How It Works: See Your App Before You Buy

The short version

Apptavio works preview-first. Instead of asking you to imagine an app from a proposal, we build a free, personalised, interactive concept from your existing website so you can see and tap through it first. If you like it, we agree scope and price, then design, build, test, publish and maintain the real app.

Part 1: your free app preview

Step 1: share your website

Fill in the request form with your website address, your business name and an email address. If there is something particular you want to see, such as online booking or a loyalty card, add it in the notes. Occasionally we prepare a concept proactively for a business whose website suggests an app would genuinely help; in that case we will tell you where we found your details and you can ask us to stop at any time.

Step 2: we analyse your public content

We read the public pages of your website: what you offer, how you describe it, your prices if they are listed, opening hours, location, logo, colours and photographs. We only use what is publicly available. We do not log in to anything and we do not need access to your systems at this stage.

Step 3: we design a concept for your kind of business

A pet groomer and a car repair garage need very different apps, so the concept is shaped around how your customers actually interact with you. A groomer's concept might include pet profiles and booking; a garage's might include vehicle details, service reminders and repair status. See App examples for more.

Step 4: a person reviews it

Before anything is sent, a member of the team checks the concept for accuracy, broken screens and anything that does not fit your business. If your website does not give us enough to work with, we will tell you rather than send something generic.

Step 5: you get a private link

We email you a private link when the concept is ready. It opens in a normal web browser, on your phone or your computer, and looks and behaves like a mobile app. Share it with colleagues if you like.

Remember what it is: a concept. Buttons work and screens flow, but bookings, payments and messages are simulated. It is not installed from an app store, and it is not the final design. Its purpose is to give you something concrete to react to.

Part 2: building your real app

Step 6: agree scope and get a quote

If you want to go ahead, we have a conversation about what the first version should include. We usually recommend starting with the features your customers will use most and adding more later.

Then we quote. Our indicative starting price is from €1,499, and the final price depends on:

• the number of screens and how complex they are
• the features (booking, shop, loyalty, messaging and so on)
• integrations with systems you already use
• whether the app needs its own back end or admin area
• customer accounts and authentication
• payments
• push notifications
• device capabilities such as camera, location or wallet passes
• the level of ongoing maintenance and support

A quote is based on agreed scope; anything added later is discussed and priced separately.

Step 7: design, build and test

We turn the concept into a proper design that follows Apple's and Google's interface conventions, then build the app with React Native, Expo and TypeScript, using one codebase for iPhone and Android.

If the app connects to your booking system, online shop or other software, we check its API early, because what is possible depends on what that system allows.

You test the app on your own phone before release. On iPhone this is normally done through Apple's TestFlight; on Android through a testing track in the Play Console.

Step 8: store submission

Your app is published under developer accounts in your business's name. Apple charges an annual fee for the Apple Developer Program and Google charges a one-off registration fee for a Play Console account; these are paid directly to them (check current amounts on their official pages).

We prepare the store listing with you, including the description, screenshots and privacy details, and submit the app. Apple and Google review every submission and make the final decision. Sometimes a reviewer asks questions or requests changes; we help you respond.

Step 9: maintenance and improvements

Once live, an app needs looking after. New iOS and Android versions arrive every year, store requirements change, and third-party services update their APIs. We offer maintenance plans that cover updates, fixes and small improvements, and we can plan larger additions when you are ready.

What we need from you

• Your website address to start.
• Feedback on the concept: what is right, wrong or missing.
• For the build: access details for any systems we integrate with, your logo files, and time for testing.
• For publishing: developer accounts in your business's name (we will guide you through setting them up).

Ready to see your app?

Request your free app preview and we will email you when it is ready. If you have questions first, read the FAQ.