TECHNOLOGY

How to Create an App That Doesn’t Suck (And Maybe Even Rules)

While on their phones, people spend 88% of their time on apps. And with millions of apps out there to download, your app has to hit some high marks to stand out. 

So what do we need to know about how to create an app that doesn’t suck? Stick with us as we walk you through the main phases of app development.

Define Your Goals

Knowing how to create an app from scratch starts with defining your goals. What are you trying to accomplish? What niche product or service do you want to provide?

What do you want your app to do? Who do you want it to serve? Figuring out these questions upfront will help you narrow your focus.

Don’t settle for making a reproduction of something that’s already out there. You want your app to be stellar, something people really need or want to use. Once you’ve got your goals in hand, it’s time to move into phase two. 

Research the Market

Once you know your market (both your niche and your target audience), start researching. Let’s say your target audience is college students. What do they need?

You’ll have to think through what college students do every day. They eat; they spend long hours in the library; they read, write, and study a lot. 

What kind of products do they use to do these things? Where could your app aim to improve those experiences or make them more efficient?

Then, you’ll need to think about what’s already out there. Again, you’re looking to create an app that rules, not just another mid-grade app to clog the App Store. 

If there’s already an app that does what you want to do and people love it, you may have to rethink your goals. Is there a different angle you could take on that app that would improve it? If so, go for it; if not, you may have to start from scratch.  

Design Your App

So you’ve honed in your market research and have some solid goals for the next great app. Fantastic! Let’s talk about how to create an app from scratch.

Start by making a wireframe, a basic layout of your app. If you know how to create an app for free, you know there’s software that can help you build your app. That way, you don’t have to hire your own IT specialist. 

If you’re not at the stage where you’re ready to start putting things on the computer, draw it out. Sketch out your basic design ideas before putting them into your app-building software. 

When you’ve got the basics down, you’re ready to start building.

Build the App

You can create an app for free, but the cost of creating an app doesn’t have to be high.

Try comparing app-building platforms like QlikView vs Qlik Sense. See which will work best for you and your budget. 

Follow a template or build your app free-form. Hire a developer or DIY the whole thing. It depends on your skill sets and how much time and money you can put into it.  

Once your app is up and running, you’ll need to move into beta testing and redevelopment. Polish your app until it shines.

Now You Know How to Create an App

Now you know the essential phases of how to create an app. Remember, when it comes down to it, quality should be more important than efficiency. If you finish your app in a week, but it sucks, it’s not worth it. 

Spend the time and invest a little more in making your app rock. To check out more on app development, scroll through our Technology section.