AppsBuilder Review : A Native App Maker Tool
Strengths:
Wide range of publishing platforms. Plenty of no-coding design tools; ability to code as needed.Weaknesses:
Weak ecommerce functionality, and newsletter integration.Apps-Builder is based in Italy. The interface is easy to use, it has a good range of features, and custom coding is possible. We would like to see increased e-commerce integration, and invoicing in US$ for the North American market would be a plus!
AppsBuilder was founded in 2010 as a spin off of a web-development company, by Daniele Pelleri (CEO) and Luigi Giglio (CTO). They were initially funded from the 3F’s (“Family , Fools and Friends”). Later, in 2011 they received a round of seed funding from Annapurna Ventures , founded Massimiliano Magrini (one of the key people behind the Google launch in Europe).
Although their initial focus, and geographical strength was Europe, they now have clients around the world, with incredible growth rates in the emerging markets (South America, Middle East, Africa, India etc), although the platform has been adapted in these markets to meet local needs.
AppsBuilder feels that some of the keys to long term success is ease of use, tutorials, and support & business results for their clients. They have sought to provide a service that would cost the same as an annual SEO/SEM project.
They have recently released a totally redesigned app-editor, making the building process even easier. Additionally they are working to increase and improve the compatibility of their apps with additional devices; In the future Apps-Builder will be work with BlackBerry devices (one of the most common devices in some markets) and with the soon to be relesed Windows Mobile platform.
They have reported that they have approximately 8,000 apps on the market. Their target audience is web design firms, newspapers & bloggers, artists & entertainers, and hotels.
Business Features – 4 Stars
Listings & Directories
AppsBuilder is able to create lists and directories (including directories linked to databases). Users can setup any type of list integrating the modules with an existing RSS feed.
Forms can be made using an integration with Wufoo forms. Here are the listing & directory features:
- Lists
- Directory (with our without database)
- Wufoo Forms
- Newsletter subscription
Monetization – 4 Stars
Appsbuilder does have various ad serving platform to choose from. Additionally, it allows developers to sell the app (requires pro plan).
Where it fall short is the lack of integration with popular ecommerce shopping carts, and lack of an internal ecommerce solution. Of course, like most other solutions, it is possible to point a web-view to any online web store.
- AdMob, iAds, Inmobi, and Mobfox (Advanced & Pro)
- Basic Native Ecommerce Tools
- Sell App (Pro)
Social Media and Community – 5 Stars
Appsbuilder has a strong arsenal of social media and community building tools. Additionally users can chat between themselves, as well as add and share audio, pictures, and video.
- SMS
- Push notifications
- Click to call
- Video Player
- Picture Gallery
- Audio Player
- Fan Wall
- Tell A Friend/Share App ($ – Pro)
- Twitter Integration
- Facebook Integration
- Google+ Integration
- Myspace Integration
GPS & Events – 4.5 Stars
Appsbuilder facilitates calendar maintenance with iCal integration. GPS tools include mapping to stores and landmarks. Maps can be populated by users.
- GPS Maps
- Event Listings & Calendar
- iCal Integration
Tools & Analytics – 4 Stars
Different levels of analytic tools are available with AppsBuilder.
- Downloads by Platform
- Users by Platform
- Advertising impressions & fill rates
- Geolocate users & advertising statistics
- Most read/shared/voted articles
- Most used keywords
Integration with Google analytics is possible with Pro plans.
Multimedia – 4 Stars
All the major multimedia bases are covered by AppsBuilder – audio, photos, and videos. While AppsBuilder doesn’t have as many integration options as some other reviewed solutions, it does offer integrations with the most popular multimedia platforms (youtube & flickr). SoundCloud and the capbility for radio & podcast streaming is another plus.
- SoundCloud
- Radio Streaming
- Podcast Streaming
- Internal Audio
- Flickr
- Photo Galleries
- Youtube
Design Options – 5 Stars
AppsBuilder offers the widest range of design options of all the app solutions reviewed to date. Also noteworthy is that each of these features is available even at the basic price level. For pro plans, AppsBuilder can have their graphic team layout the app design.
- Standard & Landscape
- Animated Page Transitions
- Slide to next page
- Change Colors & Fonts
- Custom Backgrounds
- Custom Icons & Buttons
- Additional customization with coding possible
Client Apps
