5 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE DEVELOPING A MOBILE APP

The current mobile application market is saturated with various devices, operating systems, and users, which makes choosing the right strategy for developing a mobile application challenging. It requires more forethought than simply being aware of native platforms or the pros and cons of cross-platform mobile application development. Those looking to develop a successful mobile application should heed the following advice:

Identify a Target Audience for Your Custom Mobile App

Before any development begins, it is important to identify who you are trying to reach and the overall objective of your app. Mobile operating systems like Windows, Android, and iOS vary in popularity from region to region, so it is key to keep this in mind as you begin your search for your ideal platform for mobile app development. For instance, in 2016 Android Authority stated “iOS users on average spend nearly 2.5 times more on in-app purchases than Android users.” This information is critical for any company that is looking to maximize their ROI when developing mobile apps because it will help them decide if they want to market to a target audience that is more inclined to buy their app (iOS users) or one that prefers free apps (Android users).

Give Users a Positive Experience When They Use Your Mobile App

Consider including features that give apps a native appearance and functionality. Native apps typically perform better since they integrate more uniformly with the devices that support them. This not only helps drive a positive user experience but will also give your app a higher ranking in any app store. The downside to developing mobile applications natively is the diverse skillsets needed, cost and time it takes to develop stand-alone apps for each OS.

Find Ways to Cut Down on Mobile App Development Costs

Developers often use cross-platform tools like Xamarin or PhoneGap for mobile development because it allows them to create one application that can run on multiple operating systems, and can access most of the native device’s functions. This saves businesses a lot of time and cuts down on costs since they only have to use one programming language to create multiple apps. Some drawbacks to this method of multi-platform mobile app development include lack of functionality and features compared to true native apps.

Know Which Devices Will Support Your Mobile App

When developing a mobile app, it is not only imperative to know what platforms you want your app to run on, but it is also essential to keep in mind the specific devices that are supported by these platforms. For example, despite them being the two main operating systems dominating the market, Android supported devices significantly outnumber iOS supported devices. Depending on your app, you will need to make modifications in order for it to function properly on different devices.

Ensure Your Mobile App Adheres to App Store Guidelines

Every app store has guidelines that applications must abide by in order to be listed in their marketplace. An app that has issues loading or steals user data will not be accepted. Additionally, users have certain expectations when it comes to apps; they demand apps that are easily downloaded, work properly and offer a seamless User Experiences (UX). An app that is faulty or that is found to be in violation of the UX guidelines will not rank well and may be removed entirely from the marketplace.

As mobile applications become more prevalent in society, companies face a difficult time making their apps stand out in app stores. Understanding these key features of mobile app development before starting your project will not only help you choose the right platform for mobile app development but also stay on budget and ensure maximum exposure for your app.