As you may or may not know, ROAR has been advertising on ChurchMag for a while. It’s because of awesome sponsors like ROAR that make ChurchMag possible.
I know many of you are considering a mobile app for your church or organization, but have a number of questions you would like answers to. I know what it’s like to ‘think’ about something, but never turn it into action because of looming doubt and unanswered questions.
So, I decided to ask ROAR ten questions that I would have before I contacted them for more details. Perhaps this Q and A will help you move from the ‘idea’ stage to ‘action!’ 😀
Here are the ten questions, followed by answers from ROAR …
1. Is ROAR for only large churches and organizations?
The ROAR APP mobile platform is perfect for both small and large churches. We’ve worked with both kinds, and everyone in between. In fact, if you’re small you’ll be happy to know that our content management system is really simple to use and doesn’t need a lot of staff to manage updates. One person can take care of it all.
2. Can I update my app by myself?
Absolutely. Our content management system was designed to allow you to come back often and add messages, notes, videos, audio files, photos and more. Our platform is easier to use than just about any software you’ve worked with before. Simple forms help you put data into the application. Uploading logos, sermon videos, and other assets is really intuitive.
3. Am I committed to a contract of some kind when I sign up with ROAR?
Absolutely not. We know you’ll stick around once you start seeing the benefits of a mobile app and our simple platform but if you decide you need to move on, there are no contracts or cancellation fees to worry about. Some exceptions may apply. For example no refunds will be given for partial months for charges related to a promotion.
4. Isn’t it cheaper to try and build my own app?
The short answer is No. Even if you’re an experienced developer, building your own app is more of an undertaking than many realize. Building an app from scratch can require hundreds of hours of development. That is one of the main reasons ROAR exists. We wanted to significantly lower the cost barrier of an app for organizations.
5. Will my app only be for the iPhone?
You can choose whether your app will be developed for iOS, Android, or both. Also, developing on a platform means that it works on all devices on that platform. So developing for iOS would mean that it works on iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.
6. Once I sign up, how long can I expect it to take before my app is ready?
When you sign up, you will receive a welcome email within 48 hours. In that email, you will be given the choice to set your app up yourself or use our express set up option. In either case the speed of the process will be affected by how quickly we receive the information requested. Once we have everything we need from you, or you have completed the do-it-yourself process and submitted the app to us, it will take 3-5 business days to compile and submit your app for approval. Approval can take 10-14 business days depending how busy Apple and Google are. With these things in mind a fast process might be as little as 4 weeks, typical times will be around 6-8 weeks.
7. Can my app include a podcast?
Yes! We do recommend podbean.com for your podcasting needs. They will get you set up in no time. But we can import a podcast RSS feed from wherever you have it hosted and put it in your app.
8. Do we have to provide graphic design?
Yes, but we have excellent design partners we can recommend to you if you need help.
9. Can my app users donate through the app?
Yes. However, there are some things about donations in iOS apps you would want to know. Apple does not allow for donations to be processed directly inside of an app. So our system is designed to work with the web interface of your existing giving platform. If you don’t already have a web based giving system, we have several excellent partners we can recommend. On a less complicated note, Android also works with your web based solution but does not require that the transaction occur outside the app.
10. How do I sign up?
There is a two-step process that you’ll go through when you’re ready to sign up. The first step is to choose your plan. Once you pay, you’ll be sent an introduction email that will ask you for some information. Once you have responded with the needed information you can get started!
Any more questions?
Ask in the comments!
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