One tap on the Apple Store button is all it takes to be transported into a new and exciting world where you can find any kind of app imaginable. There are apps that track your health and fitness, apps that teach children how to read and improve their education and apps that are purely for entertainment and fun.
With so many apps out there, coming up with a unique app idea that can help your business or has mass appeal can certainly be an intimidating process. But, even once you’ve got your idea, we find that lots of people are stuck with the burning question: “Where do I go from here?” Luckily, we’re here to help you out!
Step 1: Research, Research, Research!
After you have come up with your amazing idea, researching your concept is the most important thing you can do. Start by making a list: Who is your ideal target user for this app? What do you want them to gain out of using the app? What are ways in which this app could be advertised to said target? Primary Research is important because this is how we discover new information. For example, you could survey your target user and ask what they would like to see, conduct an interview, or do a quick poll on social media. Secondary Research is also important because it makes use of previously collected research on the topic. For example, if I created an app that tracks my heart rate, I would do a quick internet search or look up past interviews, surveys, or polls about the topics of heart rate and heart rate tracking, and would look at what apps in the past had not only done but been successful in accomplishing. Both primary and secondary research are extremely important in order to gain useful knowledge and information about the subject of your app and your target users’ needs.
Besides researching potential app users, it is important to collect research about the subject of your app. Take notes and write every single idea, thought, and detail down so you will be prepared when the app goes into its design phase. There is a lot of prep work that goes into app development. A lot of people come into the app development process without a business plan, budget, or any idea of what it takes to make a successful app. Doing proper research beforehand not only makes things easier for your app and the design team, but it makes it easier on yourself too. Always remember, many of the most successful non-gaming apps are businesses at the core. Think of Uber, Spotify and even Facebook (think of all those ads!) fit this mold.
Step 2: Determine Your Budget.
Dom & Tom Business Development Associate Michael Nelson says it’s vital it is to have a budget planned even before your initial chat with a developer. “Have some sort of budget… including both an understanding of budget and possession of budget,” he says. By that, he means taking the time to truly understand how much the project will cost, as well as making sure you have adequate resources to move forward with the project. Asking “How much does an app cost?” is never a simple question, so it is important to spend time making an estimate and brainstorming with your company’s coworkers and partners, or, for startup and small business concepts, friends and family.
Nelson stresses the importance of making sure that your app idea is unique before going chatting with a developer or design team. “No matter how unique your idea is, there is always something similar out there,” he says. “You need to make it as unique as you possibly can, and the right timing can make a big difference.”
Step 3: Chat With A Developer.
After your research is done (but really, research should be conducted through all stages of the app development process), chat with a qualified and capable developer or development team about your idea. Discuss your research and explain who you would like to target with your app. Listen to what the developers have to say and write down as many notes as you can. Building an app takes time and there are many different factors that contribute to how long an app takes to develop. A solid developer should be able to point you in the right direction based on your research and ideas, and should be able to map out a clear path as to how long the development process will take and what to expect.
When chatting with a developer, Nelson recommends to have done your homework and be respectful of the developer’s time, just as you would like them to be with you. Have your “ammo” ready ahead of time and be prepared to give your developer your vision for the app as well as all of the information he or she may need. There is a lot of prep work that goes into app development and being as prepared as you possibly can beforehand will make a huge difference.
Step 4: Discovery Session.
At Dom & Tom, we do a round called Discovery, which is a flexible process where developers and designers get to ask prospective clients “What are you looking to get out of this app?” In the Discovery session, we go over wireframes, budgets and business plans. This process can take between 2-4 weeks and sometimes even longer. Discovery is highly recommended in order to get the most out of your potential app and determine the feasibility of your app.
“What are the nuts and bolts that will make this app run well? What are the analytics and hosting requirements? During Discovery sessions, we review creative design elements, including user experience design, color palettes, moods and more,” says Nelson. “We also like to ask: What is your commitment level? If you have a normal 9-to-5 job, how much can you commit to this with us? If you are working on a timeline, there needs to be reciprocity for both parties.”
Step 5: Promote, Promote, Promote!
While your app is nearing completion, raise up the hype and step up your social media and marketing efforts. Start by creating social media profiles for your app and create posts to encourage user curiosity until you are ready to make the big reveal. Reach out to influencers (app reviewers, bloggers, tech junkies, etc.) and provide them with an exclusive trial run before the app goes out into the world. You will not only get great feedback, but you will also get some positive reviews out there, which raise the hype up even more.
It takes a lot of research, planning, time and dedication to turn your app into a reality, but in the end, it is all worth it. Using these five steps and keeping them in mind throughout the app development process will greatly increase your chances of seeing your app out there in the hands of thousands of people. We cannot wait to see what you have in store (the Apple Store that is)!
Have an awesome app idea? Contact us online anytime or give us a call at (646) 741-5049.
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