Before you have an app developed

When you have a mobile application developed, nothing is as important as good preparation. That’s why we’re already helping you get started with some tips, points of attention, and principles. In this article, we explain how to ensure a good start towards success.

Research your ‘mobile’ competition

Are there already apps that solve similar problems? Take a close look at them and consider not only what’s missing, but also what they do well. Even apps with a very different application can provide you with insight into what best practices are for solving general problems. There’s rarely a reason to reinvent the wheel.

Start with the end result

Think about what the ultimate version of your app should be able to do; what major problem are you solving for your users? By making this value proposition clear, your revenue model is established. Clarifying your business plan helps to gain insight into which functionalities ultimately need to be built for your mobile app.

Look to the future of your app

Create a roadmap with a consideration of the most essential functionalities needed to use the app. Consider what the minimum functionality is that allows you to enter the market. When you want to limit costs and risks, and keep the time-to-market as short as possible, the art of omission is crucial.

Fail fast, fail often, pivoting is key

Dare to experiment, learn from it, and if necessary, change course. There are countless examples of apps that have failed and risen successfully again by making mistakes quickly and learning from them as soon as possible. In every setback, there lies a phoenix.

• Twitter was originally called Odeo, a platform for sharing and following podcasts. After Apple released iTunes, the company pivoted to microblogging.
• Instagram began as Burbn, a location check-in app with too many features. After trimming excess functionality, it relaunched as the platform known today.
• Groupon started as “The Point,” an activist platform for social campaigns, before shifting focus to local deals while retaining its revenue model.

Companies that dare to change course when necessary have a better chance of success! When it comes to app development, it really is no different, whether or not it is your core business.

Listen to the market, not the customer

Do not build everything the user says they want. Stay ‘lean’ and build what the user needs in a great mobile experience. A mobile app for everyone is an app for no one. Focus on the needs of your key mobile customers, not on all requests that are ‘nice to haves’.

Apps need to be maintained

The development of mobile apps is not a one-time effort: after the initial release of your mobile app, the adventure has just begun! Both Android and iOS release a new version each year, often with significant changes. Trends change rapidly, software must be maintained to stay ahead of the competition. Include in your roadmap that you will need to release updates regularly and reserve development time for this. An actively maintained app shows that you are actively engaged in quality and improving the user experience, which leads to higher user reviews. This, in turn, positively contributes to the ranking in the app stores.