The rise of technology in different industries and sectors has made it essential for all types of businesses, organizations, and agencies to have reliable and efficient mobile applications. The demand for all types of mobile apps is rapidly increasing with time.
For instance, e-commerce apps have become more popular than ever before after the COVID-19 pandemic and the exponential growth of online businesses. A large number of app development tools are being used to create apps for trade, logistics, finance, manufacturing, and other areas of the economy.
All you need is an app idea, and you can make it a reality with the help of an app builder. A mobile app development process became available like never before. Various applications are used to generate leads for new consumers as well. This article aims to discuss the modern trends of the app development process and help you learn how to create an app, even if you are a first-time builder or non-technical user. By the end of this article, you will be familiar with the important skills and knowledge required to create an app, so keep reading!
Importance of Mobile App Development
Before diving into the detailed steps of how to create a mobile application, let's explore the significance of learning the mobile application development process for iOS and Android apps first.
Massive Revenue of Mobile Apps
According to a study by Statista Research Department, the revenue generated by mobile apps is expected to increase to a massive $613 billion by 2025. The following graph shows the result of the study:
Increased Dependency on Smartphones
It should go without saying that almost every one of us is using our smartphones more than we ever did before. There are many reasons behind our increased dependency on our smartphones. A lot of work procedures have now shifted to modern apps.
A wide range of social media networks like Instagram and Snapchat also contribute to 'smartphone addiction.' Whatever the reason might be, a study shows that a large number of people use their phones for about 5 to 6 hours on a daily basis.
More usage of smartphones means there is still a lot of room for new apps and platforms to emerge in the mobile application industry and attract consumers. Therefore, this is the perfect time for both developers and non-technical users to rely on no-code app makers for rapid app development and impress the users.
Things to Consider Before Creating An App
Once you have started to take an interest in learning how to make an app, you should get familiar with certain important things before moving towards the actual development process.
The topmost things that you must consider before app development are:
Explore App Ideas
Many people want to make an app, but they do not have a clear vision to fulfill their vision. Therefore, it is important to explore different app ideas to find a specific app idea that interests you and makes you go through the entire app creation and marketing process.
Ideally, everyone should go through the important phase of planning and app idea exploration to ensure they are on the right path. It also helps you determine the app's overall goal, functions, and layout. Ask yourself why you are creating an app. Everything counts! The fact is that a massive number of apps already exist on app stores like iOS App Store and Google Play Store. Many new apps are also emerging on a daily basis. You don't want to risk being overshadowed in this competitive industry, so you must make smart decisions every step of the way in a mobile app development process.
We understand that you might be intimidated by creating an app in such a saturated market. But it can be made easier! An excellent app maker concept should answer one or two urgent problems if you're developing for an established firm. Business-specific users may prefer a website or mobile app for your e-commerce company, or you could choose an app for receiving and organizing client appointments.
Market Research
Market research plays an integral role in the success of a product, including a smartphone app. There are many aspects of comprehensive market research, such as finding information about the competitors, analyzing different business models, and identifying the customers' demand features.
You should have a complete understanding of your niche and a clear vision of how the app will provide value to the users before you start to create an app. Comprehensive market research will help you avoid the mistakes made by your competitors and develop an app that fulfills people's requirements. You can also read the reviews of your competitors to get a clear idea about the user feedback on the existing apps.
If you make an app without any significant market research, the entire project can fail and cause you to waste a significant amount of money, time, and energy. The ultimate goal of market research is to make sure that the product/service you intend to sell has a market to cater to.
It is essential because if you can study the product in the market and set them as your benchmark, you will be able to perform better and significantly in the initial phase of your launch. The initial phase requires a great deal of research, and your very own app store is the best place to start.
If you choose create an app to solve a problem similar to yours, it means that your product has a market of its own. Always ensure you actively take notes, especially when you build an app targeted toward a niche market. Their targeted audience and features are directed towards the specific potential customer. What you need to note from these niche apps is what makes them suitable. Where do they lack? And how well can you overtake their progress?
Proper market research for your competitors should, at the very least, address the following questions:
- Who are my direct and indirect competitors?
- What features are they missing that customers want?
- How can I improve on the present solution provided by my competitors?
- What business models do they use, and how effective are they?
A Cautionary Note
Note that your market research shouldn't be limited when choosing the app store. To truly get the mood around your target customers, it is essential that you also speak directly with them when you create app. Do this through ads targeting their demographic, asking them to participate in a survey in exchange for a gift card or some reward of value.
Define App Objectives
Now is the time to determine the goal of creating an app. It would help if you found a reason for why exactly there is a need for creating a dedicated app for your business. Following this procedure enables you to develop a plan for what features you want to offer in your application. It can also determine what problems you plan to resolve through the app. App users and their goals consider everything from the situation to your strategy.
Consider the following to help you establish the purpose of your install app device:
- Why do you require an app? (What problem is it able to resolve?)
- How have you decided on your targeted audience?
- How can the app maker assist this audience in resolving their issues?
- What features are required for the users to tackle these issues?
