You've decided your local business needs an app. Excellent! Now the real work begins. Building the software is only 20% of the process. The other 80% is planning, launch and operations.
This article presents the Essential Steps to get the project off the ground and into the pockets of your customers, ensuring that the investment brings a financial return.
Step 1: Scope Definition (What Does the App Do?)
Don't try to make a "Super App". Focus is essential. Write on a sheet of paper: "My app serves the customer [ACTION] in a [BENEFIT] way."
- Beauty Salon Example: "My app allows customers to schedule a haircut quickly and without calling."
- Pet Shop example: "My app allows customers to buy food with recurring scheduled delivery."
Cut out everything that doesn't help in this main sentence. Chat? Internal social network? News? Court. Keep the essentials.
Step 2: Design and Identity (The Face of the Company)
The app is an extension of your physical store.
- Colors and Logo: They must be identical to those on the facade.
- Real Photos: Do not use stock photos of American people smiling. Take real photos of your products, your team, your environment. This generates emotional connection and local trust.
Step 3: Registration in Stores (Necessary Bureaucracy)
To have an app on the Apple Store and Google Play, you need developer accounts.
- Google Play (Android): One-time fee of $25. Fast approval (days).
- Apple App Store (iOS): Annual fee of $99 dollars. Rigorous approval (may take weeks and require corrections). Need a D-U-N-S number (for businesses).
Essential Tip: Create accounts in the name of the company (CNPJ), not in the name of the developer or agency. The app is an asset of YOUR company.
Step 4: The Launch (D-Day)
Do not launch the app "in silence". Make noise.
- Launch Event: A breakfast, a cocktail or a special day at the store.
- Irrefusable Offer: The “Download Thing”. Offer something that hurts your pocket, but guarantees installation. "Free beer for anyone who downloads the app today". "Haircut at half price on the first booking via the app".
- Old Database: Do you have emails or WhatsApps from old customers? Send a message letting us know the news.
Step 5: Daily Operation (The Vivo App)
The app was born. Now he needs food.
- Menu/Prices Update: If the customer orders something through the app and you say "ah, the price has increased, the app is out of date", you've killed their trust. Maintain perfect sync.
- Support: Who responds if the app gives an error? Who takes care of the app's "Contact Us"? Define someone responsible on your team.
- Metrics Analysis: Look weekly. How many orders? How many appointments? Is the app paying for itself?
Conclusion
Creating an app for a local company is a step towards digital maturity. It requires organization and commitment. But the reward is freedom. With your own app, you are no longer a hostage to social media algorithms and marketplace fees. You now have a direct, proprietary and valuable channel with your loyal clientele.
Follow these steps, keep it simple and focus on your neighbor/customer's experience. Local success is built one download at a time.