Why Build A Custom Mobile App Rather Than Using An Off-The-Shelf Product?
Mobile apps are so important and increasingly common a part of many businesses’ digital strategies that a range of development options are available. These range from building an app from the ground up – or simply adding new logos to an existing package.
The temptation to do the latter is clear: it’s cheap, and many apps do similar jobs – so why reinvent the wheel? But the truth is that there are good reasons to consider building a custom app.
Most importantly, building your own app gives you total control, now and in the future. It enables you to respond to customer requirements and feedback with a good deal more flexibility than a “white label” project might. For example, consider the below factors when balancing this question:
- Customization
Many companies have specific requirements that off-the-shelf solutions can’t address, and need the flexibility to adapt and change as goals shift and new requirements arise. Some products allow customization, but it’s important to evaluate honestly the degree of customization required to satisfy your company’s needs.
- Personalised User Experience
The user interface (UI) is one of the most important factors affecting the user experience (UX) and usability of any app. While some off-the-shelf apps offer a generic UI, none give you total command. And that matters – because a great UI, and a satisfying UX, can be the difference between a successful app and a less successful one.
- Ownership of Intellectual Property
Custom app development gives you ownership of your app’s source code and therefore means you retain ownership of the product – a benefit that isn’t available with off-the-shelf products. As in any other field, ownership allows your company to adapt quickly to changing market needs, which can be the difference between the success and failure of your app.
- Scalability for Future Development
A common challenge during development is creating an app that’s built with longevity in mind. It’s no secret that successful mobile apps are the ones that adapt to changing user demands and behaviors. It can take a lot more work to build new functionality into a pre-packaged product – especially if the product’s API is poor to begin with.
In other words, off-the-shelf apps limit your options. And every business knows that room for manoeuvre is a precious commodity. That’s the best reason to build a custom mobile app rather than using an off-the-shelf product.
Contact ImagePlus for Mobile App Development
We provide mobile app design and development for all project requirements, both consumer and business apps. If you’re in need of a mobile app or just have an idea for a project you wish to discuss, please contact us to arrange a consultancy.
Call us on 024 7683 4780 or email us at info@image-plus.co.uk.