A Cautionary Note
Try to focus on how the section with information that is "nice-to-have" is full of features that are directed towards the customer experience. This is because the intended goal of building an app is to keep your audience engaged with the business.
Moreover, you want to make the business transaction for both parties. Hence, you want to ensure that your customer does not hesitate to visit your website. Once you're done answering all the questions on the why, who, what, and how, you can begin defining your goals and objectives.
Explore Monetization Options
There are multiple ways to monetize an app to ensure you are able to generate a healthy income from it. The exact monetization method is dependent on the particular type and functionality of the mobile apps, so there is no one perfect method.
Before starting the app development process, you as an app developer should explore these app monetization options to ensure the project is successful and profitable.
Freemium
Freemium mobile apps are useful in attracting users and turning them into loyal paying customers with the help of efficient and reliable functionalities. Such apps are available in app stores for users to download for free.
However, it does not mean the users can use all the features for free. Instead, they have to pay a certain amount of fee to unlock certain features and content of a mobile app. If you are going to make an app freemium, make sure that it provides sufficient value to the customers to engage them and make them pay for additional functionalities.
Run Ads
Running ads is certainly the most popular method of app monetization. It is common in all types of mobile apps and games. In-app advertising becomes even more effective when you have a massive user database through which you can display targeted ads to the users without adversely impacting their user experience.
In-App Purchases
In-app purchases are highly popular among users, especially gamers. You might have played popular games such as Clash of Clans or Candy Crush, in which there are various options to buy additional features.
Apps and games that provide attractive in-app purchases are capable of generating a significant amount of revenue. Costumers, additional features, in-game money, and daily reward points are some of the major things you can offer to the users inside an app.
It is important to consider incorporating these purchases before starting the app development process. It would help if you focused on enhancing the user experience and placing the purchases strategically so the user will be interested in them.
Subscriptions
The subscription model is another popular type of app monetization. If you choose this model, you should offer a free trial period for a few days or weeks. Once the trial ends, the user can be converted into a paid membership. A reliable alternative to this is that you can offer a free app with limited features and ask the user to pay to access all of the other features.
If an app based on the subscription model is successfully deployed, it can be extremely profitable as it offers steady and recurring income. Make sure that users expect more content and features from these apps via regular updates. Therefore, as the app maker, you will be expected to fix bugs quickly and update the app regularly.
Partnerships
Collaborating with advertisers and marketers is a method of monetizing your app. It is becoming popular with time, especially with the rise of influencer marketing strategies. The app's sponsors will offer certain benefits and rewards to the user if they perform the actions written in the app.
User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX)
The user interface is the way an app looks and feels is very important to its success. The mobile user interface, which is a collection of touchscreen visual components, determines how consumers interact with your app.
Some of these include menus, icons, shortcuts for navigation, feedback elements (sounds, lights, and messages), colors, and typefaces. The user interface needs to be as simple and constant as feasible across the program.
User experience is how your users see things. User experience is the total level of excellence and depth of the user journey. This includes the user interface's quality as well as other factors like loading speed, the complexity of the app's structure, the volume of the information, and the time it takes to go somewhere or discover anything. Their perception of your brand will be impacted. Also, keep in mind that your app's users are seeing it on a tiny screen (Apple recommends a touch screen size of roughly 44 pixels square).
How to Choose the Best App Development Method?
Now that you have considered all of the important things before designing, developing, and deploying an app, it is important for you to get familiar with different app development platforms and how you can use them to build an efficient app.
Even if you do not know a programming language, you can rely on user-friendly app builders to use the no-code development approach.
Some of the most important questions that you should consider to choose the best development approach are:
- Which app store are you developing for the web, iOS apps, or Android app?
- Do you want a native app or a hybrid app maker?
- What is your financial situation?
- What no-code platforms can you utilize to accomplish your goal?
We suggest you try AppMaster to make your own mobile app, as it allows you to create a user-friendly frontend with a powerful backend. As a result, you are able to create a reliable app quickly and efficiently. Using visual programming tools such as AppMaster, you can integrate it with your apps developed by Bubble or Adalo!
Types of Developing Apps
The exact type of development approach you choose is also influenced by the type of app you want to create. Nowadays, hybrid applications are quite popular as it allows developers with a limited budget to build an app for both iOS and Android platforms.
Whereas developing native apps means that an application is built for a particular platform. For instance, if the target audience of an app is Android users, then it will be built for Android platforms and published on the Google Play Store.
Let's explore these types of app development.
Native App Development
Traditionally, low-level coding skills were required in the native app development process. However, the advent of popular no-code app builders like AppMaster has made it possible for anyone to build a native app. It simply means that you don't have to worry about hiring the expensive services of a professional app developer.
The good thing about app builders is that they allow you to build native apps for both Android and devices. You will also be able to deploy native apps on both the iOS store and Google Play Store to reach your target audience.
An important benefit of building a native app is that you will have more control over the user experience and flexibility of the app. It will help you in gaining complete control over the design and structure of the app so that you are able to satisfy the app users.
Hybrid App Development
As the name suggests, hybrid apps are built for both iOS and Android platforms, so you can publish them on different app stores. JavaScript is the primary programming language used to develop hybrid apps and deploy them on various platforms.
