7 steps to give you what it takes to create a winning app
Want to create an app, but don’t know where to start? This is the place for you, with 7 important steps to follow.
Even for those who already know what is required to create an app, success is not guaranteed. Developing an app is only half the story – You also need to get it known, by promoting it and using techniques like ASO (App Store Optimization).
What you need to create an app
Here are the 7 main steps of successful app development:
1- Get an idea
2- Do your research
3- Establish how you want to monetize it
4 – Hire a professional graphic designer
5- Make your app and test it
6- Release the app in an app store
7- Spread the word
Let’s look at each step in closer detail…
Get an idea
Coming up with a killer idea isn’t easy. Keep in mind that ideas are rarely 100% original. According to Statista.com, the two largest mobile app stores combined host over 5.5 million apps, as of the second quarter of 2022.
So your app can:
- Take an existing app and add to it in some way.
- Try to solve a simple problem in a simple way
- Combine the functions of multiple apps
Whatever your brainstorming results in, the important thing is to keep in mind what the user needs. This means paying attention to the next step: research.
Do your research
You aren’t developing the app for yourself. Before you begin developing your app, you need to know two things:
- Your audience, and
- your competition
So get out of your head and do some research.
Find out everything you can about your audience: habits, preferences, age, social status, and more. Talk to your audience and find out the features which they want and need the most.
It’s also worth looking into your competition. Scan the app stores to find out what other businesses in your niche are doing. This will save you time and may also inspire you to do better.
Don’t just copy something that already exists. You’ll need a competitive market edge – something catchy, memorable and useful.
Establish how you want to monetize it
You don’t have to monetize your app, but it is highly recommended. Even charities need money.
Finding a way to monetize your app is often essential, as is establishing who is going to pay for it. Is it the user, the company, or a sponsor?
Here are some monetizing options:
- Acquiring a sponsor
- Running in-app ads
- Making free and paid versions of the app
- Subscriptions
Hire a professional graphic designer
The first impression is the one that sticks. So hire a professional graphic designer to make your app look amazing.
A UX Designer will ensure a better user experience and guarantee that your customers keep using the app.
Make your app and test it
Now is the time to develop your app for Android and iOS. This involves two phases:
- Front-end: This part deals with the appearance of the app – everything you can see, from graphics to user interface, navigation, data processing, and more.
- Back-end: This part deals with the essence of the app – all of the databases and data storage that make it run smoothly.
Both phases work in tandem. The developing team will present a prototype and test it to completion.
A beta app can also be pre-released for testing, enabling your developers to find bugs in the app and make overall improvements. User opinions are important here. You can also make your app open-source, and pool the ideas of other professionals.
Release the app in an app store
With the app built and tested, it’s time to release it in an app store. First, create a listing page on Google Play and Apple’s App Store. This listing should contain:
- The app’s name
- Icon
- Screenshots of the main screens
- App description
You’re all set to upload the app to these stores! Once you have, make a note of any feedback and issue updates, having fixed whatever bugs went unnoticed in the testing phase.
Spread the word
Now it’s time to make your app a success. This means investing in marketing tools. An App Store Optimization (ASO) strategy is also essential for standing out from the competition.
The logic is similar to that of Search Engine Optimization (SEO): the goal is to be easily found in app stores, using ASO techniques.
These are our tips for creating a successful app in 2023. Now get to work, and good luck!