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The global use of mobile phones has exploded in the past ten years. With a huge percentage of the population using mobile phones, the demand for mobile apps of all kinds is constantly increasing. Here are some things for you to think about if you want to develop a mobile app:
Set your goals for the app
Is it your desire to be seen as an innovator? Do you want to develop a similar app to others that are already available? If this is the case, you need to be prepared to fend off the competition. Do you want to try to build customer loyalty, or is your only desire to create a fast revenue stream? Once you have figured out the answers to these important questions, prioritize them so you will know where to begin.
Understand your target users
You will need to figure out who your target users are going to be. What requirements and goals will they have? What technologies do they currently use? You will need to research what platforms your users are utilizing. Use this information to understand each user’s experience. Every user has many needs, and each device is different. Design your app to appeal to the largest audience possible.
Start a user testing focus group
The only way to make sure that you completely understand what your target users want is to spend time with them. Talk to them and ask as many questions as you can think of. Discuss your ideas with the group every day to receive their feedback. Focus groups can provide insight into what features you should or shouldn’t include. Search online for information about a powerful and easy to use free website builder
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Plan for multiple releases
Releasing the first version of a mobile app is just the beginning. Users will generally re-engage with your app if you add new features. Make sure you don’t release a new version too often. This could make your users feel bombarded. A 2-3 month gap between releases is usually enough to ensure that your users stay engaged.
Know what is out there
Test other apps currently on the market in all of the platforms you are going to support. Every platform offers a different variety of apps and different interface paradigms. Testing the most popular apps will give you an idea of what is possible on each platform.
Plan to analyze
This is when you decide how you will measure success. This can be difficult to define because there are many questions to be answered. Will the app increase your revenue? Will the app help you to retain customers? Will it decrease your costs? Will the app increase your brand recognition?
The sky is the limit for the mobile app industry. It seems there is not a single task that does not have a corresponding app. Many apps are inexpensive to produce and quickly gain in popularity. This makes the mobile app industry a great way for inventive people to earn a steady living for years to come.
