Creating a mobile application requires careful planning and execution. In this article, we describe eight essential steps to ensure the success of your start-up.
We'll start by defining the idea and objectives of your app and carrying out market research to monitor and improve your app. Whether you choose the Android or Apple platform, our guide will provide you with a complete roadmap for creating a mobile app that will help your business achieve its goals.
So let's get started!
Define the idea and objectives of the application
The first step in the app development process is to define your app idea and set your goals. A mobile app idea can be unique, but it doesn't have to be. If there are competitors, that's good news! That means there is an audience for your app.
Before you start developing the app, study the mobile app market and identify any gaps or opportunities. Once you have defined your app idea, set clear goals and objectives for your app. This will enable you to measure its success: number of users, monthly recurring revenue (MRR), keeping the app as a side project or as a full-time job prospect, selling it after a few months/years, etc.
Here's an article with ideas for startup mobile apps that are hot in 2023: 11 Innovative Mobile App Ideas for Startups In 2023 | Zenesys
Conducting market research
Once you have defined your application idea and objectives, carry out market research to validate your application idea. Identify the type of application that will appeal to users. Also identify the unique features that will make your application stand out.
In addition, look for monetisation strategies that can help you generate revenue from your application.
Here's a video explaining how to do it:
Choosing the right application development software
Choosing the right application development software is essential to creating an application that will help your start-up achieve its goals. You can call on a development team or application designers to create your own. Hybrid development tools allow you to create an application once. They also allow you to deploy it on different platforms, such as Android and Apple.
Android platform
Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google. It offers a customisable, open-source platform for developing mobile applications. The platform includes a set of tools and APIs that enable developers to create innovative, high-quality mobile applications using the Java and Kotlin programming languages.
Android offers a range of features and functionality, including a customisable user interface and seamless connectivity with other Google services.
Android applications can be published on the Google Play Store or on other third-party application shops. This gives developers a degree of flexibility in terms of application distribution. Overall, Android is an attractive platform for mobile application development. It provides developers with the tools and resources to create unique, high-quality mobile applications that meet the diverse needs of Android users.
Apple platform
Apple's mobile operating system, iOS, provides a user-friendly, high-quality platform for developing mobile applications. iOS applications are mainly developed using the Swift and Objective-C programming languages. They are built using the iOS Software Development Kit (SDK).
Apple's platform offers a wide range of features and functionality, strict app review guidelines and lucrative revenue potential for app developers.
The App Store, the official app shop for iOS, offers a wide selection of apps in a variety of categories. Overall, iOS is an attractive platform for mobile application development. It provides developers with the tools and resources they need to create innovative, high-quality mobile applications that meet the needs of iOS users.
Developing your application
Once you've chosen the right platform, it's time to develop your application!
Start by designing the application and its functionality based on your idea and objectives. Focus on improving your application during the development phase by getting feedback on the usability, design and functionality of your application. We recommend that you work with the Agile methodology. This is the best way of developing an application step by step. It puts user needs at the centre of your choices.
Make sure your application is technically sound and works well on all mobile devices.
Perhaps you don't have the skills required to develop your project. Don't worry, web agencies can do it for you. Our agency, iterates, for example, can bring your idea to life. If you need advice, read our article : How do you choose the right web agency for your SME?
Test your application
This step is essential before submitting the application to the application shop. Test your application thoroughly to make sure it is user-friendly and of high quality.
Validate your application by running tests that simulate real-life scenarios.
Testing allows you to identify bugs and problems and ensure that your application complies with the app store guidelines.
Publish and promote your application
Once you have successfully tested your application, publish it on the appropriate application shop (App Store or Google Play).
Make sure your application is downloadable and visible to your target audience. Take the time to create beautiful illustrations, short and long descriptions, and choose the right categories for your app. This is an important factor for success in shops. Check out your competitors and the most downloaded applications.
Promote your application through mobile marketing. Advertise it through a variety of channels, such as social media and email.
Monetise your application
Monetising mobile applications is essential to the success of your business. There are various monetisation strategies, such as in-app purchases, subscriptions and advertising. They can help you generate revenue from your app. Choose the monetisation strategy that suits your app and its users.
7 monetisation strategies
- Purchasing in the application The "pay-per-use" strategy: They allow users to purchase virtual goods, premium features or services within the application. This strategy works well for gaming and entertainment applications that offer additional features or content for a fee.
- Subscriptions Pay-per-use: This is a popular monetisation strategy for applications that offer ongoing services or content. Users pay a regular fee, for example monthly or annually, to access premium content or features.
- Advertising This is a common monetisation strategy for free applications. You can display ads in your application, such as banner ads or video ads. You can also use third-party advertising networks, such as AdMob or Facebook Audience Network, to display advertising and generate revenue.
- Sponsorship Partnering: This involves partnering with other companies or brands to promote their products or services in your app. This works well for applications that have a large user base and a specific target audience.
- Freemium model It offers users a free basic version of your application, with limited functionality or content. You can then offer a premium version of your application, with more features or content, for a fee. This strategy works well for productivity or utility applications that offer additional functions or services for a fee.
- Payment by download It allows users to download your application for a fee. This works well for applications that offer unique or valuable content for which users are prepared to pay.
- Referral marketing Rewards: This consists of offering rewards or incentives to users who recommend your application to new users. This can help you develop your user base and increase engagement.
Checking and improving your application
This final stage involves monitoring and continually improving your application.
Use analysis tools to track the use of your application and identify areas for improvement.
Update your application regularly. Add new features to improve performance and user engagement.
Conclusion
Developing a successful mobile application requires careful planning and execution, as well as monitoring and continuous improvement.
Defining the idea and objectives of your app, carrying out market research, choosing the right app development software, developing and testing your app are all crucial steps in creating a high-quality app. Once your app is ready, publishing it on the right app shop, promoting it and monetising it using the right strategies can help you generate revenue and reach your target audience.
Finally, monitoring and improving your app's performance and user engagement will ensure its long-term success. Whether you choose the Android or Apple platform, these eight essential steps will help you create a unique and innovative mobile application that meets the needs of your business and its customers.
