2020 were really difficult years for SMEs. The pandemic completely changed the international business world. Because of COVID-19 and the decisions of all countries to quarantine, a lot of usual business principles changed. Most of the areas were completely locked down or had a lot of limitations. Businesses started to look for solutions to adapt to the new ‘normal’. One of the best solutions was online services and e-commerce. The first COVID-19 wave showed that businesses that had an opportunity to provide services online or sell products online – suffered the least. There were businesses that during the lockdown increased their turnover 3 or 4 times, compared to the period before the lockdown. At the moment, nobody can clearly state when will be the end of this tense situation with the COVID-19 pandemic and how many more pandemics there will be in the future.
What is the situation with start-ups? Is it possible to create a new and successful project during the pandemic? What are those projects? How to choose the right idea or industry for your start-up?
A mobile app is an outstanding solution to provide your services and sell goods online.
In this article I will try to describe TOP 9 ideas for a mobile app, I believe, can be successfully executed during a pandemic and 2021.
I will provide examples of existing successful international and Lithuanian projects (if there will be any) when describing each idea.
- Car Wash App
- Online Flower And Gift Delivery App
- Restaurant Food Delivery App
- Story Writing and Sharing App
- Goods Exchange App
- Wishlist App
- Tutor Finder App
- On-demand Health Check App
- Beauty Specialist Hiring App
- Conclusion
Car Wash App
These are mobile applications that allow you to order car wash services via your phone. These kinds of mobile apps help the business owner to take the load of calls off employees and focus on delivering the service. Customers will for sure appreciate the convenience since you can order this kind of service in a few minutes via your phone no matter where you are. The mobile app can function as a business-specific solution, or can be a booking platform, that covers all provided services in the country and is acting as a sales intermediary.
International projects:
„MobileWash Car Wash On-Demand“ – a successfully operating project in the USA. Customers are able to order car wash services to their homes or offices. The last updates were on the 20th of February, 2021.
Data retrieved on: 12/03/2021
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.slinfy.mobilewash
iOS: Not available
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Projects in Lithuania:
„Plaunu pats“ – Baltic chain of hand wash services. The product was created for the market of Estonia; however, it is available for users in Lithuania. The main objective is a convenient payment for car wash services using a mobile app. The last updates to the version were on the 4th of March, 2021.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=lt.plaunupats.app
https://apps.apple.com/lt/app/plaunu-pats/id1436029776
„Švarūnė Automobilių Plovimas“ – at the moment one of the leading businesses providing car wash services in the area of Šiauliai. The last updates to the version were on the 3rd of September, 2019.
Data retrieved on: 12/03/2021
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.proapp.svarune
iOS: Not available
Online Flower and Gift Delivery App
Mobile apps that allow you to order flowers or presents for your friend, mom or lover. During the pandemic most flower shops and other small stores were closed. Flower shop owners were forced to throw away thousands of flowers and small store owners were not able to sell any goods. The mobile application is a really convenient solution when you want to surprise your loved ones during quarantine. For business owners it’s a great opportunity to sell their products online during the pandemic.
International projects:
„Flowers & Gifts – Bloom & Wild“ – European platform that allows you to order flowers in the UK, Ireland, France and Germany. The flowers are delivered the next day with a chosen delivery method. The last updates to the version were on the 4th of February, 2021.
Data retrieved on: 12/03/2021
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bloomandwild
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bloom-wild-flowers-gifts/id936651689
„Ferns N Petals: Flowers, Cakes, Gifts Delivery App“ – the biggest platform of this type created for the Indian market. The biggest competitive advantage of it is that the platform guarantees that the gifts and flowers will be delivered within 2 hours. The app has more than 1 million downloads. The last updates to the version were on the 4th of March, 2021.
