The world has gone mobile. Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, and consumers increasingly expect on-demand access to information and services through intuitive, easy-to-use apps. Enterprises have taken notice. More and more custom eCommerce application development companies are making mobile experiences a crucial part of their digital transformation and customer experience strategies.
However, developing a successful enterprise mobile app is rife with potential pitfalls. Fail to avoid them, and you’ll end up with an unused app that damages your brand and wastes money. However, get it right, and your organization can reap tremendous benefits. This guide will explore the dos and don’ts of custom enterprise application development to set your project up for success.
Why Enterprise Mobile Apps Matter
Mobile apps have rapidly become table stakes for organizations looking to keep pace with changing market dynamics and customer expectations. Consider that:
- 90% of consumers’ mobile time is spent on apps. Native apps, in particular, drive deeper engagement compared to mobile websites.
- 57% of Internet users say they won’t recommend a business with a poorly designed mobile site. The same goes for apps.
- 73% of millennials say a business’s mobile website demonstrates how modern it is. Apps play a similar role for digital-native customers.
For today’s enterprises, mobile apps check numerous critical boxes:
Enhanced Internal Processes
Apps can connect distributed workforces, centralize information sharing, streamline workflows, and make operations more agile and efficient.
Improved Customer Experiences
Apps allow consumers to easily access services, engage with brands, and manage accounts whenever and wherever they want.
Increased Revenue
Mobile apps open new sales channels and revenue streams while fostering lasting customer relationships.
With so much at stake, enterprise mobile apps can’t be an afterthought. They need to be robust and thoughtfully constructed to deliver maximum value.
Common Mobile App Issues to Avoid
Enterprises pour significant resources into mobile apps but often overlook critical planning and strategic decisions. The result? Apps that miss the mark, frustrating users rather than delighting them. Be aware of these all-too-common pitfalls as you build your mobile roadmap:
Unnecessary Feature Overload
Cramming every possible feature into your initial mobile app release is tempting. However, an overly complex app confuses users, bogs down performance, and is difficult to maintain. Instead, identify the app’s primary purpose and build from there with an intuitive interface. You can always add features later.
Poor User Experience
Successful apps provide seamless user experiences with clean visual interfaces. Don’t just port your website over-optimized for mobile with easy-to-use navigation, clear calls to action, readable text, and fast performance. Work with UX/UI experts if needed. First impressions matter.
Misaligned Value Proposition
Build an app people want and need. Identify pain points through market research, then design solutions to them. Otherwise, you’ll end up with an app nobody downloads or uses regularly. Validate ideas by testing concepts with target users first.
Lacklustre Marketing
Even the best app will fail if users don’t know about it. Devise a robust marketing plan—leveraging both internal channels and external advertising—to generate awareness and drive adoption immediately at launch. App Store optimization is equally crucial for discoverability.
Scope Creep
Keep the feature scope tight at the outset while allowing room for future capability expansion. Over-engineering early versions risks project delays, unnecessary expenses, and user confusion. Start with a basic but functional MVP, then iterate based on user feedback.
Inconsistent UI/UX
In the absence of clear mobile design guidelines, apps often end up with disjointed interfaces and experiences as new features are added. Define UX/UI standards upfront through style guides and best practices for visuals, workflows, interactions, terminology, and more.
Unclear Product Vision
Fuzzy requirements and shifting priorities usually translate to apps that miss the mark after multiple reworks. LLockdownfeature definitions early on through client consultations, user research, prototyping, and scoping sessions to align on a shared vision.
Limited Testing
No app testing means nasty surprises when users start engaging. Before launch, be sure to methodically test for functionality, usability, reliability, performance, security, and compatibility through QA teams. Fix issues immediately to accelerate time-to-value.
Bottom Line
Done right, mobile apps help enterprises transform digitally to reduce costs, boost efficiencies, and deliver top-notch customer experiences. Steer clear of these common missteps when building your next app:
- Overloading features
- Neglecting design
- Misunderstanding users
- Skimping on promotion
- Letting scope balloon
- Inconsistent interfacing
- Undefined goals
- Little testing
Stay focused on core app capabilities, relentlessly center the user, follow best practices, and test rigorously. Keep platforms and priorities aligned. Foster collaboration between business leaders, developers, and designers. Building a great enterprise app takes careful planning, commitment to quality, and user empathy above all else.
