Lockdowns and other restrictions forced businesses to remain shut for several months. Quarantine rules have been eased in most nations since June. However, European countries recently introduced the second phase of lockdowns due to a rise in cases since November. People are habited to practice self-isolation, physical distancing. They have changed the way they live, eat, and buy stuff.
The coronavirus pandemic also brought a widespread economic catastrophe for the world. Small and large businesses worldwide are changing their business model to stay afloat and survive the competition. Thankfully, companies have found mobile apps as their best companion during this challenging time. The trusted ally has come to the rescue of several businesses. Accepting and processing orders via the app and then delivering products at the consumer’s doorstep is crucial for any business to survive. And this is where on-demand apps come into the picture.
What’s An On-Demand App?
On-demand mobile apps work as a mediator between a business or service provider and consumer. Zomato food delivery, Uber cab, and Airbnb are some famous examples of on-demand apps.
On-demand apps solve small and large problems in day-to-day life. From food delivery, cargo service, taxi, education to entertainment, on-demand applications cater to multiple sectors.
Customers can select their products or service from multiple options. Service providers get business without spending a fortune on developing and managing their app, while the on-demand application administrators earn a small fee on each transaction.
How Do These Applications Work?
The customer selects the products/services, and the app shows a list of options with service provider details and rates. The user makes a choice and places the order. The business accepts the same, delivers the product at the buyer’s doorstep. Then, payment is deducted from the consumer’s account and transferred to the service provider.
Aspects That Ventures Should Consider Before Launching An On-Demand App
Conducting Market Research
It’s evident that customers will download the app and keep using it only if it can solve problems that they face. Thus, conducting market research to ensure the idea solves the target audience’s pains and troubles is crucial.
The study will provide a glimpse into the target customer’s behavior, pain point, areas of interest. It can help understand user expectations from the application, features & functions missing in competitors’ apps, and their ability to pay for various services.
There’s no point in launching clones with functions and features similar to competitors. If the solution is not original with unique benefits, users won’t download or keep the application installed for longer. Lastly, pleasing everyone may not be possible, so focus on things that most customers would appreciate.
Features
Market research data can help ventures with a list of missing features in the competitors’ apps. Offering them in the software can prove to be a USP.
Some essential functions are expected in every application, including MVPs. Profile management, geolocation, notifications, multiple payment options, and a feedback system for every order are the most appreciated features. Consumers also expect help and support via live chat or phone line.
When it comes to service providers, most of them prefer business profile management; push notifications for orders, and earnings page, and an option to keep the business online/offline. Most importantly, the service provider version of the app should offer the option to reject unviable orders as well.
Choosing The App Platform
An on-demand app is developed with a combination of multiple technologies. These are selected based on the app platform (web, iOS, Android, hybrid, etc.).
The app platform directly impacts the user experience.
Market research can help in zeroing-in on the most used operating system in the target markets. If you wish to dedicate limited resources and quickly launch the app, selecting a hybrid development framework can work best. React Native, Ionic, Mobile Angular UI, and Flutter are some of the popular hybrid app development frameworks. A smartphone app development firm can analyze your requirements as well as the business model and recommend the most suitable framework.
Selecting An Experienced Team Of Developers
Once everything is on the drawing board, the last step is to select the best on-demand app developers. Go with a mobile app development company that has ample work experience and positive reviews.
What’s The Future For On-Demand Applications?
Apps can help brick and mortar businesses to reach a huge chunk of customers who avoid visiting physical stores due to health issues. People’s buying habits are changing, and they are willing to keep aside their usual brands to try new ones if readily available, as per studies. The current phase is a golden opportunity for ventures that aim to enter the market with an on-demand app to serve and help local businesses survive the economic crisis. It can be a win-win situation for buyers, companies, and ventures behind the app.
As per stats, on-demand apps for food delivery alone are expected to reach a value of $161.74 Billion by 2023. Overall, PwC’s numbers suggest that by 2025 on-demand mobile apps would probably make transactions worth $335 Billion. And these were pre-Covid-19 estimates.
The number of new cases and deaths indicate that the COVID-19 outbreak is not under complete control yet. Governments from around the world are urging people to avoid large gatherings or crowded spaces. Consumers are hesitating to visit brick-and-mortar stores, movie halls, and their favorite restaurants as well. So, businesses should consider online channels as their primary source of revenue instead of physical ones. And on-demand apps can ensure their businesses can remain up and running. So, the demand for such a solution is set to increase during the coming months.
Put simply, a smartphone application that offers seamless navigation and a superb overall user experience can help tackle the uncertainty during the current situation. It can bridge the gap between your business and consumers. Firms can maintain their presence in the competition and offer exactly what customers want.
Making minor changes in inventory management, CRM, and setting up online payment systems can help firms quickly move their business online.
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