7 Signs Your Shop Has Outgrown Registers and Spreadsheets
Registers and spreadsheets work well at first. Here are the warning signs that it is time to move to proper shop management software.
Software Selection Guides
Website, Web App or Mobile App: Which Does Your Business Need?
Business owners often ask us for "an app" when what they really need is a website — or ask for a website when their problem is actually internal operations. Choosing the right type of solution first saves money and time.
Start with the problem, not the technology
Ask yourself one question: who will use it, and what do they need to get done?
- If potential customers need to find you, trust you and contact you, you need a website.
- If your staff need to record sales, stock, fees or installments and see reports, you need a web application or business software.
- If existing customers or field staff need something on their phone every day — ordering, tracking, notifications — a mobile app may be worth it.
Website
A website is mostly informational: who you are, what you offer, how to contact you. It is the quickest and least expensive option, and it is what search engines show when people look for your services. Almost every business should have one.
Web application
A web application has logins and data. Think of a shop management system, a school fee portal or a CRM. It runs in the browser, so it works on computers, tablets and phones without installing anything, and every update reaches all users at once.
Native or hybrid mobile app
A mobile app is installed from the Play Store or App Store. Native apps are built specifically for one platform and give the best performance and access to phone features. Hybrid (cross-platform) apps use one codebase for Android and iOS and are usually more affordable for business use.
Apps make sense when people will use them regularly. If customers will only visit once or twice, a fast mobile-friendly website is usually the better investment.
A sensible order for most businesses
- A professional website so customers can find and contact you.
- Business software (desktop or web) to run daily operations.
- A mobile app once you know exactly what your customers or staff need on their phones.
Not sure where to start? Describe your situation to us and we will recommend the simplest option that solves your problem.