In the present generation, mobile applications have become an important feature in the society where communication, purchasing of goods, learning institutions and entertainment tender is considered through hand held devices. In today's world, in Google Play and Apple App Store, there are millions of apps that create a problem of state for newly developed apps to attract customers' attention. Developing a successful native app is not about creating a brilliant app concept but about planning and launching, and about being aware of people's needs. Here are the ways through which you can develop a successful mobile application.
1. Identify a Market Need
To have a good base regardless of what kind of application you wish to create the first step is always to find a genuine demand. The first step with developing any tool and or solution is to do a research that would identify areas that are void of adequate solutions. Identify your competitors and look at your target customers, their needs and gaps which your product or service can fill. For instance if you see that users have a problem with handling several accounts in different platforms of social media then an app that collects all of them in one utility might be an excellent idea. In essence, the aim is to come up with an application that fills void or provides a solution or adds value in an aspect different from all the other applications.
2. Identify the Rational for the existence of Your App
The next step in the process is to determine the purpose and the value of your app as regards the chosen market need. What new thing are you going to bring to your app that others haven't? In what way will it create value for your users? The creation of a clear value proposition can not only be used when creating the app, but it is also a valuable tool in marketing the app. Your app needs to have a proper market positioning, meaning that you app has to have a USP or unique selling proposition. This could be a feature, it could be the interface or it could be the way in which you solved a common ail.
3. Prioritizing of User Experience and User Interface Designs
UX and UI are important for any mobile app, and they are imperative for its success on the market. Therefore, a successful app should be coated and designed in a way that people experience this kind of comfort during their interaction with the app. The initial stages of the App design are skeletal models called wireframes, which depict the architectural layout of the App followed by another models known as prototypes, which are physical representations whose appearance is not far from the actual App. These prototypes should be run with real users to collect data and have the chance to alter them if needed. Just an important reminder, people are more inclined to interact with an application that is not only useful but also fun.
4. Technology Stacks – List Your Options
The plumbing you decide to go with will have enormous implications on the performance, the expandability, and the support of the application. If you are choosing to create a native app which means app built for either iOS or Android, or if you're creating a cross-platform app which will run on both, factor this with your target audience and with your project. Also, take into account the chosen app's complexity, its speed, further updates, etc. Technology and tools will see to it that your app is well equipped for the onslaught from the users.
5. Prioritize Security
When it comes to data, security is that critical factor that cannot be compromised as we see different organizations falling victims to data breaches. Make sure that the current laws and regulations are met, for instance, the GDPR for users from Europe. Ensure that the user information is secure by using a strong encryption on the application and always release updates to contain any vulnerability. You must make sure that the users of your app are confident that their information is secure when in the use of the app and lack of this security leads to loss of users and legal problems.
6. Implement a Monetization Strategy
Monetization is an important when it comes to development of the app especially in the event that the developer intends to make profits. Some of the most common monetization models are sale of additional features in the app, selling subscriptions, app ads, and free with premium options. Depending on what kind of application you create and for whom it is destined, it is better to choose the most suitable strategy. For instance, an application under the gaming category may greatly need in-app purchases, while the application under the content category may prefer a subscription service. No matter the approach you take it is wrong to destroy the user experience of the website.
7. Develop a Marketing Plan
In this case even an app developed with a proper application architecture would fail as no one is aware of it. Marketing is crucial to ensure that the product is marketed enough and folks download them. First of all, it is important to create the anticipation using social networks, email campaigns, and creating content. To establish word of mouth, there is an opportunity to invite influencers or beta testers in creating word of mouth. After the development of the app it is recommended to have the app store optimization commonly referred to as ASO. Further, the consideration of advertising can be made a more effective and intensive when done by paying for the advertisements.
8. Collect and Respond to Client Information
App creation does not stop at this point, the following are the ways that can be applied to it. Feedback from users should be incorporated for continuity with improvements to be made in the long run. Users should be encouraged to post comments and ratings and these should be closely observed to see what methods are effective and those are not. Apply change to enhance functionality and solve glitches that were encountered during the usage of the application. Interacting with your users makes them realise that you appreciate their feedback and also that you are interested in making them benefit from your products and services.
9. Monitor Performance and Analytics
To retain market sustainability and keep users engaged, it is important that you track the stats of your app. App and user behaviour may be monitored with the use of google analytics or Firebase when it comes to user behaviour, engagement and retention. This data will give the general picture of how the users are employing your app, which sections are frequently visited, and where they may halt. To ensure future updates and improvements for the visualization, use the following practical ideas:
10. Plan for Scalability
Last but not least, it should be admitted that scalability should be taken under consideration from the very beginning. When your app becomes popular, that mean there will be many people and therefore many data generated. On the subject of the growth of the application, make sure the infrastructure of the application is ready to cope with it without having a detrimental effect on the performance of the application. It might mean storing parameters at the back-end, selecting highly available cloud solutions or planning for modifications and enlargements. If it is an app that portrays the capability to grow then it will continue to serve the users as it expands hence guaranteeing the success of the app.
