Last updated on October 16th, 2024
This simple 7-step guide will help you build a mobile app for iOS, Android, or a PWA from the beginning, in an easy-to-use way.
To build a mobile app, you need a realistic project, time, skills and knowledge, and valid reasons. Here are five reasons that can persuade you to create an app:
- Enhance your brand visibility and reputation.
- Create interactions customized to your business needs.
- Provide specific ad-hoc features to your customers.
- Leverage the widespread use of smartphones
- Enhance speed and quality of user interactions.
Want to create an app? Whether it’s to support your website, reach new customers, or share a great idea, this blog is for you. We will cover every step of building an app from scratch. You will learn how to develop your idea, publish it in app stores, and maintain it further. This simple guide is perfect for beginners looking to launch their first app.
How To Develop An App For Mobile Devices?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your business app:
Write your app idea on paper
According to Statista, over 257 billion apps were downloaded in 2023, and the number is expected to reach around 400 billion by 2027. This indicates a rising demand for mobile apps, making the market extremely competitive. This makes it even more crucial that you have a genuine app idea and concept to work on.
So, the first step in creating a mobile app for your business is to understand what your app aims to deliver:
Define your app goals
Research your market well and set a goal for your app. To achieve this, the below-given questions might help:
- Who is your target audience? Remember, your app should be designed specifically to add value to your target audience.
- What are the most desirable features that will keep your users engaged?
- Determine if other apps in the market have the same concept.
- Who are your competitors? Check their reviews and seek inspiration for your app design.
- Will you capitalize on your app? If yes, what will be the strategy?
Plan Your App Design
Designing an app or creating a mockup is pivotal to creating an engaging user experience for your users. Studies on website reading habits show that users decide to stay or leave in just 50 milliseconds. If they stay, they need 1/10th of a second to decide if they will read the entire content.
The primary reasons that determine this decision include visual complexity and prototypicality. Basically, it is the complexity and the relevance of a design for a specific category of websites. In short, if you want to have a successful app design, focus on simplicity. Keep your app design simple and clear, and not overloaded. Ensure a fluid experience for users. This will lead to a great user experience.
Simultaneously, avoid unusual layouts. Choose a familiar look and feel. Stick to designs typical of mobile apps in that category.
When it comes to app design, it combines User interface/UI (graphic elements such as icons, colors, background, fonts, logos, and illustrations) and User experience/UX (speed loading, navigation, functionalities, responsiveness, number of clicks, waiting and response times and any interaction options) to offer the best mobile user experience regardless of the conditions or situations.
Also Read: How to Create a Stock App
Creating Wireframes
This helps you focus on the essential interface elements before adding design styles. Starting with an MVP development (Minimum Viable Product) makes it easier to place key components and ensure user accessibility. Wireframes also allow for quick changes, making improvements and adjustments faster than with a final mockup.
User Interface Design (UI)
It is a vital aspect of an app’s success. It encompasses the look and feel of the app. Mobile UI includes touchscreen elements that shape user interactions, such as icons, navigation menus, and shortcuts. Feedback features such as lights, sounds, and text also play a role. Colors and fonts matter too. A simple, consistent UI enhances the user experience throughout the app.
User Experience (UX)
This relates to the user perception of your app – the overall quality of their journey with your app. Key factors include the loading times, content length, and the app structure. All these elements affect how the user perceives your brand. Remember, they interact with your app on small screens. Apple recommends that touch targets be about 44 pixels square for optimal usability.
3-Click Rule
A successful app must be easy for users to use. Design it in a way so that users don’t have to struggle to figure it out and can have fun effortlessly. When an app is hard to understand, user interactions and engagement drops.
One great solution is to use the 3-click rule as a guide. This rule suggests users should find any information within 3 clicks. Do not follow it strictly, but keep in mind that you should design a smooth navigating experience.
Create a native app or a PWA, depending on your needs.
There are several approaches to mobile app development. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. However, the two most widely used mobile development approaches that solve our purpose are Native and PWA.
Let’s get into the details of each.
Native App Development
- This approach helps build “native” apps for a specific type of device or operating system. These apps can utilize the hardware and software resources of the operating system for which they are built. Hence, they offer better performance. There are primarily two types of operating systems: Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS.
- Native technologies lead mobile app development. They offer reliable, high-performance products that can access many native APIs and features on tablets or smartphones. Creating an app with native coding means developing separate versions for each operating system. This approach helps deliver a refined interface for different devices.
- In the last decade, the Apple App Store has expanded from just 500 to about 2 million iOS apps. On the other hand, the Android Store has nearly 2.4 million apps currently running.
- Native apps generate over 80% of the total mobile traffic.
Progressive Mobile Apps (PWA)
- PWA utilizes web features to give users a native app-like experience. Unlike native apps, PWAs are a hybrid of native and regular web pages.
