The world is functioning through apps; that is what it is at present! No matter whether you want to shop, order food, transfer/receive money, book travel tickets, listen to music, watch movies, and the list goes on…
Along with these scenarios, there are business apps that are meant for customer service and promotion purposes.
This means that you cannot ignore apps if you want to compete, survive and thrive in 2023. Developing an app requires a lot of hard work, starting from inception to launch on the app store. You must choose between an app builder or hiring an app development company.
Pros of an App Builder
There are pros and cons to all things, and an App builder is no exception. Let’s have a look before deciding on whether to go for an app builder or an app development company.
Cost Cutting
Hiring a team of app developers can be costlier than you think. The app builder is comparatively cheaper to buy and is suitable for projects that have tight budgets. It is also suitable for startups and entrepreneurs.
No need to know to code
One of the biggest advantages of App builder is that it can be used by anyone. You don’t need to know even basic coding to use it. The “What You See is What You Get” approach is used in an app builder.
This means that users can preview the changes they make to the app in real time.
Shorter Duration
You don’t have to start from scratch while creating an app using app builder. It has in-built components like templates & designs, which you can use while building your app.
This reduces the overall time required to launch the app in the market.
Cons of an App Builder
The pros were good, but that is just one side of the coin. Cons present you with another side of the coin. So, let’s go through the cons of using an app builder.
User Experience
Developing a mobile app using an app builder can affect User Experience. App users want to have a seamless experience while navigating the app
In the case of an app created using app builders, it may happen that interface and usability of your app are not consistent across platforms.
Limited Features
App builders provide drag-and-drop elements which can be selected by the users based on their requirements. Although this may seem to be an advantage, you are restricted to using only those elements which are available and cannot add your own.
Low Stability
Web browsers are updated regularly. This makes it necessary for web apps to be updated, or else they will function differently than intended.
As a result, apps, including those built using app builders, require regular bug fixes and updates. This becomes a difficult task if there is no in-house team for app development.
Having seen the pros and cons of app builders, let’s have a look at some of the popular ones around.
Popular App Builders
Jotform Apps
It is a no-code app builder, which helps in creating fully customized apps for free. You have access to a large number of free templates. If you have to collect payments, it can easily be done through the many widgets they offer.
Jotform is suitable for all business needs, including gathering feedback from customers or creating a portal for a new firm.
Shoutem
Shoutem puts a lot of emphasis on design, and your app will look attractive with its templates.
If you want to create visually appealing apps, Shoutem would be an ideal choice. It has very clear instructions, and a beautiful layout, and gives a preview of how the app would function.
It also provides several options to customize so that if you create multiple apps using it, each can have its unique design.
It also provides great options for retail businesses.
Appy Pie
This is one of the most popular apps in the market as it allows complete novices to create their app. It comes with unique features that allow users to add:
- In-app purchases
- Upload eBooks
- Ads
- Instant Messaging apps
It is preferred by small and medium-sized businesses as it offers a large number of plans for getting started for free. Once they get used to the app builder, they can migrate to paid plans.
Appy pie also offers an exhaustive list of tutorials to help their customer solve every issue they may face while using the app. A live chat option is also available if you are facing any issue which needs to be resolved immediately.
AppMakr
AppMakr offers great solutions to small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and individuals. Over 2 million apps have been developed using AppMakr. It offers both free and paid plans.
A user who has no experience in programming can build an app in under 20 minutes. The process involves adding text, video, audio, and HTML.
AppMakr also allows users to undertake quality assurance with some powerful tools. You can also update the app after it has been launched.
One of AppMakr’s most remarkable features is the simulator which can show the results in real time as you build the app.
BiznessApps
BiznessApps allows you to add unique features and also access the app’s source code. It also has other sophisticated customizations available. Having a drag-and-drop interface, it makes creating and designing your app as easy as you can imagine.
BiznessApps has many in-built templates, including those for eCommerce, events, and businesses.
The company provides good customer service in the form of email and phone support. However, the pricing of the plans is on the higher side.
Advantages of Hiring a Mobile App Development Firm
We should also look at what a Mobile app development firm can offer that an app builder cannot. This will help us make the final decision.
Quality Product
You will get a quality product if you hire a good app development firm. They have qualified and experienced developers who will incorporate all your requirements and also test the app from the user’s perspective.
Information Security
A reputed mobile app development company is far more reliable than an app builder as far as information and data security are concerned.
The app development company always protects their client’s sensitive data like project details, expansion plans, or any new product launch information.
Quick Troubleshooting
This is the most important advantage of a mobile app development firm; in case you face an issue with the app, they will help you almost immediately.
The app development firms will assign a dedicated employee who will keep you updated about the project. Once the project is handed over to you, new bugs which come up will also be fixed by them.
No legal Issues
A professional app development company will work according to the terms agreed upon. In the case of an app builder, there is no such specific contract. Thus, there can be legal issues in case an unexpected situation arises.
When to Go For an App Builder and When Not To?
There is no fixed answer to this question, and it depends on the context. App builders are easy to use and allow you to develop apps quickly. You can go for mobile app builders in the following situations:
- Want to create a simple product with minimum viable features
- Not planning any major changes shortly
- App builder’s template and architecture suit you well
- Want to do some testing before developing an authentic app
In case you have to expand your app shortly, you will end up hiring the service of an app development company.
So, if you are planning to develop an app, which needs to be scaled up in the future, it will be better to go for a mobile app development company.
