In 2025, I don’t have much trouble talking to business owners about building new apps that might help them. It generally doesn’t matter what industry they’re in or what line of business we’re talking about—everyone understands “apps.” Here we explain why you might need web application development for business, what the benefits of web apps are, and how they can help you interact with your customers.
What is an App?
“App” is the word we now use for “program,” like we used to say 20 or 30 years ago. The long form would be “application program.”
It’s anything useful that uses your device (like a computer or phone) to perform a task.
Apps are designed to take complex or multi-step tasks and make them easy for a person.
Common Examples of Web Apps
- Online banking
- Utility bill accounts
- Social media platforms
- Package tracking
- Mapping tools
These help big businesses run smoothly. Your business might benefit from something similar—or something much more specific to what you do.
Identifying the App You Need
What business owners sometimes struggle with is understanding which apps are useful—and which ones are missing.
Sometimes the gap is in their internal processes. Other times, it’s something that would improve their customers’ experience.
To solve that, you have to define something that doesn’t exist yet—at least not in your environment. It’s like listening for the dog that didn’t bark.
What Do Your Customers Want?
Think about the kinds of tasks customers might want to do on their own:
- Order goods or services
- Place re-orders
- Submit documents or approvals
- Report problems that need a follow-up
- View and pay invoices
- Review the history of services provided
Handling these tasks through an app or customer portal means fewer calls during business hours, less waiting on hold, and a smoother overall experience.
Customers Expect 24/7 Access
Traditional businesses are great at answering the phone—but today’s customers expect 24-hour service.
That doesn’t mean you have to stop taking calls—it means you need to start offering new ways to connect.
Requests like:
- Starting or stopping services
- Requesting extra deliveries
- Asking for copies of invoices
…can all be handled through a customer portal now.
Why Portals Work
Customer portals let people interact on their terms.
They can:
- Take care of tasks while watching TV or having dinner
- Use their phone or desktop
- Get things done at 6 a.m. or 10 p.m.
No phone tag. No waiting. Just simple access.
In 2025, building a customer portal is much easier than you might think. The goal is to connect workers in the company with customers asynchronously.
Asynchronous Communication = Better Workflow
The business goal of a web app or portal is to connect your team and your customers—without requiring real-time contact.
For example:
Some services might be done in real time if the customer can download documents or make payments, but initiating a service call is a great example of something else. The customer feels like they are being handled in real time, but they are really just leaving a message. They have a confirmation that their message was received, and they can log in later and check on it when they have time.
Everyone Wins
The worker who will process the service call is not interrupted by a phone call that demands immediate attention, and they have gathered all the pertinent information with no effort. They can just do the task. Win-win.
Tailored to Your Business
Your business might have a different view on workflow from my examples here. That’s ok. The point of building web apps is that they are tailored to the individual business, and they follow the workflow map that the business has. This customization not only streamlines your internal processes but also enhances the overall user experience by making interactions more intuitive and efficient.
Schedule a call with us, and we’ll talk about what works for you.
Web Application Development for Business F.A.Q.
What is the difference between a website and web app?
A website has very limited functionality and generally provides static content. It may include a form to fill out for contact, but does not offer login capability for customers, for example.
A web app may offer login capability, and will usually become part of the workflow for an organization. A web app will take information from customers and seamlessly integrate it into the company’s daily routines, and can also provide specific and meaningful information back to the individual customers.
What are the benefits of having a web app?
A web app helps your business run more efficiently and improves customer experience. It allows customers to access services anytime—like placing orders, submitting documents, or paying invoices—without calling or emailing. This 24/7 convenience meets today’s client expectations for fast, self-service access.
For your team, a web app reduces interruptions, gathers complete info from customers, and supports your unique workflow. Whether it’s for internal use or customer interaction, a web app saves time, improves service, and helps your business grow in a modern, digital-first way.
Do I need a web app for my business?
Yes, if your customers need:
– online ordering
– regular re-orders for customers
– information gathering from customers
– to pay invoices
– to ask questions
– to open work tickets, or to view and monitor
– access to information outside of your regular office hours
What is the difference between a web app and a mobile app?
Mobile apps work on devices (Android, Apple iOS) and are not accessed via a web browser and not normally from a desktop computer.
Web apps can be accessed from any Internet-enabled device with a web browser. Very few apps require functions that go outside the web browser, and so modern fully functional business apps are most often facilitated using web apps.
