"Should we get an app?" usually means one of two things. Either people cannot find you, or the people who already know you are hard to keep in touch with. Those are different problems, and they have different fixes.
A website is for being found
When someone searches "barber near me" or "church in Dunwoody," Google shows websites. A first-time visitor wants your hours, your address, your prices, and a way to reach you. They are not going to download anything to get that.
An app is for people who come back
An app earns its place on someone's phone when they use it again and again. Booking the same stylist every three weeks. Checking this Sunday's events. Ordering the usual. Collecting points toward a free coffee.
The other thing an app gives you is a direct line. A notification that two chairs just opened at 3pm reaches people in a way an email newsletter rarely does.
You probably need an app if
- Most of your customers come back weekly or monthly
- You take bookings by phone or text and it eats your day
- You run a paper punch card or a loyalty program by hand
- You send the same reminders over and over
- Your members or congregation need one place for events, giving, or resources
Stick with a website for now if
- Most customers visit once, like a moving company or a wedding venue
- You do not have a website yet, and people cannot find you
- You would not have time to send customers anything after launch
Web app or store app?
There is a middle option. A web app opens in a browser like a website but works like an app, and people can add it to their home screen. There is no app store review and no store fee. That is what our Launch build delivers by default.
A store app is what you download from the App Store or Google Play. It can feel more official, but Apple and Google decide whether to accept it. We help submit one on larger builds when the store allows it.