In today’s rapidly developing world, like other markets, the mobile application development market is expanding rapidly.
Mobile marketing strategies are becoming increasingly competitive. In order to ensure their place or visibility for application in such a saturated market, application designers must be systematic in their development approach.
Step 1: Create an idea for the app
If you already have an idea about the app, that’s great, you can skip this step. However, if you are still working on finding a great idea, you will make use of techniques to find a viable idea. Tip 1: You don’t have to look for a revolutionary or original idea for the app. Most applications are based on existing solutions or are a combination or refinement of already existing solutions.
One way to come up with a great app idea is to flip existing ideas or try to combine elements from different apps you like. You wouldn’t believe how many developers have successfully developed an app in a similar way. You have definitely come across a bunch of similar apps in the Google Store or Apple Store yourself. There are hundreds of applications for searching for files on the phone, differing only in the graphic interface and some features. You can do the same. Just ask yourself, is there a way to bundle the most useful features in one place?
An idea may come up when you encounter a problem that you can easily solve with an app, but it doesn’t exist yet. Write down ideas like this, research the market, and if there really is a solution by chance, see if there is room for improvement.
Have you ever thought in the middle of using an app that it could be better with the X feature? If so, this might be the start of a good idea. You can confirm your idea by reading the opinions of other users. If they are having similar problems, this is a good sign that you came across a good one.
Step Two: Conducting Market Research
Determine if the problem your app is supposed to solve has already been fixed by other apps. Don’t lose motivation and willpower if you notice that the apps are already fixing the problem. In fact, it can be a good indication that your idea is feasible and that it is needed. The next step is to find out how well your existing applications are doing their job and what you can improve.
Check the apps and pay attention to their names, feature set, monetization (payment method), when they were last updated, ratings, downloads, and more. Learn from their mistakes and listen to users.
Step 3: Write the features of the app
Indulge your imagination. This is a draft and not the final version of the application. Imagine what the perfect version would look like. Write down even the strangest features that you know are useless or useless. Each new entry means developing a vision. Here too, pay attention to user feedback and adjust features accordingly. If you wish, you can start thinking about monetization or payment method for the application. The primary focus (always) should be on usability, but nothing hurts if you think about other aspects as well.
For easy reference: If you’re building a phone browsing app, start with:
- The home page should have categories for quick selection between different file types;
- Exposed class for recent files;
- (Advanced) search toolbar;
- Quick access to the main menu.
Step 4: Making sample models
You are now ready to start thinking about how to design an intuitive and useful app. What will the user see and how will they use the features? Similar to looking for features, you can start with a piece of paper and a pencil: draw what it should look like. Instead of paper, you can use software tools like Sketch, Figma, InVision Studio, and the like.
User experience (UX) should always be on top. How the application should be designed so that users can use it with one hand, what should be displayed on the main screen, how many menus do you need, how to arrange graphic elements … Put yourself in the user’s shoes and design an easy-to-use application.
Step 5: Create a graphic design for the app
It’s time to revive your creativity. Just like architects creating a home model, you will create a conceptual style that allows you to preview the app’s appearance and functionality. You can use the form in sales presentations to potential investors or partners. The style created will have a strong impact on the user interface and user experience of the application. It is advisable to seek the help of a professional graphic designer or partner with someone who has experience in this type of work. You can also use pre-made templates or roll up your sleeves and learn graphic design.
Step Six: Marketing
To make sure that your app is visible and exposed, you need to develop a marketing strategy for your target audience. A lot of marketing happens before the app is published. Create a landing page, a pre-registration email (mailing) list, a media kit with background information, use paid advertising, follow the instructions to improve the app in stores and publicize the brand name in online forums or through influencers.
Step 7: Time to develop the app
It all led you to the point where you start building something tangible. The way you approach programming depends on you and your knowledge. If you have no prior knowledge of programming and programming languages, this could be an opportunity to learn something new. This is the most time consuming option, but you will end up with richer application and new knowledge. Hiring a freelance programmer or an application development company requires a larger investment, but the quality of the end product is guaranteed. You can also try to convince a programmer to join you as a partner. If none of these options work for you, use an app build solution that provides you with templates and customization options in exchange for a monthly subscription.
Step 8: Submit the app to the mobile store
You are ready to go. Choose a platform (Apple, Google), follow the instructions and make sure your app meets the business conditions. Otherwise, it will be rejected.
Congratulations, you did it! But the journey does not end here. Listen to users, stay on top of fixes, and keep looking for improvements.
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