Mobile applications have become an integral part of building a successful customer experience and companies looking to ‘cash’ in on this movement need to know what they’re doing. That’s why you’re here, to consider five things before developing your mobile app.
Considering the market
As with any new undertaking, due diligence is key. Before you start developing an app, know your market and know it well. If you’re about to drop some serious cash on this project, you really need to do your homework. By evaluating the marketplace carefully, insights about your competitors, their strategy, their strengths and weakness all become obvious and the key to a successful app will all be at your fingertips. You’ll also be able to gauge whether your app is viable or not.
Market research will help circumvent the mistakes made by those who came before you and will only prove beneficial. Customer reviews of an app for instance are often overlooked but could furnish you with users’ likes and dislikes and might even tip you off to the do’s and don’ts about your new venture. Take note of the niggles, try to resolve them and develop an even better app.
Considering scope
Planning is everything! Mapping out your objectives, deliverables, features, functions, deadlines and costs will not only help you manage expectations but will assist you in making sure you employ the most appropriate development partner for your product. Your scope of work will decide what tech is used, the best programming practices to implement and the testing period required to successfully launch your mobile app.
Your mobile application’s main purpose is to give users access to your product directly through their tiny devices and will be based on the requirement of your business and, in accordance, need appropriate technology. Other than the common iOS, Android and Windows, there are also many ingenious and hybrid technologies to consider that can be used to create unique mobile applications.
Planning out the scope of your mobile app will also help you specific type of developers you require, and you’ll likely find you need to look for a development partner that’s made up of a well-versed group of multi-talented developers with technical know-how’s such as Java, C and C++.
Considering a suitable development partner
There is the common idea that app development should be kept in-house and that an app development partner is a waste of time and money but, quite the opposite is true. Here are a few reasons why you should consider approaching a specialised software development company.
- There is a lack of skilled app developers in-house;
- Expertise in planning and implementing a mobile project in-house probably don’t meet the standards you require; and
- You want a good app then you need a skilled team to meet go-to-market demands
The right app development partner, however, will:
- Instinctively recognise your business and project needs;
- Have superior app design abilities;
- Be in the know of the latest technology innovations covering mobile, web and enterprise integration;
- Offer outstanding customer service and support; and
- Adapt to your work culture.
The Android vs iOS debate
Ongoing conversations continue around the boardroom table with big business and global brands as to whether to go Android or iOS, and if you don’t have the budget to go with both, it’s a tough decision you’ll have to make too.
Currently Google’s Android operating system is the most widely used system across the globe, with many mobile manufacturers using it, and while Apple’s iOS can only be used on iPhone it also offers the best user interface on the market.
There are a number of significant benefits to both Android and iOS, so make sure to select the one that suits your product best and reaches the most number of users relevant to your product offering.
Considering budget
Last but not least, the budget. Building custom software does not come cheap, so be prepared to pay the price for quality.
SavvyApps.com gives us a good idea globally of what you’re looking at spending when considering app development.
- Standalone app costs: Less than $50,000
- Data consumption app costs: $50,000 to $100,000
- Login app costs: $100,000 to $300,000
- Social networking app costs: $150,000 – $500,000
- Ecommerce app costs: $200,000 – $1,000,000
- On-demand app costs: $100,000 – $1,500,000
- Two-sided marketplace app costs: $200,000 – $1,500,000
- IoT / hardware app costs: $200,000 – $2,500,000
It’s best to remember that the outlays for apps are largely based on features, complexity and platform, while apps with back-end servers will up the price tag. Costs will also fluctuate based on who and where your developer is situated and where it’s built.
And lastly, when considering your budget, try to remember to account for any other costs such as updates and marketing.
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