You know the signs: you can’t stop thinking about it as you fall asleep at night. Your mind wanders back to it when you know you should be concentrating on your work that currently pays the bills.
You have an idea for a killer app, and you can’t put it to rest until you build it. But you don’t know the first thing about programming and have no idea how to get started.
The evolution of app technology has seen a glut of apps released into the market with little or no forethought as to whether there is indeed a market for them.
Here, at Appscrip we are proud to say that we build ‘Appreneurs‘. Its our steadfast endeavor to build you the next DoorDash, Uber or Tinder. Having said that, lets give you the low down on mobile app development.
But first lets address the following question:
Why do some apps fail?
Is it poor design, bad User Experience (UX) or lack of marketing?
The most likely reason an app doesn’t work is simply because it doesn’t solve a problem. Until you can demonstrate that it will solve a problem, it is unlikely that anyone will pay for it.
An app needs to be a solution to a problem, most of the time it needs to save time, money or both.
Questions you may ask before building your dream app:
Will people want my app?
Do your research. Are you fixing a problem or making it yet another thing that users need to manage or think about?
Engage people who know what they are talking about. A UX designer, marketer or developer will walk you through this and workshop the problem before you commit to a build.
Have exhaustive consultations with the clients who have an idea and want your advise. Guide them about features they haven’t thought about. Use your experience in building and updating apps across the globe. Constantly research to see if there is a need for the app and also how to market it once it is live.
What platform should I launch my app?
Your personal preference for one mobile OS over another plays an important role. Before you decide to go down the iOS or Android platforms, try to avoid limiting the reach of your app.
Aim to develop your app across as many platforms as possible. This gives you a bigger audience in the long-run. Each platform has its own benefits and drawbacks. Apple has the most rigorous approval process. But, if you can get in, it’s just great!
Android users download more apps, but the price per app is lower.
Also Read | 8 Questions to ask your clients before building their apps
Should I build the app in-house or outsource?
When creating the first prototype of your product, going with an outsourced provider is a good suggestion. They understand your requirements as well as smart design and the use the right technology.
You want to get your product to market in the hands of your customer as fast as you can.
Once you see demand and traction for your app, you can then take over the development and maintenance in-house if you have the capabilities.
How much will it cost?
Generally, the cost of making a mobile app ranges extremely: from 25$ to unbelievably expensive price that could reach millions. Frankly there is no simple answer to this inquiry due to multiple factors at play.
Different developer rates, project complexity and time it takes to build an app impact the cost of making a mobile application.
The price may depend on the following aspects:
- Type (mobile game, business, social networking, lifestyle. etc.)
- Platforms (iOS, Android, Windows Phone, etc.)
- Design (basic, individual, custom)
- Number of pages
- Features & infrastructure
My app is ready – what next?
Like any product, you need to market it for visibility.
Press coverage
Influencers endorsement,
App-store optimization – Make the app list in the top searches.
~ all play a part in getting your app thriving in the world.
Build and promote a landing page
Register a website domain name. Put together a simple but nice looking landing page with Boxmode. An email signup box will drive traffic to your landing page.
Make collaterals (or ads) and share it on social media. If you’re building an app for pets then find a few niche pet forums where you can promote your landing page.
If you have a little bit of capital, a few targeted ads using AdWords will drive more traffic to it.
Generate for a week or two and then take a look at :
Number of email addresses collected
Does it seem like there is legitimate interest in this idea?
The beautiful thing about using a landing page to validate your idea is that you’ve planted the seed to your initial marketing. You now have a list of email addresses you can promote it to once it’s live.
Tip: To design the most effective mobile app, its best to hire a mobile application development company that has sufficient experience in the app design industry.
