A mobile app can help you grow an existing business or launch a new one from scratch. It’s a great method to engage your online customers on their mobile devices, allowing you to increase your mobile traffic and encourage active users to spend more time on your website. You must be wondering how to create an app. It’s actually a lot easier to build your own app than you might think.
Most people assume that building an app is complex and requires extensive programming knowledge. This, however, is not the case. You don’t need any programming knowledge to build an app with amazing features that your target audience will love.
We’ve put together the best resources to guide you through the app-building journey from start to finish below. . This article is written in a simple way for everyone to understand, whether for first-time app builders or non-technical users.
How to Create a Mobile App in 8 Steps
- Choose a name for your app
- Choose a color scheme
- Graphic design
- Add features and content to your app
- Add app information and store metadata
- Preview your app on the right device
- Test and test your app before launch
- Publish your application
Aspects to consider before creating an application
With more than 10 years of experience and more than 10,000 mobile apps released, here’s what we’ve learned from apps that failed due to poor planning.
If you’re interested in the app building process but don’t know where to start r, here’s a guide to get you inspired.
Generate app ideas and try to validate them
If you’re still trying to develop an idea for a mobile app, here’s how you can get it started. First, translate your rough idea into something tangible on a piece of paper. Make a list of features and a rough sketch of what the app would look like. But don’t get too hung up on the nuances of custom app design since you’re early in the mobile app development process.
Break your features into two categories: must-haves and nice-to-haves This allows you to build an optimized first version of your application, sometimes known as a minimum viable product. Your app should specialize in one thing and you can execute it effectively.
Every app idea sounds fantastic on paper, but you should validate your idea before proceeding with app creation. By validating your idea, you can ensure that your own app has a chance of success in the app store.
To get started, you can pitch your idea behind the app, its features, and goals to someone with less minute.
Consider pitching your ideas to as many people as possible. It could be a stranger on the internet, your close friends or family, as long as they are willing to share their honest opinions. Suggest that they play devil’s advocates and try to find flaws in your app idea.
If you get more enthusiasm and positive feedback about your app, you can move on to the next stage.
Carry out market research
The success of your app, like any other product, requires thorough market research. You can use market research to address business-related issues such as evaluating competitors, exploring business models, and identifying features that customers want.
Understanding your niche and how your app adds value can help guide your app marketing strategies and positioning.
With your information, you’ll have a good understanding of your industry. It also helps you avoid mistakes made by your competitors and assess whether your app meets people’s needs.
Building your own app without doing market research can waste a lot of time, money and energy.
Here are some points to consider when conducting market research.
Know your audience
Know who your Critical target audience to build a successful app. Invest time to understand your target audience, their expectations and desires, and the problems they have difficulty solving. Without a clearly defined goal, you can risk wasting time and resources building an app that no one is interested in.
You can determine your target audience in several ways. The most common but effective ways are focus groups, surveys, structured interviews, market research data, and audience personality.
If you’re not sure how to start, we recommend that you start Defining the personality of your audience.
Audience personas are essentially different profiles of the type of people who are likely to be interested in your app:
- What stage of life are they in right now? ?
- What age group do you belong to?
- What is your gender?
- What are your passions or hobbies?
Getting to Know Your Competitors
Explore the market for existing mobile apps that offer similar features/services to yours.
However, don’t be discouraged if you find mobile applications that offer something similar to you. Keep in mind that many native apps offer similar services or products.
This research is not to determine if your idea is new, but to understand from your competitors what works and what doesn’t.
If you’ve found apps that are reasonably successful (or not), you should consider asking yourself the following:
- Where can you improve your app to gain a more competitive advantage?
- How are your competitors disappointing their customers?
- What popular app features are users asking for but not being offered by competitors?
App editor
Who created the app? Is it a single person or an organization?
The goal is to find out who you’re up against. Big companies have huge advertising resources and often have a dedicated team working on a single app. it will be hard to compete with them directly.
If it’s a one-person operation, it gives you some peace of mind if you decide to publish the app yourself.
Latest Update
You want to know how often the app is updated. If the app developer hasn’t reviewed the app for a while, they have an opportunity to steal market share. However, you should be aware of developers who improve their apps frequently.
App Store Ratings and Review
What is the app’s star rating? What are the user opinions about the app?
If the app has a low rating, investigate why it has a bad rating. Acquiring this information can prevent you from making the same mistakes.
On the other hand, if the app received high ratings, download it and try it out for yourself, paying close attention to the feature set and user experience. . You must read the reviews to know why users love this app. Then incorporate the insights to develop and design your app.
