Mobile App Development: A step-by-step Guidance 2020

If you want to make the most of your company, you must provide services to your potential clients where they are more likely to be available. Everyone in the 21st century, more or less, possesses a phone. Hence, it is imperative for you to take care of mobile app development because it is an excellent way of reaching out to your potential customers in no time. This is where a mobile app development company can come handy and provide you with the best services to make your mobile app absolutely up to Mark. Nowadays, most businesses, even small and medium-sized ones, have mobile applications to reach out to their customers. Here are some vital statistics about mobile apps: 

• 85% of users like native mobile applications better than mobile websites. 
• An average user has around 30 applications on their device, and almost 35 hours in a month is spent using them. 
• When consuming digital media, an average customer spends over 50% of the time on mobile applications.
• For the Fortune 500 companies, 42% of mobile sales are accounted by mobile applications. 
• In 2016, revenue collected from mobile applications reached almost 60 billion dollars in the US. 
• 90% of the mobile time by an average smartphone user is spent using applications. 

Developing Resources about Mobile Applications

When you want to build a mobile application for your company, it is imperative to do your research before jumping straight onto the idea. There are several questions that you need to ask yourself before hiring app developers near me. Even if you are fully convinced that you need a business application to make your business run smoothly, the Final decision must be taken after a lot of contemplation. There are several things that you need to question yourself first. One of the most important things you need to answer is what you want your mobile application to accomplish and how it fits your marketing plans.

You must also take into consideration your target audience and how they would like to use the app. Another important thing that you need to keep in mind is the platforms that you will be and the language that is to be used in generating your mobile application. You must also pay due diligence to the overall budget and development timeline so that you can start your promotional activities when the time is right. 

The best way to get all these relevant pieces of information is to bring together a team of members from all the concerned departments that include marketing, executive, IT, product development, and others so that the research can be done independently. After this, based on the feedback received, you can move forward with a plan. 

Understanding the Goals of the Mobile Apps

When you start your mobile application development journey, you will find that it is not easy. One of the most important things to come up with is the various goals and objectives about the mobile application that is to be developed. These goals have to be prepared much ahead in the planning phase itself. Only with the discovery of these goals will you put a plan into action as to how these goals are to be met. Keep in mind that the goals are to be made following your company’s state and the amount of money you will be able to spend in realising the goals. 

Once these goals have been set, you will understand how you can develop features and use programming languages to reach the goal. Make sure to attend to the problems that will be solved by the creation of these goals. It is also very important for you to understand the most fundamental component of your application that will be the selling factor. When you sit to understand the features and benefits of the application, you will be able to clearly understand the amount of money you will need to pay to app development companies in order to get you there. You need to keep in mind that you have to priorities customer engagement over other aspects when developing mobile applications. 

Storyboard and Wireframes

Once you have developed the goals and the features required to meet the goals, you will have a preliminary idea about how the application is going to look and what features will be included in it. You’ll also be able to understand which part of the projects will be done by your company and what Portugal needs to depend on an android app development company for. This is the time where you will have to sketch your app and create a storyboard. There are a number of online tools that are used for wireframing an app. All you want to do now is figure out how all your creative ideas and the features you wish to can come together to become a functional app. Make sure to create a roadmap or a storyboard that will help you understand the connections between the different screens and how they will be able to navigate the app. Things to keep in mind here are:

Always prioritise User experience. 
Understand the difference in which people use mobile websites and mobile applications. 
Always look for search opportunities where you will be able to incorporate your brand. 

Understanding the Backend of the Mobile Application

The reason you needed to develop the wireframes and the storyboard was that people actors a guide for your back and structures that will provide you with the support to develop the application. This thing includes data diagrams, servers, data integration, APIs, etc. In some cases, it is also feasible to choose a mobile backend for a service platform. With the help of these, you will be able to combat challenges like scalability. Another important thing here is that your storyboard or the wireframe may need to be modified because of technical limitations. Hence it is very important to be flexible during these stages. 

Testing the Prototype

At this stage of the process, you must have made all the changes in your wireframe, posing a problem during the back-end process. Once the mobile application development company and you are satisfied with the storyboard and the wireframe that has been proposed, it is now time for you to build an interactive prototype. Prototyping is one of the essential steps in the development process. This is the best place for you to evaluate the design concepts and get feedback regarding how the application actually looks like. You must also be able to identify any dead links for design flaws that may hamper the usability or slow when using the mobile app. A number of prototyping tools are used by a mobile app development company US that will help you to simplify the process. 

You must always invite people who are not already in the mobile app team to test out the prototype and evaluate it. Make sure to observe them as they are using the app and ask for honest criticism and feedback on the applications overall functionality and ease of use. You will be able to adapt the UI/UX at this stage in order to correct any fault in the design. The main goal here is to finalise the design for your application and create a high definition prototype that will be able to support you during the actual development process for your use. 

