A Step By Step Guide on Mobile App Development

Have you identified a problem and want to provide a mobile app solution?

Did some idea immediately inspire you to turn it into a mobile app and serve the masses?

Or are you keen to fly high with an entrepreneurial spirit and add value to mobile app solutions?

Whatever your reasons may be, we have the perfect guide to help to kickstart your venture.

Dive in.

1.  Start with an idea

As appealing as it sounds, your mobile app idea needs fueling – it requires time and effort to sustain itself in the market. Here are a few components that you can refer to before validating your idea –

• Your app’s objective
• Target audience
• Your app’s USP
• Total investment
• Competitor analysis

Ensure you have detailed answers to the above pointers to avoid wasting time and resources.

2.  Pin down the need

Cross-verification will help you understand if there is a market for your app. You can start using the Google Keyword Planner tool to see how many people are searching for what you’re trying to do and add mobile app features per market demands.

3.  Market research

Market research reveals the market’s actual demand or interest; as a result, you can modify your idea. The analysis can provide a list of requirements to prioritize work. Market research allows you to understand your customers and competitors better. It enables you to evaluate your product before launch and determine how you will reach your target audience.

4.  Plan a flow

Validation of your app idea indicates that you are offering something your audience needs. It is time you detail your product on a document or use a wireframing tool if you want to go the extra mile.

Be as intricate as possible when putting your idea down on paper. Include how the user will navigate the app; this will assist your developer in understanding your expectations.

5.  Focus on the design

A Design Sprint is a tried-and-true scientific process of collaborative brainstorming that aids in determining which features to build first and discard. It saves time and money on development by solidifying concepts and laying the groundwork for wireframing and design. Start by focusing on the user flow because your app must achieve a specific goal.

The most important aspect of UX design is familiarity. Users can use their previous experience to interact with the new product when they see familiar User Interface elements in a new product. IOS and Android have native design patterns that can help designers simplify the process of creating an everyday experience.

6.  Choose the right platform.

You can begin by selecting from the below options:

Native App: With the help of a development language and tools, developers can create applications for specific platforms such as Android and iOS.

Cross-Platform App/Hybrid App: A single HTML5-based mobile application that can run on multiple platforms.

HTML5 Web App: These are optimized mobile websites that look like native applications and run on mobile browsers. This platform-independent web application lags in terms of user experience and functionality.

7.  Development

If your mobile app design clears the usability test, it is time to give your dream project a proper form. This procedure covers both the coding and the actual implementation of your application.

Mobile development app has multiple phases, such as establishing the appropriate development environment, developing different parts of the code, preliminary testing, and creating the mobile application that can be installed and tested.

Programming and configuring the development environment would be required for one development project. Any app typically has three components: the back-end, APIs, and the app front-end. Development is a step-by-step process; you should expect your developer to provide interim builds that you can run on your device.

8.  Integrate analytical systems

Analytics allow you to track your mobile app’s downloads, user engagement, and retention. Make sure to use free tools like Flurry and Localytics, which both have free and paid versions.

9.  Test your app

Running a code review process during development ensures no major bugs are left to fix at the end. Once you’ve created a visually appealing and fully functional application, it’s time to run a usability test with your coworkers. You may discover bugs you overlooked during this process, but this is where you can make the final adjustments to your product.

Learn about the various stages of mobile app testing with us. Here’s the rundown:

• Documentation testing
• Functional testing
• Usability testing
• UI testing
• Compatibility testing
• Performance testing
• Security testing

10. Launch an MVP

An MVP can attract early adopters, which is an essential step toward mainstreaming your mobile app. Early adopters provide helpful feedback on your app’s pros and cons. Their experience and rating can help you understand the app’s acceptance and demand. This type of marketing will improve your reputation and assist the administrator in acquiring more users.

11. Launch your app

Once your app is live on the app store, the first set of customer usage and behavior will provide you with information on improving and enhancing your app. Because improvements and changes are ongoing, keep an eye on user feedback and building.

12. Market your app

Once you launch your app, the next and most crucial step is to market it. There is no way for people to download your app if they are unaware of it. Consider creating appealing and informative videos that demonstrate the functionality of your app to spread it and persuade people to use it.

Understand the power of social media; use all digital platforms to reach every corner of the globe. It will give people a glimpse of your app and highlight the key features that can make life easier.

Wrapping up

The stages of mobile application development are overwhelming, but if done correctly, they can be rewarding. We have discussed a sequential, step-by-step process for mobile app development that you can apply to both startup and enterprise clients. We hope our mobile app development guide has helped you understand all aspects.