Whether the app is popular or buggy, go through each review to get a sense of user feedback. These reviews are priceless, and more importantly, you don’t have to pay for them.
Downloads
You can’t see the number of downloads for an app on the App Store. Fortunately, some tools can help you get such information. SensorTower, for example, is a free tool that lets you see the estimated number of downloads for an app.
Define your app goals
Create a mobile app from scratch and then maintaining it takes time. Therefore, during your ideation process, you should have a clear goal of why you want to develop the app.
Do you want to provide a solution to a specific problem? For example, are you trying to increase brand exposure or attract more potential customers?
Here’s a checklist you can follow:
- Define your goal and target audience
- Make sure your target audience can see the value
- Consider how the app can help your customers address their issues
- Identify essential features for the app to produce the desired results
Define the features of your app
At this stage, the question is how to design an app that your target audience wants to use. It is essential to have the correct functions in your application. You have to identify the features that match your app and are necessary to serve your users in the best possible way.
Identify the core functionality of your app and focus your app features there.
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Adding popular features to your app may sound appealing, but unnecessary features can confuse users with the main purpose of your app. Also, adding more features will increase cost and lengthen mobile development time.
The keywords here are simplicity and focus. If your own mobile app doesn’t need the feature, don’t include it.
Monetization Methods
There are several ways you can monetize your app to generate another source of income for yourself. It is essential to choose a suitable monetization method based on the functionality of your mobile apps. It is not a one-size-fits-all method. Different types of apps require different types of monetization methods.
Freemium Model
Freemium mobile apps are available for users to download for free. So how can the free app generate income? While users can enjoy the basic features of the app for free, they need to pay if they want to unlock specific features or content within the app.
The secret to successful freemium apps is to provide enough value in the free version to persuade users to spend more.
ADS
The Method The most widely used of the monetization of applications is advertising. This method of monetization is easy to incorporate into a mobile app.
However, in-app advertising is only effective when your app has a large user database. It allows you to display highly targeted ads to the right users without compromising the user experience.
In-App Purchases
In-app purchases are popular among gaming apps. Think of games like Clash of Clans or Candy Crush. These game apps generate revenue by selling in-app purchases that unlock unique features, costumes, in-game currency, etc.
If you’re considering incorporating in-app purchases, make sure they improve that hinder the user experience. Each purchase should contribute to the value that users will enjoy rather than solely generate profit.
Subscriptions
If you want to adopt a subscription model for your app, you may consider offering a trial period gratuitous. After the free trial ends, the user membership will automatically convert to a paid membership. Alternatively, you can provide a subscription version of the free software with access to a list of “pro” features.
A subscription model is one of the most profitable monetization methods, offering reliable and recurring revenue . But it also means that paying users will expect more content or features from the app.
As the creator of the app, you are obligated to fix bugs and update the app constantly to ensure it is stable.
Sponsorship and partnership
Sponsorship refers to an application that collaborates with advertisers. Sponsors will offer rewards/benefits to users if they perform specific behaviors in the app.
With partnerships, you collaborate with another app whose customer base is comparable to yours. It’s a win-win situation that allows you to promote your products and services and attract more new users.
Choose a creation method for your app
The next stage in creating an app is choosing a programming language and platform.
Will you be developing an app for iOS or Android? Will you be using hybrid or native development methods to build your app?
A hybrid app is your best option if your budget is tight and you want to develop on both iOS and Android platforms.
Yes If you don’t have any programming knowledge, you may want to consider taking advantage of a no-code development platform like Shoutem. This mobile app builder platform allows you to build an app effortlessly without writing code.
How to build an app with Shoutem?
Shoutem app builder lets you build an app compatible with iOS and Android platforms without writing a single line of code.
To create an app, go to the menu, click “Create your app” and then choose Shoutem app builder.
If you are new to the platform, you must create an account. After verifying your email, you can start designing your app. You can refer to the platform video tutorial on how to create an app.
How to create an app with native development?
Native development requires low-level coding skills. If you don’t have any coding knowledge, it’s better to hire a specialized app developer to build the app for you.
If you intend to publish the app on both iOS and Android, you should hire an app developer. App developer to deploy native apps on both platforms (iOS App Store and Google Play Store). This is because each platform uses a different programming language. A full-stack web developer is also required to help build your back-end infrastructure for data hosted in the cloud.
Building an app with native development gives you more control over the user experience and Flexibility to design the application in a simple way. support. However, since you are building the app from scratch, this method will take the most time and can be very expensive.
