A Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your Mobile App

Launching a mobile app can be a daunting task, especially if you have absolutely no prior knowledge in software development.

Of course, you can hire a mobile app development company to handle the coding and designing stages, but the success of your app goes beyond the technical stuff.

In this article, we'll show you the steps you need to go through before outsourcing mobile application development. By the end, you'll be able to launch a mobile app that people actually need.

1. Brainstorm App Ideas

If you want any chance of success, your mobile application should help users achieve something or solve a specific problem.

So, start by asking yourself, “What do customers in your industry actually need that an app can solve?”

For example, Uber was launched because the founders couldn't get a taxi on a snowy evening in Paris.

Realising that this particular scenario might happen to a lot of people worldwide, they decided to launch the ride-hailing app we come to know and love.

There are various ways to conduct market research:

• User interviews: Think about the ideal target audience for your app. For example: a busy professional who doesn't have time to prepare breakfast. After that, gather several people from this group and have one-on-one interviews to understand their pain points.
• Discussion forums: In sites like Reddit and Quora, you can find people rant about anything. Simply look for discussions around your niche to brainstorm mobile app ideas.
• Seminars and workshops: When attending a conference, you get the chance to learn and find inspiration from leaders in your industry.

2. Validate the Market Demand

After coming up with an app idea, the next step is to validate the market demand. There's no point in building a mobile app that nobody wants, right?

Use free tools like Google Trends to see the trend of a particular term. In the example below, you can see that “food delivery” has a pretty stable interest over time in the UK.

In that case, creating a food delivery app that targets the British audience will be worth the effort.

3. Know Your Competitors

Now that you have a valid app idea, find out who your biggest competitors are. By doing so, you can analyse their strengths and weaknesses, identify gaps, and create a superior app.

If no one has ever created a mobile app similar to yours, then great, you can skip this step. But what is the chance of that happening? Very unlikely, of course.

So, how do you conduct a competitor analysis? Simply follow these steps:

1. Go to the App Store and Play Store, and search for apps with features nearly identical to yours.
2. Read user reviews to understand their pain points and frustrations. Look for recurring themes and areas where your app can offer a better solution.
3. Even better, download those apps and try using them yourself. See how they navigate, what features they offer, and how users interact with them.
4. Finally, make a list of functions and features that those apps are lacking.

With these insights, you're ready to initiate the app development process.

4. Hire a Mobile App Developer

There are two options to create a mobile app: you can either hand code the app yourself or hire a mobile app development firm.

If you possess the necessary skills, the first option is a great way to lower the app development cost.

But if you don't, then working with a trusted developer is the better option. Here's how to find the right one:

• Research and shortlist developers: Look for developers with experience in your industry or similar mobile app projects.
• Request quotes and proposals: Get quotes from several developers, compare their pricing models, timelines, and expertise.
• Communication and portfolio review: Choose a developer who prioritises clear communication and showcases a portfolio that aligns with your vision.

Also, check whether the development agency offers MVP development services. This will help you validate your app idea and test the market potential before launching the full-fledged app to the masses.

5. Prepare a Legal Contract

Once you've selected an agency, negotiate the price, timeline, and features included in the package. When an agreement is reached, create a contract to protect both you and the developer.

Here are some key elements to include in your mobile app development contract:

• Project scope: Clearly outline the features, functions, and deliverables included in the project. Be as specific as possible to avoid misunderstandings later.
• Development timeline: Define a realistic timeline for the project, including milestones and deadlines for key deliverables, like prototype completion and beta testing phase.
• Payment structure: Specify the total project cost, payment schedule (e.g. upfront payment, milestone-based payments, or final payment on completion), and accepted payment methods.
• Dispute resolution: Determine how you and the agency will resolve any disagreements that may arise during the project.
• Termination clause: State the conditions under which either party can terminate the contract, such as missed deadlines, scope changes, and budget disputes.

After that, let the app development lifecycle begin. It usually involves five stages: planning, prototyping, development, testing, and deployment.

6. Submit Your App to App Stores

Congratulations! At this stage, your mobile app is ready for launch.

Keep in mind that the app submission procedure will differ between the App Store and Play Store.

Each app store has a set of guidelines for app content, privacy practices, and functionality to maintain a consistent user experience and protect user data.

So, carefully review the relevant app store guidelines to ensure your app adheres to all requirements before submission.

But don't worry, as your app development agency has done it countless times, and they will be more than happy to assist you.

Final Thoughts

Mobile app development is a complex endeavour.

So, you need to carefully assess the market demand and competitor landscape before investing in a mobile app. Otherwise, you risk losing your money.

For that reason, it's crucial to work with a reliable app development company like Intelivita.

We've been in this industry for 12+ years, so we know exactly the challenges of app development and ways to make your app successful.

If you still have questions, our experts here at Intelivita are ready to address your concerns and guide you in the right direction.

Simply get in touch and let's have a 30-minute free consultation about your mobile app's requirements.