The world has experienced a fundamental shift in how we communicate. Digital mediums have become crucial to almost every social experience. Mobile apps, in particular, have become a pillar of engagement that help associations of all sizes connect with their member audience like never before. 

While there are tangible benefits to having a mobile app for your association, many are still wary of creating one. Is it too expensive? Too complex? Isn’t my website alone good enough? While these misconceptions are pervasive, they’re inaccurate and rooted in assumption. It’s time to rethink the way your association approaches digital engagement. With that in mind, let’s dig into some of the biggest myths about mobile apps for associations. 

Myth #1: Mobile apps take too long to develop

The reality is, many mobile apps can be turned around in a matter of weeks. Some association managers believe the common misconception that it takes months or even a year. It simply is not true given new technology in today’s world!

So why do association apps enjoy a shorter timeline to launch? The mobile technology available today for iOS and Android makes it much easier (and faster) than it used to be. Although Apple has a more rigid approval process than Google for releasing apps on their store, both environments are still friendly to app developers. Not to mention, new technology has allowed app companies to create custom apps with an easy ‘no code’ model. That being said, the speed of app delivery largely depends on who you work with, and which app platform you choose to publish and manage your app.

App companies who specialize in associations, like MobileUp, not only understand the exact features your app will need, they have proven procedures in place to ensure it’s completed quickly and easily.

At MobileUp, we also make it easy to integrate your new mobile app with all of your association’s member data, branding, web content and much more. With our seamless process, associations can bring their apps to market with unprecedented speed and quality.

Myth #2: Mobile apps are way too expensive

For obvious reasons, an association’s budget has a major influence over almost everything they do, but when it comes to mobile app development, there are some major misunderstandings. It’s a commonly held belief, for example, that associations will have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to create an engaging custom app, but this is far from the truth.

The reality is that new means of delivering software have unlocked far more cost-effective business models. MobileUp’s SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) platform, for example, allows clients to build custom apps at a fraction of the cost of past custom app practices.

What’s more, intuitive ‘no-code’ admin tools make it easy for even the least technical association managers to create and administer their mobile app. There is no need to break the bank with expensive internal or external resources.

Mobile technology makes a valuable addition to your marketing stack, delivering rich and engaging solutions, but the costs are far less than expected and can easily fit in a small budget.  Mobile app providers should be able to provide you a quote for your association over the phone or via email very quickly.

Myth #3: Takes a ‘tech-savvy’ person to manage an app

Not today. A short time ago, you might have had to hire a digital agency, a mobile developer, or some other outside resource to build and manage your app. Now, with the right mobile platform, common computer skills are all you need to build and manage a custom app. Modern mobile platforms offer an intuitive administrative console that allows anyone to navigate an app designer. With just a few clicks, you can upload images, change the design, add new content and much more. Recruiting others to help you manage an app is a thing of the past. A good mobile platform can be managed with no additional staff requirements.

When you choose MobileUp as your app provider, any staff member should be able to create and manage such things as;

• Annual Conference & Events
• Membership Data
• Groups & Committees
• Digital ID Cards
• Discussions Boards
• Surveys
• And much more

Myth #4: A mobile app is a marketing “add-on” or overall luxury

One of the most common myths around mobile apps is the perception that they are simply “add-ons” that the association can go without, if necessary. As a result of constrained budgets, many express skepticism towards the value an app can bring, and have a hard time making allowances for something they perceive as non-essential.

On the contrary, mobile apps are imperative, if not required, for strong member engagement, retention and most importantly, because the majority of your audience expect a mobile solution.  Today, Millennials and GenZ make up over 50% of the workforce and they look at mobile first.  

Associations who perceive their mobile app as essential to their success are in a far better position to retain their member base. Poor member engagement is often cited as the chief cause of member loss. Mobile apps resolve poor engagement head-on. They provide a platform for you to easily notify members when you have updates, foster group discussions, and solicit feedback that will allow you to continually improve your member experience. Apps also connect members with a speed and efficiency that your

 association website can’t touch.