The whole world is going “smart” these days, shifting from desktop computers to laptops, and now to mobile devices. If you want to stay relevant as a brand or cater to your customers effectively, having a mobile app is a must.
Did you know that mobile apps are expected to make about $188.9 billion in revenue by the end of this year from app stores and ads within apps? Looking ahead to 2031, the market for business mobile apps is predicted to be worth $22.79 billion.
Many companies are trying to take advantage of these trends by creating mobile apps. However, not many realize that a successful mobile app requires careful planning and a skilled team to develop it.
The process of developing a mobile app has several stages, depending on the size of the app and what it needs to do. In this article, we’ll talk about the best ways to create a mobile app that will succeed in the long run.
So, let’s get started!
Best Practices for Developing Clean and Efficient Mobile Apps
Developing a mobile app that resonates with users and achieves its intended goals is a journey that involves several crucial steps. At the heart of this journey lies a well-structured and thoughtful strategy. In this article, we will explore the initial phase of mobile application development: Creating a Strategy.
Imagine this phase as the foundation upon which the entire project stands. It’s the moment when you define your app’s purpose, identify your target audience, and set the course for its development. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a newcomer to the app development arena, understanding these fundamental mobile app development best practices is essential.
So, let’s start on this exploration, beginning with the critical first step: Crafting a Strategy for your mobile app.
Create a Strategy
The first step in building a successful mobile app is to establish a clear strategy. Think of this phase as the blueprint for your entire project. Here’s what you should do:
- Identify Your Target Audience: Determine who your app is designed for. Understand the characteristics, preferences, and needs of your potential users. This knowledge will guide your app’s design and features.
- Analyze Your Competitors: Study other apps in the same category as yours. What do they offer? What are their strengths and weaknesses? This research helps you identify gaps in the market that your app can fill.
- Set App Goals and Objectives: Clearly define what you want to achieve with your app. Whether it’s increasing sales, providing information, or solving a specific problem, having well-defined goals will keep your project on track.
- Choose the Right Platform: Decide which mobile platforms your app will support. The two primary platforms are Android and iOS. Your choice should align with your target audience and business goals.
Creating a strategy at the outset ensures that everyone involved in the project understands the app’s purpose and direction. It’s like charting a course before setting sail on a voyage; it helps you navigate smoothly through the development process.
Once you’ve completed the strategy phase, you’ll have a clear roadmap for the development of your mobile app, making it easier to move on to the next stages with confidence.
Essential Steps for Crafting Your Enterprise Mobility Strategy
In the grand scheme of your organization’s digital transformation, an enterprise mobility strategy stands as a pivotal component. Crafting a comprehensive plan for any organization can be a daunting task, but when it comes to your enterprise mobility strategy, the potential rewards for business growth are substantial.
Define Your Business Needs
Your enterprise mobile initiatives are key to addressing marketing challenges, reaching new customer segments, and devising innovative solutions for expansion. However, before you take the plunge, it’s crucial to pinpoint your company’s unique requirements. This entails gaining a deep understanding of your organization’s strategic goals. To identify these needs, rely on key performance indicators (KPIs), user feedback, and insights gleaned from market trends.
Perform Competitive Research
Now that you’ve established your objectives, it’s time to cast an eye on your competitors. Select at least three competitors for an in-depth analysis. The choice of competitors should align with your company’s goals and market dynamics. When evaluating your rivals, keep an eye out for both agile startups and established industry leaders.
It’s entirely possible that none of your competitors has ventured into the realm of mobile apps. In such a scenario, you possess a golden opportunity to establish yourself as a pioneering force in your industry!
Set Strategic Goals and Objectives
The initial phases of our strategic guide have illuminated your organization’s needs. Now, it’s time to set forth your goals and priorities, effectively aligning them with your identified requirements.
Ask yourself critical questions:
- Which apps have the potential to bring the most significant impact to your business, benefiting both employees and users?
- Is your organization equipped to support the development and maintenance of these apps?
- Does the mobility channel align with the solutions your business seeks to deliver effectively?
Long-term objectives should prioritize both utility and scalability. As you continue, you’ll accumulate a wealth of data alongside regular usage patterns.
It’s important to note that the mobile landscape is dominated by two major platforms: Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android. Developing applications for these platforms necessitates the utilization of their specific development environments. Each mobile app’s role is meticulously tailored to suit the characteristics of individual mobile devices, providing users with a personalized and optimized experience on their chosen platform.
Native Mobile Apps:
Native mobile apps are designed specifically for either iOS or Android devices. To use them, you need to download them from the Google Play Store (for Android) or the Apple App Store (for iOS). These apps have the best access to your device’s features and hardware, which means they can take full advantage of everything your phone or tablet can do. However, they can be more expensive to develop because you usually need separate versions for iOS and Android. Some companies choose to create both.
