There is no doubt that developing an app can significantly boost your business. There are over a million applications available for purchase, and almost every business owner wants one. Some apps achieved great success and five-star ratings from customers, while others were a major flop. Both approached developing with an enthusiasm wanting to make unique experiences for their customers, but still not every app was a success. Obviously, somewhere along the road mistakes were made, and we bring the most common ones that you should avoid.
Table of Contents
1. Research
This should be the very first step in developing an app, and probably the most important one. Every business owner has the responsibility to do thorough research about the current market, competition, customers’ needs and expectations, and uniqueness of the idea behind the app. Google search only will not give you a clear picture of the market. Even though research can cost a lot in the beginning, it is money well spent. A detailed study is necessary if you want to have a clear view of what your customers expect. Many apps that failed skipped this step and rushed to launch their app as soon as possible.
Through research you can see of there is a need for an app at all. Maybe your customers are content with how you conduct business and even if you had one, they would still stay with the old business model. If you have nothing new or unique to offer with an app, then maybe think again about developing one.
2. Managing your budget
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Developing an app takes a team of developers, market researchers, and designers anywhere from a few weeks up to a few months. It’s a long and expensive process, so presetting the budget limit is necessary. Many business owners underestimate the cost leaving them to scratch their heads halfway through. When planning a budget for any business venture, the rule of the thumb is that you add 20% for the unexpected expenses. This could spare you a lot of grief when they occur because you’ll be ready to manage them. Small business owners are usually on a tight budget and great ambitions. Getting into money problems while developing an app can only result in stressful delays and useless app.
3. Communication
Before you can communicate your ideas, you need to have a clear vision of what exactly you want to achieve with an app. Once you know, then you consult with the developers and explain everything in detail. Use charts, graphs, everything that you need so they know what to do, and fulfill your expectations. When a customer clicks a certain button, you want it to offer them various choices about the purchase, or suggest other items, and so on. All of it needs to be said before the developing team gets to work. If there is something that cannot be done, you’ll know in time to adjust. Also, sometimes designers and developers have some great insight to offer since they have huge experience in the business.
4. Define a purpose
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You probably have a million ideas on what your app should have as features. Sometimes, less is more, and cluttering application with useless functions can put off your customers from using it. Depending on the focus of your trade, try to stay with as few features as possible. Adding more will cost you more and it will take a longer time to finish. Ask yourself if that investment is worth it. If you’re selling books, stick to 5 or 6 pages, like a catalog, payment processing, contact, coming soon category and bestsellers. This would be quite enough and it will make the process easy and quick for users. After all, they just want to buy a book, not be bombarded with pointless marketing pitches that are going to push sales down their throats. Keep it simple and effective, at least for starters. Later, if you think that there is a need you can always update the app and add new functions.
5. User experience
Having a visually perfect app is great, but does it fulfill the customers’ needs? If not, then it’s a failed investment. Opting for professional mobile app design services is integral to striking the right balance. The main purpose of having an app is to make it easier for consumers. Creating an app with all the bells and whistles is great, but first and foremost it needs to be useful. If there are too many features, customers will get lost and frustrated shutting it down quickly. Build the app with customers in mind, not your business ambitions. If you missed the main purpose of having an app, then having it in the first place becomes obsolete.
6. Marketing
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Thousands of apps are introduced in app stores every day. Having yours to stand out from others is a difficult task with such a harsh competition. Develop a marketing plan that can help you reach potential customers. Study your targeted audience, do research, spread out the word via social media and influencers, and hope that will bring people to your app. It’s a tedious, time-consuming work that will probably add more expenses to your list. However, launching an app is one thing, but it doesn’t mean much if you have no way to promote it. Make sure to include this in your starting budget.
7. Hiring the best team
You get what you paid for, right? The same goes when hiring developers and designers to make one of the most important investments of your business. Before starting ask to see their previous work, so that you have some idea of what to expect. Going with an experienced team has multiple advantages since your app will need maintenance and updates. Also, test your app from time to time since according to pCloudy it can enhance users’ experience. They test mobile apps for bugs, and the general performance of your app, like storage space. As you can see, it is a huge and ongoing investment to have an app. On the other hand, it can help out your business by reaching more customers, and boosting sales if done properly.
