Mobile apps are reshaping the tech world, with the increasing use of smartphones for all life’s activities. It has become a go-to tool for average individuals and businesses. People use apps for shopping online, connecting with friends or improving their lifestyle. Companies, however, use the platform as a tool to earn monetary benefits.

Developing a mobile app is not an easy task. You need to do extensive research, budgeting, and planning before you can turn your app idea into a reality.

Consider these factors before diving into the mobile app market:

1. Research – Know What’s Best for Business

Don’t be impatient about building a mobile app; do your research.
Thorough market research will help you with:

• Your Competition

Before creating an app, research your idea. Study the user interactions with the competitors’ similar app, their marketing strategies, and their target audience. The research will help you improve on the concept before starting development. You can understand what the audience wants and how to deliver it. 

Additionally, if users aren’t satisfied with the competitor’s app, think about how to make your app idea better. You can improve on the existing app by implementing new thoughts that better cater to the users’ needs.
However, if the competitor app already has a solid market-base, then it’s time to think of a new idea!

• Your Target audience

The idea is to understand who will be using your app. A mobile app is usually built around a specific function or task. For example, a workout app will have different exercises, diet plans, step calculator, etc. Your target audience for the workout app will be individuals in their late teens or 20+-year-olds; people younger than that have no need for a fitness app.

The research will also help in understanding what your target audience needs from the app. The key to your app’s success depends on your users’ experience.

2. Cost-Analysis – What is Your Budget?

Your budget depends on the user interface, features of your mobile app, and UX design. Prices vary with the complexity of your mobile app, ranging between $3000 to $50,000.
However, even post-launch maintenance can cost a hefty sum. So, you need a budget to support any maintenance and updates the app might require as well. For example, bug-fixes or updates in the design for enhanced user experience.

3. Selecting A Developer – Who’s Building the App?

Consider who will build the app. For this, you have two options – a freelancer or a software house.
A well-reputed software house provides a complete package for app development. You can expect a fully-functional app, its maintenance, and post-launch support in one payment plan. 

For cheap mobile app development, a freelancer is a suitable choice, but it also has drawbacks. Freelancers can be irresponsible and may delay development time. With the difference in time zones, there are also communication issues.
A company might charge more, but it is more reliable for mobile app development.

4. Your App Type – Native or Hybrid?

When you set out to build a mobile app, you should consider what kind of app you’re looking to develop.

Native apps are built for either Android or iOS platforms, using a single programming language, i.e., Java for Android and Swift/Objective C for iOS. They are expensive and time-consuming but provide a great user experience.

Hybrid apps are versatile because these are deployed on multiple operating systems. They are compatible with iOS, Windows, and Android without the need to create several different versions of the same app for each OS. Hybrid apps are cost-efficient and also save time but require more attention to UI than a native app.

5. The Operating System – Android, iOS, or Windows?

Consider these factors when deciding which operating system to build the app on:

Android:

• Large global market
• UI/UX is unique with each OS version
• Low Investment
• High ROI – Return on Investment
• Open-Source

iOS:

• Larger monetary placement in the market
• New OS versions are more or less the same
• Offers high security
• High ROI – Return on Investment
  

Windows:

• A limited number of users
• Updates the UI/UX with each OS version
• Most businesses use Windows

6. Design of the app – What to do?

Focus on the UI/UX design of the app because that will determine how well your users can use the app. 

The UI compliments the UX of the app. If the users find that the app functions smoothly and delivers its promise, it improves the user experience. Make sure to build a mobile app that has a colorful yet subtle interface that is easy to navigate.

7. ASO Strategy – How to Plan ASO?

ASO or App Store Optimization helps make the app discoverable on app stores. Think of how your mobile app will appear on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. 

Some of the ASO elements are:

• App Name – It should be unique, easy-to-remember, and relevant to your brand.
• Icon – It should be eye-catching and conceptual that also describes the app.
• Screenshots – Upload screenshots to give users a visual of what the app will look like.
• Description – Add a summary of what the app is and how it works.
• Preview Video – Add a short video that tells users why they need your app and how to use it.

The purpose of ASO is to help your app outshine other similar apps. When you draft an ASO plan, keep in mind the requirements of both app stores. 

8. Monetization – What are your options?

An app is an additional channel to increase your profits and build user engagement. If you want to earn a better ROI, consider one of these app monetization models:

• Freemium Apps – The apps are free to download, but some features are available at a price.
• Premium Apps – These apps are available to download once they are purchased. They require effective marketing strategies to have a competitive edge over free apps.
• In-app Purchases – Users make purchases in the app; this model is usually used in games.
• In-app Ads – Developer gains monetary benefit by placing ads of other brands or applications.
• Sponsorship – To make profits, you partner with specific brands. It only works if you have an active user base.

9. Security – How are you Protecting User Data?

Most apps have an option to log in with social accounts to collect user data. But the question arises, how secure is your app? Cybercrime is increasing, and loopholes in mobile app security can give the hackers access to sensitive information.

To create a strong market base, start thinking about security measures early. Work on a privacy policy that lets users know why their data is collected and how it’s being used.

10. Marketing – How to Create Hype?

The right marketing strategy can help boost downloads, improve brand image, increase user engagement, and increase your ROI. 

Here are some strategies you can apply to your marketing campaigns:

• Social Media: Use social media channels to market your app and spread the word to the target audience. You can also engage the users to raise excitement over the app.

• Blogging: Create related blogs to boost your SEO. When you write a blog, make sure to insert the most searched for keywords that your users use to search for similar apps.
  
• Email Marketing – Build a subscriber list and spread the word to users with engaging newsletters through email.
  
• Google Ads – You can pay Google to run ads for you. When people search for the app, your advertisement will pop up on top, if you use the proper keywords.

Ready to Develop a Mobile App?

Mobile apps are becoming an increasingly vital tool for businesses, as smartphone users increase in number. I suggest building your app once you’ve done your research on your target audience, decided on the platform, and all other tidbits involved in app development. 

After launch, with an effective marketing strategy, you can improve your brand image and boost company growth. So, consult with top development companies and join the mobile app market to take your business to new heights.