases or fill out forms, a well-made website (or a PWA) may be smarter and more cost-effective.

The role of user experience in this decision

One of the biggest drivers for developing an app is to improve the user experience (UX). A well-designed app is faster, more fluid and more personalized. You can offer push notifications, integrate operating system services and create an interface perfectly adapted to the user’s device.

In our case, the focus has always been on delivering the best possible user experience. But we have learned that this does not always mean making an app. Sometimes, the best experience comes from an optimized website that loads quickly, responds well and adapts to all devices without the need to download anything.

So, before thinking about development, we did speed audits, reviewed mobile navigation and improved critical elements of our web interface. Only then did we evaluate whether an app would provide real additional value or would simply be an unnecessary luxury.

What benefits does a mobile app offer a growing business?

Creating an app can be a game changer, but only if it’s done with a clear strategy. These are the most notable benefits:

• Loyalty: An app is present on the user’s device 24/7. This allows for more brand recall and more opportunities for interaction.
• Engagement: Thanks to push notifications, you can communicate directly and timely with your users.
• Offline access: Some features may be available even without internet.
• Personalized experience: Collect data and behavior to customize the app according to the user.

But beware: all these benefits come with great technical and business responsibility. Launching an app without purpose or maintenance can be counterproductive.

Android, iOS or both: how to choose the best platform

Another classic dilemma: which platform to start with? Do we develop for iOS, Android or both?

In the US, iOS tends to dominate the market of users with high purchasing power, while Android has a larger global share and is more flexible. The decision depends on your target market and your resources.

In our case, one of the reasons why we haven’t taken the plunge yet is because doing it “right” implies separate developments for both platforms or at least using a framework like Flutter or React Native. And that brings us to the next point…

What if, instead of an app, I turn my website into software?

This was one of the most interesting ideas that we evaluated in our team: not to make an app as such, but to build more robust software that can then have a web, mobile and even desktop interface.

After all, many companies are opting for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): websites that behave almost like apps. They can send you notifications, work offline and be used from the browser without downloading anything.

This reduces costs and gives you the advantage of maintaining a single code base.

Alternatives: hybrid apps, PWA and other options

If you’re on a tight budget, or you just want to validate your idea, there are solutions that don’t involve making a native app from scratch:

• Progressive Web Apps (PWA): as we mentioned, these are “enhanced” websites that offer an app-like experience.
• Cross-platform frameworks (Flutter, React Native): these allow you to develop once for iOS and Android.
• Well-designed responsive web: it’s not the same as an app, but it can offer an impeccable experience if it’s done with quality.

Our experience: decisions that arise when growing a business

In our company, we are constantly reevaluating this decision. Is it worth making a mobile app? Are we ready to maintain, update, and continuously improve it?

Beyond the technology, the debate is strategic. What we are looking for is to deliver an outstanding experience, and that is sometimes achieved with a great app… but other times, with a well-designed website.

What is clear is that these kinds of decisions appear when you are growing. When the number of users increases, processes become more sophisticated and you need new channels to remain competitive.

The cost of developing an app in the USA

And now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the price.

Developing a mobile app in the United States is not cheap. These are the average ranges:

• Simple app: 20,000–50,000 USD
• Medium complexity app: 50,000–100,000 USD
• Complex app (backend, multiple functions, various platforms): 100,000–300,000+ USD

To this you must add annual maintenance (15-20% of the initial cost), updates, possible bugs, compatibility with new versions, and the entire process of publication in stores.

For this reason, many companies opt first for a minimum viable version (MVP) or for a PWA that allows them to validate without committing so much capital.

Conclusion: how to know if your company really needs an app

Developing an app is not just a fad or a mandatory step for all companies. It is a strategic decision that must be aligned with your business objectives, your audience, and your operational capacity.

In our experience, the important thing is to ask the right questions:

• Does this really improve the user experience?
• Do we have a need that an app can solve better than the web?
• Can we maintain and scale this app with quality?
• Do we have the budget to do it right?

If the answer is yes, go ahead: create an app that is a real extension of your business, not just an embellishment.

But if you still have doubts, perhaps it’s best to continue optimizing your website, explore a PWA or wait until you have a clearer need.

Because, at the end of the day, you don’t need an app… you need to offer an experience that your users will love. And that, sometimes, starts in the browser.