So you want to build a mobile app for your business? Joining the wave of other businesses that plan to benefit from the mobile scene is a smart move.
The mobile app market is overcrowded these days and it’s hard to create a mobile app that stands out and captivates the attention of users. But if you take the right steps from the very start, you can significantly improve the chances of your app becoming successful.
Here are 5 steps you should take when building your own app.
1. Develop an idea
If you are toying with an idea or two, taking a closer look at them to determine which concept is a winning one will pay off. Successful apps solve problems of users. And the most successful apps solve these problems in ways that nobody else could’ve imagined.
Have a look around your niche and list all the problems users might be experiencing. Once you develop a comprehensive list of these pain points, start to think whether they could be resolved and how your app could help users do that.
Once your idea is ready, you will need to validate it on the market. Use Google Keyword Planner tool to find out how many people seek out a product that you’re trying to build. Another way to check whether users will be interested in your app is to build a simple landing page that highlights your app idea and allows email sign-up.
2. Take a closer look at the market
Designing an app in a vacuum is a loss of your time. That’s why you should research the market and have a good look at your competition. Even if you think your idea is original, there might be other apps that offer similar functionalities. You might be disappointed to find out that someone has already tried to realize your idea, but consider that research as part of making your app better.
Read the the reviews of such apps to find out what users like and dislike about them. Use that information to your advantage. List all the points that appear in the online discussions among the users of these apps, that’s how you’ll be able to modify and polish your app idea.
3. Design the app flow and features
Now that you validated your idea, it’s time to describe your product detail. Make sure to cover all the features and functionalities that will be available to the users of your app. Don’t forget to outline the flow of the application as the user navigates the app.
This kind of document will be of immense help to developers who will be able to better understand your idea and expectations.
4. Create an MVP
At this point, you might realize that your app contains too many features and might be too expensive to develop.
Take a closer look at all the features in your app and consider removing those that are non-core. Create a Minimal Viable Product (MVP) that offers only the core value of your app idea.
Building features that are nice to have in the first iteration of your app is unnecessary because they can always be added later as an update. That’s how you will keep the initial development costs low and bring your product to market faster.
5. Hire an app developer
Search for a development company that has a strong team and an interesting portfolio. Be sure to check the credibility of the company online – you don’t want to be cheated by the software house of your choice. If you can see client testimonials and reviews, it’s a good sign.
Perhaps the company has a selection of case studies on their website? If so, browse through them to learn how the agency collaborates with clients and what the development process looks like. Have a look at the kind of apps the company created in the past. If you like their design and execution, this could be the right software house for developing your product.
Don’t forget to test your app multiple times before bringing it to market. Users rarely give apps a second chance, so make sure that yours has no technical glitches, a great interface and smooth user experience.
Take these five steps and you are bound build an app that will bring significant benefits to your business.
