Turning An Idea Into An App: Are You Too Late To Join The Party?

It’s no secret that smartphone and tablet usage is on the rise. In fact, the use of mobile devices is set to take over desktop and laptop usage! We all use a variety of software or “apps” to carry out a wide range of functions. For example, we’ll use apps for managing email, browsing the Web and watching TV.

People in business find mobile apps useful too. There are ones like Dropbox, a popular example for cloud storage. You can even get familiar software like Microsoft Word as a mobile app! There’s no denying that apps play a big role in software development these days.

Source: Pixabay

 

How big is the app market?

Take a look at Google Play and Apple’s App Store. There are millions of apps available for download, and the amount increases each day. So, you might be thinking that you’re late to join the app development party.

But, it’s safe to say that the party is only just getting started! Don’t forget there are other app markets too, such as for Microsoft Windows devices. And, lest we forget the good old BlackBerry; the smartphone that started it all off!

So, if you’re thinking of turning an idea into an app, don’t feel discouraged by the size of the market. In today’s blog post, I will talk you through the process of creating an app.

That way, you will have a clearer idea of what’s needed to get started. And, you will learn how to make your app idea a success.

 

What is your idea?

You might not think it, but the concept is usually a stumbling block for most folks! Sure, you might have some idea of what your app could do. But, have you thought about the mechanics of it all?

For instance, let’s say that you want to create a dating app. The primary idea is to help people get connected to suitable matches, right? But, how will that process work? Would you go for a concept like the Tinder app uses? Or do you have an idea for a new way of matching people?

How would the process work? Can people search for matches for free? Do you need them to register with your service first?

As you can see, there are many questions you need to ask yourself about the concept behind your app. It’s important they get asked because other people will want to know the answers too! I recommend creating a “mind map” at this stage.

In a nutshell, it’s a graphical representation of your app’s idea. Think of it as a family tree of sorts. The middle of your mind map starts with your app. From there, you branch out to basic functions. And from those branches, you go out even further, describing what each segment does. And so on!

You might think that is a long-winded process, but it’s crucial to turning your app idea into reality. It’s a stage where you visualise how the app will work and iron out any potential problems. After all; it’s quicker, easier and cheaper to do that now than at a later stage.

 

Does anyone else offer the same kind of app?

Chances are the answer will be “yes” but don’t let that stop you! You will often find tens or even hundreds of apps that are similar in operation. What sets the best out apart from the rest is how they work!

The thing about app design is that not all apps offer a slick user interface. Nor do they even work as intended all the time. Have you got your app idea down on paper or in a mind map? That’s good because now it’s time to assess the competition!

It’s worth making a list of features that your new app will have. Next, compare those features to competing apps already on the market. Do they work as intended? What is it about them that people hate? You need to find the weak points of competing apps and improve upon them in yours.

By doing the above, you will develop your app’s USP or “unique selling point.”

Choosing the right platforms for your app

You might be thinking that you need to know how to become an app developer. But, what if I told you that you don’t need to have any knowledge of app programming?

Most people that have a concept hire some mobile app developers to turn their ideas into reality. They take care of the graphic elements and underlying code of the app. All you need to do is direct them, so they build you the perfect mobile software!

Source: Pixabay

Before you hire any app developers, the first thing you need to do is consider which platforms you want them on. You have a choice of using one or more of the following:

• Android (Google Play);
• iOS (App Store);
• Windows Phone (Windows Phone Store); and
• BlackBerry (BlackBerry World).

The first two platforms are the most popular, but the last two offer the least amount of competition. Bear in mind that if you want your app to work on all platforms, you’ll need to spend more money on your project.

I suggest picking either the Android or iOS platform to begin with and then seeing how you get on.

 

Branding

Having a concept and getting it turned into an app is only part of the story. You also need to think about how you are going to brand your app. Marketing is crucial to having people download your app. If you get the branding wrong, no-one will even know it exists!

Your app is no different to a new product that a business might launch. In other words, you need to think about your app from a commercial point of view. How do companies market a new product or brand? The usual ingredients to success are:

• Coming up with a catchy and memorable name;
• Marketing it online through a dedicated website and on social media; and
• Advertising it through various other mediums.

So, don’t just call your app “Dave’s Awesome Dating App.” Think about something that people will like and remember.

Good luck!