In 2019, 79% of UK adults owned a smartphone. With that in mind, creating an app to reach your current customers on their device and to expand your audience seems like the smart thing to do.
It will enable you to build your brand awareness and provide further value to your customers. However, if this is a new step for your business, you may be wondering where to start. App development can seem like a long, complicated and expensive process, but it doesn’t have to be. There are now many companies offering software to make this process easier. We’ve put together various options that might be suitable depending on the type and size of your business and the service you are offering.
Appy Pie
Appy Pie is a free DIY app maker that allows you to create a fully functioning app without any coding at all. It offers easy step-by-step instructions, and there is also a ‘how to’ video that can be followed if the written instructions are unclear.
Features that you can choose to make use of include the ability to send out push notifications to customers, social media integrations, photo and video features, and the opportunity to make your app multilingual, plus many more options.
PhoneGap
If you already have knowledge on HTML, CSS and JavaScript, then building your app with PhoneGap would be an option. This open-source framework allows you to use existing knowledge of web development languages to build for multiple platforms, saving the trouble of learning a new language.
The open-source nature of the software means you can benefit from a broad range of expert knowledge and developers.
GameSalad
GameSalad was founded in 2007 with the aim of using video game creation to allow for engagement with STEAM and provide a fun, accessible way to learn Computer Science.
Games developed with GameSalad can be played on iOS devices, on Android, and online. They offer two options: GameSalad Creator, enabling anyone to make their own video game, and GameSalad for Education, which uses the development platform along with standard curricula, offering teachers a different way to reinforce taught concepts. This offers a great introduction into the world of gaming apps for both children and adults.
Appery.io
Appery.io is a coded app platform that supports the leading JavaScript frameworks and enables apps to be built for iOS, Android and the Web.
It boasts the ability to build an app in 5 easy steps, including Step 1 of choosing from the available templates and Step 2, using the drag-and-drop for design of your user interface. The simplicity of using a template and a drag-and-drop system allows a quick route to your app idea becoming a reality and ready for deployment.
Mobile Roadie
Specialising in music apps for the likes of Madonna and Taylor Swift when the company first began, this reach has since further expanded into other industries including hospitality, sports, entertainment and more.
It was the world’s first app-builder for both iOS and Android perhaps aiding its popularity. It meant that custom software development was no longer needed, and also offered the added benefits of a Content Management System and Dashboard for viewing app analytics and activity.
It now serves over 50,000,000 active users between its 3,000 + live apps available in the App Store and Google Play.
Apps Builder
Offering a simplified version of app creation, Apps Builder requires no coding, so a lack of skills in this area will not be a barrier to getting your app ready on time.
Choose your page layout from the variety that they offer and customise as you want, to create the design and experience that will engage your user. In addition, you can connect your full digital presence, including website and social media channels, to enable a wider reach and consistency for your brand or business.
Good Barber
Good Barber specialises in offering technology that creates E-commerce and Content Management apps. With user experience and how you reach your customers being so important in these areas, it is definitely worth considering if an app would be of benefit to your business.
For both options, E-commerce and Content Management, the apps are created using a single management interface, so technical knowledge is not vital. The apps are then available for iOS, for Android, and on the Web. Features that can be built in include push notifications, user-generated content, one-click payment, a permanent cart option and more.
BiznessApps
The type and size of the business you run will determine the type of app that will be suitable and required.
Specialising in apps for small business, across industries, BiznessApps uses a drag-and-drop design process and offers a team of experts that you can reach out to if you find there is something you need assistance on. Key features include mobile ordering, loyalty programs and a messaging service to help keep your small business moving at a fast pace.
AppMachine
AppMachine allows the ability to scan your own website to use the content as a starting block when you begin building, in order to further simplify the app creation process. You can then use their pre-coded Building Blocks and skin selection to add further customisation to your user interface. View all changes in real time either on your smartphone or within the browser simulator provided.
AppMachine allows for app building without the need for technical skills and a lengthy process.
ShoutEm
ShoutEm believe that app development should be accessible to all and not solely available to those businesses with a big budget. They offer a drag-and-drop system of modular building blocks called extensions. These extensions are available to reuse and edit as you wish, giving ready-made options that can be built into your app, such as news and loyalty features.
A back-end analytics dashboard is built in, giving visibility on how users are interacting and engaging with your app; and tutorials and support are available.
We hope that has given you a good overview of the many ways now available to build an app. Explore the options, and see which would best suit and benefit your business. If you feel that these options may not work for you and you would prefer something custom-made, get in touch to discuss your idea. At GWS, we offer an App Development Service and a wealth of experience. We understand the importance of being able to reach your customers on multiple platforms and why an app can make all the difference.
