Dear readers, welcome to our latest article on the cost of building an app for an existing CRM. In today’s digital era, businesses of all sizes rely on customer relationship management (CRM) software to manage customer interactions and streamline their sales process. However, with the growing mobile trend, it has become essential for companies to have a mobile app version of their CRM software. In this article, we will explore the process of building an app for an existing CRM and the associated costs.
Why Develop a Mobile App for your Existing CRM?
As mentioned earlier, having a mobile app version of your existing CRM software can provide numerous benefits for your business. Here are some reasons why developing an app for your existing CRM is a good idea:
Increased accessibility:
Mobile apps make it easier for your sales team to access CRM data from anywhere, anytime. This means your team can be more productive, closing deals and nurturing relationships even when they are on the go.
Better user experience:
A well-designed mobile app can provide a better user experience when compared to accessing CRM through a web browser on a mobile device.
Improved data accuracy:
A mobile app can improve data accuracy by enabling your sales team to enter information in real-time while they are in the field. This can lead to better forecasting and more accurate sales reports.
Competitive advantage:
If your competitors do not have a mobile app version of their CRM software, it can give you a significant competitive advantage.
Cost savings:
Although developing an app for your existing CRM comes with a cost, it can save you money in the long run by increasing sales and productivity.
The Cost of Building an App for an Existing CRM
The cost of building an app for an existing CRM can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the app, the number of features, the platform you choose, and the development team’s hourly rate. Here are some of the factors that can impact the cost:
App Complexity:
The more complex your app, the more expensive it will be to develop, test, and launch. Factors that can increase complexity include the number of features, integrations with other tools or databases, and the overall design of the app.
Features:
The more features you want your app to have, the more costly it will be to develop. Common features of a CRM app include customer data management, sales forecasting, lead tracking, and analytics tools.
Platform:
The platform you choose for your app can also impact the cost. Generally, Android apps are cheaper to develop than iOS apps because of the larger developer community and more affordable development tools. However, if your business operates in a market where iOS is more popular, you may want to prioritize an iOS app.
Development team rate:
The hourly rate of your development team can significantly impact the cost. Rates vary depending on the location and experience of the development team. Generally, offshore development teams have lower rates than onshore teams.
App maintenance and updates:
Developing an app is not a one-time cost. You need to factor in ongoing maintenance and updates. App maintenance includes bug fixes, security updates, and changes in technology. Updates may include feature enhancements or new integrations with other tools.
Marketing and distribution:
Marketing and distribution are other costs to consider. You need to promote your app for users to find and download it. You may also need to pay for distribution on app stores or third-party platforms.
Table:
Cost Factors | Estimated Cost Range |
---|---|
App Complexity | $5,000 – $100,000+ |
Features | $2,000 – $50,000+ |
Platform | $3,000 – $20,000+ |
Development team rate | $50 – $250 per hour |
App maintenance and updates | $1,000 – $10,000+ |
Marketing and distribution | $1,000 – $20,000+ |
Total | $12,000 – $250,000+ |
FAQs:
1. How long does it take to develop a mobile app for an existing CRM?
The development time can vary depending on the complexity of the app and the number of features. Simple apps can take a few weeks, while more complex apps can take several months.
2. Can I use an existing CRM API to develop a mobile app?
Yes, most CRM software offers APIs that allow developers to build custom integrations and mobile apps.
3. Should I hire an in-house development team or outsource the development?
Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. In-house teams provide more control and communication, but outsourcing can be more affordable.
4. Can I customize the app design?
Yes, you can customize the app design to match your brand identity and user preferences.
5. Do I need to update my CRM software to develop a mobile app?
No, you can develop a mobile app that integrates with your existing CRM software without updating it.
6. Do I need to have a mobile app version of my CRM software?
It depends on your business needs and goals. If your sales team is frequently on the go, a mobile app version can be beneficial.
7. How can I ensure the security of my CRM data in the mobile app?
You can ensure the security of your CRM data by using secure authentication methods, encryption, and regular security updates.
8. How much does it cost to maintain and update the app?
The cost of maintaining and updating the app can vary depending on the frequency and complexity of the updates. Generally, it can cost $1,000 – $10,000+ per year.
9. How do I promote my app?
You can promote your app through various marketing channels, such as social media, email marketing, search engine optimization, and paid advertising.
10. How do I distribute my app?
You can distribute your app through app stores, such as Google Play and Apple App Store, or through third-party platforms.
11. Can I get analytics data from my CRM mobile app?
Yes, most CRM mobile apps come with analytics tools that allow you to track user behavior, engagement, and sales data.
12. Can I offer in-app purchases or subscriptions in my CRM mobile app?
Yes, you can offer in-app purchases or subscriptions to generate revenue from your mobile app.
13. Can I integrate my CRM mobile app with other tools?
Yes, you can integrate your CRM mobile app with other tools, such as marketing automation software or project management tools, to streamline your workflow.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, building a mobile app version of your existing CRM software can provide numerous benefits for your business. Although the cost of developing an app can vary depending on several factors, including app complexity, features, platform, and development team’s hourly rate, the benefits can outweigh the costs in the long run. We recommend that you consider the factors mentioned in this article and weigh the benefits and cost before deciding to develop a mobile app for your existing CRM software.
Thank you for reading this article on the cost of building an app for an existing CRM. We hope this article has been informative and helpful. If you have any further questions or would like to discuss your CRM mobile app development project, please get in touch with our team.
Closing/Disclaimer:
This article is solely for informative purposes and does not provide any legal, financial or professional advice. The information in this article may become outdated over time and may not be representative of the current state of the CRM software and mobile app development industry. The author and publisher of this article are not liable for any losses or damages related to the information provided or the use of any tools or resources mentioned in this article.