You get limited flexibility and control over the app's design compared to the native app development process. On the other hand, it will help you save money and time as you can deploy the same app for both Android and iOS users.
Rapid App Development
Rapid app development (RAD) is a popular app development method among non-technical users. Microsoft is behind this project to support users with zero coding skills in building an app. The primary work of RAD involves creating apps from the existing tools through a user-friendly online interface.
Even though you don't need any significant coding skills to use this development approach, you must have some technical knowledge to provide relevant features in an app. It is important to note that RAD has limited features and functions to make an app which shows that the modern no-code app builders are much more efficient than RAD because they provide a wide range of customization options.
Drag and Drop Mobile App Builders
Low-code app development with the help of app builders like AppSheet and AppMaster is the most feasible development approach nowadays. These builders allow you to create mobile applications without any prior coding experience. Your Android or iPhone app will be ready in no time if you just choose a template or drag and drop items into place.
You are free to create your app as you want on these platforms. You may decide whether you want a landing page or not. There's no need to wait months or spend tens of thousands of dollars developing applications. However, choosing a suitable no-code app development platform is of utmost importance when it comes to getting the best results. A lot of no-code builders are operating in the market.
But you should be relying on a platform that allows you to build both the frontend and backend of an app without any coding. This is why app builder AppMaster has become a popular name in the app development industry as it builds a powerful backend and a user-friendly interface for the web and mobile apps.
While it is easy to get confused between the various types of app development approaches and app makers, you should choose the state-of-the-art development approach of using no-code app builders. These platforms fulfill your requirements by helping you create an app quickly and easily in your app idea.
Top 7 Steps to Create an App
After selecting the best development approach for yourself, the next step is to build a successful app that will attract your target audience.
Step 1 – Pick A Name and Focus on Branding
According to the official statistics, there are over 2.65 million apps on the Google Play Store and 4.75 million apps on the Apple App Store.
It is evident that the mobile app industry is already massive, so when you are in the process of creating an app, you must think about all the factors that can make it stand out from the competition and turn into a successful app.
Picking a suitable name for your app is one of the most important strategies for making sure your app is not lost on an app store and instead attracts a large number of people. Make sure that the name you choose is unique, memorable, and engaging.
You do not have to take responsibility for picking a name by yourself. Instead, you can conduct small research with your friends and family to pick a name that interest people. Generally, you should relate the app's name with its primary features, but there are no hard-and-fast rules, so you should consider all of the creative options.
This step becomes easier if you already have a brand or website. However, if you are just starting out, you must focus on the overall branding of the app as well. Branding directly affects the app marketing strategies and the project's overall success.
Some general tips you should consider while naming the app are:
- The name should be related to the overall brand.
- Make sure the app name is unique and easy to pronounce.
- Select a suitable name that is relevant to your target audience.
- Try to pick a name that has a global appeal.
Selecting a suitable mixture of colors that complement each other is important for the success of an app. A perfect color scheme as per your brand can invoke certain moods and feelings among the app users.
Furthermore, different colors have their own artistic characteristics, so you should pick a scheme that suits your app. It is not always necessary to use a lot of colors. Instead, you can also use simple gradients or solid colors if you are building a simple app.
Step 2 – Finalize Functionalities
Finalizing the functions and functionalities of an app is one of the critical steps of the app creation process. By this stage, you would have already brainstormed different ideas and features you want to incorporate into the app. Moreover, we have already defined thorough app objectives by this step, so you should create a final draft of the app functionalities around the objectives you decided on before. Your first step should be to define and identify the core functionalities of your app that will make it different from the other platforms. Write down all the functionalities and features you want to see in your app.
Make sure that you are considering the result of comprehensive market research and user feedback in this stage. Sophisticated features like live tracking, payment gateway integration, face detection security protocols, registration modules, and other such functionalities are becoming more common in various types of apps.
Once you have written down all the features, eliminating the irrelevant functionalities from the list is the next step. Keep in mind that adding irrelevant features in the app's final version will not be of any use to you. Instead, it will adversely impact the app's performance.
When you have a clear app idea, you can go through the app development process with maximum efficiency and ensure its success. Designing app marketing strategies for an app that solves a particular problem with focused functionalities is much easier so that it can connect with the audience easily.
The good thing about no-code app builders is that they allow you to eliminate or add features at different stages of app development. You do not have to hire a professional app developer to make the changes for you again and again. Instead, you will be creating a minimal viable product (MVP) first to integrate different features and analyze the overall working of the app. It also allows you to get user feedback and make changes accordingly.
Step 3 – Create Wireframe and App Mockup
Many people wrongly assume that creating a wireframe is a complicated task. However, it is essentially a rough design of the mobile app. Using complex software and tools to create the design is not necessary. Instead, you can simply create a wireframe on a piece of paper or a user-friendly digital wireframing tool.
There are many different ways to create a wireframe. The ultimate goal of this step is to illustrate the features and layout of the mobile app. If you are building an iPhone app and an Android app separately, you can also create multiple wireframes. Keep in mind that the primary focus of the wireframe should be on the structure and flow of the app. If you can achieve the app's final look, then it is great, but this is not the primary target of the wireframe.
