In today’s digital age, companies must evolve to avoid becoming extinct. More people are using smartphones than ever before, so it makes sense for your company to invest in a mobile app. Although non-profits represent a greater cause, they are still organizations that need to be run as a business. Although your motivations are different from, for example, an insurance carrier, many of your aspirations are the same. Non-profit organizations need to make money to survive, and they track donations the same way insurance carriers use claims management software to manage their books of business. Even though your ultimate goals may differ, many of your business processes are similar to those of profiting organizations. Since most of those companies have their own apps, it’s important to keep up with the times.
By aligning yourself with the latest trends, you can see how your customers live their lives. Understanding your target audience is critical. We’re living in a mobile world, so it makes sense to establish a presence in that realm. If you’re intrigued by the concept of designing an app, working with a mobile app development firm will provide the leverage necessary to fulfill your needs.
Apps generally work for non-profits. This article will outline why that is, and explain the importance of developing your own app.
Is An App a Good Idea?
Ask yourself what an app can do for your organization that your website isn’t doing already. It’s important to conduct research to determine the mobile habits of your target audience. A great way to do this is by analyzing the percentage of email responses that come from mobile phones. If your clientele is from the younger generation, creating an app is advisable. Another way to determine the odds of the community using your app is by creating a short survey to gather feedback.
What Need Will Your App Fulfill?
Discovering what your target audience’s app needs are will help with the decision process. The needs of app users generally fall into three categories:
Repetitive Now: Some users seek real-time information on a continuous basis. They obtain information from weather apps, news apps, and other informal apps.
Bored Now: Some are bored, so they seek ways to entertain or distract themselves. These individuals are looking to fill time on a train, or when waiting for a friend. They fulfill their requirements with games, videos, and podcasts.
Urgent now: This describes users who immediately seek location-specific, time-sensitive information. They might transfer money using banking apps, use Yelp to look up services, or discover local restaurants.
If your target audience fits one of these user groups, creating an app is a great idea.
Android, iOS, or Windows?
Which operating system should you develop your app for? There are pros and cons of each; for example, Apple’s store is more restrictive than Google’s. The Windows phone has a smaller user base, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have success here. When surveying prospective donors, it’s useful to ask what operating system they use. If most use Android, this is a great place to start. It’s also important to consider the marketing budget you have for your app.
