Small Business App Development set to take off.

The time to ask "Do I need a mobile app?" has come and gone. While it's true companies can create websites optimised for use on mobile web browsers, it's difficult to achieve the same level of engagement or even a compelling user experience.

After all, in a clear example most will be familiar with, it's significantly easier to use the mobile app of a bankthan the mobile website.

This article will take a look at the current mobile app market, where growth is likely to go and why it's time for small businesses to put a mobile app in place.

Mobile apps are causing major disruption. Get ready for tomorrow at https://t.co/Jvk11WY7DApic.twitter.com/vfKJEbgAbg

A recent study from research firm Clutch found that small businesses have, by and large, been slow to adopt mobile apps. In fact, fewer than a quarter have an app in place. The primary reasons will almost certainly centre around two key factors: cost to develop and perceived need.

The former is understandable: businesses may not want to spend significant sums developing an app. The other ties in closely: why does the business even need an app?

In the next few years, business mobile app adoption is set to soar, meaning companies are starting to understand that apps should be more than just a consideration – they're a necessity.

Clutch found that nearly 50 per cent of small businesses will have a mobile app by 2017. But why the strong uptake? Interestingly, Clutch noted that development is becoming more practical. The research firm explained that while it's true only a small percentage of small businesses currently have an app offering, lower costs make the prospect more viable.

In many cases, this is where working with a team of experts can prove especially useful – a team of developers and designers who understand what makes a stellar mobile app and what purpose an app should serve.

So, small businesses are starting to understand both that mobile apps are important and that the difficulties of development continue to shrink. As noted in the banking app example at the beginning of the article, apps can offer a far more cohesive experience than what's possible using a mobile website.

There are also a number of other advantages when developing a bespoke app, including:

• Functionality: An app can be designed to take advantage of the many different components and features of modern smartphones. For example, apps that require a high level of security can use biometric fingerprint scanners. Other apps can use the GPS functionality of smartphones.
• Engagement: Businesses can offer coupons and other customer loyalty benefits through mobile apps, meaning that once the app is installed, users will likely continue to use it if it continues to offer value.
• Reach: Lastly, there's the simple fact that mobile data usage continues to grow, meaning more people are using mobile devices to access web services. A website may no longer cut it when trying to reach customers.

As a business, how do you stay ahead? Discover why mobile apps are a game changer.https://t.co/Jvk11WY7DA pic.twitter.com/hdNwplyOtn

Small businesses need to consider mobile apps – they can offer a far more engaging experience than websites optimised for mobile use. However, approaching app development without the guidance of professionals could do more harm than good.

At Sush Mobile, we've got a world-class team of developers and designers who are able to work with you to develop an app that's unique and capable, while still sticking to the established guidelines set out by Google and Apple. Get in touch with Sush Mobile today to learn more about the various mobile app development options for your small business.