Bespoke software and mobile apps are more affordable than you might think

If you hear the words “bespoke mobile app” or “custom software development” mentioned, we’re confident that your first thought immediately turns to cost. After all, every part of those phrases indicates a heavy budget requirement – from “bespoke” to “software development” and “mobile app.”

You might be aware that there are many business benefits from investing in bespoke software development but worry that the cost is prohibitive – particularly if you are a smaller business with limited budget resources.

But what if we told you that mobile app development and bespoke software are more affordable than you might think?

That’s right.

These days, investing in bespoke software solutions and mobile app development is easier than ever. Thanks to advances in technology, your budget will go much further, so you can benefit from the precise solutions that your business needs. You won’t have to compromise on usability, functionality or integration with your wider tech stack.

In our opinion, mobile app development is no longer only applicable to big businesses with big budgets – it’s something which is accessible to small and medium-sized businesses in Suffolk.

For more than ten years, we’ve worked with SMEs in Suffolk, helping them to maximise their technical potential. We’ve supported local brands as they’ve used their software to reach new customers and significantly enhanced their bottom line.

It excites us just as much today as it has done over the last decade.

So, with this in mind, we’ve spoken to our Director, Andy Pope to find out his thoughts on why bespoke software development and mobile app development remain a crucial business strategy for local businesses.

With so many third-party, off-the-shelf options available, what are the business benefits of investing in custom software solutions?

“There are many third-party plugins that are readily available which work perfectly with sites built through platforms such as WordPress, Shopify, and Salesforce. These mobile apps and plugins are a great way of scaling up a business and connecting brands with their customers. We regularly integrate third-party options into client websites and platforms because they provide businesses with a reliable solution that delivers the technology that they are looking for.

However, we always advise clients that relying on third-party applications comes with a risk.

That software will only work as long as the developers maintain it and invest in it. If a developer decides to focus attention on a different product elsewhere, it can cause significant problems for businesses that may have relied on that particular software solution. You’d be surprised by how quickly the latest state-of-the-art mobile app technology can transition into dated, legacy technology.

From a long-term business perspective, the ideal choice is to prioritise custom software development because that way, you have total control over your mobile apps. You won’t have to compromise on particular features – or have to ‘make do’ with something that isn’t quite right. Nor will you have to pay for features that you’re not using.

Instead, bespoke software development gives you precisely what you need in your app, when you need it.

You can scale it up to adapt to your changing business and have total control over every aspect from the integration into your CMS, to your data collection and cybersecurity. You can control the overall user experience and continually fine-tune it to adjust to changing customer behaviours.”

Are mobile apps still popular with businesses and why?

“Websites are incredibly intuitive, and thanks to mobile-first capabilities, it’s become easier to deliver better online experiences for all. But in our opinion, there’s still a time and a place for mobile app development.

We regularly work with clients to design and build bespoke mobile apps that solve a variety of business challenges, such as customer loyalty schemes, management apps for service providers, and apps that integrate with existing desktop applications – the options are endless.

The business benefits of investing in a mobile app, alongside your website is that you can deliver timely push notifications to customers, allowing for hyper-targeted customer engagement.

For example, in our work with Deben Inns, customers could benefit from targeted promotions and loyalty points that worked with in-store till points. This resulted in a better user experience for customers and improved data collection for the client.

With geo-specific location tracking, a mobile app has the potential to recognise when customers are nearby and use push notifications to alert customers to timely offers and incentives. Businesses can download real-time analytics and examine customer data trends and behaviours which they can use to make informed, strategic business decisions.”

With bespoke software and apps, how do you know what you need and how to get started?

“The biggest mistake we see businesses in Ipswich make is jumping straight into the development phase of a new website or mobile app. They might assume they know what they need, so fail to stop and clarify what challenges they face and how technology can overcome those issues. They might choose an off-the-shelf solution based on its pricing structure, rather than really thinking abut whether it’s right for their needs.

When it comes to technology, businesses shouldn’t follow trends or launch a mobile app just because everyone else is. It’s important to research and consider what your business challenges are and how you can use tech to solve them.

As part of your planning process, it’s important to ask yourself the following questions, because these answers will almost certainly change the overall scope of your project.

• Who are your users? What are their needs and preferences and how does an app or piece of software solve their issues? Are there any accessibility issues you need to consider with specific customer demographics?
• How complex does the UX need to be? Will your software need functions such as user identification, account management or geo-specific tracking? How will those attributes be maintained and updated? How does the interface align with your brand vision?  
• What core functionality do you need? If you’re considering an app, how will that app differ from your website functionality? What core features will overcome your business challenges and improve experiences for your users? Does it need to be compatible with iOS or Android? Will it need to integrate with other desktop apps or your chosen CMS?
• What would encourage your customers to download it? If you are investing in an app, what plans do you have to promote it to your target audience? What will entice them to download it onto their individual devices?
• How easy is it to download in situ? If your customers are likely to download your app in your physical outlets (perhaps a retail or hospitality environment), are there any limitations that could cause issues, such as poor broadband connectivity or low data capabilities?

These questions are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what we need to think about, but they are a good starting point for starting the research and development phase of a mobile app development project.”

How much does it cost for a mobile app or bespoke software?

“This is the first question we’re always asked, and the reality is that there’s no precise answer we can give. That’s why so many businesses are drawn to third-party software plugins because they have a straightforward price that they can put into their budget when making a business case for a new app development.

The reality is that the price of custom software development will depend on its core function and capabilities. There are endless possibilities available, all of which can impact how much it costs.

However, that doesn’t mean that your budget for bespoke software is out of reach.

While initial upfront costs may be higher, you may not be bound to expensive monthly subscription fees or tied into lengthy contracts. As the technology will be targeted to your specific business objectives, you are more likely to see better returns on your investment resulting in business growth.

The business benefits of bespoke software are that your mobile app can be easily tweaked and refined at different stages of development – even long after your go-live date. You could begin with something relatively small which is tailored to your initial budget allowing you to focus on your core business challenges before progressing into other aspects. This flexible approach allows you to seamlessly scale up your technology as your business grows, making it far more affordable and intuitive to use.

It’s worth recognising that in many scenarios bespoke software might be more cost effective than off-the-shelf options. That’s because you’re only paying for the technology you need to use. Many third-party software options are jam-packed with features, which is great – but only if you are actively using all of it. If you’re not using the majority of those features, you could find that you’re overspending on your budget and a bespoke option could refocus your spend in the right places.”

Talk to us about mobile app development

If you are looking for a collaborative partner to design and build bespoke software or a mobile app for your business, talk to us. From our Ipswich head office, we’ve worked with businesses like yours across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.

Our software development services focus on clarifying and articulating your business challenges, so you can benefit from the precise technology you need – not what everyone else has.

From the outset, we’ll identify your priorities, and tailor custom software solutions to your budget. That way, you can have the technical infrastructure you need to build and refine your business – with flexibility and agility in place so you can scale up your system as your business grows.

To find out what we can do for you, book a free, no-obligation consultation with our software experts.