Guide ·
Does your business need an app, or a better website?
When a custom app is worth it for a small business, when a better website will do, and what a Central Coast app developer can build for you.
Plenty of businesses ask an app developer for an app when what they really need is a better website. Others struggle on with spreadsheets for years when a simple custom app would save hours every week. Here's how to tell which one you are.
Signs a better website is enough
You mainly need people to find you, trust you and get in touch
Your information changes a few times a month, not a few times a day
Your customers don't need to log in
Signs you need an app
You copy the same details between spreadsheets, emails and invoices
Several people need to see and update the same records
You chase quotes, bookings or payments by hand
You hold private information that has to be kept secure
What a small business app looks like
It usually isn't something in the App Store. Most business apps are web apps: they run in the browser on a phone, tablet or computer, with a secure login. Examples I've built include a sales CRM and lead pipeline, an invoicing system, and an encrypted record-keeping app.
Security comes first
An app holds your business data and often your customers' details. Before you hire anyone, ask:
Is the data encrypted, and where is it stored?
How are logins protected against guessing?
Is the app tested for security before launch?
I'm a qualified network security engineer as well as an app developer, so these questions get answered before a line of code is written.
Talk it through
I build apps for businesses in Gosford, Erina, Terrigal, Tuggerah, Wyong, The Entrance and across the NSW Central Coast. Read more about my app development service, or tell me what's slowing your business down.