So, you want to build an app? It seems easy enough. Come up with an idea, make it, and watch as it climbs the app store charts. Unfortunately, it isn’t that straightforward. The app market is already saturated, with just under 9 million apps currently available and plenty more along the way, simply making an app isn’t enough to make a dent in the market.
If you want to succeed, your app must stand out from the pack. The question is, how can you make the best app possible? The best place to start is by answering the questions we’ll outline in this guide.
All apps solve a problem – no matter how much you need to stretch the definition of the word. Some people, for example, don’t have the time to go to the bank regularly. A banking app will help people to manage their money on the go. Another person, for example, may want to unwind after a long day at work. A mobile game or social media app will help them to relax at home.
As trivial as it may seem, your app needs to solve a problem big or small. This will help you to make decisions about design, and function, and help you to understand who may use your app. So, the first question that you need to answer is what problem does my app solve?
Are looking to create the greatest app ever made or simply build something that solves a problem for your employees? Will this be a starter app or a way for you to make your income? Understanding what you hope to achieve is important before you start developing your app.
For example, if you want to monetize your app, you’ll need to ensure that your app has an e-commerce function. Or, if your app is for your business, you’ll need to ensure that it is branded correctly and secure to protect your employees.
Understanding your goal is the first step in achieving it, so be sure that you understand what you’re hoping to achieve.
Given how many apps exist already, it’s highly likely that someone may have already made your idea a reality. Perhaps not your idea exactly, but something very close. This means you’ll need to alter your idea so that you don’t get yourself into legal hot water.
If your idea exists already, this isn’t bad news. It may tell you that there is a market for your idea, but there are some improvements needed – this could be your opportunity. It’s important to do research before committing to your first idea.
Every product or service, no matter how wide-reaching, has a target market. These are the people who have the greatest need for your product and/or are the most likely to use it. Understanding this helps you to tailor your app to their needs and create a more effective marketing strategy (more on this later).
Your target market will influence most of the choices that you make when it comes to your app, so knowing this early will you get you started on the right development track.
Even if you do everything for your app yourself, it still won’t be free. You still need to eat and pay your rent after all. Furthermore, different apps will come with different development costs. A more complicated app will require more time and effort, and therefore, will come with a bigger price tag. If your development budget is too small for a project like this, then you may need to reevaluate your idea and start again.
Big ideas are great, but if you don’t have the budget to make them a reality, they likely won’t get very far. It’s important to consider your budget before starting on the development journey.
If you don’t have the skills to build your app, you’re going to need help. This means hiring a developer or the services of a development company. First, you need to find the right developer that has the skills and experience that you need at an affordable price. This process can take time, so be sure to consider this as part of your development schedule.
There are two places where most people get their apps; the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Do you want a presence in one of these stores or both? This is an important decision to make, as it will influence the development process. There are pros and cons to each, so be sure to weigh them up before making your decision.
Every app comes with certain legal aspects that need to be considered. For example, new laws have been introduced that govern what data can be collected and how it can be used. There may also be copyright issues should your idea be similar to that of an existing app. The last thing that you want is to get into legal problems with your app idea.
When it comes to apps, there are a lot of things you need to consider before starting on the development path. By answering these questions, you’ll be able to validate your idea, assess its potential, and start on the right track before you take the first steps towards development. If you’re looking for support, Zudu offers software development services that you can depend on.