A well-designed wireframe is the one that deals with the overall user journey and different notifications and screen pop-outs that will occur when you click on a specific button. Explore alternatives for what will happen if a user clicks on different buttons. Wireframes are also important when multiple individuals are working on an app. It provides a framework for the app's vision and helps everyone be on the same page about the structure and working of the app.
One important thing you need to decide before starting to work on your app interface is the layout creation. This is where your imagination takes a proper form. Everything you have had in your mind is meant to be on the app. This is an intense part of your whole application.
Since you don't want to mess up anything that you have planned because whatever is produced at this stage will last in the long term. The initial thing you need to focus on is the wireframe, which refers to the white and black layout intended to be a rough creation. The idea is to keep necessary features aligned and planned for a mockup.
The goal of any mockup is to make it realistic but static. You don't want to put extra effort, but you want to see what your application would look like to the user. You can use images, icons, logos, and everything possible to make it look realistic without putting effort into making the app functional.
A Cautionary Note
One crucial factor you need to develop is a mockup design that you want to put in perspective. If you create an app, it will turn out to be like the mockup. Hence, select colors, font styles, and icon types properly.
You want to make sure that it looks pleasing to your eyes from your customer's perspective. It is common for people to often go for a prototype so that they're able to interact with the app. It enables them to understand what buttons and features are able to function correctly. Hence, they tend to be able to resolve any lack of performance.
Step 4 - Create App Design
There are multiple things to look out for in a thorough app design as it deals with the overall design of your look and its user interface. It is much more than just selecting the right color scheme. Instead, your focus should be on creating a user-friendly mobile app that will stand out on the app platforms and appeal to potential users.
An efficient no-code app maker like AppMaster allows you to build user-friendly apps for both iOS and Android phones without having any technical knowledge of the app development processes. It is important to experiment with different designs and structures to enhance the app's aesthetics.
Focus on the following components of the app one by one:
App Icon and Splash Screen
Your app icon is the first thing that your target audience will be seen interacting with the app. It is vital to have an attractive icon so that people will click on it on Google Play or iOS App Store.
If you already have a company logo, you can use it as your app icon, as it will also help you build brand awareness. Otherwise, you can create logos from easy-to-use graphic designing tools like Canva by yourself as well.
Moreover, you should select a suitable background to enhance visibility. Generally, choosing a simple block color as background is enough as you will be putting the company or app's logo in front of it. Make sure the design is not overcrowded as it badly impacts the user experience.
The app splash screen is the screen that pops up when you click on an app. This is the introduction of the users to your app, so you should create an effective splash screen that will encourage users to keep using the app. Create attractive graphics for the splash screen and incorporate them into your project.
App Layout
App layout refers to the overall design and structure of the app. It involves the way elements and functions of the app are arranged. Besides the app aesthetics, you should also focus on ensuring that the interface is easy-to-use for all users.
A user-friendly interface will have a great impression on the users. In fact, UI / UX design can be the make-or-break factor in the success of a mobile app. You can use the large library of themes available on no-code platforms and customize these layouts according to your own requirements and expectations.
Fonts and Colors
When you are making mobile apps, your priority should be making sure that the app is accessible to everyone. It means using suitable fonts and colors that anyone can read and understand. You can use different fonts for the text, header, and footer. However, avoid using overly creative or cursive fonts as it will decrease the readability and might cause the user to stop using your app.
At this stage, you should have the overall layout of the app, so you should start placing the text and different options strategically. Instead of thinking like a developer, you should assume the role of your target customer to determine whether you can easily use the app.
Step 5 – Build an MVP
You should always be creating an MVP - a minimum viable product - as you begin to create the software. An MVP's main benefit is that it pushes you to consider your app's most crucial features. This is a crucial component of the app project that must be considered if success is to be achieved. What is truly required for your app to run? Build those features first, and then focus on the others.
Almost anything may be made into an app. During the construction process, it's simple to get sidetracked and lose track of your objectives. Ideas will simply cost your project more time and money. Even the basic operation of your program may suffer from them.
Adding things later is always possible, especially in a no-code app builder. Make sure that the MVP contains the essential functionality required to fulfill the most basic functions and use cases. Don't be concerned with thorough because it is not that significant at this stage. Remember that even though MVP is not a complete app, it is much more than a test app.
Step 6 - Build the App
Now complete with the designing and planning of your app. You can finally bring it to life. The initial step is to design the pages, which will be your display screens on the app. Once you've established the screen design, you need to design the process that will allocate your app's navigation.
For this, we suggest you keep it natural and straightforward and avoid using any flashy content that takes the eyes off your main content. This is a powerful step when you create an app. Once you've completed the layout of your app, you need to determine the content for it. Everything from brand links, content, articles, ads, and backstage is essential.
The no-code development approach is certainly the best option for you to create an app as it is cost-friendly and allow everyone, including non-technical users, to create sophisticated apps with a reliable user interface and powerful backend.