Mobile Web Apps:
Mobile web apps are websites that you can visit using a web browser on your mobile device. These apps are clever because they can look and feel just like native apps, whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device. This makes them accessible to users on both types of devices, similar to how native apps are.
Hybrid Apps / Cross-Platform Apps:
There are two other ways to make mobile apps. Some developers use third-party tools like Xamarin, PhoneGap, or Appcelerator to create what we call cross-platform or hybrid apps. These apps share a common codebase and work on all mobile platforms. They don’t require a lot of platform-specific code, making it easier to develop for multiple devices at once.
Craft a Plan for Ongoing Delivery
The fierce competition for market dominance between iOS and Android fuels the rapid evolution of mobile technology, with influential players like Google, Samsung, and Apple consistently introducing new mobile devices and platforms. In this swiftly changing landscape, agility emerges as a pivotal factor for a successful mobility strategy. It’s imperative to not only consider your long-term objectives but also address immediate needs. In the realm of mobile app development, continuous support is necessary to address issues, introduce new features, and enhance security.
Forge a Security Strategy
Lastly, but of utmost importance, is the establishment of a comprehensive security plan and an internal governance policy.
Within your governance policy, you should cover:
- Procedures for development
- Device setup and provisioning
- Data access and security measures
- Plans for handling interruptions and disaster recovery
- Strategies for managing mobile applications
- Ongoing infrastructure enhancement requirements.
In larger organizations, the formation of a dedicated governance team might be necessary. This team would play a critical role in serving various departments affected by mobility solutions, ensuring a harmonious and secure implementation.
Analyzing Competitors
Even if your app design is innovative, likely, that someone else is already offering similar services or products. It’s often a wise approach to study what your competitors are doing before making your own decisions.
For instance, if you’re considering entering the food delivery market, it’s crucial to examine the strategies and features employed by apps like Zomato and Swiggy. The food delivery app industry is fiercely competitive, so to succeed, you must be well-prepared and stay informed about your competitors’ actions. If you lack the time or expertise for research, you can delegate this task to your mobile app development company.
Analysis and Planning
During this phase, your app concept transforms into a tangible project. The initial steps involve defining usage scenarios and documenting detailed functional requirements.
After specifying your app’s features, it’s time to create a product roadmap. This involves organizing and dividing the app’s specifications into achievable development milestones. If you’re facing time, resources, or funding constraints, it’s essential to identify your minimum viable product (MVP) and prioritize it for the initial release.
Part of the planning process involves identifying the skill sets required for your app development endeavor. Notably, mobile platforms like iOS and Android utilize distinct technology stacks. If you intend to create an app for both iOS and Android, your mobile development team should encompass both iOS and Android developers.
Have you settled on a name for your app? Just like domain names, mobile app names must be unique within each app store. It’s crucial to check each app store to ensure that your chosen app name is available and not already in use.
Choosing the Platform
If you opt for the native approach, you’ll need to decide whether to develop for iOS or Android.
Return to the market research you conducted earlier regarding your target audience. Understand what devices your potential customers are using. This information will guide you in making an informed decision about which platform to prioritize.
The reason for this is that Apple and Android users tend to have distinct preferences. Determining which platform your primary audience prefers is a significant decision, especially if you plan to initially launch your mobile app on only one of these platforms.
If you aim to develop native apps for both platforms independently, attempting to tackle both simultaneously may prove overwhelming. While your ultimate goal may be to have your app accessible on both app stores, you might find yourself in a position where you need to choose between the two for your initial launch.
Prioritize Design from the Start
In the world of app development, there are two main roles: developers and designers. Developers are known for their technical skills, while designers are the creative minds. However, when it comes to creating an app, it’s crucial not to keep these roles entirely separate.
To build a successful app, developers must understand how the design elements work. Everyone on your team, whether they’re designers or mobile app developers, needs to be on the same page.
One way to ensure this is by using tools like mood boards. These tools help you organize your ideas and design features, making the development process smoother. By understanding both development and design aspects, you can iron out design elements early on, preventing the need for major adjustments later.
Create Mockups and Prototypes
Mockups are like detailed drawings of how your app will look. They bring together your design ideas and apply them to the app’s layout. However, keep in mind that as the design progresses, there may be changes to how the app’s information is organized, how it flows, and how it looks. Popular software like Adobe Photoshop is often used for creating these high-quality mockups.
Prototypes, on the other hand, help you simulate the experience users will have with your app. While making prototypes can be time-consuming, it’s worth it because it lets you test your app’s design and functionality early on. Prototypes are especially useful for showing how the app’s features will work.
Choosing the Right Technology
One of the most important factors affecting how well your app performs is the technology you use to build it. Each app is unique and serves a specific purpose, so it’s essential to select the right technology that matches your needs and aligns with your business goals.
