What is the difference between an app and a website, and when should I build an app?

An app is your own custom software. Most people building funnels, websites and lead magnets are best served by websites and funnels. Votel has a form builder to capture information and collect payments, and a booking widget for appointments, and you can put almost anything in a form, so forms go a long way, for example for collecting applications. Build an app when you are not using the built-in tools, or when you are building something different that stores data in its own way.

Examples: an app that walks people step by step through making an AI avatar (pick body type and dress style, load scripts) while still using the platform's AI video; an app where someone uploads a photo of a house and sees it with a new roof; a field app for a roofer that sends customer status updates back to Votel; or calculating distances between jobs.

You do not need to be a programmer, but you must clearly communicate what you want. Write a full requirements document first so the app can be built in one go. An app has its own URL and can have its own login page, its own database of users and its own signup page, and it can integrate with anything. You can even build an app that works like an app builder itself.

The main benefit of building in Votel rather than another builder such as Lovable is that everything is in one platform. Otherwise, build where you enjoy building and where the features you like are.