This guide is meant for anyone interested in app development, from design, development and marketing to running your app successfully. While not every section may interest you, navigate the menus to locate those that do.
Let's break down the steps involved in building a successful mobile application:
Mobile applications market
Why is it so common to develop a mobile app? How mobile applications have changed consumer expectations, behavior and workplace processes.
Pre-Development
Mobile app fundamentals such as market analysis and app market trends, mistakes to avoid during ideation and pre-development stages, in-house versus agency development options, technology stacks and strategy, and selecting an ideal company to develop your app and expected costs are discussed here.
The Development of the Developing Countries
We identify common development methodologies and mistakes to avoid in the development phase.
Post-Development
Keep your app running: maintenance, costs, mobile app marketing, commercialisation and mistakes to avoid.
Mobile App Market
If you are more advanced, feel free to skip over the basic section, but make sure you read up on common errors! There are still numerous fascinating statistics and facts regarding mobile applications' development and market as they have become part of our everyday lives as consumers, stakeholders, or professionals.
What is a Mobile App?
As mobile apps, mobile-compatible apps or responsive sites become more widely adopted, it's worth responding briefly to this simple query. Mobile applications (apps) are software programs developed specifically for smartphones and tablets running Android or iOS operating systems.
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There Are Two Mobile Operating Systems: Android And Ios.
Android was the most popular mobile OS by 2023, with 72%, followed closely by iOS at 27.47. Over the last decade, only two dominant players in the mobile OS market have existed. This simplifies things for developers and those who are behind mobile app projects.
Why Create A Mobile App?
mobile apps have had an outsized effect on consumer behavior, business models, and processes in numerous sectors. We increasingly depend on them for everything from dating and ordering food through shopping apps to dog walking services and booking flights.
Tinder was released the same year Instagram was, only 10 years later. Uber also appeared at this same time, and food delivery apps such as Deliveroo and Hero began appearing soon after that.
Tech Stacks For Native And Hybrid Mobile Apps
Most mobile apps, even those designed specifically to meet specific needs, are developed using only a handful of programming language frameworks and libraries based on these languages.
If there are no compelling reasons to do otherwise, we advise sticking to mainstream tech stacks for mobile development. While choosing "flashy" alternatives may tempt you, they often turn out to be bad ideas.
Popular open-source technologies often boast large developer pools, making hiring experts easier over time. Furthermore, these technologies typically boast active developers who provide documentation and support when issues arise.
Java and Kotlin Apps for Android
Android app development had traditionally used Java until, when Kotlin became the official language. Most apps built for Android use Java, however. Google and its large developer community provide strong support.
Java can be an intimidating language to work with. The Android Software Development Kit (SDK) only makes matters worse; Java developers typically view themselves as more flexible when working with this complex programming language than with Kotlin.
Google recently made Kotlin their official language for Android app development, making Java easier and faster to learn than before. One key strength is that Kotlin is easier than Java to learn quickly.
Swift/Objective-C for iOS Apps
Swift and Objective-C are similar to Java and Kotlin in Android app development. Apple made Swift specifically available for iOS app development before their debut; Objective-C was the default choice before then.
Apple released Swift at their World Developers Conference, specifically for software on Apple devices. Although Objective-C remains supported by Apple, both languages often coexist within iOS apps, each having specific optimal usage.
Swift, an open and secure programming language developed for iOS devices, has quickly replaced Objective-C as the most preferred iOS programming language over time. Swift quickly addressed any early deficiencies compared with Objective-C and continues to advance. Although Apple still supports Objective-C for minor updates in future releases, major upgrades in major feature updates may no longer occur as frequently.
Many legacy apps continue to use Objective-C; however, Apple's promotion of Swift will eventually diminish any remaining advantages Objective-C offers. Furthermore, any future-proofness of an iOS application created using Objective-C could become more of a concern.
Hybrid Apps: Flutter, React Native, or Ionic/Apache Cordova
Flutter, React Native, and Ionic/Capacitor are all popular technologies for creating hybrid apps. Flutter and React Native are now the most popular choices when developing new apps. Cordova is losing ground.
We recommend Flutter or React Native as the best option for new apps in 2023. This is despite our generally positive opinion about the framework/Capacitor combo. Flutter and React Native are likely to dominate hybrid app development shortly. This makes them a smart strategic choice.