- The term “progressive” means these apps start as a regular website page but gradually add new features. And over time, i.e., progressively, they function more like cross-platform apps.
- PWAs are the perfect blend of native and web technologies. They look and feel like native apps (for example, they can be installed on the device’s Home Screen). However, unlike native apps, PWAs don’t require the tedious process of store publication.
- These apps don’t need to be downloaded for use and adapt to mobile, tablet, and desktop environments.
- PWAs also work offline because of the “Service Workers”.
- PWAs leverage SEO to get indexed on search engines.
- 67% of web traffic comes from mobile devices. PWAs ensure a mobile presence adapted to all devices.
Here are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing a mobile app technology:
- A PWA attracts 3X times more visitors than a native app. However, the features it offers can vary based on the browser in use.
- Native apps provide complete access to geolocation features, such as beacon and geolocation technology. However, the publishing process can lead to additional costs and requires compliance with third-party regulations.
Develop your app by choosing the most appropriate method that fits your business.
Now that you have chosen the type of app that best suits your needs, it’s time to decide on how to build your own app.
Mobile app development is the process of building software applications that run on smartphones and tablets. App development allows you to align your idea with device capabilities, but it demands a lot of skills and expertise. It’s also time-consuming and can be quite costly.
On the contrary, an App Builder is a more cost-effective option for creating apps. It doesn’t require any coding expertise.
Moving ahead, we will discuss in detail both methods and suggest some tips to help you choose the right one for your business.
There are three main methods of mobile app development:
DIY (Do-it-yourself) App Development
Building an app yourself is a great option if you are looking for how to make an app for free. However, this approach demands a good amount of time and technical skills. Native mobile apps are tailored for each operating system, so you’ll need to know different programming languages. For iOS, you should learn Objective-C or Swift. For Android, learning Java or Kotlin is significant.
But if you already have the required skills, this approach can greatly enhance your app development project. You can create a successful app while saving a lot of money. Otherwise, you should start by learning to code for apps. A great way to do this is by using a coding app. It can teach you the basics and boost your confidence in your coding skills.
Hire A Dedicated Developer (Freelancer) Or An Agency
The market is swamped with plenty of freelance developers or mobile app development agencies. Hence, you can find one easily. However, the factors to find the right mobile app development partner are expertise and cost.
In fact, hiring a developer for app development is often the most expensive choice. Yet, if you have the budget, it allows you to create exactly what you envision without compromises. You can always discuss your requirements with the agency to get the best quote that fits your budget.
Use An App Builder
An app builder works like a website builder, such as WordPress, which lets you edit your site without coding. It’s a No-Code app development platform that enables users to create mobile apps effortlessly. You can design and customize your app and then distribute it through various App Stores.
Most app builders provide a ‘drag and drop’ editor that allows users to simply place the design elements wherever they want. The editor also allows them to preview their app in real-time to keep a tab on their progress.
Using an app builder is an ideal choice to create an app while saving time and money without quality compromises.
However, it’s important to note that not every project can be accomplished using an app builder. If your requirements are specific and complex, you may indeed need to consider a customized solution.
Make an app using an app builder (no-code alternative).
It is quite obvious that the app development process can vary based on your chosen development method. To achieve our app development goals, let’s assume that you chose the no-code platform. Here’s how you can start:
Design
This step involves many options. You need to decide on the app’s global color theme, navigation mode, header style, and icons for stores, and user home screens. Do not forget the splash screen and feature icons!
Your app builder will offer a number of design templates you can choose from that best align with your brand style. Consider the same rule when creating design elements for your app. Consider your logo, fonts, colors, and icons to maintain a cohesive look.
The Homepage of your app is the main attraction and the first thing users see. Invest time in its design. Highlight key features and ensure smooth navigation to different sections. Make it welcoming and user-friendly to create a lasting impression. Most app builder platforms allow you to immediately view the look and feel of your app.
As a leading mobile app development company, we recommend keeping a simple structure to allow users to easily navigate for an optimized user experience.
Content
Another important aspect of your app is the content you put on it. It comprises anything and everything that you want to convey about your business – products or services. Your app builder will have separate sections (in most cases) to add different content types – blogs, videos, photos, forms, maps, etc.
If you have content available, consider integrating options like RSS Feed, a live stream, or a social media account to bring it into your app.
Add-Ons
You can also consider adding Add-ons to add value to your app depending on your business needs. For instance, if you are creating a shopping app, you can incorporate add-ons, such as the Loyalty Card and Coupons. These will allow you to keep your customers engaged and coming back. Similarly, with Push Notifications, you can inform your customers regarding new products, offers, upcoming events, etc.
