Instant messaging can do a lot to enhance an app. It can be used as a form of social connection, and it can also be a way to provide support to customers. While adding these kinds of features to an app used to be difficult, a chat SDK makes the process simple.
What’s a chat SDK? It’s a framework that you can use to introduce chat functionality to an app. Of course, if you’re trying to find the right framework for you, there are several questions you’ll want to ask yourself.
1. What kinds of features does Chat SDK offer?
Features can make or break an instant messaging framework. That’s why you should look closely at the features you’ll have access to if you choose to use a specific framework. Compare different frameworks and look at the full list of features they offer, like video chat features, push notifications, one-to-one and group chat rooms, etc. Identify the features that would be useful to you.
Even if you don’t intend to implement all of the available features right away, having access to these kinds of features will allow you to adjust your app to suit the needs of its users better. Don’t settle for an app that’s lacking in features. Instead, it would be best to search for a framework that gives you all the options you want.
2. What are the customization options?
With a framework, you don’t have to build an app from scratch. You’ll be able to implement high-value features in no time. Of course, you’ll want to make sure you still have a way to make the app you release feel distinct. That’s why you should seek out a framework that offers all kinds of options for customization.
You’ll want to make sure that the chat features you implement fit seamlessly with the rest of your app. When a framework offers a range of options, it’ll be easier for you to create something that works for you.
3. What platforms is it compatible with?
What platforms are you planning on releasing your app on? Would you be interested in bringing your app to additional platforms in the future? Not all frameworks are compatible with all major platforms, which is why you’ll want to find a framework that’s designed for the platforms that have your interest.
Even if you’re only planning on releasing your app on one framework, for now, you’ll want to consider possibilities for the future now. A little foresight will give you plenty of options for your app in the future.
4. Will it support future growth?
Not only will you want to look at the platforms that you’ll be able to release your app on, but you’ll want to make sure you choose an app that has considered scalability. Even if your app only has a small audience at the time of release, the instant messaging features will help you attract a much larger audience.
If you choose a chat SDK that wasn’t designed for scalability, you may struggle to accommodate this growth. If you choose a framework that can support a wide audience, and if you make sure you’ll be able to make changes to your app as time goes on, there won’t be anything standing in the way of your growth.
5. What are the costs?
You don’t necessarily have to spend lots of money on a chat SDK. You may be able to get access to a framework for free. If you do opt for a product like this, however, you’ll likely have to pay a monthly fee once you reach a certain number of users.
You should make sure you’re fully aware of all the costs linked to a chat SDK before making any decision. You don’t want to be caught off guard by these fees later on! If you’re going to have to pay more later on, you should be prepared for that.
6. Will you have access to support?
If you have any issues with your chat features, you’ll want to make sure you’ll have access to the help you’ll need to solve the problem. In some cases, investing in a chat SDK will provide you with access to support features. Some frameworks even provide 24/7 support.
Although you don’t necessarily need support around the clock, you should make sure that you’ll have a way to get assistance as it’s needed. Frameworks without support features may be less expensive, but troubleshooting could wind up taking up a lot of your valuable time.
7. Is it well reviewed?
You’ll want to make sure you’re satisfied with the framework that you select. Some chat SDKs will give you access to a demo so that you’ll have the chance to try things out before you make a purchase. If you don’t have access to a demo, you can read reviews to see if a framework would be up to your standards.
That’s why you should seek out reviews to see if others have had a positive experience with the app. Reviews are often filled with information, and they can give you the information you need to choose the best framework.
8. Can you get your money back?
If you’re not fully satisfied with your decision, will you have any recourse? Some frameworks are free to use initially, which means you won’t have to worry about refunds. If you’re going to be spending money right from the start, you’ll want to check to see if there’s any money-back guarantee.
If you’re confident about the quality of a framework, you can purchase it even without an option for a refund. However, if you feel like you need more information, a strong refund policy will allow you to try the chat SDK with no concerns.
When you’re looking for a chat SDK, you won’t want to rush to pick out a framework. Instead, you’ll want to ask yourself plenty of questions and look at a variety of options before making your final decision. When you have more information, you’ll be able to find a framework that will work well for both you and your users.
