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Which one to choose? App business or a SaaS business idea?

I have a few apps on the AppStore, Quotegram, Islamgram, PrayerTi.me, and I would love to build more as there is no end to great ideas for Apps. Given the broad International reach of the AppStore without any overheads of cross-currency issues and such it feels best to be on the AppStore. At the same time, there is not much money that I can make with these smaller apps unless some of those make it huge. I don't want to slap ads on these apps as that would ruin the user experience. On the other hand I've been toying around with a SaaS business idea that would possibly bring in monthly revenues but the market segment is not great at doing online activities but certainly there is a need. I'm confused on which of this segment to choose to spend my time and energy on. Any suggestions?

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Answers

Bryan McAnulty

Founder of Heights Platform and Velora

I would say don't let the revenue be your deciding factor. Build the idea that you enjoy the most. If you'd really like to try both then go for it.

Just be careful to validate your SaaS business idea early and often, as it can easily become a much more complex project than what it sounds like you've put together on the AppStore. Also, something critical to keep in mind here is how you will obtain customers. You mention that the market for this app isn't very used to working with online tools, how will they find you? A benefit of the AppStore is that it can provide a lot of the traffic on its own. With a SaaS app you need to generate traffic yourself.

Answered about 11 years ago

Steve Fanale

Fractional Executive - CEO, CPO, COO

I have had experience in both of these arenas and both have their pros and cons. Regardless of the platform FOCUS is key. Apps can be developed at a much lower cost than a SaaS platform. Easier to sell and support. But can be difficult to monetize and reach you market. However, if the app and monetization model is right then then the income spike can be massive in a short period of time. SaaS : Much more investment required up front, but customer retention and long term growth more probable. Both models are risky and both need large marketing budgets. If you need any more assistance feel free to give me a call.

Answered about 11 years ago

Slaven Radic

Clarity Expert

Certain concepts work a lot better as apps and don't make a lot of sense as web services. I would strongly encourage you to read how Trevor succeeded with his Spanish Bible app - as niche as you get:
http://www.trevormckendrick.com/my-first-year-in-the-app-store/

And don't be afraid to charge money for your apps (either upfront or as an in-app purchase). Advertising doesn't work for every vertical.

Answered about 11 years ago

Tamer Maher

CTO / COO- M&A Business Consultant MBA & PMP

That will depend on the business model, target market and expected cash flows. Also if the deliverable will be a one time purchase or a recurrent purchase.

If you are targeting mass scale clients, I recommend to go for SaaS . That will help increase your sales very fast, where people can try , pay a monthly fee or per license fee..etc.

If your market is small and you are delivering a high end expensive project, very specialised, I then recommend to go for app .

and you may not even go for a store app. You may then be delivering an on platform app , with even a hardware token or something for licensing , either per user , or a corporate license.

If you want a detailed study I can help you , based on your business plan ( I can help you prepare one ) and assess then and help make models for which one can be better.

Good Luck !

Answered almost 9 years ago

Joy Broto

🌎Harvard Certified Global Corporate Trainer🌍

I believe you should invest in App business. The mobile app industry is a vast sector. There are many businesses that not only create and develop innovative applications but also improve their businesses that is why many start-ups are preferring this domain as a profession. There are many reasons to consider this domain, but the COVID-19 pandemic has created a different perspective for the web and mobile app development industry.
Every domain whether it is education, news, retail, banking, gaming, or shopping are demanding the app development, so they deliver their services to their customers. After experiencing the demand for the app development mobile app development industry is booming still having a crisis. The following points are to help businesses how to stay ahead from the pack in this pandemic situation.

If businesses have to develop an app, it is easy to develop an app but to make it visually appealing, having flawless operations, with unique features, designs, options, content is not as easy as it seems. Therefore, always keep in mind that whenever you are going to develop an app always keep your audience views at the topmost because they are the ones who can make your app popular. In the world of smartphones, the app usage is high, and the users have multiple options so make sure your app can entice the users. In the play store, there are many apps introduce every day and due to these users get confused and irritated. So, at this point businesses and developers need to keep this second point in mind that do not put so many features in a single app and don’t make it complicated to use your app for your audience. Therefore, develop an app having limited choices that not only create a place to use for the user but also to think. This trick helps businesses in terms of boosting engagement and the revenue rate for business terms and goals.

In the world of smartphones, the Internet is also counted in the basic need of a human being. Jokes apart, in today’s world everything is dependent on the internet so before developing an app it is crucial to make a proper strategy and make sure you have noted all marketing points because there are many competitors in the market for the app development business. In the pandemic situation, it is important to focus on the skills like content, design, programs, the latest technology should be used to attain the proper attention of the users. There are many apps available on the play store having the same features and characteristics. So before getting into the development process of the app make sure you have jotted down the demands and requirements for that particular app. Because some special apps for special attributes need special attention. It does not matter whatever is your business but tracking your work system is mandatory. To keep your work on track in terms of knowing the updates about the app project and the timeline when it will be done. Some companies and businesses prefer other companies to stream the working pattern and make sure it goes in the right way. On the other hand, many companies used tools to maintain the track of development process.
Staying in the web and mobile app industry as an app development serving company needs proper analysis for the business. This kind of work depends on how much unique work you do as compared to your competitors in the market. There are many chances are in the software industry but to analysing it properly before implementing it into your business.
Besides if you do have any questions give me a call: https://clarity.fm/joy-brotonath

Answered about 4 years ago