Mobile application development is growing each day. The demand for mobile applications is estimated to shoot up in the next few years. Business organization leaders are looking for top app developers who can help them build mobile apps for their organizations. The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) has shifted many consumers to use mobile devices instead of using laptops and desktops to access the internet.
You can use your mobile device now to shop online, attend meetings, conduct surveys, order taxi services, track the movement of goods in transit, conduct eLearning, do banking, and take security surveillance. If your business doesn’t have a mobile app, you may be missing the opportunity to grow your customer base.
Before you develop a new mobile application, read the following things which are critical to developing a mobile application:
- The OS To Run On
You need to be aware of your target audience. Who desires to use the app? What kind of device and operating system do they use? There are three operating systems (OS) used in mobile devices: android, apple, and windows. After knowing the OS preferred by your audience, you can create a native app.
A native app is developed by the use of a native framework for a particular mobile operating system. Understanding native app development ensures that you focus on building apps that are relevant to your audience. You’re supposed to build your native app inside a specific Integrated Development Environment (IDE), for a certain OS, without the need for other third-party libraries.
Applications that are developed for one operating system guarantee optimal performance. It helps you to create the best UI modules and maximize your user experience for a specific platform.
Mobile devices running on android operating systems are probably the majority compared to other operating systems. Android mobile devices are cheaper which makes them more popular than other operating system devices. You may not be looking to sell your app, but give it out to as many people as possible. Creating an android app and uploading it on Play Store may have it downloaded by a large number of people.
You can easily reach markets in China and India whose population is about a third of the global population with android apps. Android mobile devices are also widely used in Africa.
In case you’re targeting the affluent, creating Apple apps might be the best bet. Developers who want to cash in a lot may consider developing Apple apps. Many apps are developed then updated on Apple before on Android.
- Is There A Real Need For The App?
You might be thinking that you need an app for your business. However, you need to do some analysis of whether your business needs an app now or in the future. Is the app likely to increase your revenues? Can it help the business in achieving its goals? Ensure that you’re certain of the need before you channel your resources and finances on developing the app. You may seek professional advice from business consultants to come up with an informed decision. Developing applications can be a costly venture.
- Minimum Viable Product
You might be desiring a sophisticated mobile app that has advanced features and solutions. However, note that the higher the functionality of the app, the greater the cost might be. Thus, it might be better if you begin with a simple app, test its usability and check for the app reviews. After some time, you may realize the need to have more features added to the app. On the other hand, you may find out that the extra features you needed may not be important.
Therefore, come up with the minimum viable product (MVP) set of features. An MVP is enough to develop a working mobile app that you can build on as the need arises, or when you get the extra finances.
- Updates
Apart from MVP helping you to budget your finances, it also helps you to roll out application upgrades of those features that might not have been considered in the initial stages. The addition phased of features into your application keeps your target audience engaged with your mobile app. Furthermore, you spread your expenses, beginning with the MVP, followed by more functionalities after some time.
- Budget
The cost of a mobile app differs, ranging from a shoestring budget to a very expensive one that may cost you thousands of dollars. The cost of your app is determined by the app features’ complexity and the functionality that you need to have. Still, if you need a great interface design or appearance, the more the cost goes higher.
- Your Goals
You need to be aware of the specific problems you want to solve before you start developing your mobile app. Among the chief goals might be to add value to your customer experience and to showcase your business organization from a different perspective. In case you want an app that resembles your website, you may choose to develop a responsive design or web app.
If you’re persuaded that the app you want would be of help to you, your staff, and customers, identify their needs and seek to meet them with the app to guarantee the app’s success.
- Know Your Competitors
You need to do market research and know who are your competitors and how they are performing. Go through the reviews of their apps. Note down what people are saying about their apps; what the apps lack and the shortcomings of their apps. Compile a list that you can use to create an app that’s outstanding among your competitors. Ensure that you address the pain points of your audience as shown by the reviews.
Conclusion
From the foregoing, you’ve seen that apart from the cost of building your app, goals, being aware of your competitors, and the target audience is all critical in determining the success of a mobile app. You may need to spend quality time in the development of your app than producing a poor quality one. Thus, perform diligent research of the software development company you want to use to know their ability to deliver the app you want. You may read reviews of customers on their website. Using a mobile app for your business may completely change the trajectory of your business upwards with increased revenues.