I've a brilliant idea but not sure if I should go with a mobile app or a website?
website?
I've thought of an awesome simple social network (not as broad as facebook and nothing like it, dont compare. But this one could be more of tumblr/twitter but again not as broad). Now where I'm stuck is, should I create it as a mobile app.. or a website?
The concept can work well on both the platforms (mobile and web) but as mobile is more portable and there are more chances of getting initial traction (through the appstores), I was thinking to build it as a mobile app (and maybe in future expand it to web too)
Thoughts?
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Jan 24, 2015
I think it is bet to develop it initially as a Website. It is actually through the web that you gain the most traction and also it will be easier and also it can test your market. Once you have a great website with some market traction then you can develop a mobile application. When doing this it pays to think about the architecture of your solution. For example if you application logic is on a back-end server then you can implement numerous user interfaces for different devices against this.
Jan 20, 2015
Check some of your ideas are similar as given in website http://eorbsolutions.com/
Oct 10, 2014
I would say go for the responsive website (that works for all devices). You can use the website as an app too.
Oct 2, 2014
Garish, to be able to answer your question more effectively, it would be much more helpful to know more detail about the social network, i.e. what it is exactly about and which countries you are planning to launch it into. Also, the target audience is important.
Briefly, I'm all for a web app. Here is why:
The thing with the countries is the following: it may seem strange, but smartphones in some of them are still not that popular. So, if you decide to implement your idea in the form of a mobile app, be ready that not everybody could properly use it.
Target audience: you may be surprised but nowadays lots of people still don't use smartphones, so they won't be able to use a mobile app, but only web. Moreover, I suppose if you decide to go with a mobile app, you'll do it for the most popular iOS/Android, thus leaving aside Blackberry, WP etc. users.
With all that said, I'd advise you to go for a web app optimized for mobile devices. Once it becomes more popular, you may think about a mobile app as well.
Sep 28, 2014
I think you are thinking wrong mobile app still not effective as web site ,first create web site work hard and onces it popular than go to mobile app it is key of success
Sep 27, 2014
Hi Garish,
It would be wise to build it as a mobile app that can be viewed online. Please be sure to allow it to function with third party posting apps so that social media managers can schedule the postings. This will allow more businesses to jump on this app and be able to track analytics. The huge problem with instagram is that you can not connect it with third party apps.
Sep 27, 2014
I highly recommend you read The Lean Startup. It'll cover how to handle these decisions through establishing a feedback loop of information. Every concept like this comes with a set of "leap of faith assumptions" such as the assumption that someone would be willing to sign up for this type of social network. By answering these questions up front, you'll be better positioned to make the decision of whether to go app vs web (the answer is probably web then app).
Sep 27, 2014
Garish,
Before I recommend a brand identity development and before deciding whether you have to start with a website, an app or both I would need to ask you the following:
1- Have you done your research and identified the differentiators of your app?
2- Have you identified your demographics (their age, their geographic regions, etc)
3- Have you done any risk analysis?
4- Have you identified whether the social media use in the geographic countries of preference is high to assess if your communication/launch strategy will achieve the required market penetration?
5- Have you assessed if the competition could claim the idea taken from them?
6- Did you patent the idea before discussing it with any internal or external stakeholder so no one can copy it and implement it faster?
There is much more questions that need to be answered in order to build the business case.
Only then you can move into discussing the brand identity development, the platforms that you want to use and the methods, tools and communication channels you will need to employ for the purpose.
A detailed research will give you all the answers including whether the investment is worthwhile and whether the idea has a chance in the middle of the fierce competition.
Best, E
Fantastic Eddy