Development of the Application

Now that you have gone through all the critical steps, it is finally time to start developing your application. This is not an easy process and uses a number of strategies and techniques to give you a seamless mobile application. You may want to work with an app development platform and even use a mobile BaaS provider. However, if you are working with an android application development company, you will need to make sure that your developer creates real storage solutions, APIs, databases, and servers that way backend your app. Another thing you need to keep in mind is that you need to set up a developer account for the various app stores that you plan to distribute your app in. If you have not already done this, it is vital to keep in mind that the step can take many days to complete and is often overlooked. Make sure also to read the app store’s guidelines so that your App does not get rejected when it is being reviewed. 

Once all of this is done, you are ready to move into the coding and programming process. When you hire an app developer to complete this process, make sure that you make them sign a non-disclosure agreement and agree upon a timeline for deliverables. You must always look into the credentials before hiring an app developer. However, if you are not satisfied with your programmers’ capabilities and skills, you can ever replace them. At this stage, the designer will most likely create the app “skins,” even the actual screens that will be used in your mobile application. These will help you to understand how your wireframes are being represented and how the users will interact with your App eventually. Hence this is an extremely crucial process, and you must get all the feedback and reviews you can. Ensure that all the ideas and feedback that were accumulated during the testing phase are being fully utilised in the actual application. 

Keep Testing

This is one of the most exciting phases during the entire app development process. Now you have a complete app concept that has been incorporated with colourful graphics and properly placed texts. All you have to do now is keep testing your application in a number of real-life scenarios to figure out if there are any problems or flaws that need to be looked after. Always go back to your original design plan and go to the features that you have planned initially. Refrain from making assumptions that just because something works during the developmental phase will work in the final app. 

It is also a good idea to take the input of others and observe them when interacting with your application. It is beneficial to employ those people who have not been part of the mobile app team from before. Hence, they may come up with problems and questions that might have been too obvious to you simply because you have been entangled in the process for the entire time. You can also choose to use one of the online mobile testing tools that will give you proper feedback as well as for analytics regarding the state of your mobile application. Many of these testing tools are affordable or even free. You must also check for cross-platform mobile app development so that that it is compatible with graphics, images, and User experience. 

Once you have contended that the application is working correctly in all scenarios and are satisfied with the usability and appearance of the application, it is time to make preparations for the final launch of the mobile app. 

Prepare For Launch of Your Application

It is imperative to be ahead of your game and take the necessary steps when preparing for the launch of your application. How well you engage your Marketing department and how well you plan the start of your use is one of the most significant factors predicting your app’s success. The marketing team will also help you provide the appropriate keywords that are of crucial importance for search engine optimisation and App Store optimisation, which are very important for discoverability. The keyword research will help you to choose a title for your application, as well as the description that you will need to prepare when submitting your mobile application to the market places in order to distribute your app.

You would also like to get high-quality screenshots of your mobile app. You can also make a promotional video or demo that will make your audience more engaged in your application. Another thing that you absolutely need to work on as a website for a landing page that will not only support but also promote your app. creating a website is very important for awareness and branding as well as for discoverability. The most important components that are to be provided on your app’s landing page or website are as follows:

• The icon and the name of your app. 
• Names and icons of those stores from where your App can be downloaded from. 
• A press kit. 
• Support and contact information. 
• User reviews and testimonials are also to be included after the launch of the app.
• A subscription form before launch and download links after the launch.
• The link to your social media handles. 

Now it is time for you to use your business website and your social media platforms to promote your application. It is also advised to have a company blog where you will be able to constantly provide updates about the development process of the application, which will generate curiosity and anticipation in your customers. You can also take the help of experts as well as social media influencers were relevant to your application to promote your app as well. You will also need to show the app promotion checklist where you will find that you have to include the app analytics that will help you to optimise your app and also increase its validity to the target audience. You mean also consider other App marketplaces besides Google Play Store and Apple’s app store for distribution of your app. You might also submit your app to PreApps, a marketplace for applications that will help you connect to developers and early adopters, and get pre-release feedback. 

The Official Release

 Once you have prepared for the launch and gotten your mobile app verified from top mobile app development companies, you must prepare for your application’s release date. This is where all your efforts come to fruition, and you must be able to make the most of it. The best way to create some buzz about your mobile app is with some write promotional articles and videos by social media influencers, bloggers as well as journalists. You will need to make an announcement about the launch of your App to everyone who might be a target audience and even to those who have shown an interest in your app. The best way to promote the release date is the email blast, where you also must include the link to all your social media platforms. The main goal here is to generate ratings and downloads by building some momentum. 

Make sure to keep your users engaged in your application once it has been finally released. You can now take the help of freelance app developers to send push notifications to your customers, announcing special offers and other promotions so that people keep opening your app. You can provide free products or services or even one time discounts to those who download your app. Always keep in mind that you will have to market your App continuously since its release. You must always keep in mind that you must keep the channels of feedback open so that you can respond to your clients about their concerns. You can hire a mobile app developer who will be able to provide timely updates or fix some problems that are pestering your clients. By being responsive, you will be able to foster a good relationship with your users and customers. 

