Introduction

You’ve decided on what will be your business. You are developing a complex product, or software as a service that will be in high demand by customers. Now it is time to think of how you can expand your customer base and how quickly. The answer lies in three words: Application Programming Interface (API). To explain why businesses must have an API, we first need to look at what it actually is. An API allows third parties access and control over some of its functions. For example, mobile payment provider Stripe has created an API for developers to accept online payments directly from their apps. This means companies like Facebook Messenger can add simple, quick payment options for users without having to build out their own complicated payments platform from scratch. For consumers all these new services mean better options for online payments—for business owners it means more opportunity for growth and innovation through seamless integration with other platforms.

The importance of APIs

When it comes to building a successful business, there’s no shortage of advice on how you should go about doing so. But what’s becoming increasingly important in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing technology landscape is another aspect—one that may not immediately come to mind when we think about innovation. APIs are critical in enabling businesses at every stage of their lifecycle, from startups and small businesses all the way up through enterprise and large corporations. It’s safe to say they have become fundamental in developing meaningful and sustainable relationships with customers. APIs enable any company to collaborate across various market segments in unprecedented ways. And yet many companies still don’t see them as being particularly valuable or integral to their overall strategy. The fact remains that if you want to succeed as a business in today’s marketplace, your API will play a vital role for years to come. More than simply opening up access between distinct platforms and systems, an API can be leveraged strategically as part of a well-rounded marketing plan.

How do APIs work?

APIs are applications programming interfaces that allow two software systems to talk with each other. At their most basic, APIs make it possible for businesses to work together, such as by letting a payment processor like Stripe or Braintree connect with platforms like Webflow or Bubble so customers can pay in ACH, Credit Cards, Bitcoin, and other Cryptocurrencies for your application. This integration between platforms makes creating new products easier, quicker, and cheaper for all parties involved. It’s important to note that an API is not just for tech companies — even if you’re running a brick-and-mortar shop, investing in a Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant merchant account means connecting to eCommerce software that can process payments behind-the-scenes. An API acts as middleware between apps on different software platforms, connecting multiple services into one seamless operation.

Why should I have an API?

Having an application programming interface (API) for your website or app opens up a whole world of possibilities. An API allows developers to integrate their services with yours, meaning more potential reach for your product or service. When considering which features are most important for a software development company, it is critical that they have access to an API. In fact, having an API may be one of the most important considerations in finding a successful vendor. Read more about the benefits of using APIs on Ajay Kapoor’s Medium post.

Conclusion

Growing a company relies on having a competitive advantage, something unique and useful that separates your firm from competitors. An Application Programming Interface is one of these competitive advantages. Consider how companies such as Apple and Facebook have been able to grow so large: developers were eager to create apps that run on their platform, regardless of whether they had a direct financial relationship with Apple or Facebook. These companies did not just invent new products that sold well; they also created environments that allowed other companies’ creativity and innovation to flourish in novel ways.

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