Mobile App Development Tips for Startups & SMEs

We are living in a world where smartphones are a part of day-to-day life. Studies show that mobile devices are becoming a dominant mode of communication and apps are now becoming an essential part of how we interact with technology — whether it be business or personal. Now, many businesses are opening their eyes to the possibilities that mobile experiences can bring. From increasing sales, reaching new markets and staying on top of the minds of consumers, having a comprehensive mobile strategy is crucial if you want to take your business to the next level.

Nevertheless, building an app for your business takes a lot of planning and consideration. Additionally, you can’t expect people to simply stumble across and use your app. An integrated mobile strategy is needed and here are some points to consider in order to maximize your chances of success:

1. Define the purpose of you app

Naturally, this should be the first step in developing  your mobile strategy. Developing a clear view of the customer or business need your app will solve is essential in motivating people to download it. Don’t forget to take into account your competitors’ mobile apps and try to determine how your app can do better. Additionally, always stay up to date on mobile app development best practices, platforms and long-term trends.

2. Map out your target audience

Tap into your business’ insights and come up with a target audience for your app by asking key questions. Are they more likely to be Android or iOS users? What are their mobile habits? What kind of app could resonate with them? These are some key factors that will help you come up with a developing strategy and put your project in the right hands.

3. State your app’s ROI

Having a clear objective in mind will allow you to set your expectations accordingly and avoid feelings of disappointment or frustration in the future. These objectives may include things like wanting to provide a better customer experience (which in turn could translate into more sales), establishing your brand, or something entirely different. Having a crystal clear goal will also help you make decisions in other areas of the project, such as your monetization strategy.

4. Plan your promotion strategy

Coming up with a working app is just the beginning. Don’t make assumptions and expect your app to be embraced by users just because you think it’s great. Bringing something truly valuable to the table won’t matter in the end if you don’t take the time to come up with a promotion strategy. This strategy must take into account both the kind of industry you are in as well as your target audience.

Now that you have gone through these steps, you hopefully have a better understanding of what you need to do and the outcome of this process. Only now can you get to the fun part: making your idea a reality. Once you have launched your app, make sure to start gathering feedback from customers in order to see what’s working and what could be improved. Keep in mind that this is a process; your app should be continually revised and upgraded in order to bring value to both your business and your customers.

What other valuable considerations do you think should be taken into account for app development for small businesses and startups?

Take a look at an interview with Thomas E. Hogan, CEO at Kony, Inc on CNN about the rise of mobility software, and why companies are investing in mobile.  

 

Download our Free E-Book and learn how the Product Mindset can benefit your mobile app. 

Through this guide, we want to give you, product owners, product managers, engineers, entrepreneurs and anybody looking to build great digital products, more insights into the importance of user-centric design and development and how to correctly achieve it.

How Product Mindset Can Save your Sinking App

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