Weekly request: "We want a mobile app for the company." Our first question: why?
If the answer is "because everyone has one", you'll likely waste money. If the answer is clear and specific, the app could be the year's best investment.
When a mobile app is the right call
1. You have a repeated workflow needing mobility
Examples:
- Sales rep visiting clients: needs prices, inventory, order entry on mobile.
- Maintenance tech going to clients: receive ticket, upload photos, log parts.
- Manager approving requests (purchase, leave, discount) from anywhere.
- Delivery driver: receive route, update status, collect customer signature.
In these cases, the app solves a real problem: accessing info and making decisions from anywhere.
2. You have a large customer base needing engagement
If you have an e-commerce store with 10,000 active customers, a mobile app lets them:
- Buy faster (one-tap checkout).
- Receive push notifications about offers.
- Use loyalty programs.
- Contact support easily.
General benchmark: mobile apps have 2-3x higher conversion rates than websites.
3. Time-sensitive data
Shipment tracking, order tracking, inventory monitoring, KPI dashboards. Users need to open the app quickly and see current status — without opening a laptop and visiting a site.
When a mobile app is a waste of money
1. If your mobile site works well
If your site is responsive, fast, and the workflow is simple (info + contact form), a mobile app = duplication with no added value.
2. If the user count is small
A mobile app costs 80,000-250,000 EGP. With only 200 users, cost per user = 400-1,250 EGP. No ROI.
3. If content changes monthly
Mobile apps need continuous updates. If you update content once a month, the app loses value fast.
4. No clear native advantage
Mobile apps have features websites lack:
- Push notifications.
- Camera (photos + barcode).
- GPS.
- Offline mode.
- Contacts.
If you need none of these, stick with web.
ROI: practical example
A pharma client built a mobile app for sales reps. Numbers:
| Metric | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Order entry time | 8 min (paper) | 2 min |
| Order errors | 8% | 1% |
| Daily orders per rep | 12 | 18 |
| Monthly sales increase | — | +23% |
App cost: 180,000 EGP. Monthly savings: 35,000 EGP (from sales increase + error reduction). Payback: 5 months.
Alternatives: PWA or Cross-Platform
Before deciding on native (separate iOS + Android), consider:
Progressive Web App (PWA)
A website that behaves like an app: installable on mobile, works offline, sends push notifications. Cost: half of native. Suitable for:
- Simple workflows.
- Users who won't find the app in app stores.
- Simple offline mode.
Cross-Platform (React Native / Flutter)
One app compiled to iOS + Android. Cost: 60-70% of native. Suitable for:
- Most app types.
- No complex native features (AR, advanced graphics).
Native (separate iOS + Android)
Highest cost, best performance. Suitable for:
- Apps with complex graphics (games, video editing).
- Deep hardware integration.
- Apps needing max performance.
Final decision: 5 questions
- Who's the user? (rep, customer, manager, tech)
- What's the workflow? (need details)
- Expected user count?
- Which native features needed? (camera, GPS, push, offline)
- Expected ROI?
If answers are clear, the app is an investment. If confused, start with PWA or improve your mobile site first.
Not sure if you need a mobile app? Tell us your idea and users — we'll honestly tell you if an app won't help.