December 20, 2017

How to Build a Mobile App: A Step-by-Step Guide

Software Development, Software Factory

How to Build a Mobile App: A Step-by-Step Guide

Usually, entrepreneurs and companies responsible for the providing of products and services in the world, face the inevitable question  “How to build a mobile app” when offering their items online becomes necessary. That’s why here you’ll find out an easy step-by-step guide on how to build a mobile app.

How to build a mobile app a step by step guide on how to build a mobile app

Step 1: Decide which operating system you want to build your mobile application for.

Gartner´s report of the worldwide smartphone sales to end-users by the operating system in Q1 2017 reveals that Android and iOS hold a 99.8% share of the market, and all others have 0.2%. More specifically, Android has an 81.6% market share, and iOS comes as the second with 13.7% (source: Gartner Says Worldwide Sales of Smartphones Grew 9 Percent in First Quarter of 2017). 

It would be best if you chose whether you will focus on the biggest one(s) or cover more operating systems.  

Recommendation on how to build a mobile app:

 If you are building a mobile application for the first time, you focus on the most popular operating systems, and after completing this phase, move on to others. 

 Another option to choose from is developing the app for a specific operating system. Or perhaps going with one of the cross-platform languages (like Sencha, PhoneGap, Appcelerator Titanium, etc.).  

 Developing natively ensures stability while using a cross-platform language brings savings. As well as, availability for more operating systems. 

Step 2: Think of how to attract users with the apps functionality. 

 With so many competitive applications on the market, you need to show that your app is the one that makes a difference.  

On the other hand, study how the most successful on the market did it. Incorporate the best functions that can work well for you, as they do for them. Then add functionality that will differentiate your mobile application from others of the same kind.  

First, have in mind the market need for such an application and above that, create an outstanding user interface to boost the positive user experience.

Step 3: Layout the app’s flow and features.

If you have validated your idea, you will want to take the time to go over the features you want to offer you in your app.

Be as detailed as possible when putting down your idea. Include the flow of how the user will navigate the app. As well as all the features envisioned. This will help your developer to understand your expectations clearly.

Step 4: Determine which ones are your core features to facilitate your question on how to build a mobile app.

After you have planned out the framework, take the document, and determine which features are core. Sencond, identify which ones will “catch the customer’s eyes.” At last, take out the unnecessary features and keep them in mind to add in the second iteration of the product.

With this in mind, you will keep development costs low and bring your product to market much faster.

Step 5: Choose your mobile app development partner. 

Now it is time to find an outsourcing company or a freelancer who will build your mobile application. Choose the one that will make your outsourcing experience smooth and cost-efficient. Keep in mind that it will be agile and act as the partner, and not only as a supplier. 

Step 6: Create a developer account

You can’t acquire downloads if your app isn’t in the app store. Register yourself with a developer account on the Apple and Android store to start selling on their platforms. Apple charges $99 annually, and Google’s Android charges $25 a year.

Step 7: Introduce features.

Your first version of the mobile app is your MVP, but you shouldn’t stop here. As you acquire customers, do analytics, and gain feedback, you will find the need to introduce more features to help your mobile application acquire more customers and keep the current ones that are using it.

Keep in mind that building the mobile application is only one part of the business. Don’t forget that you must validate your product and acquire customers as well.

Cafeto Software is a trusted software development company that has built mobile, web, and custom applications for their clients in both the enterprise and startup space. Contact us to evaluate if Cafeto Software is the right fit for you.

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