Categories: Advice

How to Build a Mobile App for Your Small Business

A June study by Nielsen found that more than 60 percent of mobile users in the United States owned a smartphone. People not only use their phones to surf the web and communicate with friends, but are conducting business that just a few years ago was reserved for notebooks and desktop computers. It is now more important than ever for businesses to optimize their websites for mobile technology.

While creating a mobile version of your website is a good start, an app is the most comprehensive way to ensure maximum exposure to potential customers. An app moves faster than a mobile website and can sync with other features on the phone. The problem is that most small business owners don’t have the technological wherewithal to code an app themselves. It isn’t as difficult as one might imagine, but also not as simple as printing business cards online. The following will help steer you in the right direction.

User-Friendly Tools

There are several WordPress-esque programs out there that can help you build your own app from scratch without breaking the bank. BuildAnApp.com is one of the more affordable options available for what you actually get. It allows you to build an app compatible with Android, iOS and Blackberry platforms. The standard package, including getting your app published in the Apple App Store, will cost under $250. The professional package goes for around $800.

AppMakr.com is specifically for those who want to build an app for iPhones. The most basic version is free, while their premium package is $79 (excluding the cost of publication in the App store). Forbes called Conduit one of the simplest mobile app builders on the web. Tiggzi, SwebApps and Codiqa are also a few other options you can check out before deciding which direction to go.

Hire A Freelancer

Your business may need something more than just a cookie-cutter app that gives you a mobile presence. A freelance coder can build an app to the exact specifications you instruct for a flat or hourly fee. Odesk.com is a great resource to finding freelance app developers. You can view the profiles of available freelancers that will show their qualifications, work samples and rates. GetAppQuotes.com allows business owners to post the parameters as to what they want for an app, and freelancers will bid on the work. Rent-acoder.com and Elance offer similar services.

Hire A Permanent Technology Ace

If your business relies solely on the web to turn a profit, you may need to hire a developer for a full or part-time position. The most difficult part of bringing on this new employee will be finding the right person for your needs. Spend as much time as necessary (weeks or even months) vetting your potential IT guru). During the interview, make certain to put candidates through a tech test so they can display their ability to solve problems that are sure to arise.

It is no longer optional for bottom line businesses owners to have a presence on the mobile web. Whether simple or complex, every day your small business goes without a mobile app is another day of lost revenues.

Author Bio:

Dan is a freelance business and marketing consultant with a dedicated passion for helping small to medium size organizations reach their business goals and connect with their target audience. In his free time, Dan enjoys spending time with his family and taking trips across the globe to establish new connections and network with like minded individuals. Follow him on Twitter @SharpestDan.

Deborah Sweeney

Deborah Sweeney is an advocate for protecting personal and business assets for business owners and entrepreneurs. With extensive experience in the field of corporate and intellectual property law, Deborah provides insightful commentary on the benefits of incorporation and trademark registration. Education: Deborah received her Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degrees from Pepperdine University, and has served as an adjunct professor at the University of West Los Angeles and San Fernando School of Law in corporate and intellectual property law. Experience: After becoming a partner at LA-based law firm, Michel & Robinson, she became an in-house attorney for MyCorporation, formerly a division in Intuit. She took the company private in 2009 and after 10 years of entrepreneurship sold the company to Deluxe Corporation. Deborah is also well-recognized for her written work online as a contributing writer with some of the top business and entrepreneurial blogging sites including Forbes, Business Insider, SCORE, and Fox Business, among others. Fun facts/Other pursuits: Originally from Southern California, Deborah enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, Benjamin and Christopher, and practicing Pilates. Deborah believes in the importance of family and credits the entrepreneurial business model for giving her the flexibility to enjoy both a career and motherhood. Deborah, and MyCorporation, have previously been honored by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal’s List of the Valley’s Largest Women-Owned Businesses in 2012. MyCorporation received the Stevie Award for Best Women-Owned Business in 2011.