Build the web app first. Add mobile when users demand it.
The web app vs. mobile app decision is usually premature. Most SaaS products should launch as a web application, validate the core workflow, and add a mobile app when users are asking for it. The products that launch mobile-first have specific reasons — field workers, consumers, or device APIs.
Platform selection at the start of a product build — whether to build a web app, mobile app, or both simultaneously
Founders often assume "a proper product has both a web app and a mobile app." The assumption comes from consumer software. Most B2B SaaS products are built and operated primarily through a browser.
Why web first for most products:
Faster to iterate. Browser-deployed updates are instant. Mobile app updates require submission to App Store review (24-72 hours for Apple). Product-market fit iteration speed matters most early.
Cheaper. A web application is one codebase for all platforms. A native mobile app is a separate project (React Native) from $45k. Adding mobile first doubles the scope without doubling the learning.
Easier to use for complex workflows. Keyboard and mouse on a larger screen is better for most SaaS workflows. Field service apps, consumer apps, and location-aware apps are the exceptions.
When to start with mobile (or include mobile from day 1):
Field workers. Technicians, drivers, delivery personnel — they work on mobile devices in the field. The product is the mobile app.
Consumer social/marketplace. Consumer apps live or die on mobile distribution. Instagram, Uber, DoorDash — these are mobile-first.
Device APIs required. Camera, GPS, push notifications, barcode scanning — if the core workflow requires device capabilities not available in a browser.
The middle path: Build the web app. Make it responsive. When users start accessing it on mobile and asking for a native app, build it. The API is already there.
Platform selection that starts with web (faster to build, easier to iterate) and adds mobile when the product's user behavior and distribution strategy requires it
Web apps from $25k. Mobile platforms (React Native + web) from $45k. Most projects start with web.
One honest number to start.
Fixed-scope, fixed-price. The number below is the starting point — final scope is built from your brief.
Platform selection that starts with web (faster to build, easier to iterate) and adds mobile when the product's user behavior and distribution strategy requires it
Three steps, every time.
The same repeatable engagement on every project. No surprises, no mystery, no billable ambiguity.
Brief & discovery.
We send you questions, then get on a call. Output: a written scope with every step, feature, and integration listed.
Build & ship.
Fixed schedule, weekly reviews. No scope creep unless you change the scope — and if you do, we reprice it transparently.
Warranty & retainer.
30-day warranty on every launch. Most clients stay on a monthly retainer for ongoing features and maintenance.
Why Fixed-Price Matters Here
Platform selection drives the price tier. Web app = $25k floor. Mobile platform = $45k floor.
Questions, answered.
For many workflows, yes. For field workers and consumers who expect an App Store app, no.
React Native Expo adds 8-12 weeks after the web API is built. The web backend is already done; the mobile phase builds on it.
Tell Ryel about your project.
Describe what you’re building and what outcome you need. You’ll have a written, fixed-price scope within the week.