Research has shown that over 3 billion smartphone owners worldwide are using the app. This number is only increasing.
While building an app on your computer might sound like a daunting task, it was possible to create your website. With custom web development platforms like Velo from Wix, custom web design is now a breeze. Fast, easy, cutting-edge.
Let’s return to apps. The value of a professional mobile application is exponentially increased when you consider the global usage of mobile devices, such as wearable technology and the more than 1,000,000 tablet users.
How can businesses create an app that meets their needs without spending much money, blowing their budget or reworking their revenue model?
Top software developers follow a few best practices when creating reliable mobile applications for their clients (such as you).
These guidelines allow developers to manage their budgets and keep projects on track. They also help ensure that the platform is functional and meets the intended goals.
Businesses don’t need these best practices. After all, who is the person designing and developing the app?
You’d be wrong if that were your belief. Businesses need to understand how mobile app developers develop apps throughout every software development cycle, especially for mobile platforms.
This will allow you to select the right partner for your business, find a solution that suits your budget, and better understand how your app development project progresses.
Understanding the intricacies of a project is key to your long-term success.
How to Develop an App in 10 Steps
It is a challenging task to develop a mobile application.
The new platform should reflect your brand identity and match your responsive mobile site. It should also encourage users to download and convert within the app.
It can seem overwhelming to know where to start.
Create A Concept For Your Mobile App
The first step to developing an app is to determine the overall design of your app. Consider what goals you are trying to achieve and how the app can help you reach them.
This will help you create a project vision and guide the design and functionalities required to achieve your business goals.
Find out how your app will make money
Although it may seem an afterthought, you should consider how your app will make money as soon as possible. This will impact the design of the user interface. These are the most popular ways to make money:
- Upgrades and purchases in-app
- Fully eCommerce App
- Pay-to-download
- Third-party in-app ads
Learn What Features You Will Need and What Features You Desire
Many businesses make the fatal mistake of trying too many features in their mobile app, especially the first one.
It is better to reduce the number of features you want to only necessary and desired features. Only include the essential features in your V1 app. You will get customer feedback and know what other features customers want later.
Sketch the Wireframe and User Journey
Once you have identified the app’s purpose and desired features, a UX designer will work with other experts, such as an information architect or digital strategist, to create a wireframe that will outline the user journey customers will follow to accomplish the desired action.
Design the User Interface
After the wireframe is approved and the customer journey has been completed, the app designer will create the interface. They will add graphics, colours, and other design elements to make the experience memorable and brandable.
The designer will also create a mockup, a high-fidelity visual representation of the product. This allows the user to assess the design’s look and feel.
Mockups are also useful in evaluating accessibility and visual consistency. This allows designers to improve both the appearance and functionality of the design.
Our industry analysts ranked the top mockup tools for designers to transform their ideas into concepts. These are the best mockup tools:
- Adobe XD
- Mediamodifier
- Placeit
- Custom Scene
Test the App
The hard work begins after the mobile app has been designed. App developers then code the platform. This should be done in a testing environment to ensure it is tested throughout the development process.
App development companies will also develop the frontend, or forward-facing part of the app customers interact with, and the backend that allows team members to manage content.
It is recommended to use password management software to protect your files while developing apps. This not only helps to create a safer environment but also allows your collaborators to access files remotely whenever they are needed.
Test/QA Each Function And Feature Within The App
Every mobile app should be tested at least dozens, if not hundreds, of times. — many times during development.
A dedicated quality assurance specialist should perform thorough QA testing to ensure every feature functions.
Developers will be able to fix bugs found in the test environment before the app launches.
These are the top app testing tools available that app developers can use to make sure their products are high quality.
- Lambda Test
- The stigma
Make Your App Available For Download In Applicable App Stores
After V1 is complete, the app development agency will launch the app in the appropriate app stores. Users can then download and use the app. The Apple App Store is the most popular, and Google Play Store is the least.
Marketing the Mobile Application to Your Target Demographic
Did you know that app stores let companies upload photos, videos and content to help them target the right audiences?
Well, it’s true! Reliable app development and design firms can help businesses successfully market their apps on app stores and other platforms such as their website and social media channels.
This is especially important because 61% of users won’t download a new app. It will also increase downloads, which means more revenue for your company and greater visibility in the app stores.
Continue to improve the app through feedback and updates
It is important to remember that app development never ends. Customers will give feedback and leave reviews on the app stores. Bugs will happen, and organizations may want to add more features.
What is the Average Cost to Build an App?
It can take a lot of work to estimate the cost of building an app.
Pricing is affected by the delivery timeline, how many functionalities and features you may need, what actions users can take within the app and what support you want from a software company.
For a mobile app that has multiple features, an organization typically pays between $200,000 and $350,000. Refrain from letting the price tag fool you.
App development projects that are extremely simple can cost as low as five figures. Alternatively, highly complex mobile apps with AR/VR features and robust eCommerce shops can go up to $500,000.
What do App Developers Charge for Their Services?
For mobile app development, businesses can expect to pay an hourly rate. App development is a complex task that requires many active, timely tasks. This makes it more affordable to bill hourly.
The average hourly rate for mobile app developers in the United States is $100 to $175. However, this can vary depending on their experience, reputation, and location.
It is possible to outsource app design and development projects. This will allow you to save big on your software costs.
What is the average time it takes to build an app?
The timeline is just as difficult to determine as the cost of a mobile application development project. This is because each business has its own unique needs.
What time do they need the app to function? How much do they have to spend? What features are they looking for in an app?
Software development projects typically take between 9 and 12 months to complete. Businesses that invest in mobile apps should allow for the same time.
However, a few things can impact the time it takes to create an app. These are:
1. Different App Versions and Their Features
Many mobile apps will have multiple versions over their lifetime. A business could reduce the number of features in its first version and add them later to speed up its app development.
2. A Bigger Budget May Mean Faster Development Time
Brands with more money can spend more on designers, developers and hours. App development projects are usually faster when there is a bigger budget.
3. Is the Agency also required to design the app?
Many organizations use the same mobile app development and design agency to design and develop their apps. The timeline can increase if the app must be wireframed, conceptualized, and designed before it is coded.