What is a business directory app?
A business directory application is a web, mobile, or desktop application that provides users with information about businesses or services in their area. Business directory apps may offer features to filter search results by category, to read reviews and ratings for local businesses, and to view contact information for individual businesses.
Directory apps are similar to other business apps, such as scheduling apps, appointment apps, task management apps, and project management apps. Yelp is the most popular example of a business directory app.
Examples of business directory apps built with Crowdbotics:
- An app that helps users find local service providers, schedule appointments, and pay for services right on the app. Some examples of services include cleaning, gardening, plumbing, contractors, and beauty services.
- A mobile friendly web app that is similar to www.care.com, but focused on housekeeping, senior care, and child care. Includes the ability to run background checks and check all of the listed businesses’ licenses. There will not be medical providers on this site.
- A Yelp clone for small businesses.
What is the typical cost to build a business directory app?
A business directory app usually costs about $37,500 to build. However, the total cost can be as low as $25,000 or as high as $50,000. A business directory app with a low number of features (also known as a minimum viable product, or MVP) will be more affordable than an app that includes all intended functionality.
For example, here are some previous business directory app price quotes from Crowdbotics:
How long does it take to build a business directory app?
A business directory app usually takes 193 hours to build. However, a business directory app can be built in as few as 67 hours, or in as many as 333 hours. The exact timeline mostly depends on how complicated your specific app is. As a general rule, it will take longer if you require highly custom designs, niche features, complex logic, or non-standard release platforms.
For example, some previous business directory apps build with Crowdbotics received the following hourly estimates:
Not seeing what you’re looking for?
Crowdbotics has quoted and built hundreds of applications for teams of all sizes. Browse our historical estimates by industry and app type to understand possible costs and considerations.
How to successfully grow your business directory application
Business directory app can grow by allowing users to rate their experience with a business and by offering new users a free deal. Business directory apps succeed when they allow users to find the best businesses in a given category because of the value that they provide to users. For example, Yelp is successful because it’s useful for finding businesses in a certain location. Useful features include star ratings, user reviews, and curated lists of businesses.
Risks and challenges of building a business directory application
A business directory app may face legal and reputational risks associated with inaccurate or outdated data, disclosure of personal or proprietary data, improper use of images, and security vulnerabilities. It is recommended that business directory apps take measures to verify the accuracy of information provided by users and offer mechanisms for reporting and responding to abuse. Businesses should be careful when sharing their own sensitive data such as employee or member information.
