Custom Fitness App Development or Off-The-Shelf Solution – Which Is Better?

The online fitness niche is growing at a rapid pace. The World Economic Forum has found that Custom Fitness App Development has increased by almost 50% in just the first half of 2020.

There are no signs that this trend will slow down. The global market is expected to grow at a rate of 21.6% per year until 2028.

Technology not only helps gyms and trainers to survive but also thrive. Moving a studio online leads to increased customer engagement and growth.

Now is the perfect time to enter the online fitness market.

This article will help you make an informed decision by comparing the pros and cons of off-the-shelf fitness solutions with Custom Fitness App Development.

What are the benefits of using ready-to-use web fitness apps?

Online personal training has grown in popularity due to the pandemic. Gym operators had no choice but to work online with clients as brick-and-mortar gyms were closing.

Fitness companies and personal trainers are flocking to live streaming services or ready-to-use, customizable apps. Even those who are skeptical about technology now realize that it is possible to run a successful online Custom Fitness App Development company.

Off-the-shelf products offer more than just the ability to survive a COVID-19 storm. Their popularity is due to several factors:

1. Low entry threshold and faster ROI

These tools are typically subscription-based so your initial investment to launch your online coaching business will be relatively low. The whole app development process is also omitted, which reduces the time it takes to get your product on the market. Custom Fitness app development, web application development, etc., will allow you to avoid developing apps for different platforms. By choosing a ready-made fitness solution, you can generate revenue more quickly.

The entry barrier is lowered by reducing the cost of developing fitness apps. This is a great advantage, but it also has a downside: your competition will likely use the same tool and offer their customers a similar experience.

Keep in mind that such software is often bundled with hidden costs, including higher subscription rates for users who have a high user base.

Overall, the available tools off-the-shelf can be a good starting point for personal trainers who have just entered into online fitness.

You may want to wait until your online coaching project takes off before working with clients in your customized workout apps.

2. Online fitness businesses are easier to launch

You can save time and money by choosing a solution that is ready to use online.

This tool allows you to decide on all the things that make a great user experience in an app: a tech stack and menu structure, flows for users, payments, notifications, etc. These details can make or break an application. These details require the expertise of a team that specializes in digital product design.

It gives new online entrepreneurs the time they need to master the tricks of their trade.

• Engaging clients with quality content online
• Exercise plans can be monetized to generate a satisfactory amount of revenue
• Attracting new clients to your online training sessions is a great way to market them.

You need to know these aspects to run a successful online business.

3. You can easily access user reviews

It is easier to start your online fitness business with a virtual hub. Don’t undervalue the options. Quality service leads to happy customers.

You may wish to consult review websites like G2Crowd or Capterra. These sites are a reliable source of reviews from users and can help you choose the option that is best suited to your business.

4. You can benefit from familiarity with the user

The majority of online fitness solutions are very similar. There is a reason why. Humans like familiarity. They don’t have to learn anything new. They can concentrate on solving problems instead of trying to understand a new feature.

Users who are familiar with the app can navigate it easily. It enhances user engagement and provides a positive experience.

When developing your future Custom Fitness App Development, it’s important to keep this in mind.

5. Test before you commit

Many off-the-shelf products offer a free trial period so you can try out a solution before making a purchase. Take advantage of your time.

Unfortunately, trial periods are not usually long enough to test if all features are available. Do your research before you begin the trial. Anticipate your future business needs and anticipate how your company will grow.

6. Automatic updates

Most ready-made apps come with automatic, regular updates. You can save money by not having to hire app developers.

Automatic updates fix bugs or security holes in code and can give you an impression of security. Be aware that some updates can do more harm than benefit. Updates can cause havoc when the deployed code is unkempt.

You have no control over off-the-shelf solutions over the data and code.

7. Easy initial data security setup

Last but not least, is data security.

Even though it is important to handle user data following legal standards, failure to comply with user data regulations can result in massive fines. This is an important aspect of operating an online business that you should not underestimate.

Available software off-the-shelf includes features for legal and security compliance, including GDPR compliance plug-ins. These tools take off the burden of properly processing data. These tools are extremely useful, particularly at the start of your online business.

What are the disadvantages of fitness apps designed to your specifications?

1. Business Risk

As the owner of all aspects of the software, you are more at risk when custom Custom Fitness App Development. Making business decisions requires a thorough understanding of your target market and the trends that are shaping the fitness industry.

In terms of product development, the level of responsibility is higher than with off-the-shelf applications. You’ll receive a lot more support if you choose to work with a technology partner.

2. Big initial financial investment

Without first discussing your goals and needs, it’s difficult, if you don’t impossible, to provide a reliable estimate of Custom Fitness App Development costs for an online fitness platform. The cost can range from $20-30K to $100K or even more. Costs will vary depending on the scope of your project.

Initially, custom applications are more expensive and time-consuming than standard solutions. They pay off over time.

3. Longer time-to-market

The time to market will be longer if you choose a ready-made solution. It will take time to find the right technology partner.

Iterations are also a part of Scrum and Agile. Users will test the product at different stages of development. You will often ask for feedback from your customers, even if it is for just one element.

The product requirements will likely change as a result of the initial feedback from users. The timeline will be further impacted by adding potential changes to the product before its production.

Which is better, a custom-made app or a pre-made app? What is the best way to run your online fitness business?

Both Custom Fitness App Development solutions and off-the-shelf products have their advantages and limitations.

If you are:

• You are new to the market and lack the knowledge necessary to create a successful product
• You want to know if your customers are interested in the digital space
• You are pressed for Time
• You don’t have enough content
• You have limited financial resources

If you want, go bespoke

• Upgrade your existing platform to take your business to the top.
• Scale your business.
• To gain an edge, you need to have unique features, great branding, and a great UX.
• You want to own your app and have the freedom to customize it.
• You can easily manage the content that you have.