How to build an app with hybrid app development?
Hybrid development is a more cost-effective option compared to native development. Javascript, a programming language, is generally used to create hybrid applications. This programming language allows you to design an app once and deploy it to multiple platforms, such as iOS and Android.
There is still a degree of flexibility with what the app can do using a hybrid development method.
Unlike the native development method, you don’t need to hire an app developer with low-level coding. However, you will still need to have web development skills.
Compared to native development, hybrid development can save you time and money. However, a potential downside would be the performance and quality of the app.
How to create an app with a Rapid App Development (RAD) app builder?
Rapid app development is one of the best options among non-technical users who want to create apps themselves. It is less expensive and faster to build than native and hybrid development.
RAD allows you to build an application using your existing tools through an online interface. While you don’t need to have any coding skills to build your app, you still need to know what you’re building from a technical standpoint if you want your app to perform functions beyond a basic level.
Using a rapid application development method can restrict you from the features and functions that you can develop in your application. On the other hand, app builder software may offer limited tools that you can use to develop and customize your app.
How long does it take to build a mobile app?
Some mobile devices applications can be developed in weeks or months, while others can take years to build.
The time it takes to develop an application is determined by several factors. These factors include the type of app you are building, the complexity of its features, and the platform and method of app development.
It typically takes 2-6 months to develop an app that is completely ready to use regardless of the ideation or design stages of the app.
How much does it cost to make an app?
There are several ways to get a free quote for your project mobile application development. The most reliable option is to communicate directly with the developers.
An app development company may charge a fee ranging from $5,000 to $500,000 to create a mobile app.
Other One method is to find experienced freelance developers on freelance platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, LinkedIn, etc.
Please note, however, that the listed fees may vary depending on the functionality and complexity of the app and its features.
Apple vs. Android: Is it better to build iOS apps or Android apps?
There are no clear advantages to building an app on one operating system over another. Together, iOS and Android hold more than 95% of the mobile app market share. Therefore, it is better to build your app on both operating systems.
It is worth mentioning that the two mobile app platforms do not overlap. If you create an app for iOS, it won’t work on Android and vice versa.
Therefore, it’s crucial to determine which platform you’ll be using during your research phase. The method you select plays an essential role in your budget, schedule, and the type of functionality in your app.
How to Create a No-Code App: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you’ve Once you’ve researched and identified your app development platform and method, it’s time to put your plan into action and build your app!
Choose a name for your app
One of The most critical elements of an application is its name. So put on your creative hat and come up with an app name that is unique and memorable. The app name can also be related to the core features of the app.
Ideally, your app name should be consistent with your developer account name and brand/website.
Choose a color scheme
A color scheme is a mix of colors that complement each other, which can create different moods and feelings.
Each color scheme has its unique set of artistic characteristics. For example, some designers prefer to use gradients in the background or titles of their applications, while others prefer solid colors.
Once decided, the colors that make up the color scheme of your choice will be the colors primers applied. in different areas of your app.
Graphic Design
Application Layout
A wireframe is a rough illustration of your mobile app’s layout.
You can draw the wireframes of your app layout on paper, cardboard, or digital drawing tools.
The goal here is to illustrate the functionality and layout of the app layout. Your emphasis should be on deciding the structure and flow of your application.
Application Design
Once you have finished the design and structure of your application, you can design your application. It’s usually best to keep your app’s design similar to your branding or business design. The design includes your brand logo, color schemes, font type and size, background, icons, etc.
Home screen
The home screen of your mobile app it is a crucial component of your application. It serves as the first point of introduction for your brand to enhance the first impression of users.
You should explore different ways to design an intuitive app home screen to give users a positive user experience on the moment they open your app.
Main Navigation
Next, you should focus on the main process of navigating your app.
We suggest you play around with some of your favorite mobile apps and get a sense of your experience navigating within the app.
You should try to create navigation that feels natural and direct.For example, you’ll know there’s a problem with navigation if you’re not sure where to click to find/do something within the app.
Onboarding Screen Sequence
Remember to include a welcome tutorial on using your app for new users.
If your app is complex and comes with many different features, it’s best to create an onboarding process to guide users on how to use your app .
Add features and content to your app
Once you’re happy with the design elements and infrastructure of your app, it’s time to include what you want others to know about your brand and application. You can then add the content to your app’s backend manually. Or, if you have the content ready online (such as social media, website, etc.), you can simply embed that external link into your system.
Adding app information and storing metadata
Fields that contain information about an application are called metadata. They are categorized into text (title, subtitle, description) and visual (icon, screenshots, video).
