The use of digital content on mobile devices has been steadily increasing in recent years – and there is no end in sight to the trend. So it makes sense to bring your own business to your smartphone in order to reach even more customers exactly where they are. In addition to the mobile-optimized website, there is a targeted alternative: your own native app!

Having your own app opens up many new possibilities for your business. Nowadays, it is not only games and the like that are popular with consumers, but also learning content, memberships and course content. But what is a native app, what alternatives exist and what opportunities do they develop for your business? We'll clarify that in this post.

What is a native app?

Not all apps are the same. There are different ways to package your business and content. A native app is the most individual form of a mobile application: You are completely flexible with the content and design of the app, so you can offer your users a good user experience. Alternatives to the native app are the web app and a hybrid form, the hybrid app. The more important an app is in the user's everyday life, the more requirements it has to meet – and the more relevant a native app becomes.

All app types at a glance

Native App

• specially developed for the respective operating system (iOS from Apple, Android from Google)
• In comparison, it is much better user-friendly due to the direct integration into the operating system, among other things, certain functions and data are available offline
• appears to be of higher quality, as the native app usually performs better and can be individually designed
• good, native apps are rated better on average and thus rank better in the stores
• compared to other types of construction, often have a longer lead time
• Usually higher development and maintenance costs
• perfect for entrepreneurs who value quality and performance
• a well-known example of a native app is WhatsApp

Hybrid App

• Cross-platform solution available as an app on the mobile device
• Since only one app is developed for both operating systems, development costs and duration are usually lower
• Maintenance costs are usually lower
• Compared to a native app, the user-friendliness decreases because it is more superficially integrated into the respective operating systems
• the market is currently undergoing a lot of change, so there is no such thing as "the best framework", but there are constant innovations
• a well-known example is AirBnb's hotel booking app

Web App

• browser-based application, i.e. the web app cannot be found in the app stores, but is accessed via the internet browser
• an extremely mobile-optimized website
• Very fast development, therefore low costs
• No compatibility issues as all users access the same version
• Features & Usability is not comparable to other app solutions
• poor usability, which can lead to user dissatisfaction
• best for simple applications such as mapping a range of services or the portfolio

Why a native app is worth it for your business

Imagine the following scenario: Your brand, visible in the app stores and available to all smartphone users. Your customers can see all your offers, buy directly from the app, and then use your content, such as your yoga class, business workshop, or anti-stress class, on the go... You'll increase your reach, attract more customers, build a much better relationship with them – all with just your business as an app.

It's no wonder that having their own app on customers' smartphones is a dream come true for many entrepreneurs. Especially if you already offer digital products such as online courses and memberships, it makes sense to make these products accessible on mobile devices in other ways. For the end users of the app, this is a service – and thus offers a real competitive advantage for your business! With a native app, you have the most flexibility and the best opportunities to translate your business for mobile-savvy users. And even if it is often the case, this type of app does not have to be expensive and is therefore also within reach for young entrepreneurs.

Tip: quick and cost-effective way to create your own app

There are now various providers who will create a native app for you at a fraction of the typical agency costs. You can also create your own app with us – for a small monthly price, including an update guarantee. This way, you can easily offer the products that you sell with elopage via your shop in your own app. The advantage of this is that your shop is virtually directly linked – your customers can also experience all the advantages of the payment and usage options that you know from elopage in the app. If you want to know more about it, feel free to call for more information and ideas. Book a short appointment with our app experts without obligation and ask all your questions about your native app.

Get inspired by this native app!

As described, a native app is not always synonymous with high costs and long development times. Unlike hybrid apps or web apps, you don't have to limit your quality standards and can offer your customers the best user experience. This is shown by many examples of apps that have gone live in the stores within a maximum of six weeks and provide more reach every day.

By Johanna Fritz – Online Courses for Your Ears

Johanna Fritz is an online business coach and supports her clients in building an online business. She focuses on email marketing and online courses and shows how to scale your own digital business. What makes her own native app so special: Johanna offers her course content not only in video format, but also as an audio file. As a result, it not only offers its customers the advantage of consuming the content on the go – they can listen to the courses in a relaxed way as a podcast on the dog walk or at the playground. In this way, the entrepreneur can meet her users exactly where they are – a great competitive advantage for the entrepreneur.

"I can really do anything in the app that I can do on desktop and that's exactly what makes it super easy for customers. The app is simply a mirror image of the desktop."

Johanna Fritz

During the Christmas season, Johanna came up with something very special: she used the mobile application as an Advent calendar. To this end, she has prepared an online course with 24 lessons. Each day, one chapter was opened and the previous one closed. Through the native app, her customers could access the Christmas content at any time. Johanna promoted special doors via push messages and thus used an additional communication channel for her business success.