Custom Plug-ins
Personalization can make your app unique and memorable. To achieve this, you can consider adding features and design elements to your app that aren’t included by default. For this, your app builder would have a catalog for custom plug-ins.
Test your app on Android and iOS devices.
Once you have put together the concept, design, and technology for your app, you will have a version that’s almost ready for launch. But before you publish your app for the users, it’s important to conduct thorough testing.
Make sure to evaluate every version of the app you intend to release, including native iOS, native Android, and PWA. Test across various browsers and operating systems to ensure everything works smoothly.
A great tip here is to hire software Testers or QAs (Quality Analysts) who can help you bring a fresh perspective that you may have missed or overlooked. A reliable tester can help you with:
- Maintaining app speed
- Ensuring no crashes when performing any action
- Ensuring all functionality/interaction responds to the task it’s supposed to accomplish
- Optimizing performance in poor connectivity
- Ensuring responsiveness – design correctly adapted to all screens
- Ensuring the app name/store description is self-explanatory
- Ensuring an intuitive and efficient navigation
- Ensuring no aspects of the app are “hidden”.
Tip: If you are developing a Native app, you can use the tool, TestFlight offered by Apple. It lets you test your app before it is launched on the App Store. This helps identify bugs and collect feedback from users.
Submit and publish your app in the stores
As you proceed further in your app development process, it’s time to launch your app. We recommend publishing your app on as many platforms as possible to attract a wider audience.
However, the process of app publishing is quite complex and challenging. It starts with registering as a developer, making this step slightly overwhelming.
Developer’s Account
The first requirement is to create mandatory developer accounts for both iOS and Android platforms. To create a developer account for Apple devices, you will need to subscribe to the Developer Program for the App Store. This membership will cost you $99 annually.
It is important to note that Apple requires that the content owner in the app matches the owner of the developer account. This means if you have multiple iOS apps, each app needs a unique developer account.
For Android devices, you must own a Google account and become a Google Play Developer. For this, you will need to pay a one-time fee of $25.
Apple’s App Store
Submitting an app to the App Store can be complex and needs careful preparation. Apple enforces strict guidelines and high standards to ensure a safe environment, providing users with only top-quality apps.
- App Store Review: Apple reviews each app thoroughly before approving it for publishing. It requires app developers to provide a collection of information (Icon, app preview/ screenshots) and metadata (the name of your app, its category, a detailed description, and additional keywords for ASO) before submitting your app for review. While doing so, don’t underestimate the significance of metadata, particularly the app description.
- App Store Publication: Apple will take a few days to review your app. You will be notified via email about your app being published and available for public use. In case of rejection, you can contact the Resolution Center for more information and fix the issue if possible.
Google Play Store
Android provides various ways to distribute mobile applications. However, with over 1 billion active users, Google Play Store is the first choice for Android apps. So, publishing your app on the Google Play Store can be profitable.
- Store listing and mandatory info: After creating your app in the Google Play Console, you’ll need to input important information for its Google Play listing. This includes mandatory details like the title, short and full descriptions, category, graphic assets (images and screenshots), contact information, and privacy details. Select your keywords wisely, as they are crucial for optimizing your app’s ranking in the Store.
- APK file and releasing app: After your app is listed on the Store, you should upload your APK file. The Android Package Kit or APK file comprises your app elements. Once done, follow the guide on the Google Console to deploy and publish your app.
If your app gets approved, it will be released in a few hours. However, Google has recently stated that reviews may take longer for developers who haven’t published before. Hence, make sure to follow all guidelines, as Google can remove your app later if you don’t comply.
Progressive Web App
Publishing a PWA (progressive web app) is comparatively a lot simpler than their counterparts. You just need to manage the app hosting on a web server and link a domain to it. This process is easy and quick and allows you to spend more time optimizing your app for SEO to make it more visible and accessible.
A good idea is to buy and set up your own domain name. This will help your business build a stronger brand footprint.
It’s always a good idea to hold back some features to launch them later. It gives you ample time to further develop your app and launch an updated version later on.
Read More: Crafting a Stock Trading App: An Ultimate Guide
Improve and update your app regularly
Your work to own a successful mobile app doesn’t end at launching and publishing the app. Regularly monitoring and updating it is equally important to ensure it sustains the evolving market competition.
- Keep track of user feedback and the KPIs (key performance indicators) of your app. Use the analytics tools provided by the App Store and Google Play.
- Make sure to release new content and features regularly as it is the most important way to keep users engaged. Do not forget to upgrade the existing features as well.
- Ensure your users know about new releases by integrating them into your marketing strategy. Use push notifications to alert them or highlight new features on your app’s home screen.
- While you can update your app any number of times, you may be required to submit a new version of the app in case of larger modifications. On the contrary, you can update your PWA infinitely without any resubmission.
