How Do I Build a Mobile App for My Business?
In today’s mobile-first world, having a mobile app is essential for your business. Whether you want to improve customer engagement, get customer loyalty, or increase sales, a mobile app can help. But with so many paths to building a mobile app, how do you choose the right one for your business? Especially for businesses with tight budgets and small teams, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each approach.
Let’s explore four options to build a mobile app, along with their list of pros and cons.
1 Hire an App Development Agency
One popular route is to hire an experienced app development agency to create a mobile app tailored to your business.
Pros:
High-quality, custom designs and features.
Professional project management and expertise.
Access to the latest technology.
Cons:
Expensive (costs often start at $50,000 or more).
Long development timelines, sometimes exceeding six months.
Limited control over updates once the project is delivered. (You have to pay even more)
This approach is ideal for large businesses but can be overwhelming for smaller teams trying to manage costs and timelines.
2 Build a Mobile App In-House
For businesses with an internal tech team, developing a mobile app in-house might be an option.
Pros:
Full control over design and features.
Easier to make updates and improvements.
Aligns closely with your brand’s vision.
Cons:
Requires skilled developers and a dedicated team.
Can take months to build and test.
High costs associated with hiring and maintaining a tech team.
If your business already has IT resources, this can be a viable option. However, for SMBs with limited budgets, it may not be feasible.
3 Use Mobile App Builders
Mobile app builders like BuildFire or Shoutem are platforms that allow businesses to create mobile apps designed for both the App Store and Google Play without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
Pros:
Affordable, with subscription-based pricing that fits most SMB budgets.
Quick development, with many apps ready for launch in just weeks.
Provides publishing tools to deploy the app directly to app stores.
Cons:
Limited customization, as templates may not fully reflect your brand’s uniqueness.
Ongoing subscription costs, which can become big over time and with more users.
Reliance on the builder’s features, which may restrict app functionality or scalability.
This option works well for businesses that need a straightforward and cost-effective way to build a mobile app without significant technical resources.
4 Partner with Logbook
Logbook specializes in creating affordable, high-quality mobile apps designed specifically for businesses like yours. Our platform bridges the gap between expensive agencies and restrictive DIY tools.
Pros:
Fast implementation, with apps ready in weeks.
Affordable pricing tailored to SMBs.
Professional designs that align with your brand.
Continuous support and updates to keep your app fresh.
Cons:
Requires collaboration to align features with business needs.
Customization options may be charged.
Logbook is ideal for businesses that want a reliable, professional mobile app without the cost or complexity of traditional development.
How to Choose the Right Option
When deciding how to build a mobile app, consider these questions:
What’s your budget? If you’re working with a tight budget, DIY tools or Logbook may be the best fit.
How fast do you need the app? Agencies and in-house teams take longer, while DIY tools and Logbook offer faster timelines.
What features are essential? If you need advanced, custom features, an agency or in-house team might be necessary.
Have some look at our cases and see if we can power your mobile app
In Logbook we are here to help you grow your business with your own social media branded app. You can have a look at one of our most successful partners in Halcyon.
If you also want your app in a matter of weeks, contact us!