Data retrieved on: 12/03/2021
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Clairvoyant.FernsAndPetals
https://apps.apple.com/in/app/ferns-n-petals-flowers-cake/id1231448529
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There are no available mobile apps for flower and gift delivery in Lithuania. Mostly all orders are made through the company websites. The most popular websites:
This is a niche market in Lithuania that is free. If you are fond of the idea and see the business potential – you can start to implement it. To ensure that the project is successful and reaches your target audience – we will help you with the app and its marketing.
Restaurant Food Delivery App
An extremely relevant industry during the pandemic! Even when all restaurants and cafes are closed, people are still able to order their favorite food. These platforms help to order food from your favorite restaurants. The biggest advantage of these apps is the variety in choice – you get to choose the cuisine, dish, location, delivery time etc. During the pandemic these apps have proved that it is possible for businesses to operate and grow sales even tough times. Huge competition among platforms helps to strengthen the customer service and even to think about the safety of customers. At the moment, there is also a possibility to choose contactless delivery – the courier will leave you an order next to your home or office. The platforms act as an online market for takeaway meals, that consist of the customer, service provider and courier. The service providers (restaurants) upload their menu content on the platform. The couriers see the orders and choose appropriate deliveries for themselves. The platform operates by charging fees for using the app to provide services.
International projects:
„All in One Food Delivery App“ – one of the biggest food delivery platforms in the world. The fundamental difference from other platforms is that the app does not only include restaurants and cafes, but also other food delivery providers. The last updates to the version were on the 29th of April, 2020.
Data retrieved on: 12/03/2021
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=order.food.online.delivery.offers.deals
iOS: Not available
„Bolt Food“ – international food delivery platform, that is very popular in Lithuania. „Bolt Food“ is actively becoming one of the leaders in the market of food delivery in the Lithuania and worldwide. The app has more than 1 million downloads. The very large number of customers also affects most of the unresolved issues related to service improvement. The platform rating in the Google Play Store – 3,5, Apple Store – 4,1. The last updates to the version were on the 23rd of February, 2021.
Data retrieved on: 12/03/2021
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bolt.deliveryclient
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bolt-food/id1451492388
„Wolt“ is an international platform for the delivery of prepared food. The platform is very popular in Lithuania and is the main competitor of „Bolt Food“. „Wolt“ was the first to start operating in Lithuania and earned a reputation as a high-quality and reliable platform. Has over 5 million downloads. The platform is rated very high in the Google Play Store ratings of 4.7 and the Apple Store – 4.8. The last updates to the version were on the 5th of March, 2021.
Data retrieved on: 12/03/2021
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wolt.android
https://apps.apple.com/fi/app/wolt-food-delivery/id943905271
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Projects in Lithuania:
„Lėkštė.lt“ – a platform-app for quick and convenient food delivery! The platform has been operational since 2013. Unfortunately, it still failed to take the lead. The platform allows the customers to pay both by card and in cash at the time of the delivery. It has more than 10,000 downloads in Lithuania. Ratings are high enough: Google Play Store – 4,7, Apple Store – 4,8. The last updates to the version were on the 25th of January, 2021.
Data retrieved on: 12/03/2021
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.springfeed.etakeaway.lt
https://apps.apple.com/lt/app/l%C4%97k%C5%A1t%C4%97-lt/id1235604122
„Meniu.lt“ provides larger services than food delivery, such as table reservations and other restaurant services. Through the app you can quickly and easily find restaurants where you would like to host your party, conference, meeting. Another uniqueness of the app are the gift vouchers. You can buy a coupon and give it away. A person with a gift voucher will be able to use it at any restaurant in the app. „Meniu.lt“ is sort of a Lithuanian restaurant guide with options of food delivery. The app has more than 10,000 downloads in Lithuania. Rated Google Play Store – 3,8, Apple Store – 4,8.
Data retrieved on: 10/03/2021
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=lt.meniu
https://apps.apple.com/lt/app/meniu-lt-restoran%C5%B3-gidas/id1397168777
Story Writing and Sharing App
These types of mobile apps connect professional writers and non-professional writers with potential readers. During the quarantine, people have more time for their favorite hobby and leisure activities, that is why storytelling and story writing are gaining popularity in the world. In the app you are able to share your short story or article with millions of potential readers. These types of platforms are beneficial both for writers and for readers. Writers can improve their writing skills, find publishers and get feedback from the readers. Readers can take advantage of the platform for self-education, leisure, language learning and more!