Ionic is a framework or UI toolkit based on Angular Vue and Cordova. Cordova provides plugins that allow native apps to access hardware on the device they are running on. Google created Flutter, a multi-platform software development kit. It has a lot of resources. It uses Dart 2 as a programming language.
Selecting A Mobile App Development Company
The next major decision is which partner you will choose to develop your mobile application. This choice will have a major impact on the success of your app. It is important to use a method for selecting the partner you will work with.
This article provides a detailed guide on choosing the best mobile app developer to build your application. Regarding successful outsourcing relationships, 'soft factors' can be as important as the tech stack and experience. Consider the following factors when evaluating potential app developers for your project.
Tech stack
Not all app development companies are experts in the most popular technologies that can be applied to mobile apps. You should make a list of companies that specialize in native apps if you are planning to create one. The opposite is true if you have decided to build a hybrid app.
Some companies may have the resources to create both hybrid and native applications. Some companies will be able to build both hybrid and native apps. You may choose a partner to create a simple app for your mobile device, but there may be better choices for a complex project. And vice versa.
Experience and References
Even the most successful app development companies started as newcomers to the market. A company's age does not guarantee they will do a good job. Suppose you need more convincing by a company's personal history or have a reliable recommendation. In that case, choosing a partner who can provide case studies and references upon request is safer.
Red flags include potential partners who are evasive or whose references need to be more convincing.
Management/Project Management
The quality of the code is one of many things that matters when it comes to successful mobile app development. Project management and delivery management are also important. This is especially true if there needs to be an expert in-house to manage the project flow and communicate with the developer.
Ask as many questions as you can about the communication methods of your potential partners.
Maintenance updates and QA.
Apps, including unit tests, manual testing, and code reviews, must be tested throughout development. Check the QA/software testing capabilities and background of potential development partners.
Make sure to address the issue of maintenance and support, as well as establish the rules for future iterations. Establishing a long-term partnership with the developer company will make maintaining and improving the original app easier, rather than changing horses. You can avoid misunderstandings by defining the terms of continued collaboration after the initial launch.
Your Mobile App Development Phase
Before you can start developing your app, there are many things to consider and important decisions to make. Even if you're outsourcing the development to a partner in whom you have complete confidence, you still need to be on top of things at this stage to ensure that everything runs smoothly and you get optimal results.There are two main methodologies that software developers, including those who develop mobile apps, use.
- Waterfall
- You can also find out more about the Agile
Waterfall methodology is no longer popular, but its linear model was once the norm for developing software. The waterfall methodology is based upon the sequential phases in which all requirements and functionalities are written out and everything that supports those requirements.
After the design phase, software is implemented, tested, and released. Then maintenance follows. The stages are completed before the work on the next step begins.
App Development Using The Waterfall Method
As software applications have become more complex, waterfall methodologies have fallen out of fashion. Due to so many moving parts, it was almost impossible for software engineers to anticipate every detail ahead of time, which resulted in cumbersome software with poor user experiences.
Money was regularly invested in software known as "white elephant", which did not fulfill its intended function.
Agile development methods, now the leading choice in software development, emerged to counteract these rising costs of waterfall software development methods. Atlassian describes their Agile project management SaaS offering as delivering faster value with less hassle.
DevOps & Agile
DevOps, another highly sought-after software development method linked with Agile, is an increasingly popular methodology. DevOps mainly refers to automating continuous integration/delivery pipelines. Agile typically entails managing these manually; both methods can easily confuse when used together.
DevOps can often seem confusing; however, DevOps extends Agile principles and attitudes into IT operations through specialists responsible for maintaining software and making it available to users.
Small releases released over time and closer collaboration between Devs & Ops teams help avoid issues when comparing how the software performs in both staging and production environments.
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Agile/Devops Versus Waterfall Method?
Agile methodologies are increasingly employed in most modern software projects, including those related to mobile app development. Agile helps avoid costly errors by providing continuous testing and verification throughout the development process; theoretically speaking, this also speeds up release times while cutting costs.
Agile projects can be more complex to budget accurately due to a lack of predetermined costs at the outset, which may cause difficulties if there is no flexible project budget.