Development of Native Apps with AppMaster
AppMaster is a powerful app builder that allows you to create native apps for web and mobile devices without writing any piece of code by yourself. Instead, it creates the code with the help of AI algorithms that provide the functionalities as per users' requirements.
Building native apps is a highly useful strategy because native technologies have always been the leading trend in the mobile development industry. They offer high reliability and performance with the help of various APIs and features.
Let's discuss the various components of app-building software in detail.
Design
Many different factors have to be decided in the design process. It includes adding the app's overall color scheme, the header's design, navigational format, the app logo on home screens and in stores, the splash screen, and other icons.
It's usually a good idea to maintain the appearance fairly consistent with whatever current design your brand already has that distinguishes. Components like logos, colors, fonts, and icons should remain consistent in all types of businesses, including mobile apps. Therefore, when you are selecting a template, you should keep these factors in mind.
The app's home page will be getting the most traffic, so make sure that it is attractive and engaging for the users. Navigation from the home page to other screens should be easy and quick. If you have designed a thorough wireframe, you will be able to complete the app design process quickly.
Add Content
Once the app's design is complete, the next step is to start adding content. In some cases, the content of the app will be added alongside the design. However, it is recommended that you first focus on the design and then add content to ensure everything is in the right place.
Adding content is much more than just adding text or pictures. It also involves adding modern features of connecting social media accounts, integrating live feed, and many other such features that vary from app to app. Generally, you should keep a simple structure, incorporate easy navigation, and make the text easily readable to ensure everyone can use your app.
Add-Ons
Most apps nowadays provide a selection of add-ons to enhance the functionality of your app based on your demands and line of work. These add-ons improve the quality of the interface and user experience as well.
For instance, if you're developing an app for your retail store, the couponing and loyalty card add-ons can help you keep your customers interested and recognize their devotion. You may share information about new items, forthcoming events, etc., using push notifications.
The chat and community add-ons can help you foster a feeling of community and facilitate simple contact between your users, whether your software is required to assist a local organization or is used internally by your company's workers.
API
Using different types of APIs is becoming more and more popular for various apps and websites, especially eCommerce applications. In simpler words, API is a software bridge that acts as an information conduit from one piece of software to another. Using APIs in eCommerce applications allows you to access certain cutting-edge features that let you retrieve settings and further customize your app.
Step 7 – Test the App
Once you are done with your app design, you need to see that this stands flawless in the market. And you need to understand that any loopholes are covered. You need to check for the user interface based on the preference that you had determined before designing the app.
No one wants bugs, errors, and different types of flaws in their app when they are releasing it to the public. This is why people tend to test their product many times before considering it as the final product. Not only this, but even after creation, programmers prefer testing it regularly.
Testing
You'll arrive at a version that is almost ready for release after putting all the components of the app production process (idea, design, and technology) together. But first, conduct a number of tests to make sure everything is functioning as you had hoped before releasing your new app to the public.
You must test the app on all platforms to see if it will be available using various operating systems and web browsers. Make sure you also enlist a few beta-testers; a different viewpoint will draw your attention to parts or issues you may have missed or may have a biased opinion on.
- Speed and load time of app.
- Nothing crashes when you take any action.
- Performance when the connection is low or unavailable.
- The design is aesthetically beautiful and appropriately scaled for all displays, and every feature and interaction reacts to the goal it is intended to perform.
- The user interface and navigation are simple and effective.
Step 8 – Deploy the App
We all know that you're excited about your app design reaching an end. However, it still does not end. The primary step is right ahead of you! We suggest you review guidelines before publishing so that you are confident of fulfilling compliance. Fill up your app's information as well. This is where you put items like the program's name, description, title, subtitles, text, app screenshots, video intros, logo/icon, and so on. You'd also put keywords that will be utilized to rank your user in this section.
Finally, you should send the final copy of the application in the proper file format. You need to understand that receiving a rejection is expected when you create an app; you should not panic. Look in detail when you receive a denial and try to improve your loopholes, and avoid making the same mistakes again.
Once you complete the app-making process and thoroughly test it, the next step is to deploy the app. It means publishing the mobile app on different stores like Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Start the app deployment by submitting your app to the relevant app store. Make sure you properly adhere to the rules of both stores like Google Play Store and Apple App Store. You should be very careful of these rules to ensure you are able to launch the app into the market with maximum success.
According to a CNBC report, iOS App Store rejects more than 40% of app applications each year. At the same time, at least 55% of app submissions were turned down by Play Store. There are several causes for this rejection, including software compatibility issues, crashes, bugs, privacy rules, and little usability.
Generally, when you rely on a professional app builder like AppMaster, you will not have to face such issues as special focus is placed on building native apps that follow the global app development standards. App builders have conducted thorough research of precise permissions and specifications that a client's app must meet and provide them with appropriate guidance.
Step 9 - Promote Your App
It's a prevalent misconception that successful goods don't need marketing, but this is untrue. Marketing is the voice that communicates to customers who you are, what you believe in, and how you differ from the competition.
These days, businesses often have large marketing and advertising expenditures.
But if you're just getting started, you can just ask yourself three questions:
- What issue does your app address?
- Whom are you trying to reach?
