Juniper Research predicts that mobile app sales will reach $99 billion in 2019. Mobile applications are indeed, reigning the business world, compelling developers to showcase their creativity. Other studies reveal that the total number of app downloads in 2016 was 149.3 billion which will reach up to 352.9 billion by 2021. These jumping figures reflect how mobile app technology is skyrocketing with each day.
Being a smartphone user yourself, you can vouch for the fact that users spend most of their time navigating the apps. Be it social media, games, checking emails or even booking commute – we need apps for plenty of reasons. However, it is also true that people have only a handful of apps on their phone.
They will either delete an app or won’t download it in the first place. It depends on the usability, accessibility, performance, reliability and the variety available in stores. This is why enterprises must continue exploring ways to improve user experience and engagement in their software.
It is a challenge to beat the competition against your app and to achieve a rising number of downloads. Here are a few things to consider before developing an app:
Focus on functionality
For every digital solution strategy, you must know the goals of your organization. Are you only looking for market recognition? Or, do you want to open up a new platform for your customers? Most mobile apps fail because they try doing too much.
A clever approach is to identify a viable product and start from there. You can then expand gradually. It is also important to have clear targets for the future so that you can enhance the productivity of your app with time.
Identify your target users
Understanding the target market and evaluating their mindset is imperative. Find their goals and requirements, the technologies they use and the platforms they prefer. Developers must keep in mind that every user is different and they have multiple needs. Your app must align with current market trends to make it to the top of the grid.
Conduct competitor research
Having a clear understanding of your competition allows you to come up with innovative ideas. Of course, there may be a lot of applications like yours in the marketplace unless your concept is highly unique. But you can proceed with a common product if you offer next level solutions. Competitor research can help you ensure that you do not develop an app like others.
For starters, you can scrutinize the top five apps related to your niche. Then develop and deliver something unique to your customers. Having a good idea of the competitive landscape helps to highlight the gaps and opportunities that exist within the market.
Provide maximum security
If you plan to collect user data through the app, then make sure you have a spam control integrated within. The bank details and passwords stored on a mobile phone makes it quite risky. There is always a risk of hackers fetching and misusing the info if the essential data security measures are lacking.
Users need to feel secure. Assess how sensitive information will be entered and stored in your application. You can check out the security algorithm of popular applications to design one for yourself. Hookt, for example, is an AirG Spam free app that pays special attention to the security of private data shared by individuals.
Choose a viable platform
These days we have many technical platforms for developing robust and sophisticated mobile apps. Android, iOS, and Windows are a few versatile platforms that are evolving every day. Figure out the platform that is largely used by your target users. For example, in the US, Android and iOS are the platforms that are quite common. Windows, on the other hand, stand to have limited importance in the region.
So, it is a basic rule that you choose a platform that is supported by many gadgets. It adds to the convenience of the users.
Identify the key stakeholders
Successful app development relies on effective communication and collaboration. There needs to be a clear distribution of tasks. For example, who is responsible for graphics and who needs to craft written content.
After identifying the internal experts, you can branch out and hire professionals for specific services. There should be an outline or a manual with clear responsibility division. Plus, it is important to identify the final decision makers and how the approval process works at that end.
Pick a monetization strategy
It is critical to decide a monetization strategy at the initial stages so the developers can incorporate special app features. It always depends on the business objectives. You can make money through an app via in-app purchases, in-app advertising, premium or paid tools.
Recently, e-commerce apps have started to integrate payment gateways within the app. This enables customers to pay right there and then for the products or services. Offering a basic app for free is a famous strategy to increase traction. If users find that the app offers an actual value, they will gladly pay for the in-app purchases or for unlocking the premium features.
Ask for a prototype
If you are hiring an app development company, it is essential that you ask them for a prototype. An app prototype is an interactive demo that lets you view the functionality, design, and flow of the app. Through this, you can also point out the features that hamper smooth operations. Prototype creation assists app development in the following ways:
- Helps to make calculated decisions before development so the costs can be further cut down
- Saves time
- You can show the basic idea to potential investors and gather investments
Today, the competitive business scenario demands a powerful and captivating app that offers high value to the users. Following these guidelines and using a strong marketing plan can help you drive new instalments and target more people. Now you can execute your mobile strategy with an app that is stable, reliable and ensures constant progress.