The App Store and Google Play search algorithms sometimes index and categorize these fields. So, having the right keywords in your metadata helps improve your app’s search ranking and attract more users to download your app.
So, start by refining your metadata, adding keywords and translating texts and images into different languages. .
Preview your app on the right device
Test and test your app before launch
It is recommended to test your app during the release stage. development instead of just once it’s ready.
By doing this, you’ll be able to notify your developer of the change while you’re working on the app. It will also help you save time and money and avoid unnecessary trouble.
Post-launch: what to do after you have successfully published your mobile app
Start promoting your app
using app store optimization (ASO)
ASO is all about improving your app in app stores through keywords, titles and descriptions.
You can optimize your app’s metadata to increase your app’s visibility within the app store.
on your website
If you have a fully functioning website, take advantage of it to promote your newly published app. Advertising your app using your website is one of the best marketing tools. It’s crucial to let your current and new online customers know that you’ve launched an app.
You can send web push notifications or designate an area on your home page to promote the app.
on your email list
Don’t forget to send an email about your app launch to your email list subscribers. Update your subscribers and include details about your new app and a link that redirects them to the app download page.
on social media platforms
Increase exposure of your application on social media platforms or online groups like Facebook, Instagram, etc.
Creating a social media account for your app is great for interacting with your app users. Additionally, you can ask for feedback on your app for improvement purposes.
If you don’t have a dedicated social media account, you can prioritize the platforms where your target audience spends most of their time. Suppose you are targeting working professionals; then you may want to promote the app on LinkedIn.
You can create video ads and app tutorials and post them on YouTube as part of your app marketing plan. You can also reuse these videos into short videos for other platforms like Instagram, TikTok, etc.
Maintenance and Support
Once you publish your app, expect to provide ongoing maintenance and updates. for your application. Application maintenance is essential to implement bug fixes and newer versions of the application. As a developer, you also need to ensure that your app runs smoothly and is compatible with the latest version of the mobile device’s operating system.
Compliance and regulations may also change from time to time. For example, making sure your app complies with the latest data laws, such as Europe’s GDPR or California’s CCPA.
Improve your app with user feedback
It is essential to incorporate user feedback when updating or improving your application.
Keep in mind the following recommendations:
- Leverage your customers’ feedback to improve your app.
- Collect data using mobile app analytics to gain insight into user behaviors.
- Set up an in-app review popup to collect user feedback .
- Build a sense of community with your existing users and engage with them frequently.
Track KPIs for your app
Setting and tracking KPIs is crucial to ensure your app performs well technically, that the user experience is excellent and generates income.
You may be wondering how and which metrics to track. An easy solution to this is to integrate analytics into your application. A comprehensive mobile app analytics tool can save you a lot of hassle, time, and money.Mobile analytics tools can help you track technical app metrics and user engagement metrics, as well as analytics within app stores.
Continue to improve your mobile app
No application is perfect. Even the best apps are regularly updated. You should take user feedback into account when introducing new updates to your app. Users expect you to make changes when they give feedback.
When introducing new updates to your app, you should adopt the same approach you used during the app creation process. Before releasing the latest version of your app to your users, always test it through QA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make money from an app?
You can monetize your app by charging customers a one-time download fee. In-app purchases are another popular approach to monetize your app. Alternatively, billing users with a monthly or yearly subscription fee is great for generating recurring revenue. Similar to the concept of placing ads on websites, you can sell ad space within your app to generate revenue.
Can I build an app myself?
You can build an app yourself with an app builder from Shoutem. This app builder tool and platform is often used by non-technical users to build high-end mobile apps.
Is it easy to build an app?
Though there are app builders mobile tools that can build an application from scratch without any programming skills, it is simple but not easy to create an application. You will need to spend a lot of time and energy brainstorming and designing an app that is easy to use.
How do you validate your app ideas?
Consider pitching your ideas to as many people as possible . as possible to validate your application ideas. It could be a stranger on the internet, your close friends or family, as long as they are willing to share their honest opinions. Suggest that they play the role of devil’s advocates and try to find fault with your app idea.
What kind of apps are the most popular?
On-demand mobile apps play an essential role in helping us to get everything we want with just a few clicks, anywhere and anytime. The most popular apps today are social media, food delivery, transportation, healthcare, and gaming apps.
How much does it cost to publish an app on the App Store?
In order to publish an app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores, you must have a developer account, and it will cost you $99/year for the Apple App Store, and a one-time fee of $29 for the Google Play Store
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