What are the benefits of developing a mobile Application?
The world of computers and mobile apps has dominated our lives in such a way that they have become a necessity rather than the luxury they were a few years ago. No one knew what computers were thirty years ago but today everyone on the planet knows what mobile apps are, thanks to popular applications. The evolution in the field of IT has moved in leaps and bounds that we now have the world at our fingertips, literally. These days we have advanced and interactive apps for everything, thanks to smartphones.
The business of mobile App development
There are certain things that need to be taken into consideration before getting into the business of mobile app development, the first and the foremost step is to select the correct platform. Let us look at some of the things you need to consider when you decide you need an app for your business.
The first thing you need to do is decide on where your app will fall in the below-listed categories:
• Consumer App that has the potential for mass acquisition
• Enterprise mobile app for simplification of business processes.
• Modernization of an already existing app
• Migration of a web-based application to a mobile App
Depending on the category it falls, it is best to have a plan so that when you finally launch your App, there are no or minimal mishaps. To execute the plan, the following need to be taken into consideration:
What is the mobile application for?
Have a clear vision of what you want to achieve out of the app as well as the type of app i.e., native app, web app or hybrid app. As easy as it may sound, it is not. Few people actually realize the differences and limitations between an App and a website. It is, therefore, important to have a clear vision and the business goals that you want your app to achieve.
App target functionality
What functions on your app will have an impact on the mass users? Would people want to use your app? Prioritize the tasks you want your app to achieve. Do not try to put features, which are not required. Just focus on the functionality that would deliver the biggest impact.
Choosing the right development firm
Make sure that your application development firm has a clear understanding of design and usability. This will enable the company to create an app that is able to do the intended without any hindrance. It is important to build an intuitive app to satisfy the users.
Enhancement and improvement:
It is important to keep on enhancing and updating your app, so scrutinize user feedback when your mobile application hits the stores and consumers start using it. This will help you get an insight on how to improve your app.
Update and introduce new features
Keep on updating the features. Slowly introduce the features that were left behind in the initial design. Remember the first version just had the basic features.
Tips that help you avoid commonly made mistakes
Take launching platform into account
What is your launching platform- iOS or Android. An App built for IOS platform will not launch well on Android. If possible, consider getting a hybrid app for both the platforms.
- Stop mistaking Apps for sites
Apps are very different compared to their individual websites or mobile websites. It is important to note the difference between the two as far as scope, functionality, and size are concerned.
- Put a monetization strategy in place right from the beginning
It is important to think about monetization early on at the development stage and choose the correct path. Do you want an App that is subscription based or with in-app advertising? There are sites available on the internet that will help you organize your app by genre and popularity.
- Apps can’t sell themselves, plan your marketing strategy well ahead
When you launch your app, you need to remember that you may think you have designed the best app in the industry, but one thing you must not forget is that your app is competing with other Apps that are already in the market. If you do not have a backup plan to increase app visibility, it will easily be lost and forgotten.
- Is design a priority?
Once the functional requirement, platform is decided, the last aspect of design should be considered carefully. If you aim to develop an app that generates value for the end user, it would need an awesome, intuitive, aesthetic design.
Hundreds of thousands of apps are released to their respective app markets every month and compete fiercely for space on consumer smartphones, an app must score on all aspects.
Design is central to an app’s intuitiveness. It should have beautiful transitions from one screen to another. When two different apps accomplish the same goals, the main differentiator is usually the visual design and user experience.
The real purpose of mobile apps is to help people complete tasks quickly, accurately, and more efficiently. Developing a mobile application is the easy bit. However, the challenge is whether it gets to your customers or it serving a purpose.
