If you don’t already know much about DIY app builders, you should. They are the easiest tools companies and entrepreneurs can use to get an app to market.
A number of prominent app makers like AppMySite and others are reliable names to stake the process of app development on.
Since these platforms make it much easier to build an app for non-tech professionals, they are growing in popularity. App builders are slowly becoming the WordPress of the app development world.
Also read: App Builders or no app builders: Theory for small scale businesses
This increase in popularity makes the task of mastering app builder usage even more important. Companies and entrepreneurs using app builders must have a firm grasp on using these tools to their full potential. Otherwise, the final app will never truly provide the performance for growth and scalability.
This piece chiefly covers the mistakes you should avoid while using app builders. In the long run, steering clear of these mistakes will help you become proficient at using app builders.
Firstly, let’s get the basics out of the way.
How do app builders work?
It is a little difficult to understand how app builders work especially if you haven’t used them before.
Generally, app makers use the website of a user as a cornerstone to create a new app build. Let’s say you have a website running on WordPress. You can use a convert WordPress to Android app builder and use your website to build your own app.
Using a website to build an app helps in two ways. First, it allows you to update your app content directly from your website. There is no need to create a separate backend to manage app content.
Second, you can optimize the performance of your app by improving the website. Using CDNs or getting a better web host can improve both website and app performance. This is only possible if you choose to use an app builder.
The three mistakes you should avoid while using DIY app builders
There are many features and functionalities a typical app builder offers. This multiplicity of options often makes companies prone to making mistakes while using app builders.
The following sections cover three major mistakes companies and entrepreneurs should avoid while using mobile app builders.
Ignoring website optimization
The foundation of any app you build using an app maker rests upon the website.
Let’s assume you built an app using a turn WooCommerce to Android app builder. Your new app doesn’t just use your website to import content. All the resources of your app are also located on the hosting space your website is on.
Thus, your app depends on your website for both content and performance.
A bad web host will impact your app’s performance as well. Depending on the app builder you choose, various other design factors also come into the picture. Practices like image optimization, caching, and even adding a CDN can improve the app performance while helping the website.
The mistake companies make when using an app builder is not concentrating on their website. This generally happens partly because of the traditional tech belief of thinking both website and app are different entities. App builders blur this distinction and companies using them must be aware of the same.
Also read: How to Optimize WordPress Website for a Better Mobile App?
Lack of testing
Every app builder worth its salt offers great app preview options that help a lot in the testing phase. AppMySite is a clear example of one such online app creator.
However, many companies don’t make complete use of preview features. This makes their app testing efforts fairly brittle and severely affects app success in the market.
App built from app makers don’t generally have any software bugs. However, bugs are not the only thing app testing helps resolve. Issues related to design and app performance in different conditions are only resolved with comprehensive app testing.
It’s not as if app builders do not facilitate testing. Take AppMySite for instance. It allows users to test their mobile app on both Android and iOS devices with its demo app. Companies can then test every part of the app on their mobile device and make note of all performance and design deficiencies.
There is no excuse not to test an app thoroughly. Companies should remember the same and remove any apparent issues their apps have.
Choosing the wrong app builder
All app builders are similar in some aspects and different in others. This is natural in a space where there are many competent options to create an app without writing a single line of code.
Having a lot of options doesn’t mean every option is optimal for you. In fact, you must be smart enough to study the features an app maker offers and choose the one that suits you best.
Let’s assume you have a WooCommerce store and are looking for an app builder that offers in-depth cool customization features. AppMySite is a perfect choice in such a case.
You need to be cognizant of your needs and the features an app builder offers. This is the best way to choose the right app builder.
Also read: Confused about choosing an app builder? Here are the features you should look for
In conclusion
Mistakes and failures are not final. In the world of technology, they can as easily be preliminary phases of longer term success.
This piece provides an insight into three common mistakes companies make while using DIY app builders. These are not the only mistakes they can make, but the ones they should avoid nonetheless and ensure a smooth app building process.
