Do you dream of developing your own mobile application step by step? To move from dream to reality, you will have to overcome many obstacles in order to offer an intuitive application that will interest your target audience.
If you want to develop a mobile application but you don't have the skills, call on a freelance developer by submitting a project on Codeur.com.
Here are the 10 essential steps to develop a mobile application great quality!
Develop your mobile app in 10 steps
Before getting started, you can start by requesting quotes from mobile app development agencies. These quotes and discussions with agencies will allow you to get an initial idea of the viability of your application project. But nothing stops you from jumping straight into developing your app.
Step 1: Validate your mobile app idea
This step consists of ensuring that the application you wish to develop will meet a need. For example, you can use Google Keyword Planner (or other keyword research techniques) to get information on how many people are searching for your idea.
If there is indeed a request, the queries formulated will provide you with a list of keywords useful for referencing your application. They can be placed in the description on mobile stores, but also on the landing page of your website.
You can also estimate the cost of developing your mobile application.
Step 2: Describe your project
In writing, describe your application project in detail. The more detailed your draft is, the easier the next steps will be to carry out.
Give as much information as possible on the various functionalities of your future application, on all technical and aesthetic aspects.
Do not hesitate to download our model of specifications for the creation of a mobile application.
Step 3: Define your branding and visual identity
Your branding must be at the heart of the development strategy. It's a necessary step to create your mobile application. You need to define your brand image before beginning the process of developing your app.
We can even say that your brand image guides its creation since it allows you to create a unique universe in which your users will enjoy navigating. It is an integral part of your user experience.
Branding represents both the missions and values defended by a company. This is also what makes it unique. The visual identity that will result from your mobile application will also be a good way to create a feeling of belonging and attachment to your brand for the users of your app.
Step 4: Eliminate non-essential features
In the very first version of your application, only include essential features and leave aside everything that is secondary.
To this end, take a close look at your application prototype and identify all the features that can be set aside, to only keep the high value-added options.
Optional functions may be added in future updates. This will help you control your app development costs.
Step 5: Give highest priority to app design
Don't give in to the temptation to opt for a basic design in order to devote more time and resources to feature development. That would be a mistake!
Design is of utmost importance because it is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also a valuable way to improve the user experience.
Remember, your app needs to be downloaded AND used to become profitable. Be careful if you plan to use a tool to create an online application. These are practical but often limited in the customization of the app.
Step 6: Prepare a developer summary of your mobile app
Produce a document in which you mention the circumstances that inspired you, your target audience and the usefulness of your application to the public. The characteristics of the application, the prototypes as well as the budget you have must also be part of the document.
In summary, if this is not done, complete your specifications started at step 2 with your sources of inspiration, your objectives and the envelope you have available.
Communicate this document to the developers to obtain a quote and a completion time. However, when reviewing quotes, don't just look at the price. Take into account the deadlines, guarantees and experience of the service provider.
Step 7: Find the Perfect Developer for Your Mobile App Development
When you have finished writing well-crafted specifications, you can move on to the stage of choosing the mobile developer to whom you will entrust your project.
Please note that there are many platforms for connecting freelancers and project leaders. The Codeur platform brings together more than 320,000 freelancers available now to support you in all your projects. You can now write an ad to find the ideal mobile developer.
You can entrust your developer with the responsibility of publish the app to Google Play and on the Apple Store or keep this handling in-house for greater control of your product.
Step 8: Integrate Analytics into Your Mobile App
You'll definitely need a way to track your app's stats: number of downloads, engagement rate, reviews, usage time, etc. Plan to use tools like Flurry, Countly, App Analytics, or Mixpanel.
It is then important to carry out tests. Applications with bugs do not always meet with the expected success. This is why it is essential to have your application tested by your future customers and your target audience. If your application is intended for Android mobiles and Apple mobiles, consider testing both versions!
Take user feedback into account, whether on the interface, the functionalities, etc. When it is launched, your application will benefit from this feedback!
Step 9: Promote your mobile app
That's it, you are finally ready for the launching your application mobile ? Now is the time to start promoting it to get new users and new customers! To boost your notoriety, many solutions are available to you, whether on the web or offline!
On the one hand, you can prepare a press campaign. We advise you to start by writing a solid press release and listing the different relevant media to contact depending on your activity (local press, online media or even television news).
To increase your chances of making your mobile application known, we also advise you to create paid advertising campaigns. To do this, you can set up traffic campaigns on Google Ads and Facebook Ads.
Finally, another effective solution is available to you: influencer marketing campaigns. They will allow you to make your mobile application known via YouTubers or influencers by reaching many potential users.
Step 10: Ask for Consumer Feedback
Once your product is live on the Google Play Store and/or the App Store, user reviews, particularly during getting started phasewill provide you with valuable information to optimize your application.
You will know what changes or improvements need to be made to your product. Consider providing notifications, during use, to invite mobile users to rate and leave a comment on your application.
Don't neglect either ASO (App Store Optimization) so that your app is more easily found and downloaded by users.
Why is it important to segment the development of your mobile application into stages?
If you have in mind the idea of creating an app to develop your business or your services, we strongly advise you to start this project by listing the steps to create your mobile app.
For a project of this scale, this segmentation will allow you to be organized, to respect your schedule, to know who is doing what but above all, to be able to measure your progress.
Segmenting the development stages of your app is also a good way to have a common thread to stick to when you get lost along the way.
Here are the different steps that we advise you to follow to successfully complete your mobile application development project.
Our tip for creating your mobile application faster
Ready to launch your own mobile app? What if you skipped steps by hiring a freelance mobile developer?
Codeur.com allows you to post an ad to obtain quotes from freelance mobile developers. Compare quotes, talk to developers to find the service provider that best suits your project and get started! Find a now freelance mobile developer on Codeur.com.