International projects:
„Writco“ is the largest platform that brings together readers and writers. It allows you to write and publish short stories, poems, short passages, e-books, articles and all other types of writings. Interestingly, the platform supports 15 languages and it protects authors from plagiarism. Additionally, there are many competitions on the platform for real money prizes. „Writco“ has over 100,000 downloads worldwide.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.writco.app
„Authors Hub“ is a free platform that allows you to write and publish your own stories. It acts more like a social network, where authors can build their own audience and interact with other writers. Currently, it has over 10,000 downloads worldwide.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.authorshub
iOS: Not available
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Projects in Lithuania:
There are no similar projects in Lithuania.
Goods Exchange App
Goods exchange apps are a type of mobile apps that allow its users to exchange goods online with others. It’s fair to agree that everyone has a lot of unnecessary items that they do not use. The app provides the ability to change obsolete items into potentially useful ones. The apps differ per the group of exchangeable goods: clothes, mobile phones, household items etc.
International projects:
„Swop.IT“ is a platform designed for people who are tired of selling their items via auctions, bulletin boards and other. The platform lets you find the desired item and exchange for your unwanted one. Moreover, there is a possibility to exchange the item for the platform’s currency and purchase goods using your e-wallet on the platform. It works very smoothly and simply. At the moment, „Swop.IT“ has over 00,000 downloads worldwide. The last updates to the version were on the 11th of February, 2021.
Data retrieved on: 12/03/2021
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.swop.android
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/swop-it-local-swap-deals/id1465905828
„HomeEchange“ – a very ambitious and interesting project. It is a house (apartment) exchange platform. Currently, the platform operates in 187 countries and has a supply of more than 400,000 homes. The idea is very simple: are you planning to live in London for half a year or more? Or maybe there are people who want to live in Lithuania for a similar time? Through the platform you can find similar people and exchange your living space with them. A new transaction takes place on the platform every 4 minutes. Definitely, it is a very interesting and relevant platform for people who like to travel a lot and change their living place often. The last updates to the version were on the 2nd of February, 2021.
Data retrieved on: 12/03/2021
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.guesttoguest.android
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/homeexchange-house-swapping/id966112496
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Projects in Lithuania:
There are no similar projects in Lithuania.
Wishlist App
An interesting concept for an app. The principle of the app is very simple: you add your wishes, for example up to 8 years ahead and share the list with your friends or family. This way the people you share the wishlist with will know exactly what you want to receive. The app will help you avoid unnecessary gifts or services, as well as help your loved ones choose only useful and desired gifts.
International projects:
„Ultimate wish list“ is a very handy app for creating wish lists. Within the list you are able to add websites of the sellers, prices and etc. The app is very easily shareable with your family and friends. At the moment, „Ultimate wish list“ has over 50,000 downloads worldwide. The last updates to the version were on the 10th of December, 2019.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mattceonzo.ultimatewishlist
iOS: Not available
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Projects in Lithuania:
There are no similar projects in Lithuania.
Tutor Finder App
Tutor finder apps have become one of the most relevant industries and kinds of apps during the global pandemic. Most children in the world are studying remotely right now and most schools were not prepared for distant online work. There are schools that are not yet able to organize the distance learning process in a quality way. All specialized training centers also work remotely. The tutoring platform is a great idea that can help you find the right professional and run the sessions without interrupting the overall learning process. Additionally, the platform also helps tutors who are unable to meet clients live due to a pandemic. Another big advantage is that for tutors, the platform brings in customers, and customers have a wide selection of tutors available for them in one place. Monetization schemes are selected individually per each platform.
