In today’s digital age, for a business, being online is not just necessary — it has become a must. Most businesses start with a website — and honestly, that’s a great first step. But as the business grows, competition increases, and customer expectations evolve, a simple website is not enough.
That’s where the role of a custom mobile app comes in. But not every business needs an app. So the real question is — when and why do you need a custom mobile app along with a website?
Let’s understand this in this article with practical examples, real-life cases, and in simple language — what are the signals that your business is ready for an app — and why a custom app is more like an investment than an expense.
What’s the Difference Between a Website and an App?
Website: Accessible through browser, mostly used for information, branding, lead generation, etc. Works on both desktop and mobile browser.
Mobile App: Downloaded from App Store/Play Store, installed in the user’s phone, better control over features, notifications, offline support, speed, and personalization.
In simple terms, a website is like a “public brochure,” and a mobile app is like a “personal toolkit.”
Should Every Business Get an App Made?
Absolutely not. Getting an app made is a serious decision. Don’t make an app just because your competition made one or because you find tech cool.
You should get an app made when:
- You need frequent interaction with the customer
- You need a personalized experience
- You want engagement through push notifications
- Users need to regularly log in and use it
- You’re offering a service or transaction
- You want offline access or native features (GPS, camera, file access, etc.)
Are You App-Ready or Not?
1. Your Website Traffic Is Coming from Mobile
If your analytics show that 70–80% users are coming from mobile, and they’re coming repeatedly, then that’s a signal that their experience can be made better via a dedicated app.
Example: A local food delivery service initially took orders only through the website. When they saw that users were repeatedly coming on mobile to order, they made an app. Result? After the app was installed, repeat orders increased by up to 40%.
2. Repeat Users Make Up Your Major Business
If your business model depends on repeat customers — like fitness classes, food ordering, grocery delivery, edtech platforms — then an app is not just useful, it’s strategic.
Reason:
- App = better login retention
- Push notifications = direct reach
- Saved preferences = faster checkout
A website cannot re-engage the user every time. An app can create habits.
3. Your Business Offers Personalization
Let’s say your product/service depends on user behavior:
- Courses need to be recommended (edtech)
- Meal plan needs to be suggested (health & fitness)
- Location-based offers need to be given (retail & hyperlocal services)
Then an app gives you deep control over personalization. This is limited on a website.
4. Speed and Offline Access Are Important
An app can cache data, enable offline access (partial/full), and can make the experience blazing fast — especially for areas where internet is slow.
Example: A rural logistics startup made an offline-supportive delivery tracking app, because their field staff didn’t have stable internet. That improved delivery accuracy by 30%.
5. You Need Engagement Through Push Notifications
Average email open rate is 20%.
Push notifications? Average open rate is up to 60%.
If you need to send timely reminders, push offers, or reduce churn — the app is your best friend.
6. You Want Loyalty Programs
App is the best way to run digital loyalty programs.
- Points system
- Rewards tracking
- Personalized incentives
Users love this. And you have better data to improve offers.
Common Misunderstanding: “We Have a Website, Why Do We Need an App?”
It’s kind of like saying:
“I have a visiting card, why do I need a brochure?”
Or
“We have a store, so why will we need a catalog?”
Different tools are for different tasks. Website and app complement each other, they’re not replacements.
But Getting an App Made Is Expensive?
Short answer: Yes. But a properly timed app pays off.
If your business is scaling, and revenue or user base is growing, then an app is an investment that gives you:
- Repeat business
- Reduced marketing cost
- Data-driven growth
- Customer loyalty
And if you want to get an app made with a trusted digital partner who understands business logic + UI/UX + development, Escade Technologies can help.
We create custom mobile apps that are scalable, secure, and designed with user behavior in mind. You can reach us at contact@escadetech.com for a free consultation or just to discuss your idea — no pressure.
So, When Is the Right Time to Get an App Made?
These are some key moments when you should consider shifting or investing in an app:
- When organic traffic is coming to the website but conversions are stagnating
- When the business depends on repeat usage
- When competition is offering convenience through an app
- When you want to better use user data
- When you want to build loyalty, gamification, or community
Real Benefits of Apps That People Miss
- Brand Presence: App icon always stays on the user’s phone. It’s subconscious branding.
- Better Analytics: You can track where the user got stuck, which screen they spent more time on, etc.
- Custom Integrations: Payment, location, contact book, QR scanner — everything integrates smoothly.
- Faster Scaling: Through app updates, rolling out features is easier vs web dev.
App or Website? Or Both?
Short answer: Website is for discovery. App is for depth.
Your website attracts new people.
App retains loyal users.
So if you are a startup now, and the website is enough for now, great. But as soon as you feel:
- “Users are coming repeatedly”
- “Engagement is needed”
- “Personalization is needed”
- “Features are growing”
That’s your cue to start thinking custom app.
And an app is not only for Android or iOS, with hybrid apps (like Flutter or React Native), both platforms can be covered from a single codebase — saving cost and time.
A strong digital presence doesn’t happen just by “having a good website.” When you want a deeper relationship, better engagement, and consistent experience with your users — that’s when the magic of a custom app begins.
Every business has a different timing. But don’t ignore it when the signs are showing.
And whenever you feel that it’s time to explore the app route — feel free to reach out to us at Escade Technologies. Whether it’s just a concept, or full-fledged product planning — we’re happy to brainstorm with you.
Let’s build something useful, not just flashy.
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Written by Escade Technologies
Custom apps | Clean design | Real engagement
📧 contact@escadetech.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escade-technologies
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