10 Easy Steps to Mobile Application Development

We see new apps emerging in the app market every day. COVID-19 did restrict most of the world’s population to their homes but thank god for the advent of technology, almost everything is accessible through mobile apps now. On the other hand, mobile app developers have to be very particular about their mobile application development choices, as it is hard to make a noticeable app with such crazy competition around. 

On the other hand, with all the tech advancement all around us, mobile application development doesn’t seem to be a difficult task as it used to be. But building a mobile app that is successful too? now that is tricky. It requires building a quite detailed map that outlines your development process. Your approach needs to be systematic. 

Mobile application building can be easy. For a person who knows the technicalities of the process, it can just be about putting a few things together, some quick testing, and uploading it to the app store. But to make an app really stands out in a clutter of hundreds of other apps, it is important to streamline your building process. Mobile application development needs to follow a vision. 

So, if you want to build a mobile app design with a vision, have a look at the steps I have listed below to check if you are doing it right. 

Step 1: Research, Research, Research! 

It is safe to assume that every app that you can use on your smartphone was initially an idea. If you have an idea, you have to refine it with the help of research before you start the process of building the app. During your research, while you have to focus on your building goals and demographics of it, also keep in mind the users who are going to use your app when you are done building it. Most app developers leave the user part out for the end, which is not a wise thing to do. If you know how the user is going to use your app can help you groom your app-building idea. This way, you will have a firm footing even before you begin.

During this process, you cover different grounds. You generate new ideas while brainstorming with your team. You analyze your competitor apps, and can work on the features that you find missing in their mobile application development. Those features can make your app stand out.

Step 2: Identification

Successful mobile app development services begin with identification. Let’s have a look at what you have to identify before you begin your app development.

Identify Your Target Users

As discussed above, don’t make the mistake of saving the focus on your target users for the end of the process. You should be aware of your users’ needs during every stage of your mobile application development.

Supported Devices

You have to select supported mobile devices based on certain facts like battery life, required peripherals, hardware performance, coverage device support, etc.

Revenue Generation

You have to identify what can work for you to make your app generate revenue. You can try different models of generation like in-app premium versions, paid apps, in-app ads, pay per download, etc.

At this stage, you also have to set a budget to control your finances. Set a specific mobile app development cost that you would be using during app development (for marketing, release, etc.)

Step 3: Work on Your Mobile App Design

A user might not be concerned with how you outline your app-building process, but your mobile app design is what ultimately attracts them to try it out. So, consider your app design as a crucial factor in the success of your app. Focus on the UI design. Consider using platform design standards. Work on building multi-touch gestures for devices that are touch-enabled.

Step 4: Select Your Development Approach

Usually, this step of the development is determined by your client’s budget or preference (if you are building the app for a client, that is). Let’s have a look at what you can choose from.

• Native Apps: This choice of development requires time and skills. You got to have the expertise as well as knowledge to be able to develop native apps, as they are platform-specific, and not to mention, costly.
• Web Apps: Web apps are easy to develop and light on the pocket too. You can also go for cross-platform app development using HTML5, JavaScript Code, or CSS. Although, web apps are less powerful than native apps. 
• Hybrid Apps: This is one of the latest approaches to mobile application development, as it combines the best of both pre-built native containers with backend web coding. This way, you can access native APIs to get different features that are not possible through using JavaScript. 

Step 5: Prototype

At this stage, you have to develop a prototype of your app. A prototype is your ‘almost’ ready to function app, with basic features working. You can use it to pitch your customers, which is far better than sending them long written descriptions of its functionality. You can also use it to approach potential investors or to apply for licensing. 

A prototype gives you an idea of what to change in your app, depending on functionality and user response. 

Step 6: Analytics Tool Integration

You have to integrate different analytics tools in your app to get exact figures regarding your web visitors number, visit paths, and traffic generation techniques. Few good options to consider are:

• Firebase
• Google Analytics
• Mixpanel
• Preemptive
•  

Step 7: Testers’ Feedback

Here, you have to get feedback on your app. Whether you are into android development or are an iOS developer, constructive feedback is the ultimate way to improve your work. Beta testing provides you with an opportunity to collect feedback from your target customers.

Beta Launch Essentials

• Target Customers: It is crucial to identify your target users. Needless to say, rightly chosen beta testers can provide you with the most useful feedback.
• Bug Elimination: Conduct an alpha testing with a smaller group of people to eliminate the maximum number of bugs before you launch it.
• Goal Identification: Beta test launch is a great way to identify your target customers. You can further understand market trends and customer requirements to provide better mobile app development services. 

Also Read This Article: How to create a successful Mobile App (step by step guidelines)

Step 8: App Release

Schedule your app release. Make sure to protect the integrity of the live environment by releasing the correct components of your app.

Step 9: Collect the Right Metrics

The past decade has raised the competition to the skies for every mobile application development company. This requires them to collect the right metrics. Make sure to follow up.

Step 10: App and feature Upgradation

When you are done with collecting the right metrics, you can upgrade your app. App development services include adding innovative features once an app loses its edge in usability after a while. It also improves the visibility of your app.

Concluding, probably there is no ‘exact’ formula for building a successful app. By going through the mentioned above steps, you can construct a map to outline the process, though. It will streamline your work pace, and it will be easier to keep an account of the progress. Good luck!