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.
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:
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.
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:
With these insights, you're ready to initiate the app development process.
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:
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.
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:
After that, let the app development lifecycle begin. It usually involves five stages: planning, prototyping, development, testing, and deployment.
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.
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.