- How do you get in touch with them?
You may start marketing the app whether or not it has been uploaded to the app store. Using a banner on your website, write a blog post specifically about the app. You can create an attractive app landing page to ensure you are able to get more users.
Moreover, sending emails to your current customers, creating interactive videos for Facebook, posting images or videos on YouTube, and tweeting on Twitter are a few typical methods to advertise your app. In addition, if you want to attract more users, encourage influencers to share photographs or videos of your mobile app on their social networks.
App Store Optimization (ASO)
The practice of enhancing an app's exposure in app platforms, raising app conversion rates, and boosting download volume is known as app store optimization (ASO). The Apple App Store for iOS apps and Google Play Store for Android apps are the two main app stores, so you should focus on implementing ASO practices for both of the stores to gain a maximum number of customers for your mobile app.
Some of the many benefits of ASO you will get are:
Better Visibility
If people can't locate your app, they won't be able to download and use it. No matter how wonderful your mobile app and your app idea are, you won't be able to increase the number of installations if it's difficult to find.
More Downloads
Your organic installations will increase with a sound ASO campaign, and long-term success is guaranteed. Your app will appear in the search results when consumers type in terms associated with your application. Regularly improving your ASO will guarantee that you maintain good ranks.
Cut Down Cost of Paid Ads
You may reduce your actual user acquisition expenses by concentrating on organic growth using ASO rather than investing money in advertising. This assures consistent development while saving you money.
Greater Revenue and Conversion Rate
You may monetize your applications in a variety of ways, including in-app advertisements, in-app purchases, and subscription services. As a consequence, many of you may elect to run advertisements in order to attract more people and, therefore, more cash.
However, your marketing spend will be useless if your app store listing page isn't converting and persuading consumers to download your software. Keep in mind that improving conversion rates and encouraging users to click through and download the app are both parts of mobile app optimization.
Reach A Wider Audience
You may attract consumers from all around the globe to find your app by making it accessible in other languages via the app localization process, which is an mobile app optimization technique. You may expand your app's reach with the use of ASO.
Important Features You Can Add to Your App
Now that you are familiar with the fundamental steps involved in creating an app, let's explore the most important and well-liked aspects of a reliable mobile app. By this stage, you are capable of building an app. However, the competition is getting high in the mobile app development industry, so you must consider adding some unique features that will attract people and make them loyal users of your app.
How to make an app that your clients would like to use is the appropriate question to ask at this moment. It's crucial to include the appropriate features in your app, characteristics that complement it, and are also necessary for you to provide the greatest possible client service. Of course, it depends on the purpose of the app you're developing, but there are certain general features that users in all types of apps love. Some of the popular app features are:
Blog
A blog is a fantastic tool for spreading your ideas, and there are many different types of blogs that you may start. Regardless of your area of expertise—technology, business, finance, culinary, photography, or anything else under the sun—a blog is the best platform for you to share your knowledge with the thousands of people who are seeking it.
There is one drawback to this: if you have a blog on a website, your readers will need to punch in your URL each time they want to read whatever you wrote, or you will have to depend on them to open the newsletters or emails you send out. This explains why the blog option is so valuable.
When you turn your blog into an app, you provide your visitors the chance to access all the useful information you are providing easily. The largest benefit is that you essentially free up space on their treasured devices, which increases the likelihood that they will keep using your app.
Latest Events
Everything requires preparation, from an outrageous college party to a sizable business meeting. Even the smallest nuances may cause everything to fall apart. It only makes sense for an event planner to depend on something reliable, like an app with the fantastic Events function.
You may use this function to precisely plan your trips, leaving no opportunity for mistakes. By combining this functionality with Calendar and Push Notifications, you can guarantee that all users of your app are informed of any updates or new information.
You can also use this option to send notifications on international days or holidays. It is a common practice among mobile users that they often tend to forget about an app after installing it. However, if you send them notifications with a suitable frequency, they might keep using your app for a long time.
Learning App
Learning and educational apps are extremely popular in the mobile apps industry. Their popularity has increased even more after the pandemic as the concept of remote learning and remote education is becoming common all over the world.
You don't have to limit yourself to the kids you can reach just because you are constrained to a certain geographic location. Add the Education function to your app to share your knowledge with users from across the globe.
The education component allows you to include a dictionary, provide video courses, produce e-books, and sell them through your app. Education will become more inclusive, open, and convenient as a result.
Navigation
If you have a traditional brick-and-mortar, you must add the accurate location of your business in the app. Writing only the address is not enough in this digital era when everyone is using navigational tools like Google Maps.
You have the power to provide your app users specific, step-by-step instructions to your location using the Map function in your mobile app. Think about this example. You've set up your doctor's office perfectly, and you have a fantastic app that people can use to make an appointment with you right away.
People just don't appear to be able to locate your clinic when trying to go there, however. It is ineffective and a complete catastrophe from a commercial standpoint. Once you've set up the Map function, users of your app may use it to receive precise instructions without ever leaving the app and get to your location on time!
