8 Key Steps in Mobile App Development Process
The way smartphones have become an integral part of everyone’s life, it has turned out to be a vital element for every business as well. But without apps, smartphones are incomplete. This has created a massive demand for mobile application development and companies offering such services. Because a dedicated mobile app has helped numerous businesses to magnify their presence and build a huge customer base. Having a robust mobile presence means considerably diminishing the geographical gap between a business and its customers.
Unquestionably, there is a massive surge in smartphone users and of course, mobile apps. From shopping to navigation, we need applications for accomplishing every single task. Therefore, engaging customers on phones through a business mobile app is the most effective technique to create brand interest and increase sales.
Important stages involved in the process of mobile app development
The market is flooded with several apps, so this space is already very competitive. As a developer, you need to think beyond just creating a marketable app. In order to make it successful, you should check all the technicalities, its design, user-friendliness, etc. to gain the desired visibility and make it worth downloading. To do this effectively, mobile developers should know how to develop superb performing applications. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Generate an idea
To begin with the development process, you need to have a definite idea and a clear concept of your target audience, like building an android or iOS app. Analyze the following questions:
- What problem you are solving?
- What type of requirements you are fulfilling?
- What market gap you can fill?
Your idea may or may not be unique but it should be able to solve the real issues of your customers. Once you are convinced that you can resolve a particular problem, draw rough drafts and put all the specifics on the document such as structures, features, layout, icons, etc.
Step 2: Transform the idea into planning
Once you are sure about the core idea of the app, the next step in the app-building process is identifying the elements that convert it into real planning. You know that your idea is the most amazing one ever but expect a fair amount of competition on the same. If you see that there are several apps similar to yours then don’t just stop there. Focus on your target audience, and learn why similar apps are performing well or vice versa. Make sure that your app works well on both android and iOS.
Step 3: Start designing
Having a well-designed app is imperative. The key elements that a developer should emphasize in the designing stage are colors, touch gestures, UI designs, app layout, and adherence to operating systems design standards. A user-friendly, intuitive, fast-performing app always attracts users. You need to put the requisite features and ideas together to build an app prototype. This serves as a blueprint and guides the developer throughout the app creation process.
Step 4: Begin with the development
This step is the most crucial one in the app development process. Here the main goal is to build the finest version of your offerings while keeping time and budget in mind. In this process, you need to figure out the type of platform you are building apps for, such as hybrid apps, web apps, and native apps.
Step 5: Build a prototype and add analytics
Before you create and launch the app, you need to build a functional prototype. This app prototype functionalities and layout should be similar or close to the actual app. This can be used for pitching your offerings to potential buyers, and investors, defining the database and APIs, and obtaining different licenses, and storage requirements. Now you need to add analytics into the app that allows you to monitor the performance after its launch.
Step 6: Testing the app
Without a test, launching the app can bring disastrous outcomes. A beta test allows developers to get feedback, earn visibility in application stores, and help them fix all the issues. However, before conducting this test, you need to keep the following vital points in check.
- Define target users.
- Spot and remove all bugs.
Get help from your friends, family, and colleagues to extensively use and review the app. You can identify and fix the design hitches and other flaws pre-releasing the app.
Step 7: Launch the app
Post-testing phase, your app is ready to be launched and reach a wider audience. Pick to launch the app on iOS, Android, or even both. Please note both app stores contain different policies to publish the application. For instance, Google Play Store allows you to launch mobile apps instantly and reviews the same afterward. Whereas, in Apple App Store, each application is reviewed and approved before going live. This process can take a couple of weeks, with or without any changes required.
Step 8: Track app performance and upgrade
As a developer, your work won’t end till the launch of the app. You need to continuously track the app’s performance and its metric. For example, there should not be any issue in social sharing.
In addition, upgrading the app is more than important because without it the application can soon become obsolete. Keep adding new features and functionalities to keep up the user’s interest in the app.
Take away
The entire process of mobile app development might seem long and tiresome to a beginner. But with the right set of tools and knowledge, even a new developer can reap profits by building feature-rich and well-functioning applications.
A seamless performing app helps your customers to access your offerings and expand your reach most effectively. A dedicated business app not only helps in building robust credibility but also ascends your returns in a short period.
There are several stages that include app development and making it successful. You need to do the required amount of research and draft a plan that makes it fruitful. An app should connect well with the target audience and be profitable over time. Developers just need to find the perfect combination of attractive features, relevance, and usability.
