In 2020, there were 130 billion app downloads across the App Store and Google Play. With as much as people have turned to digital solutions for work, shopping, and entertainment, that number is no surprise — but how do you get involved?
Learning how to create a mobile app is no small task, but with a little research, time, and patience, you can have your own up and running in no time. Read on to learn about the steps you can take to create a mobile app.
1. What Is Your Idea?
The first thing you need to do is map out your idea. If you’ve had a rough draft for a while, now is the time to pull out a pen and some paper to write everything down.
There’s no need to create an entire plan yet, though. Just figure out what exactly your app is going to do, and what it’s going to address, which leads to our next step.
2. Identify the Need
Identifying the need that your mobile app addresses is what’s going to get it off the ground. What makes your app so different from others? Have you identified a certain pain point in the market?
If your app addresses a problem that you haven’t seen addressed before, that’s great, but you’re going to have to spend some time on marketing it to an audience that may or may not exist.
Maybe your app addresses a pre-existing market, though. If so, what makes your app different from others? What solution can you provide that others can’t?
Whatever your answer is, write it down, then move to map it out.
3. Create a Plan
Creating a plan is essentially identifying the flow and features of the app itself. Create a spreadsheet, write it out, keep it in a document, whatever you feel is best — just get the mapped out version out of your head and onto something physical.
A good rule of thumb is to create a document that can easily be changed or added onto as your app grows. Keeping it on paper gives you a chronological thing to look back at as your app grows. A computer document is easy to edit and change as ideas evolve and grow into something bigger.
Be sure to keep the user experience (UX) in mind when it comes to your app though. How is the user going to navigate the app? What features do you want to be included?
4. Find a Developer
Once you’ve mapped out your idea, it’s a great idea to find someone that can bring it to life. Make sure it’s someone you enjoy working with, but also someone that isn’t going to sugarcoat things for you.
If this is your first time designing an app, there’s going to be a learning curve with mobile app design. You might not be able to have everything you originally wanted, and that means that you’re going to need someone that is honest and professional when it comes to providing feedback.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions as the process moves forward, though — especially if you’re paying someone.
Also, be sure you’re vetting any potential hire. Go online and look into the company, Google their name, ask for a portfolio and a resume. Look for things you like in their work, and identify what aspects of other apps you may want to include in yours.
If they designed something you liked, chances are they’re going to be a good fit.
5. Remove Non-Core Features
On the other side — especially if you’re on a timeline — you have to be real about things that aren’t crucial to the first version of your app. Think about what you need to get it off the ground and what you think would be “nice to have.”
From there, it’s best to focus on the basics and learn about what your customers would like before moving forward with fancy additions.
6. Create Developer Accounts
To sell an app on any app store, you have to register for a developer account. When doing this, you’re going to have the option to register as an individual or a company depending on what you’ve already formed.
7. Integrate Analytics
Analytics are going to give you insight as to how users interact with your app, what actions they take within the app, and just how many users you have. There are many options out there like Firebase, Flurry Analytics, and iOS App Analytics.
Keeping an eye on your analytics is only going to boost engagement in the long run.
8. Run Your Prototype
Once you’ve decided on a way to analyze your app, it’s time to run the first version. After doing this, take a look at customer reviews and, more importantly, the analytics.
This first set of interactions with your app is going to provide insight on how you can improve and expand upon what you’ve already built. You’re going to need to keep a constant eye on it.
9. Begin Revisions
This last step is going to be an ongoing one. You’re going to begin introducing new features based on all the feedback you’ve collected.
But the most important part about mobile app development is keeping up with user demands. So it’s best to revisit these things often and make changes as necessary.
Revisit This Outline When Learning How to Create a Mobile App
Revisiting this outline is going to help you tremendously while you’re learning how to create a mobile app. Instead of trying to remember everything you read while doing your research, take and keep detailed notes that can help you along the way.
Bookmark and revisit articles that can help you in the future (like this one) and don’t stop reading new things! It’s going to help you stay up to date on everything you need for your app.
If you’re interested in more on the latest in business, SEO, and technology, check out the rest of our app.