Latest Updates
The globe is insatiably curious, whether it be about the stock market, the most recent political development, business news, the crypto market, or news of celebrities worldwide. There are moments when you, as a reporter, just cannot wait to inform the world of what is happening around the globe.
News organizations may not only censor material, but they could also print your piece without giving you credit. You no longer have to rely on anybody! Make your app, then utilize the News section to publish your own articles under your own name. Without the intervention of a supervisor, editor, or board, this software will assist you in highlighting the problems that are important to you.
Chat
Adding an option of chat and building a community on the app is one of the quickest ways of attracting people and increasing the number of users. However, there are already many instant messaging apps in the market, so if you choose to add the 'Chat' option, try to make it different from the others so that more people start preferring your app over the others.
A Cautionary Note
Once you start developing, getting caught up in the need for more is easy. You begin noticing other features that may improve the app user experience. However, you do not wish to act on these. Whenever you create an app, try to make it easy and simple.
Discussing these different potential features is only to give you different app ideas. It does not mean that you have to utilize all of them. Instead, you can also choose to focus on any one particular niche, such as making a news app,
Remember that the aim is to engage your app user as soon as possible. Keep to the strategy. Any other features you envision can be added to your wish list and built later. Don't complicate your development by including extraneous features. Ultimately, mobile apps that solve a user's problem or provide value to them have a higher chance of attracting users and becoming successful.
What to do After Publishing Your App?
The process of making an app successful and profitable does not end with the app development process or marketing it. Instead, it is an ongoing cycle, especially in the first few months or years of the app, until you are able to establish a successful brand. You should employ strategies after publishing and marketing the app to ensure people remain interested in it.
Strategy 1 – Get User Feedback
Users' direct input is very important when it comes to enhancing the functionality of your app. Even after the app is published, updates may still be made. In fact, once users begin using your software, you will know how they feel about it.
You may get feedback on your app from your users. Send out a brief email to everyone asking, for instance, what they enjoy about the app and what may be improved. Additionally, you can check how the consumers have rated and reviewed various products.
Moreover, you may engage with users on Facebook or Instagram sites and provide them a platform to express themselves. Clients may always evolve and improve thanks to user input. Using App analytics is an additional strategy.
You may examine the user information, such as the age range, location, or the area where the majority of the target users are located, to discover how popular your app has become. The audience's expectations are clear to you.
Strategy 2 – Maintenance
Getting user feedback is important since it helps you manage your software. You may prepare to update your app in primarily three ways.
- Feature requests: You may address user concerns or additional app needs if they have been made known by your audience. If your customers ask for additional features, you may add them to the app.
- Bug fixes: Once your program has been made available, many people will use it. You could discover that the program has certain problems. For instance, it takes a bit longer for certain screens to load. You may maintain the app and solve these flaws as well as any more in forthcoming versions.
- Major Software Updates: You must update your app whenever Apple or Google releases a new software update. Therefore, you must keep up with your app here.
Strategy 3 – Track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Is your app popular? Key performance indicators (KPIs) must be established and monitored in order to provide an answer to this query. Beyond app performance measures like speed and uptime, your app analytics and KPIs must be comprehensive (although both of these are obviously good to have in terms of performance and reliability). Keep tabs on your KPIs and gauge how well people are using your app. Do users download the app? The number? Users either retain the program or remove it. How often are users reusing the app?
To view analytics for new users, returning users, the amount of time spent in the app, and where the most time is being spent, you must have a system in place. It's hard to evaluate the performance of your app without data like this. You can't operate a successful firm on speculation; you need hard data to support your assumptions. You can learn which parts of your app are producing the greatest results and which ones still require work by monitoring KPIs in your App Store Connect account.
Let's imagine, for illustration purposes, that a function of your software that you originally didn't see as a key element of it is being used by the great majority of users. Using such information, you may make the function more easily available on all displays. Place it higher on your side menu or add it to your homepage.
Strategy 4 – Continuous Updates and Improvements
No application is flawless. Even the most well-known applications on the market are updated often. Your app's updates should be dependent on user input, which we covered in the step before. The same procedures you used during development should be followed when you return and make updates to the program. Always do quality control checks on the app before making it public. Regression testing is a further consideration that you should make while upgrading an application.
New issues that didn't exist before might arise with subsequent deployments of new features or upgrades. In other words, modifications made during the upgrade did not cause anything that was functional with your prior version to cease operating.
Therefore, you must repeat the QA process anytime modifications are made to your app, no matter how little they may be. The only way to guarantee that regression hasn't taken place and led to a new point of failure in the app is to do this.
Never undervalue the significance of publishing fresh iterations of your software. Users are providing you with feedback, and they anticipate adjustments. If you don't make improvements to your program, users may quit using it completely.
Conclusion
We understand how big of a responsibility it is to create an app on your own. It gets complicated even if it is made with a no-code platform. Always keep a checklist so you are able to follow a dedicated procedure.
By following the steps discussed above, you will be in a very good position to create an efficient mobile app with the help of AppMaster. You can fulfill your development needs quickly and achieve the desired results in no time. It also allows you to re-engineer the app from time to time, so you will not have any problems in updating and maintenance procedures.