International projects:
„Tutor Finder“ is a quite young start-up of this kind. The platform allows for students to find tutors and for tutors to find clients – students. The project is slowly but successfully developing. The only disadvantage of the platform is that the biggest emphasis and spotlight is on teaching English.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jonybirbol.tutorfinder
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/my-tutor-finder/id1540138361
„TutorOcean“ an outstandingly successful and serious project. The platform has a lot of advantages, such as a large number of tutors and a wide variety of subjects they teach. For tutors, there is a large number of potential clients from around the world. Users are able to communicate with tutors, host video lessons and leave voice notes. Furthermore, the level of tutors is exceedingly high since most of them teach their subjects at prestigious universities. It is definitely worth taking a look at! The last updates to the version were on the 19th of November, 2019.
Data retrieved on: 12/03/2021
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tutorocean
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tutorocean/id1480876532
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Projects in Lithuania:
There are no similar projects in Lithuania.
On-demand Health Check App
Access to medical services was more difficult during quarantine. Hospitals have been closed or patient admission rules have changed. Private clinics were also heavily loaded and sometimes it was impossible to visit a specialist in the coming days. I think remote consultation via mobile app is a really good idea. You can choose from many doctors, see their ratings and prices, which greatly expands the opportunity to receive the most useful consultation.
International projects:
„Doctor on Demand“ a strong and impressive project! The mobile app ranks first in the Google Play Store and the iOS App Store in its area. The platform has a very large selection of specialists, a large number of users, and a very comfortable user-friendly design. You can search for a doctor by your location, preferred consultation time, city and many more filters. The project has attracted a large number of well-known media channels such as CNN, the BBC and so on. i.e., attention. The last updates to the version were on the 4th of March, 2021.
Data retrieved on: 12/03/2021
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dDA
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/doctor-on-demand/id591981144
Projects in Lithuania:
„Mano daktaras“ is a mobile platform with a purpose of making a doctor’s appointment or even scheduling a secure consultation via a video call. The focus of the project is on the Lithuanian market. The last updates to the version were on the 20th of November, 2020.
Data retrieved on: 12/03/2021
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=lt.manodaktaras.app
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/manodaktaras-lt/id1537838789
Beauty Specialist Hiring App
High interest platforms that help users to find a beauty industry specialist and book an appointment via a mobile app. We had several projects that successfully developed such a business model. The global pandemic has severely affected this industry since most salons and professionals did not work during the pandemic. And even after opening, beauty specialists are still working with restrictions. The mobile app would definitely make it easier to find the right specialist and additionally it is more convenient to make an appointment and to find out relevant information about conditions and restrictions. The platforms have well-organized professional rating systems. By signing up with a specialist with a high rating, you will be able to see examples of work and feedback from real people. With all the provided information, customers are able to choose new specialists and experiment more boldly. For salons or professionals, such apps would make it easier to administer their activities, anticipate customer flows, and have a mini CRM (customer management system) on the phone for easier operation.
International projects:
„Treatwell“ is the most successful start-up of this kind operating profitably in the UK. The mobile app is successful and is continuously being developed. At the moment, more than 1 million users. It lets you find professionals, rate them, upload reviews, create a list of your favorite beauty specialists, and access many other handy features. The last updates to the version were on the 9th of March, 2021.
Data retrieved on: 12/03/2021
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wahanda.marketplace
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/treatwell/id814443140?c=footer-link&pid=wahanda
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Projects in Lithuania:
There are no similar projects in Lithuania.
Conclusion
In my article, I presented the most interesting ideas for developing mobile apps that may be relevant in 2021. If you are planning to create your own mobile app, this article can help you learn more about the current trends and analyse successful (or unsuccessful) projects. A pandemic has shown that being able to sell products or services online – ensures stability or at times growth. If your planned project is not on this list, but you think that you have a great idea – you can always write to us directly. As a team that has been developing mobile apps for more than 10 years, we will be able to give our expert opinion on your idea and give valuable advice that is based on our experience with other start-ups.
I hope the time spent with this article has been helpful to you!
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