The waterfall method will likely be necessary if an app sponsor requires a fixed-price offer. It may prove particularly effective if your app features detailed specifications with each aspect clearly outlined; however, this method should only be considered suitable for straightforward projects.
Project sponsors and DevOps teams maintain maximum flexibility by agreeing on any changes in functionalities, features or roadmap before beginning work on each sprint.
Avoid These Common Mistakes When Developing Mobile Apps
Here are the top mistakes that can derail an app development process once it has begun. If you avoid them, your app development process will go smoothly and successfully.
Poor Documentation
Documenting the software and infrastructure supporting your mobile application is key to its success. Avoid retrospectively reporting it at the end, as this may leave gaps. Rather, ensure you create detailed documentation as the project advances.
With clear documentation and adequate instructions, future developers of your app will find it easier to work on it. This makes recruiting new team members or switching agencies difficult, as well as maintaining app development within your organization.Poor documentation will ultimately cost both time and money in the future.
Communication Breakdown
Once development has begun, relaxing and letting the team build your app is easy. This can lead to miscommunications and crossed wires needing to be spotted in time. It's better to have too much communication than not enough. This doesn't mean that it has to be micromanaged or that too many meetings can become boring. Agile and DevOps methods incorporate constant feedback loops and micro-communications throughout development.
To keep everyone on the same page, it is important to communicate business details such as costs, invoices, due dates, team staffing, etc.
Poor Problem Management
It is a cliche, but it is true - the most successful projects deal with problems when they arise.Be sure the solution to problems is well defined, and you know who is responsible. What is the plan B if one of the key developers breaks his leg during the development process? What if a key developer receives an offer of a dream job and leaves the project on short notice?Make sure that unanticipated issues are dealt with quickly and constructively.
Missing Deadlines
It is important to adhere to sprint deadlines, even if you are developing your mobile application using a pure Agile methodology. This means that there is no deadline for completion. The app will be released as quickly as possible and iterated on.
Be sure that everyone is on board with meeting deadlines. React quickly to any signs of standards slipping. A missed sprint deadline will promptly cause the project's timeline to spiral downward.
Your Mobile App Development Will Take Place In Phases
What phases will your app go through in the normal development process?
Proof of Concept
It is technically still in the pre-development phase. Still, verifying the app concept by confirming its need and demand is important before you invest time and money into realizing the idea. Refer to the section titled 'validate an idea' in the pre-development stage earlier in this guide for ideas on getting proof of concept before commissioning your app.
Define Your MVP
If you need more certainty that you can plan and design all the features, functionalities and aesthetics for your app before its launch - which is usually unlikely - then developing an MVP (minimum feasible product) should be your initial step in development.
An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) version of your application should feature only those features and functionalities that provide users real value yet still stand out among its competition. It would be best if you reduced ambitions for the app to its core principles. This MVP version should contain features which make your offering superior to competitors.
If there are no direct competitors, only include features and functions, which will make the offering valueless. MVPs can also be developed through a workshop or design sprint that considers all stakeholders, including users.
Create an interactive demo that closely resembles the final product regarding layout and functionality to be tested on real users. There are a variety of techniques and tools that can help quickly build an interactive version of your MVP quickly and affordably. Use feedback to refine or validate your MVP.
MVP development
You can begin the initial development phase when you are confident that you have an app concept validated and a defined MVP. Consider the previous step, where you meticulously detailed every aspect of your final app. This is the build phase.
This is where the pre-launch is complete, whether you're building an MVP or a 'completed" app. This will typically look like this:
- Start the first sprint or follow the roadmap for a development approach.
- Regularly review the features and functionalities created on the roadmap (after each sprint, if applicable).
- Discussion and approval of any adjustments and changes along the way.
- Signing off the final product and coordinating all aspects of its launch. (migration from stage to live environment. Marketing & Promotion, etc.).
Iterative Development & Maintenance
Launching an MVP is not the end of the development process if you have been using Agile to develop your mobile application. It's the beginning. You still need to maintain your app, even if you think it is almost complete, because it was built using a waterfall method, and you have no plans to extend it.
The next step in iterative development is to:
- App performance can be analyzed.
- Analyzing and benchmarking user behavior against goals and objectives.
- You can use the data to refine your iterative releases by defining new features, functionalities and tweaks in design.
