Do you need an app?
A mobile app can benefit any business, true. But, do you need an app at this stage? Does it serve your business goals? Think whether an investment in a mobile app at this stage in your business is justified. The time and place play a big role in this decision. The idea is to spend some time weighing in on both sides of the debate.
Which platform would you cater to?
The BIG question – iOS or Android. Ideally, you should make an app for both. But, there are budget and time constraints and sometimes you have to make a choice. There are a number of factors that go into making this decision. First, figure out where your audience is. Do some research and find out which platform they prefer and build your app first for that platform.
Before making that decision, there are a couple of related questions you should know the answers to. So let’s get going.
How to create an iPhone app?
If you want to create an iOS app from scratch, the most common programming language is Objective C which can be a little complicated and clunky for a tech novice. Hence, Apple has created a universal language that is easier to understand for non-programmers. The language Swift can be used for all of its systems and devices. However, it is even easier to create an iOS app using the no-code app builder from Appy Pie. You don’t need to learn any programming language, wait for weeks or months, or spend a fortune to create an iPhone app from scratch.
How to create an Android app for mobile phones?
There are numerous programming languages that can be used to create Android apps from scratch, like Java, Kotlin (Android Studio), C and C++ (with patches), and C# in Xamarin. However, if you want to create an Android app without learning any of these languages, Appy Pie’s Android app builder is the perfect choice for you. It is easy to use, quick, and affordable.
Who are your competitors?
Before moving on to the actual process, it is prudent to do some research on who your customers are. When you study your competitors you learn about what your app should look like and what it shouldn’t. Take this research and learn from others’ mistakes.
What is your business model?
Making an app just for kicks is OK, but when you are making an app for your business, you need to figure out how you are going to make money from your app. A sound business model will not only help you recover the investment you made in the mobile app but also bring in some revenue to keep your operations running.
Do you know your customers?
Conduct thorough market research with a strong focus on the target customers. Understand their problems and brainstorm appropriate solutions through your mobile app. Learn everything you can about them right from their preferred social media, challenges, aspirations, buying behaviors, and more.
Have you allocated a budget?
Everything requires an investment and you definitely need to work on defining a budget for your project. The cost of making an app depends on a number of factors. First, how you want to make an app – through an agency, by hiring an in-house team, or build it yourself using Appy Pie’s DIY app builder. Second, what kind of features does your app need to have, and finally what kind of marketing efforts you want to invest in.