As a software developer, building an app is a logical progression. And it can be quite a lucrative one as well. App spending, according to TechJury increased from $40 billion in 2015 to $86 billion in 2017.
The fact that spending on apps has doubled in two years is a testament to how many opportunities there are when it comes to app development. There is a catch, though. If you check out the infographic that TechJury created, you will see that although the average person downloads around 80 apps, only 9 of those apps are used on a daily basis.
So it is essential to do your research beforehand. Let’s have a look at some of the things you need to consider before you start designing that perfect app.
Which Platform Will You Use?
Before you start the painstaking process of creating an app, you first need to decide between two primary options: Android and iOS. While it is possible to build an app for both platforms simultaneously, this decision can cost a lot of money, not to mention it can be very risky.
The process involves choosing between the two platforms. Developers choose the platform that is most suitable to what they have in mind, and they build the app from there. The created app can be launched on the other platform later on.
But how does one decide what platform is the best option? There are advantages and disadvantages to both, and analyzing them can help developers choose. Usually, this entails factors like audience, timeline, desired features, and many more. Take a look at the pros and cons below:
Android:
- It is easy to use.
- Allows you to use its open-source software for free.
- Accounts for 72.23% of mobile operating systems globally.
- Can be sold independently on Google Play Store.
- It is at a disadvantage in China because Google Play Store has been banned in this country. Considering that the Chinese top the lists as apps consumers, this is problematic.
- Extra security measures need to be taken. Many users have older, more prone to risk versions of the Android software.
- There are several different devices at different prices using Android.
- Apps are a lot easier to get listed in the Google Play Store. The store does not have strict requirements.
iOS:
- Users tend to spend more on apps.
- It is very popular in China, and the Apple Store is not banned in the country.
- Covers a smaller number of devices, so it is easier to create an app that will work on all of them.
- It is trickier to use.
- It is not free or open-source.
Is There a Need for Your App?
You will be competing with millions of other apps. To make yours a success, you need to make sure that it offers features other apps do not.
Has Someone Else Created Something Similar?
We all love to think that our ideas are completely original, which is not always true. Your next step is to check the existing apps on the market to see if any of them has similar features to yours. If you do find one or two, how will yours be different? What would make someone want to download your app instead?
How Will You Stand Out From the Crowd?
Producing the same app that everyone has will give you mediocre results. You need your app to be original, or at least much better than what is already available.
Identify the need and then figure out what your unique selling point will be. This way, you will stand out from your competitors and will have a better chance of attracting your target audience.
What Is the App’s Purpose?
This might seem a little strange, but we are not referring to what the app does per se, but more what it will do for you. If you are running a business and you want to create a value-added app, it will not be necessary, for example, to worry about adding in-app purchases.
On the other hand, if you want to make money off it, you will have to decide how you will do that. Will it be through selling the app, offering a subscription service, offering in-app purchases, or a combination of all three?
Final Notes
Apps are relatively easy to develop, which is part of the reason why there are so many apps available on the market. If you can come up with an app that is unique or that is a vast improvement on an existing idea, you could do well.
However, if you are just going to make a carbon copy of one that is already available or if you are not willing to put time and effort into developing it, it is better to steer clear.