When you run your own tech business, it’s easy to think that if your app is up and running, it’s doing enough – even if it’s occasionally slow or crashing. Naturally, you want to be able to let it do its thing, while you focus on growing your business. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?

But, let’s imagine that your platform is a vehicle – the codebase is the engine, exhaust, tires and brakes – everything that goes into making sure your car runs smoothly and safely. Just like cars need MOTs, your codebase will need regular checkups to make sure it’s healthy, adaptable, secure and able to handle all that new business you’re bringing in!

The real cost of poorly maintained software

We live in an age of convenience and immediacy. If your app is slow, crashing and glitchy, customers will move to slicker and speedier pastures. Of course, if your app crashes, it becomes impossible for customers to part with their money, and you’ll lose sales.

Back in 2013, Amazon lost over $65,000 a MINUTE when they suffered a 30-minute outage. That’s almost $2million lost. And, those who were moments away from becoming customers will be unlikely to return to your app even when it’s back up and running.

CISQ reported that in 2018, poor quality software cost businesses $2.8 TRILLION in the US alone.

Source: it-cisq.org

But the cost can go beyond immediately lost revenue. If word gets out and your customers kick up a fuss, the reputation and value of your entire company could go down. Provident Financial’s share price fell more than 60%, and CEO Peter Crook actually resigned after problems with their IT infrastructure in 2017.

Security risks

Additionally, there are security risks. Users are more security-aware than ever before when it comes to their personal data. A breach and the resulting loss of trust among your customer base can be deadly for a business. It’s not just reputational though. In 2011 Mt Gox famously lost 850,000 bitcoins when it was hacked – equivalent to a staggering £6.8 billion in 2020 – and any potential customers who may have been considering using their services.

Then, of course, there’s the cost of fixing the bug. It costs approximately four times more to fix a bug after release than in the design or maintenance stage, and it takes up time that developers could be using to build that snazzy new feature your users have been requesting.

But what can you do about it?

Just like taking your car to the garage for its MOT, you can engage with a tech agency like CookiesHQ to undergo a code audit to fix an app that is slow or crashing.

A code audit involves a comprehensive analysis of your codebase. Developers comb over your source code using a traffic light system to search and flag any critical issues, unnecessary complexities, bugs or quick-win fixes. They’ll run a security scan to detect any current or potential vulnerabilities and look at all the different backend services that tie together to make your app work and assess how effectively your app is working for your business.

You’ll receive a detailed write up including performance reports, areas of investigation, UX/UI behaviour improvements as well as quick-win gains.

You get your MOT every year so that you’re free to drive yourself from A to B – safe in the knowledge your wheels won’t come off along the motorway. Your app is the same.

Undergoing a code audit provides you with the peace of mind required to focus your efforts on growing your business and helping more of your customers. Giving your app or website regular checkups to ensure it’s as efficient, healthy and secure as it can be isn’t just good practice, it’s good business.

Are you ready to make your app work better for your business? Get in touch