The mobile app development trend has been constantly moving upward for the past couple of years. The parabolic rise in the count of smartphone users is one of the main reasons behind it. According to a recent survey, around 78% of the total population owns a smartphone.
Smartphones have become a part of an individual’s life. An amazing fact related to it is that smartphone users spend 90% of their screen time using an application. Acknowledging this fact, companies and brands have started building and launching their applications for better reach and engagement with their ideal audience.
Internet and smart devices like tablets, laptops, mobile, etc., have altered the ways of operating businesses, connecting with the audience, and acquiring information. Therefore, investing in mobile app development has become advisable. Most smart business owners are opting for it to expand the roots of their businesses.
Basics of Mobile App Development
The process of developing software diligently for smartphones is known as Mobile app development. Mobile applications can be created for different operating systems like Android, iOS, and Windows. In addition, micro-processing technologies are advancing; as a result, mobile apps will soon be able to run smoothly on multiple platforms like laptops, desktops, etc.
Applications play a crucial role in making our phones “smart” and have also changed how we function today. Therefore, businesses are indulged in creating their application embedded with the most favorable features. However, developing a mobile application isn’t that easy. So, check out the step-by-step guide below for a better understanding before starting the development process.
Mobile App Development Process
1. Research / Ideation – The first and foremost step of mobile app development consists of brainstorming ideas and conducting proper research around them. In this initial step, you need to work on an idea that is unique and engaging. Once you have finalized the app idea, you must analyze similar applications, if available. Here are some questions that might help you in the mobile app development stages –
- How much can you invest?
- What is the main aim of your application?
- What features while your application include?
- What is your target audience?
- Who are your competitors?
- What will be your mobile app development strategy to outperform your competition?
Once, you have successfully figured out the answer to all the above-mentioned questions, it means that you have completed the first step of mobile app development. Avoid rushing or skipping this step, as you don’t want to end up building an application that no one actually needs.
2. Creating Prototype / Wireframe – Creating a wireframe of an application is one of the wisest decisions a developer can ever make. The wireframe is not the exact proposal of the application; it is more of an idea. It describes the conceptual layout of the entire application and how it will work. A very good idea about the appearance and performance of the application can be collected through proper wireframing.
- Researching before wireframing is a must
- Keep wireframes as simple as possible
- Ensure that the wireframe is easy to follow
It is beneficial to have an intuitive design that every user easily understands and appreciates. If done properly, wireframing can help you pick the best structure for your application.
3. UI-UX design – Another essential step of app development is designing. It is important to have an idea of how your application is going to look. Prefer creating sketches of the same and remember to prioritize the user experience. Ensure that the user interface is easy to understand and operate. Also, you can try the following advice for the best results –
- Make a roadmap to determine connections between screens.
- The experience of a user is the top priority.
- Create a few prototypes inspired by your mobile app design.
Once you are confident about the design of your application, you can start working on the MVP. It can be considered as the bare-bone app that has attained the main goal.
4. Development – Once everything is finalized, from the idea to the app’s design, it’s time to create the application. You will need a team of experienced developers, the latest technologies, APIs, etc. So confirm having all the following when marching towards building the actual app.
- Decide your development method
- Gather a team of expert and experienced developers
- Set milestones and work accordingly
- Be open to new ideas and changes along the process
Depending upon your development method, you can either develop the application separately for iOS and Android or leverage cross-platform development tools. The time spent in this stage partially depends upon the features included in the application, so choose wisely. For example, a simple application with basic features can be developed quickly. On the other hand, an application having features like real-time communication, user authentication, etc., will take much longer.
5. QA Testing – It is important to ensure that the application runs smoothly before it goes live. In this step, the application will be tested in multiple ways, and all the glitches, bugs, errors, etc., will be fixed. Therefore, ensure carrying out all the activities mentioned below before giving access to the app to the customers.
- Test your application with QA consistently during the development process.
- Make sure the application runs smoothly on the operating systems.
- Testing application of multiple devices.
- Include real users during the mobile app testing for authentic feedback and improvise the app accordingly.
There are high chances of facing multiple glitches and bugs, but it’s a part of app development. You just need to improvise the app efficiently and make it smooth for the users. Timely updates can also be released later on to improve the application.
6. App Deployment / App Launch – After the application has been developed and tested, it is time to deploy it on a suitable platform. The app for Android goes on Google Play Store, and the app for iOS will be available on Apple App Store. Anyhow, there are some points to take care of while deploying.
