Smartphone users spend much of their screen time opening and closing various apps on their phones and tablets. In fact, they may spend as much as two-three hours a day doing so. It’s often easier to access online banking, social media, utilities, and more through an app rather than through the internet when using a mobile device. Let us analyze what goes into the process of creating these handy little applications.

The Idea

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Of course, every app development begins with a good idea. It’s not a passing fancy, but a concrete notion of something that solves a common problem within a niche. Consumers download apps and interact with brands because they have a need to fulfill, whether it be entertainment or easier online shopping. If your app doesn’t meet that specific need, you won’t earn downloads.

Market Research

Once you’ve identified a tangible need for your app, ensure the current market can sustain it. Start with simple keyword research using a tool like Google Keyword Planner. This will show you how popular your idea is and the existing competition.

Competition drives ideas forward, but an overcrowded market could drown your idea. If you find that there’s no available space for your app, it might be time to go back to the drawing board.

The Blueprints

Developers should clearly understand the features and functionality you want from an app, and that requires a blueprint stage. This is the planning stage where you decide what your app is and what functions it will perform for your customers.

An essential component of outlining an app’s design is wireframing. This is a developer term referring to visual architecture. It shows the basic composition of each app frame and how they’re all linked together. Wireframing is one of the best methods of app development for creating a functional, cohesive design that considers the overall user experience.

It’s also important to outline your app’s color scheme and branding efforts. Try to get it all on paper before the development stage begins for a smoother building process.

Funding

Everything costs money, and apps can be expensive to develop. The cost varies because there are so many factors that go into it. Some businesses require a more complex app with layers of security and features that take weeks to develop. Others can be developed in a matter of days with a very basic structure.

There are ways to build a custom app more affordably worth looking into, but some apps require a more in-depth, expensive design because there are many players and components to the production of a high-quality app, and you may have to pay extra for it.

There are several options for funding your app, from savings to a small business loan. You might also be able to solicit private investors or host a crowdfund. If you have a great idea with a prospect for high returns, private investing and crowdfunding will likely cover much of the costs.

Development

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When developing the app, you’ll hire a designer or development company to handle the creation. Choose an experienced team that you can trust. Many development teams will quote low prices and fast turnaround, but then they can’t follow through with a quality app.

The development stage means working closely with designers to create the app you want. You’ll answer questions, approve proofs, make additional requests, and be available to your developer. Your collaboration is essential to the success of this project.

Beta Testing

No app maker would be foolish enough to launch an app without testing it first. Beta testing usually involves hiring individuals in your target audience to test an app before it’s launched. They’ll provide valuable feedback to help you achieve the best version of the application.

It also provides a good starting point for early adoption. If your app is useful and well-designed, many beta testers will continue using it, recommending it to their friends and helping you gather more insights about your target customers.

The Launch and After

When beta test feedback has been applied, and you feel good about the product, you’ll finally get to celebrate with the launch of your app. It’s an exciting moment, but there’s still plenty of work ahead.

Developers don’t launch apps when they’re perfect. That would take too long. Instead, they get an app to a near-perfect point and continually apply patches, updates, and additions. That way, you can reap returns for your app sooner while keeping up with the constant demands of software upgrades.

You’ll also need to work with a marketing team to get your app out there. This will be a long, harrowing road, but you’ll see new results every day from your efforts, providing immense satisfaction for your long journey.

Article Submitted By Community Writer