CPAs Moving Into Mobile App Business —Journal of Accountancy

Want to Develop and Publish a Mobile App?  Demand is Real and Growing.  A Compelling Idea, Solid Plan, and Choice of App Marketplace are Key. 

Jeffrey Drew at The Journal of Accountancy reports that with the digital delivery of products and services emerging as a top technology trend, CPAs are beginning to explore the development of mobile apps. What they have found so far is that the path to the Apple App Store can be riddled with pitfalls. Find out how you can create and distribute a mobile app that boosts your business or career.

Read his full story here to find out more about the pitfalls that befell two potential CPA inventors, Susan Bruno and Jeff Wright, and to read a complete and detailed explication of a proper development path.   Here’s the quick executive summary:

Mobile applications can offer CPAs new ways to engage clients and colleagues on their smartphones and tablets. Opportunities exist in the areas of content delivery and enhanced, interactive communications.

Do not invest time and money into developing a mobile app unless there is a clear and compelling reason. Apps should provide a new product, service, or form of interaction with clients in a manner that is significantly enhanced by delivery through a mobile device. Don’t build an app just to build an app.

Once a strong app idea is established, decide whether to build a mobile-optimized website or a “native app.” Mobile websites are hosted on the internet and are designed to work on multiple mobile devices and operating systems. Native apps are designed to be downloaded to a device and work exclusively on that platform. For example, an iPhone app running on Apple’s iOS won’t work on an Android smartphone or tablet.

CPAs who aren’t website experts should consider hiring a consultant who can advise on app design, vendor vetting, device selection, and app store submissions. Look for experience with app development when choosing a consultant.

Choose which devices and operating systems will run the app. Keep in mind that the costs will rise with each version of the app that is created.

Once the design and functionality of an app is mapped out, the next step is to find someone to write the actual code. This is the most vexing part of the process. Without an official body to sanction app developers, it’s difficult to tell the good vendors from the bad ones.

The costs of building an app can range from a few thousand dollars to well into the six figures. Budget accordingly.

Make sure to do thorough quality assurance testing on your app before submitting it to an app store. The release of an app that doesn’t work right will hurt your brand and could lead to costly revisions. 

The Apple App Store puts app submissions through a thorough review process that can take weeks and often results in a rejection. Understanding the App Store’s rules and developing the app to comply with App Store policy is the best approach to break through Apple’s red tape.

The full article includes helpful graphics detailing:

• Exhibit #1:  Native Apps vs Mobile Websites:  Pros and Cons
• Exhibit #2:  Three Types of Mobile Apps
• Exhibit #3:  How Apps Should Look and Perform

There are Few Limits to the Functionality CPAs Can Find and Build for Mobile Devices