It's hard to imagine how we completed our daily tasks before on-demand service apps. Is it time for your company to get into the game?
Uber and Lyft. Netflix and Spotify. Seamless and Postmates.
Today, practically everything we want or need is within our reach. And that's thanks to on-demand service apps.
These forms seem like magic. Remember the days when we had to call restaurants to deliver food? Or when we needed to call taxis to get from one place to another? Those days are over. Now, we can't imagine a world where we don't have ready access to a multitude of services, from shopping to cleaning and more.
Many companies across all industries can benefit from offering on-demand services. Is it time to incorporate them into your flock?
What is an on-demand service app?
Most of us use on-demand service apps, or simply on-demand apps, practically every day. These tools are vital to the gig economy , which connects workers with customers to perform a variety of tasks. Apps facilitate contact between the user and the person or people who will carry out the work.
Apparently, this type of application allows for fast and efficient delivery of services. Typically, customers can specify preferences to improve the quality of services and customize recommendations accordingly.
While each on-demand app has a unique structure, most of them work following a similar pattern:
- Both users and workers create profiles on the application.
• Users initiate a request.
• The provider that can best fulfill the request is connected to the user.
• The provider can accept or decline the request.
• The provider delivers the service.
• Payment is automatically deducted from the registered payment method.
• The consumer may have the option to evaluate the service. In some cases, the supplier may also evaluate the consumer.
Essentially, the company – or the application itself – acts as an intermediary between the user and the provider.
Benefits of On-Demand Apps
These are just some of the benefits of on-demand service apps for both businesses and customers:
- Real-time services
- Cost savings
- Reliability
- Payment gateway diversity
- Low-effort solutions
- Availability of choice
- Sustainable practices
- Business visibility
Types of On-Demand Apps
Food and meal delivery
Examples:
- Dash Door
• UberEats
• Untied
• Grub Hub
These types of apps allow consumers to order meals and groceries from local or national businesses.
Ride sharing and transport
Examples:
- Uber
• Lyft
• By
• Curb
This is a classic on-demand model. Users simply specify destinations and apps like Uber connect them with drivers who can take them there.
Health care
Examples:
- Doctor on demand
• Saúde Viva
• Conversation space
The healthcare field is ripe for software development. This was particularly evident during the pandemic, when more and more patients were relying on services through apps and web platforms – also known as telemedicine.
Cleaning and Domestic Services
Examples:
- TaskRabbit
• thumbtack
• Clean
Now, on-demand service apps can make it easier to ensure workers complete a variety of tasks, from cleaning to repairs.
Pet care Clinic
Examples:
- Shake!
• Wanderer
• Urban Leash
From dog walking to pet sitting, a wide range of pet services are available through these apps, which connect providers with customers.
Entertainment
Examples:
- YouTube
•Hulu
•Netflix
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
Entertainment platforms, such as streaming and music services, are also sometimes characterized as on-demand apps, as they allow users instant access to shows, movies, and music.
Steps and tips for success
1. Conduct market research
There is serious competition in the on-demand app market, so it is critical to conduct research to identify existing gaps and potential audiences. There is certainly room for new innovation, so if you do your due diligence and identify the need and want, you will be better equipped to create a successful plan and product – one that users will respond to.
You should also identify your competition and explore how to differentiate yourself from emerging and existing services.
2. Define your audience
Part of market research is finding out who your potential users are. What are your needs? What are your likes and dislikes?
Keep in mind that your app won't please everyone. The better defined your audience is – in terms of age, race/ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, education, and so on – the more you will be able to appeal to the specific niche.
3. Choose key features
An on-demand app is meant to fulfill a specific purpose. Initially, focus on this need. A mistake companies often make is trying to include too many features from the start. Including an abundance of possibilities will hurt your app more than it will boost it. This will confuse and overwhelm your users, not to mention end up costing you a lot.
In other words, less is more. It's important to ensure your app is serving its purpose before adding features. Once your app is more established, you can add more features.
However, there are some qualities that every on-demand app must have. For example, you will need to add a payment gateway. Profiles are also usually mandatory, as are notifications. Consider which on-demand features, like geolocation, are essential for your app.
4. Find the right developers and approach
When you first enter the on-demand app market, you may find that you don't have the necessary skills on your team. Instead, you may want to look elsewhere – turning, for example, to outsourcing . This way, you can identify a partner with experience in your specific niche, such as transportation, food delivery or entertainment. Plus, you'll be assured that these developers are equipped to incorporate the features you want.
Also think about the tools you want to use, in terms of languages, frameworks and approaches. Work closely with your team, whether internal or external, to determine the right way to build your product.
On-demand apps have revolutionized the landscape of several critical markets. With so much to offer, they can take your business to new heights. Is it time for you to join the game?