Services to Look For

When you are looking for mobile application development services, you must keep in mind that the best mobile app development company provides a number of services. You will hence need to look for a company that provides a versatile number of solutions so you will be able to get your job done with one organisation itself. The following are the mobile app development services that you must be looking for:

iPhone App Development

iPhone applications are well known for their user-friendly features, as well as the elegant look and feel. iPhone app development companies have a diversify the range of problems when it comes to developing iPhone apps in comparison to Android apps. An iPhone app development company will be able to provide you with specific applications for an iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, or an Apple TV. You must look for a team that has real-life experience in coding and designing the various iPhone application development processes.

When you work with experienced coders and developers, they will help you with their knowledge of guidelines as well as specifications that are important for iPhone applications. Ensure that the app development software that is being used is both flexible and transparent, which is always very important for a mobile app development company to keep in mind the needs of the customer and integrate their creative intelligence with the client’s vision. Whether you run a small business, a large enterprise, or an entrepreneur with specific ideas, you must be able to get iPhone applications that are perfect for your company in no time. 

Android App Development

Another important aspect of mobile app development is android app development because of the huge prevalence of Android phone users all over the globe. Android app development is actually a very competitive market, with over 80% of shares in the global economy. Because of its widespread reach in the global market, every Android application needs to come with the best integration of Technology, in-app features as well as the best quality interface to influence the customers. Make sure that you choose a company that has been in the business for a long time crafting and researching beautiful apps. When you are able to see samples of the word created by such companies, you will be able to choose one that matches your aesthetics and appeal readily. It does not matter which industry you belong to, and a good mobile application will be able to form your business in the right direction. 

The Expected Process

When you’re working with a well-experienced company for web development, you will be able to get your job done in no time. Provided by the mobile app development, whether iOS or Android or even an android game development, is an extremely cumbersome process, with the help of the correct organisation, you will be able to get the job done in no time. You should always look for a company that will put your interest and creative processes into consideration when developing the applications. When you hire an android app developer to be very sure to look for their experience and the course of action that is generally taken by most companies are as follows:

Analysing the Requirements: In this phase, a company tries to understand what you want from your mobile application. All the ideas and concepts developed by you are taken into consideration by the company, and they make provision for their use. It is also when your budgets are revealed to the mobile app developer, and about it, the features and services that are to be provided are determined. You need to be flexible at this stage because you need to make sure that you get all the features and make the best application even if it costs a little more. You must also be able to understand who your target audience is and how you will be able to get them with the help of your mobile application.

Designing the Application: Once the company understands your ideas and concepts, thorough research is done according to the steps that are to be taken to meet the requirements. You will be consulted time and again in order to guarantee and clarify what exactly you need from your application. After this, a user-friendly interface will be put forth by the developer. 

Development of App: Once the initial wireframing is done and tested, you will be able to make any changes. Any design flaws or simple additions that are to be made can also be made at this stage. After the design has been verified, and you are completely satisfied with it, the actual app is developed. This is where the coding process takes place, and the main layout of the app is generated. One step is developed, and it is made functional, you will be provided with the application, and you can provide your feedback. 

Testing: Thisis the last yet the most important step in the app development process. Your application is tested time and again based on a number of criteria to make sure that it is 100% bug-free and does not have any flaws in features or flow. After this, your final approval is awaited. Once you are happy with the final product, all you need to do is market your application on every platform possible. You can also take the developer’s help to market your application and provide push notifications after it has been launched. There are a number of steps to be taken before the final launch of the application that you need to keep. 

Choosing a Mobile App Development Company

There is no shortage of mobile development companies nowadays because of its widespread importance and acceptance. The software solutions offered by mobile app development companies are being understood time and again by budding companies that are providing brilliant mobile applications to huge entrepreneurs and small startups that are helping them become huge names in the industry. Every year the number of mobile applications is increasing, and this is because of how effective mobile applications are in the success of a company. Hence you need to choose the mobile application development company that will be able to provide you with the best application possible. Here are some things to look for when choosing the right company:

Look for Customer Feedbacks: One of the best ways to understand if an IT company is at the top of the game is by going through the feedback from their past and present clients. This will be giving you a good idea about how the company works and what you will be expecting from them. You can contact the clients who will be able to provide you with the advantages and disadvantages of working with the said company. This is the only way you will be able to determine the quality of services provided by a mobile app development company. 

The Experience: The number of years a mobile app development company has been present in the market is extremely important as well. This will help you to understand whether they have the expertise that you are looking for. An experienced company will have such skilled personnel who will be able to provide you with Top-notch products because of their skills and talents. An inexperienced company, on the other hand, will not be able to provide you with the same degree of effectively for an impactful application that will drive your company.

Concluding Thought

You need to be extremely careful when choosing a mobile app development company. You must also make sure that the ideas that are being provided by the company are genuine and completely out of the box. You can expect effective delivery and high standards of app designing because of the wide popularity of mobile apps. You will be able to make huge profits by providing your company with an effective mobile application. Besides making your venture more productive and profitable, a mobile application is a perfect platform for all your customers and clients to reach out and get hold of your goods and services. With the correct mobile application, you will be able to influence your customers and even get hold of potential customers in no time at all. This is one of the best investments you can make that guarantees good results.