The purpose of your app determines the type of technology you should use. For instance, if you want a native app (specifically designed for one platform like iOS or Android), you can use languages like Java, Kotlin, or Objective-C. On the other hand, for cross-platform apps that work on multiple platforms, technologies like React Native or Flutter are options. If you want something lighter and faster, consider a Progressive Web App (PWA) for your business. It’s essential to make these technology choices early on to avoid misunderstandings later in the development process.
Thoroughly Test Your App
Before you release your app, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on how it performs. Testing should be an ongoing process throughout the development of your mobile app. If you neglect regular testing, it can make finding and fixing problems much harder down the road. It can also help you save on overall costs by catching issues early.
Consider using beta testers to gather feedback on your app. Websites like Beta Family can help you find people who can try out your app and provide insights and suggestions for improvement.
Deployment and Support
Encourage users to share their feedback and ideas with your business regarding your app. Providing support to end-users is essential, as is delivering regular software updates with new features. Unlike web applications, where updates can be quickly accessed by users, mobile app updates must go through a review process similar to the initial app submission. Additionally, for native mobile apps, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with technological advancements and regularly update your software to work smoothly on new mobile devices and operating system platforms.
Common Pitfalls in the App Development Process
Mistakes are an inevitable part of app development, even though developers strive to avoid them. Recognizing and learning from these common mistakes can save a significant amount of time and money and increase the odds of creating a successful app. Let’s delve into the blunders that developers should steer clear of during the mobile app development journey.
Overemphasizing Budget
Focusing solely on the budget is a prevalent error that can lead to failure. Opting for a development team solely because they fit your budget can jeopardize your app project. Conversely, overspending beyond your budget constraints can also spell disaster.
Ignoring User Feedback
Before hiring a freelancer or a mobile application development company, it’s prudent to heed feedback from their past and current clients. Gathering insights from previous customers provides valuable information to assess their competence and reliability.
Neglecting Research
Developing an app isn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision while sipping coffee at a café. It demands thorough research, encompassing various aspects such as your company’s current standing, the app’s purpose, the existing market landscape, competitors, pricing strategies, development costs, return on investment, and more. Investing time in research can prevent months or even years of frustration in the future.
Poor Budget Management
Effective budget management is pivotal for a successful app development journey. Having a clear understanding of the app’s projected costs from the outset is essential. Each phase of development should be budgeted for, including provisions for unexpected expenses that may arise. Setting realistic budget estimates is crucial from the get-go.
Neglecting to Build an MVP
Constructing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is invaluable as it allows developers to test the app’s performance. During the MVP stage, the app consists of only essential features. This isn’t an experiment; rather, it’s a vital step to focus on the core components of the app.
Subpar UI/UX Design
Disregarding the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) is a critical blunder. A developer should have a clear vision of how users will interact with the app. Users tend to uninstall apps with poor UI/UX swiftly. People have expectations when they open an app, and it’s wise to follow the lead of successful apps in the market.
Inadequate Communication During Development
Poor communication during development is a significant factor in app failures. To avoid this, prioritize clear and consistent communication from the outset. Reiterating instructions is better than leaving room for assumptions. Depending on the project’s scale, arranging bi-weekly or weekly meetings can be beneficial.
Feature Overload
Just as traffic jams frustrate, an app with an excess of functions and features becomes challenging for users to navigate. Stick to the core features necessary for your app to function effectively. Adding too many features can lead to issues such as slow response times and consuming excessive storage space on users’ devices.
Hiring the Wrong Development Team
Each app project has unique requirements, especially in terms of developers’ expertise. Choosing the wrong developer can be costly. Imagine hiring a freelancer who suddenly becomes unresponsive, causing delays in app delivery. For app resellers, selecting the right development platform is crucial.
You can find different app development companies like NetWeb Technologies, Appinventiv, Apptunix, etc who offer app-building services and have various hiring models as per your flexibility.
Neglecting Post-Launch Updates
App development doesn’t conclude at launch; it’s an ongoing process. Continuous improvements are essential because no app is flawless. Approximately 30% of apps receive monthly updates, while over 80% are updated every six months. It’s crucial to choose an app builder that offers comprehensive service and maintenance even after the app is built.
Don’t Replicate Your Website
Mobile apps outperform mobile websites due to their unique functionality and features. Creating an app that mirrors your mobile website is a waste of resources. Users need a compelling reason to download the app, and duplicating the website’s content doesn’t provide that incentive.
While you can maintain consistency in branding, colors, fonts, and themes, ensure your app offers distinct features and functions to enrich the user experience and justify the download.
In Conclusion
In today’s business landscape, having a mobile app has evolved into a necessity across various industries. The journey of mobile app development is a continuous one, marked by ongoing adjustments and adaptations driven by user feedback. The integration of new features remains a crucial aspect of this journey.
Therefore, if you’re in search of a mobile app development company, consider partnering with one that offers a comprehensive suite of services, ensuring continued support and enhancements even after the initial development phase is concluded.
