Mobile App Development: 12 Things to Consider When Developing

There’s no doubt about it; the mobile industry has taken the world by storm. Because tablets and smartphones are rising in popularity, many businesses have now a new way to connect and engage with their target audience who are on the go. For instance, mobile phones have been a significant part of our everyday lives.

Businesses are also creating more mobile-friendly versions of their apps and sites, to stand out from the rest of the pack.

As mobile apps continue to gain momentum, it gives business owners an excellent opportunity to promote more effectively their products and services.

In this post, we’re going to talk about the twelve things that are worth considering in the mobile app development:

1. Market Research

Before anything else, you need to conduct proper market research. That way, you’ll know what your competition is like, gain insight about them, and understand what your target audience likes/dislikes. It’s also crucial that you align your strategy with your users. That way, you’ll know what to include when making a successful app.

2. Budget

Your overall budget will determine what your app will look like when it comes to features, user interface, details, and experience.

Take note the prices for mobile application development usually differ based on your needs, as well as the app development company that you work with.

Prices usually range between $3,000-$50,000. Although hiring the best app development company comes with a price, you’ll get good value for your money in the long run.

3. Target Audience

Just because you already have a brilliant idea for your mobile app, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s successful. You still have to “know your audience.”

With a target audience in mind, you’ll be able to formulate better your marketing plan. So don’t underestimate them. They have the power the make or break your app’s success.

People have to want what you’re offering them. So, it’s crucial that you do your research before, during, and after the development process.

When you know the kind of users that will buy your app, you can tailor your app’s functionality and design based on their tastes.

4. Platform

If you plan to develop an app, platform plays a crucial role. So, before you select platforms, choose the specific countries that you want to release the app first. Know your target audience as well.

So, if the country that you choose would be, let’s say, the US, for example ‒ focus on Android and iOs platforms since they’re the most commonly used platforms there. Your goal should be for your app to reach an extensive amount of users.

5. Native VS Hybrid Apps

In its most basic form, native apps are those apps that are specifically tailored for a mobile operating system. These are based on the guidelines of a specific OS.

Hybrid apps are rising in popularity as well, too. They’re usually web apps developed in a native browser. These apps are developed utilizing JavaScript, CSS, and HTML.

Both have their pros and cons. While native apps can be expensive and time-consuming, they give a better user experience.

If you’re choosing between the two, state your priorities and preferences. Then, select one that will fit your needs.

6. Return On Investment

If you can quickly recover the costs of making an app within a year, then it’s an excellent investment. Ideally, your app must be able to solve a problem or significantly reduce business expenses.

7. App Promotion

Why are you launching or developing a mobile app if people hardly know that it exists in the first place? It’s crucial that your target audience know that you have an upcoming app to be released in the market.

Ideally, you should start marketing the app about two to three weeks before the launch. That will help you create a much-needed buzz that will give you an overwhelming response upon the launch. So, plan. Here’s how you can write a marketing plan for your mobile app.

You can also promote your app by putting it up for download on your site. Other effective ways of developing your app are by sending an email blast on your customer list, Youtube videos, and paid advertising options.

8. Update Your App and Content

You need to update your mobile app at intervals so that you can keep up with the changes in the mobile operating system. Unable to update your app and content will make it obsolete and incompatible.

Moreover, if you have a content-based app, you need to update it regularly so that you can keep the interest of users.

9. Backend

Most apps today are API driven. However, not all apps need a custom backend and connect with mobile utilizing APIs.

Figure out if you’d need a backend, and take into consideration costs that are required to set it up, and make a decision.

10. Analytics

Surprisingly, analytics in the mobile world isn’t used so much.

Use mobile analytics that is essential in your business goals, to gain insight, and to improve the performance of your app. The data can be utilized to boost the overall user experience, user engagement, and retain particular users.

Know what kind of data you want to track, then plan. Analytics would come in handy when making individual decisions.

11. User Interface and User Experience

Here’s the thing ‒ if people don’t like your UI and UX, they’ll abandon your app altogether. Even if you have top-notch content, it won’t make a difference if you have a wacky interface. This is an essential feature of your app that will determine if it’s a success or failure.

12. Know Your Competition

There are hundreds (and thousands) of apps that are available in the market. Therefore, your goal is to give something relatively better to your users.

You can also select the top five apps that are similar to yours and analyze them. Once you know exactly what your competitors offer, you can then plan out what you can give to your target audience.

Over to You

By following these points, and by placing great care in the content development process, you’ll surely come up with an excellent product that will surely bring success in the long run.