- Start development of v.1.2
Post-Development Of Your Mobile Application
It's clear that even though a mobile application is often a standalone business, the analogy still holds. Even if the app has a supporting function, the app isn't enough to keep the business running. Every business requires customers, and every app requires users. They need to be aware of its existence and convinced it is worth using.
The first step is to get a mobile app on phones. Second, encourage its use.
App Promotion
What kind of app have you developed? This will determine the most appropriate marketing and promotional strategy. Aiming for an app that adds value for existing customers may give your brand an early edge and establish a communication channel, hopefully building brand trust over time.
Your app could become an integral part of your organization, easily getting people to use it while remaining challenging to promote and monitor. A good promotion strategy and follow-up plan are necessary.
Commercial apps are notoriously challenging to gain traction among downloads and engagement. It would help if you distinguished yourself amongst thousands of competitors to attract an audience's interest. If your product or service is relatively unique, the challenge can be different and more difficult to conquer.
First and foremost, your app must convince users it is superior to any similar apps they may already use. Once confident, its promise must be kept by engaging and remaining on mobile devices for an optimal experience.
Your app must convince users they need it, communicating the problem or utility it solves.
Marketing Channels And Components For Mobile Apps
Mobile app promotion is no different from any other form of marketing. The audience is constantly bombarded with marketing. Some of the most common strategies and activities are:
The Best Landing Page
A mobile app needs a website that can be used to download it or direct the user to Google Play for Android apps or Apple's App Store. If there is no web-based desktop app, it will usually be just a landing page.
The landing page must convince anyone who visits it to download the application. Design and layout must be optimized for conversions, and the copy should be engaging and convincing. It is important to follow the right process when finding a formula for landing pages that convert visitors into mobile app users.
App Stores: Prominent Placement
It's important to ensure that your app is easily found by people searching for it or looking for similar apps. App Store Marketing is a discipline, and you will need someone to ensure your app is prominently displayed.
Influencers, Ppc, Media Coverage, And More
If you are creating a commercial app in a highly competitive industry like mobile gaming or shopping, such as online shopping or mobile gaming, running a multi-channel campaign would be essential - similar to any new business trying to gain ground.
SEO, PPC, social media marketing, influencer marketing, PR campaigns, guerrilla tactics and rewarding users for referring new users are just a few ways companies use digital media and physical assets such as billboards or public transportation placements to reach out.
Budget and business model will ultimately dictate your marketing mix and approach. Still, no matter the situation, a successful marketing campaign is key to garnering downloads and users for your app.
Mobile App Monetisation
Not all mobile applications are designed to earn money. Suppose you are building an IoT app, such as a smart refrigerator or central heating system that is connected. In that case, the app will be a part of the device. It could also be a booking service for hair salon or plumbing business customers.
Apps of this type can earn a return by improving the quality of products or making them more convenient for users. You can use this app to inform your customers about new products, services and offers. The app can be a direct communication channel with users, even if it's not a business. This is an extremely valuable feature that should be exploited.
The main models of monetisation for mobile apps that are developed to generate revenue directly include:
In-App Ads
Users will tolerate some in-app advertising if your app is free and adds value. If your app is popular, you can sign up with one of the major mobile ad networks, such as Google AdMob. You can also try going it alone and negotiating directly with advertisers. Be careful not to violate the policies of both Play and App Store. The stores take a 30% non-negotiable cut of any revenue generated by the apps you download from their store.
Version Ad-Free
Users can pay a small amount for an ad-free version of the app. This can be a good source of income.
Freemium
Freemium apps are based on a model where anyone can use a limited version of the app for free but must pay to unlock all features. A fitness app could give away a few exercise programmes free of charge and then charge to open more. Or other features and functionalities that add value. Freemium is a model used by most mobile games. This means they are free, but you can pay for in-app purchases to speed up progress or unlock new levels.
Data Licensing
For an app to make money off data, it must have many users. Some very successful business models for data licensing from apps such as Waze and Foursquare exist.
E-commerce
Apps that sell products can generate revenue similarly to e-commerce websites. Apps are a more user-friendly version of a main website.
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In Conclusion
Our complete guide to developing mobile apps in 2023 is now concluded. Now that you have a good overview of the market for mobile apps and the steps involved in developing a mobile application, including the decision to do so, the development phase and finally, the launch, we can conclude our guide.
