You Don't Need an App

I’ve been in the app development game for a while now, working on all kinds of projects. And after giving it a lot of thought, I’ve landed on my default answer whenever someone asks for help with a new project: You don’t actually need an app

Don’t get me wrong—I love building apps. I’m all about the work, and every idea has its own vibe and every project a challenge I’m down to take on. But here’s the thing: I’ve found that a lot of people get so hyped about having an app that they lose sight of the reality. So, let’s break it down.

Why Does Everyone Want an App?

It feels like everyone wants an app because, let’s be real, getting onto people’s phones is a huge flex. Having your icon on a customer’s home screen? That’s the ultimate goal for any company, right? But here’s the harsh truth: it’s a tough battle that, statistically, is pretty much a lost cause. About 25% of users delete an app after the first use, and a whopping 40% by the end of the month. Those aren’t my numbers; see this? this is science!

Alright, Fine. What’s the Next Hurdle?

Next up: the cost. Developing apps is pricey, way more than you’d think. Sure, there are developers out there with all sorts of rates, but for users to actually want to do your app, it has to be good. That means sleek design, top quality, and minimal bugs—none of which come cheap. If you don’t have at least one experienced dev on your team, that quality is hard to get, and yep, it’s gonna hit your wallet.

Money’s Not an Issue, Let’s Build This Thing!

Okay, even if cash isn’t a problem, there’s something else to keep in mind: app versioning. Not all your users will have the latest version. Some might not have auto-updates on, or they just don’t think it’s a big deal. So if you make a major change in your app’s flow, it could totally throw things off, like breaking forms or missing new features. And if you don’t keep this in mind, your app could end up glitching out because it’s not compatible with your backend.

So, What’s the Move?

My take? Start with a web app. Websites don’t need updates, so you’ll avoid a ton of headaches with server compatibility. Once your product’s solid and the bugs are under control, then you can think about an app. It saves you from a world of hassle and gives you a strong foundation that users can actually trust.

But Other Companies Do It—I Want In!

I get it. I’m hyped about building apps too, and yeah, there are tools out there like auto-updates, new version alerts, and so on. But those only really work when the product is already stable, has a solid user base, and is loaded with essential features. When you’re just starting out, listen to your users—they’ll let you know when it’s time to level up ✨. Sure, there are exceptions, but they’re rare, and they need careful thought from someone who knows the industry.

Software today is a living thing—complex and always changing. It evolves with each version and has its own kind of vibe. That’s why you need to take it one layer at a time. Apps are just one of those layers and not something you should dive into lightly.