The best part of the AppMaster install app device is that it promotes no code movement for efficient app development procedures. Hence, you don't need extensive programming skills to develop your first application. These steps must be followed since they envision the perfect user interface for your customer and launch a successful mobile app in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions About Developing an App
There are certain FAQs associated with the mobile app development processes. Keep reading to get answers to such important questions.
How Much Does It Cost to Make an App?
The exact cost of making an app is heavily dependent on your specific requirements, the complexity of the application, and the development strategy you use to fulfill your requirements.
Generally, developing an app can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $150,000. While complicated applications may cost up to $300,000, simple apps generally cost about $50,000. The functions and concept of the app determine your budget.
For instance, a real-time GPS tracking and user communication app would cost more than a straightforward content app. An that deals with personalized data and profiles, such as reading e-books or flashcards, is likely to cost much less than some other sophisticated apps.
However, if you are gathering personal information from the users, you will have to spend time and money on building a strong database to ensure maximum security. Otherwise, the app will be vulnerable to a variety of cyberattacks.
Moreover, factors like whether you are building an Android app, iOS app, or both also affect the total budget of the project. This is the reason why you should focus on the core functionalities of the app that you want and eliminate any additional capabilities that might not provide significant value to the customers.
The development approach you choose is a key factor involved in determining the budget of a smartphone app development project. If you hire a professional app development company for app design and app creation, you will have to allocate a large amount of money towards paying the designers and developers.
However, a reliable and cost-friendly alternative to the traditional development approach and hiring an app development company is an app building platform where you build your own app with app builders' help and deploy it on different stores like iOS App Store for iOS apps and Google Play for Android app.
No-code platforms like AppMaster are useful for both experienced developers as well as complete non-technical users to create an app of their choice. Therefore, you should use such platforms to enjoy reliable, efficient, and affordable app development.
Can I Create My Own App?
Absolutely! You can create your own app without relying on any app development agency. All you have to do is explore different app ideas to choose a suitable theme for the app and do complete market research to ensure you are able to build a successful mobile app.
A whole team of app developers was traditionally needed for mobile development. But in the present day, the need for app developers has disappeared. Anyone can make their own applications without knowing any code or how to use a programming language.
No-code development platforms make it simple for non-technical users to build an app from scratch without any technical skills and knowledge. App builders provide you with engaging templates to customize as per your requirements. You can add plugins and alter the features to suit your needs.
Professional app developers are also turning towards no-code platforms to make an app as they provide unparallel efficiency and reliability. Hiring an iOS developer, an Android developer, or a web developer to deal with different types of apps is no need. Instead, app builders nowadays are capable of fulfilling a wide range of app development requirements.
Therefore, it is simpler to create an app on your own by using software that already has an infrastructure in place. You already have access to all of your databases, analytics servers, backup servers, and authentication servers.
In actuality, none of these technical details need to be a concern for you. You can only concentrate on the app's functionality, design, and app marketing strategies. Everything else will be taken care of for you by the platform in the background.
The detailed process of creating an app on your own is discussed throughout this article. The summary of the major steps involved in building your app is:
- Create an app concept.
- Conduct competitive market analysis.
- Outline the characteristics of your app.
- Create an app design mockups.
- Create a graphic design for your app.
- Create an app marketing strategy.
- Create the app using one of these choices.
- Enter your app into the App Store.
Can I create an app for free?
There are many free app developers on the market as well as platforms offering a trial period such as AppMaster. To develop apps for both mobile platforms, you get all the power of a well-known app development platform like AppMaster.
Can I create an app by myself?
The no-code app development platform, AppMaster has enabled many people to rely on them. AppMaster has made it possible for people to use and build an app all on their own. You don't need programming knowledge except for an eye for the art!
How can a free app generate revenue?
Marketing, in-app sales, sponsorship, and affiliate marketing are all used to monetize free apps and generate revenue.
How do app developers make money?
Ads are the easiest and most powerful way for mobile app developers to take out cash from free apps. All they require to do is embed advertisements into their product and collect revenue from a third-party ad network.
Is it Easy to Build an App?
Developing apps is simple if you use a no-code app builder like AppMaster. If not, it will rely on your technical expertise and current programming language understanding. The ease of development depends on your team, funding, and development technique if you lack technical expertise and coding skills. Imagine you want to build your applications from the ground up. It wouldn't be that simple in this case. To develop the code, you would need to become proficient in new programming languages and engage in a great deal of trial and error.
Alternately, if you're utilizing AppMaster, creating an app is quite simple. These tools were created with non-technical users in mind. You can create an app using this technique if you're confidently utilizing the internet.
There is still a small but manageable learning curve. The platform itself is all you need to learn how to utilize. Moreover, the majority of no-code app builders include a wealth of tools and tutorials that can be used to learn how to accomplish anything. Your life will be much simplified by this. The app's appearance and feel may then be modified depending on your own branding. Any placeholder text, pictures, or information will be replaced with your own original copy.
After that, you can begin to provide your app with bespoke features. Typically, installing plugins from a feature marketplace takes care of this. For instance, installing a YouTube or Vimeo plugin would make it simple to add movies to your program.
