Mobile App Development Guide For Businesses: How To Build Mobile Strategy

With over 3.5 billion smartphone users worldwide, we can claim that there is a demand for mobile apps. Still, many businesses struggle to make money on their mobile apps. They lack technical knowledge, and the budgets are limited.

This article was created with the expertise of a mobile application development service from Purrweb. Here, we explore the process of app development and take full advantage of mobile app development services.

How to Develop a Mobile Application

This looks like a job for reliable app development service vendors. It involves many steps, each with its own set of actions.

Step 1: Market Research

Mobile app development won’t start without proper market research. Your target audience and competitors can hint you at what features and design elements are in demand.

Market research activities	Description
Competitor analysis	Examining similar apps to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and user feedback.
User persona development	Defining target user profiles to better understand their needs and preferences.
Trend analysis	Identifying current industry trends that can make your app more appealing and relevant.
Survey and feedback collection	Gathering insights directly from potential users about what they expect from a similar app.
Feature prioritization	Determining which features are most valuable to your audience to focus resources effectively.

Step 2: Adherence to Apple’s Guidelines

Each application store has a set of guidelines. Some mobile app development service vendors take that part on themselves. However, if you optimize your app on your own, here’s what you need to know.

Apple’s Guideline Areas	Description
User privacy and data handling	Ensuring data security, transparency, and proper use of permissions in line with Apple’s policies.
App content guidelines	Making sure the app content complies with Apple’s regulations regarding acceptable content.
User interface and UX standards	Following Apple’s guidelines for user experience and interface design to maintain app usability.
Performance requirements	Ensuring the app loads quickly, performs efficiently, and does not crash frequently.
Payment processing compliance	Meeting Apple’s requirements for in-app purchases and subscriptions to avoid compliance issues.

Step 3: Design Process

Source: Unsplash

A well-designed app becomes popular quickly. That’s a good reason to invest in a design phase that covers functional aspects of your app.

Design Phase Activities	Description
Wireframing	Creating a basic layout of the app’s screens to outline the structure and flow.
Prototyping	Developing an interactive model of the app to visualize functionality and the user journey.
UI/UX design	Focusing on creating user-friendly interfaces.
Feedback and iteration	Gathering user feedback on the design to make necessary improvements before finalizing.
Brand consistency	Matching that the app’s design aligns with the brand’s style and identity.

Step 4: Development Process

Once the design is complete, mobile app developers begin coding. Mobile app development services involve building the app’s front end and back end.

Development Stage Activities	Description
Choosing a technology stack	Selecting the best technologies for the app, such as native development or cross-platform options.
API integration	Incorporating external services or databases into the app for added functionalities.
Database setup	Organizing data storage systems that align with app usage and scaling needs.
Core development	Writing code for both the front end and back end to bring the app’s features to life.
Optimization and code review	Ensuring the code is clean and optimized for performance.

Step 5: Testing and QA

Testing and QA guarantee the app performs well. This step involves identifying and resolving bugs and issues before the release.

Testing and QA Activities	Description
Functional testing	Checking each feature to ensure it works as expected.
Performance testing	Testing app speed, responsiveness, and stability under various conditions.
Usability testing	Ensuring the app is intuitive and easy to use for the target audience.
Security testing	Identifying and resolving potential security vulnerabilities.
Beta testing	Releasing the app to a select group of users for feedback before the official launch.

Step 6: Deployment Process

The final stage of mobile development services is deployment. This process involves submitting the app to app stores and preparing marketing strategies.

Deployment Steps	Description
App store submission	Following the required steps to submit the app to Google Play and/or the App Store.
Compliance verification	Ensuring all guidelines are met for a successful app store submission.
Marketing and promotion	Creating campaigns to raise awareness and drive app downloads.
Monitoring and updates	Tracking app performance and releasing updates for improvements.
User support setup	Establishing customer service and troubleshooting user issues.

How Much Does It Cost to Make an App?

The cost of application development depends on several factors. The main cost drivers include:

Cost Criteria	Description
App complexity levels	Simple apps cost less, while complex apps with numerous features and integrations are more expensive.
App categories	Specific categories (e.g., gaming, e-commerce) may incur additional costs for specialized features.
Design requirements	Custom designs or animations increase the cost relative to simple, templated designs.
Features and functionalities	The more features the app includes, the higher the development costs.
Team composition	Hiring a full team of specialists (developers, designers, QA) typically increases costs.

Conclusion

This guide can be helpful no matter if you collaborate with a mobile application development service or freelance. Here, we’ve described the essentials of mobile development that give you more control over the process.

Mobile App Development Guide for Businesses: How to Build Mobile Strategy