What is a matchbox without matchsticks? A jam jar without marmalade? A race track without high-speed cars? Nothing but an empty vessel, right? It’s the content which gives meaning to the container that holds it. A workplace would be nothing but a four-walled building without office workers moving about its floors. A book would simply be a wad of blank papers if not for the typed words which give it its peculiar theme. Similarly, a smartphone would be nothing but a sleek device without its mobile applications which lend a more productive functionality to it.
As we are advancing into an uber-technological era, most of our daily activities are accomplished using our smart devices, i.e. our smartphones, which work as universal remote controllers in a home. You can lock the front doors of your house right from the comfort of your bed just by touching an option, provided by a home security app. In the same way, you can watch the latest hyped season on your tab by simply browsing through your Netflix app. And how can I forget the social media apps, which allow you to check notifications, scroll through newsfeeds, send out tweets and likes, etc. on the go? So, do you see? The utility of a phone lies in its downloaded apps, which are in a high demand these days.
Seeing the eternal popularity of mobile applications, millions of entrepreneurs across the world continue to come up with one unique idea after another for an app, even as we speak. Then, why should you stay behind? If you’ve got one such game-changing idea in the pipeline, then it’s about time that you gave it a shape of reality. And it is really not as difficult as it seems. If you know how to code, then it’s an added bonus. If you don’t, then let the following steps guide you on your journey of app development.
Establish Relevancy
This is the brainstorming stage. Here, you are to come up with a list of possible ideas for an app. Now, it just can’t be any idea which crosses your mind. It has to pass the test of relevancy and practicability. It must recognize a prevalent problem that is being faced by the people, and it must posit a practical solution which can be carried out through the smartphone. For instance, people who suffer from insomnia, that is have a difficulty easing into sleep, would definitely go for an app which helps them on with white sound and natural music etc. In this way, think of a never-before-done idea, keeping its practicality and relevancy in mind, before moving on to the next step.
Create a Model
After the idea has been finalized, craft it in the shape of a workable model, or a wireframe. Carry out a research online using your Internet or some such connection, looking at how your niche competitors operate their models. Then, locate the gap and come up with the particularities of your own app’s model. This is the stage where you decide what your app’s structure would be and what elements would go in its functionality. For instance, you can decide how your app will cater to customer experience, how it shall deliver the solution, how the graphics shall be interlaid, etc.
Reach Developers
Again, if you’ve got a technical background and know how to code effectively, then you can skip this step and go right ahead with the development. However, in case you’re a layman and don’t know how to code, then you can contact a mobile app development company, which specializes in helping budding entrepreneurs. Take your wireframe to them as a proposition, consult with them about its ideal form, and see whether it would be best received by the customers in the shape of an Android app or an iOS app. The launching platform is just as important as the launch itself.
Test with a Focus Group
After creation, comes the testing part. Here’s where you come with an MVP or the version of your app product which allows you to gain maximum learning about its effect on customers with least effort. Combine this with your prime USPs, or your unique selling propositions, and you’re ready to launch it in a focus group. This group should ideally be composed of a pool of active mobile app users, who would test your app honestly and give a feedback. Analyze this pithy form of consumer reaction and mold your strategy accordingly.
Plan Monetization
Finally, a product, more or less finished, is in your sight. Now, you should go ahead and decide on the money part. How exactly are you going to be earning from the app? There are many monetary models which you can follow. There’s the freemium model, which is the most revenue generating one to date, offering free apps with limited features. There’s the one-time paid model, where the users have to pay only once upon downloading. Paid advertising model will get you money too. Just go for the one which suits you the best. Plan your monetary strategy beforehand so it’s easy for you to manage your budget afterward.
Launch the Startup
Here comes the final step. The actual launch. Give your MVP a name and initiate it into the respective market for the concerned users to try and review it. Go for different platforms, like social media channels, email newsletters, or separate domain websites, in addition to the typical Play Stores etc. Not only this, make sure you have met all the legal procedures beforehand, in order to render your foundations as strong as steel in the virtual sphere.
So, I hope the aforementioned steps guide you on your way to develop a thriving mobile app startup.