At present, there are more than 4.6 billion cell phones being used worldwide, enough for two-thirds of the population on Earth. And as per Google Play Store around 65 billion and Apple App Store around 130 billion Mobile apps had already been downloaded by mid-2016. This illustrates what happened during the initial days of the internet with the conception of websites like Google and eBay, is precisely what’s happening today with apps and mobile technology. Mobile App development market is literally the fastest growing industry in history, with no signs of slowing down. Therefore, if you have some new idea for an app and don’t want to be left behind, now is the perfect time to jump in the game.

As a famous Entrepreneur, Nolan Bushnell said “The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something. It’s as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today. The true entrepreneur is a doer, not a dreamer.”

If you have the spark in you but do not have the technical skills for mobile application development, we will support you get started with your “aha” moment.

Interested? Let’s get started!

Head start with what problems will your App solve

When you look around, every app is developed with the intention of fulfilling a need, whether it’s a utility app or a gaming app. So, the foremost thing to do is define the purpose and function of your app.

What your app aims to do?

What problems will it address?

You validate your app to show the demand it will create. Defining a clear goal for the app will help you get there faster. For instance, Facebook started with providing medium for connecting with people and evolved as one of the best known social media. So, the bottom-line is, if you want your app to be consumed and valued by users, you need to figure out the gaps first.

Forge ahead with research

Before taking the plunge, you need to get the feel of the market; try to stack up as much hours analyzing similar apps.

Let’s say,

Are there others apps doing the same work as yours?

If yes, how are they plugging the need/gap?

Is there anything which remains unaddressed?

What will be the core working area of the app?

What features will set you apart from competitors?

Where to find design inspiration for the app?

How you would market and monetize your app?

There are millions of apps listed on Android and iOS; hence Mobile app development

could be daunting. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t get discouraged by competitors. Study your competitors well and focus on value drivers of your app which will help you stand out from the crowd. You can kick start your research by identifying keywords you would associate with your app. Based on those keywords you can find out competitor’s listings and the expectations of users.

Choosing the best Platform to target

Once you are done with USP and features of the app, you need to select the right platform. Some of the platforms have large user base while some have large installation base. Depending upon the mobile app, select the platform which will suit the requirement of target audience and budget. Various platforms available for app development are Android, iOS, Blackberry, Symbian, Microsoft etc.

Moreover, platforms are also decided based on the device; since your app would support different hardware/device, your app should be able to support different features as well, such as numbers of cameras, touch sensors, screen size, Bluetooth etc.

All these points need to be studied prudently before coming to conclusion.

Hire a competent Mobile App Development team

It is not everybody’s cup of tea, and there’s a lot on the line when you are hunting for a custom mobile app development partner. This is the phase where user interface design along with testing starts. Various platforms use different programming languages such as Android is based on java while iOS apps are based on Objective C; which is the default programming language. Hence, it is recommended to engage a competent app development team which possesses the technical dexterity such as knowledge of modern programming languages and testing, creativity in designing UX/UI, understanding of agile methodologies and capability to make apps available on cross platforms. For instance, if you're looking for an iPhone mobile app development, make sure the team you hire is competent in iOS technology.

You can either hire a native development team or given the globalization of the workforce, and the cost-effectiveness of outsourcing talent, hire a development firm which operates in a hybrid model. Meaning, you’ll have a point of contact in the U.S., and a team in India, for example; who would execute the project.

As per Thomas Friedman, the world is flat - but it’s up to you how far you want to expand your search.

Before consulting the team make sure you have everything documented. A holistic document with clear specifications will help ease the burden. Make sure you chart out every possible detail of your app including pictures wherever applicable. Clearly laid our requirements will ensure your app development team understands your idea better.

Distribution

As soon as you are done with building the app and testing, you will have to move ahead with distribution. App distribution is providing mobile app to users through different channels, to download. Usually, apps are distributed through App marketplaces or downloaded through the website. You can distribute any non-market apps with ease. It’s important you spend time and effort in ensuring you increase accessibility of your app for distribution is just as important as designing and development. A holistic business approach is what makes an app successful.

Market your App

The success of any app depends on how well it is marketed. You can begin with a website which will create buzz for your app and increase visibility; that will in turn bring more traffic to your app in the app store. You can also use social media to promote your app and create a buzz. Approach third party to endorse your product and get it reviewed by experts. You may want to work on the feedback given by users and the experts and strive to make the experience better.

Before penetrating market with your unique app idea, its important you outline the features and functionality of your app as mentioned above and work accordingly.

Still unsure about what to do?

If you have an idea, we have what it takes to deliver a seamless, intuitive app. Connect with our team at inquiry@cygnet-infotech.com