- Prefer keeping the structure of the installation simple with minimal file distribution
- Remove obsolete and old files while integrating a new version
- Focus on the security of your application; prod and poke your app thoroughly before launch
- Try to keep a constant deployment mechanism
Once you have taken care of all these points, just launch your application and let your target audience experience it. Also, work on the feedback the users give to advance your app over time.
7. Maintenance / Support – The development of an application never comes to an end. Even after the deployment, the application needs maintenance and support to run smoothly. The app needs timely updates to engage customers and to keep up with the competitors in the market. Here are a few points to keep in mind –
- Work on the feedback of the customers.
- Leverage the latest technologies to integrate new features into your application.
Mobile app development companies offer maintenance services in exchange for a few extra bucks. Proper maintenance and support will ensure that the app works smoothly. Even if the app crashes or runs into any worst-case scenario problem, it will be fixed as soon as possible.
Why is the Mobile App Development Process Crucial for Your Business?
The importance of mobile app development for business will be acknowledged by now. There are several benefits that a business owner can enjoy simply by creating an application for their business; the list of the same is as below –
Reach Global Audience – The first and foremost benefit of having a mobile app for the business is that it helps reach a wider audience and creates an efficient marketing strategy. The applications are released on the App Store and Play Store, where anyone can access your application.
Improvised Accessibility – The application not only assists in improvising business accessibility but also helps to create a robust relationship with the customers. A strong bond with customers helps build an authentic customer base that stays loyal to the brand.
Promotes Brand Recognition – The ultimate goal of every new start-up and business is to gain brand recognition. Brand awareness can help businesses outperform their competitors and hold a strong ground in the industry. Businesses can easily do all this by delivering quality services to their customers through their Android and iOS apps.
Increase sales – One of the best benefits of creating an application for the business is that it helps boost sales and generates more revenue. According to research, a consumer spends more time on a company’s app instead of its website. Therefore, a good application can assist in attracting new customers and improve sales figures.
Expenditure – The two most important factors to expand any business are brand, recognition, and more revenue. Both revenue and brand awareness improve with app development. Hence, it can be seen that creating an application also indirectly contributes to the growth of the business.
Social Media Integration – mobile apps are considered one of the finest marketing tools. The reason is that businesses have the option to integrate their social media platform icons into their mobile applications, and the user can share their feedback using it.
Better Customer Engagement: A direct marketing channel can be built between the customer and business, allowing better communication using the mobile app. The business gets the option to send their messages directly to the customers using the push notification option. The notification sent from a business directly pops up on the customer’s screen.
Customer Data: The business also gets access to the data of its customers, which it can further leverage to make improvements and serve better. Having a good look only at the review section of the application can help businesses progress a lot.
The Bottom Line
The importance of mobile application development for businesses will be crystal clear to all businessmen. As a result of the same, most businesses have started creating their own application to enjoy the benefits. In case you are a business owner and looking forward to expand your business, then building an application can be a revolutionary step. Last but not least, make sure to avail services from experts and experienced mobile app developers like CodeViner for the best results.
Read Also:- Top 10 App Developer in India – 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the process of creating a mobile app?
The process of creating a mobile app is quite lengthy and includes multiple steps. Here is a list of all the steps you need to follow to develop a well-functioning mobile app.
- Research / Ideation
- Creating Prototype / Wireframe
- UI-UX design
- Development
- QA Testing
- App Deployment / App Launch
- Maintenance / Support
2. What is the first step in app development?
The first step of the app development procedure includes creativity and research. In this particular step, the app developer needs to brainstorm ideas and finalize one. After that, they need to conduct proper research around it, like – target audience, application purpose, strategies to outperform the competition, etc.
3. How much does it cost to develop an app?
Apparently, there is no specific answer to this question as the cost depends upon various factors like the complexity indulged in developing an app, the type of application, the origin of the developer, the development approach, etc. Anyhow, the average cost to develop an application can range anywhere between $30K to 300K.
4. How long does it take to build an app?
The time taken to build an application can range from 3 months to 36 months depending upon the level of complexity. An application with basic features will be built soon compared to the application that will be packed with complex features like GPS tracking, Real-time conversation, etc.
5. Is it hard to make an app?
Yes, developing an app requires a lot of hard work, patience, expertise and experience. Therefore, it’s better to hire a mobile app development company. The team of experts in the company can help you develop the application efficiently. Also, confirm hiring the company after checking their portfolio and having an appropriate discussion.
