The history of on-demand apps is as old as the history of smartphones and mobile app technology.
But the Covid era made on-demand service apps, especially those focusing on same-day delivery, explode into our daily lives.
According to a report by Statista, the global revenue of on-demand app development services grew to almost $318 billion by 2020 and is projected to hit the $335 billion mark by 2025.
Designing a user-friendly, efficient platform that simplifies the process of ordering services is a prized craft and is a boon for service businesses of all sizes. Have app ideas but no prior app development experience to materialize them? No worries.
You can simply hire a team of experts to do the heavy lifting for you.
In this article, I will shed light on these intricate systems that are essentially bringing the entire world to our fingertips.
What On-demand Service?
Before we get down to the gory details, let’s quickly brush up on the basics.
On-demand services are exactly what they sound like. They can be just about any service under the sky.
From a technical point of view, on-demand services are business models that provide immediate access to goods or services when customers request them.
The most common types of on-demand services we have today include:
Transportation:
- Uber
- Lyft
- Bird (for electric scooters)
Food delivery:
- DoorDash
- Grubhub
- Uber Eats
Grocery shopping:
- Instacart
- Amazon Fresh
- Walmart+
Home services:
- TaskRabbit (for miscellaneous tasks)
- Handy (for cleaning and handyman services)
- Angi (formerly Angie’s List, for home improvement)
Healthcare:
- Teladoc Health
- Doctor On Demand
- Zocdoc (for booking appointments)
Beauty and wellness:
- Glamsquad (for at-home beauty services)
- ClassPass (for fitness classes)
- Soothe (for on-demand massages)
What Is an On-demand App?
On-demand apps are the closest equivalent to Aladdin’s Genie we have got. These platforms are built to bridge the gap between users and service providers.
As an on-demand app developer, my job is to build client-server applications that handle real-time service requests, integrating geolocation APIs, push notifications, and payment gateways.
The backend work primarily consists of crafting robust user authentication systems, clever request-matching algorithms, and efficient database management.
Many on-demand app development companies use microservices architecture for scalability and integrate third-party APIs for features like mapping and messaging.
If you are looking to propel your service business to new heights with a bespoke app but don’t have any app development experience, don’t worry. A mobile app development company can ideate, create, launch, and manage an on-demand app for your business, so you don’t have to.
The success of on-demand services hinges on the following factors:
- User experience
- Technology infrastructure (Real-time data synchronization, seamless UX design, lightning-fast data-driven matching algorithm, etc.)
- Market demand
- Supply chain efficiency
- And last but not the least, your business model
On-Demand App Development
Cost Calculator
Easily calculate the cost of your Business app with us. Get a free on-demand quotation on your next big idea.
Get Free Online Consultation Now!!
Why On-demand Apps are So In-demand? Top 5 Reasons
The on-demand app market has witnessed a staggering growth in recent years, with around 22.4 million consumers using these apps to meet their daily needs. This sector is estimated to generate an average annual spending of $57.6 billion.
Below are my two cents on why on-demand apps are becoming increasingly popular among the masses:
1. Convenience at Your Fingertips:
On-demand apps offer unparalleled convenience by allowing you to access goods and services with just a few taps. From food delivery to transportation, everything is available at your fingertips, quite literally.
2. Instant Gratification:
You get what you want when you want it. These apps cater to your desire for immediate service fulfillment. Need snacks delivered before the movie starts? You got it!
3. Enhanced Accessibility:
On-demand apps break down geographical barriers, making services accessible to people in remote areas or with limited mobility. This promotes inclusivity and expands market reach.
4. Personalization at Scale:
These apps use predictive AI-based algorithms to learn your preferences and offer tailored recommendations that make you feel understood.
5. Flexible, Fast, and Secure Payments:
On these apps, your payment modes aren’t limited to cash and card. You can make payments via e-wallets like PayPal or gateways like Braintree or Stripe.
How to Grow Your Business With On-Demand App Development Services
Having a dedicated app for your business is one of the easiest ways to cater to people who are actively looking for your service. However, building an on-demand app platform customized for your business is a huge undertaking and therefore, best left to the experts.
Today, both SMEs and big corporations rely on fully managed on-demand mobile app development companies. And it makes sense.
Here’s why:
1. Proven Expertise
Any professional app development team worth its salt consists of certified, talented developers, designers, and strategists.
I’m talking about UX/UI designers who understand user behavior, QA specialists to ensure app quality, and project managers who oversee smooth execution. All these professionals will come together to deliver a polished product that perfectly aligns with your vision and market demands.
2. Accelerated Time to Market
To survive the cut-throat competition, you need to be quick. Managing an in-house team of app developers will only add to your forever-expanding to-do list.
By outsourcing this task to an on-demand app development company, you can expedite time to market. These companies have pre-built components and frameworks combined with a well-established workflow and years of experience.
3. Cost-effective Solution
For SMEs, the high upfront cost of hiring an on-demand app development service might be a challenge but logically speaking, it’s more economical in the long run than having an in-house team on payroll.
You don’t have to deal with the expenses associated with recruiting, training, and maintaining an in-house team. Plus, most on-demand service providers offer flexible payment options. On top of it, their bona fide expertise drastically reduces the risk of costly mistakes and rework.
4. Focus on Your Core Business
Developing an app from the ground up demands serious time and effort. By hiring a professional team, you can focus your precious energy on the other core aspects of your business.
5. Scalability and Flexibility
On-demand app developers design apps with scalability in mind. They have access to technologies and architectures that can swiftly evolve with your growing user base and increased functionality. Need to introduce a new service on top of your existing service? Easy. This helps your business stay relevant and effective with the changing times.
Make Your Business Stand Out With an On-demand App
Are you still on the fence about whether an on-demand app development service is worth it or not? The answer is simple: if you want to grow your business with an app but have zero coding skills, get our expert assistance. All you have to do is effectively communicate your goals to them and trust the process.