- Whatever the case may be, you should always introduce something new when you have the chance!
How to create an app on your own?
Programming languages to develop an app
If you want to learn more about mobile development, the sections below discuss the most used programming languages for app building and the skills required for app coding.
The choice of programming languages and frameworks depends on the type of app you are developing: hybrid, native, or web app.
Build A Native App
iOS apps are distributed on the Apple Store. Android apps are available on the Google Play Store.
How to create an iOS app for iPhone?
The most common programming language for creating iOS apps used to be Objective-C. It is a subset of C with added objects. While functional and popular, Objective-C is old and can be complicated for beginners. To address this, Apple developed Swift, a universal programming language for all its systems and devices.
Swift is a powerful and easy-to-learn programming language, comparable to Objective-C. Many mobile apps now use Swift because it allows for quick development of various types of apps and offers better performance than Objective-C.
Development environment for iOS
For Android, there are many environments to program and design apps. However, for iOS, most tools need XCode, Apple’s Compiler, available on macOS.
This means two major drawbacks for iOS development – first, you must have a Mac to compile apps; second, to publish on the App Store, you must pay 99 euros per year. If you stop paying, your developer account gets blocked.
How to create an Android app?
Many programming languages are available for building Android apps, all supported by Google. These languages offer flexibility and a variety of tools for developers.
Java, the most popular
Java is one of the most popular programming languages, especially for mobile app development. Its seamless integration with Google’s development environment and compatibility with the widely used Eclipse IDE contribute to its popularity. Java’s straightforward syntax and extensive framework simplify coding. Moreover, Java reduces the mobile processor’s workload, allowing apps to launch faster since the binary code is generated just once instead of every time it runs.
Kotlin
Kotlin works well with Java, allowing you to easily integrate Java code into Kotlin projects. Its popularity is on the rise, but you’ll find fewer code examples and references compared to Java.
C and C++ are possible with some patches
C++ is ideal for developers looking to work closely with hardware and minimize dependence on Google’s built-in features. While it is supported by Android Studio, it requires integrating external components for full functionality.
C ++ is mainly used only for specific functionality. However, for this, you need the greatest possible control. It would take too long to do all the development in C ++ with not much benefit.
C# in Xamarin
For developing mobile apps in C# with Visual Studio, the Xamarin framework provides all the prerequisites. The integration of various Xamarin libraries makes programming similar to that in Java, where they imitate the interfaces for Android Infrastructure.
All three programming languages, Java, Kotlin, and C #, are best for efficient Android app development.
Create a PWA (Progressive Web App)
Made with a specific framework that accommodates both iOS and Android operating systems, a PWA is accessed on browsers. For this, it uses “service workers” for smartphones. To access a web app, you don’t have to visit the app store and download it. Instead, you can access it via its URL.
One of the best things about Web Apps is that they are the simplest to develop. In fact, they are coded like a website. They are also lightweight and can be easily updated. However, PWAs have some limitations when it comes to accessing mobile device features. They also require an internet connection to function, meaning they won’t open offline.
In contrast, using a native programming language like Java allows you to leverage the full capabilities of the device hardware. This approach lets you create apps that can operate independently of an internet connection.
JavaScript serves as a bridge between web languages and Java. It enables developers to create more complex applications while simplifying access to hardware. This makes it a great choice for building sophisticated apps without the added complexity of Java.
App Creation Guide: Common Questions & Their Answers
How to create an app for free?
To create an app for free, use online app builders. These platforms offer simple drag-and-drop tools and attractive templates, requiring no coding skills. All you need to do is sign up, choose a template, customize it, and publish your app.
How much does it cost to make an app?
The app development cost depends on many factors, including:
- The development technology (Native, web app, cross-platform, etc).
- Design requirements
- Features involved
- App complexity
- Development team’s expertise and location.
Let’s get in-depth on the topic.
- Time: the cost may increase depending on the timeframe. If you need the app for a short duration and the developer has to work overtime, the cost tends to increase. However, if you have a flexible schedule, the price will be lower.
- Functionalities: the functionalities you want in your app also decide the cost of development. For example, logging in with email and password demands a different functionality than logging through social networks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc). Similarly, a messaging function’s price varies based on whether you want real-time chat, multimedia content sharing, or simple messaging.
- Quality: the more details your mobile app needs, the more work it takes to develop. Everything can be customized to your liking, but the cost will increase.
- Deployment cost: If your app targets the B2C market, ensure users can find and are aware of your app. This typically needs initial marketing investment to attract attention. Using ASO techniques helps position your app well in stores. Though not directly related to development, this impacts the final price.
- Additional costs: Did you know there’s a fee to submit and publish an app on App stores? For the Google Play Store, it’s a one-time cost, and for Apple’s App Store, you pay yearly.
- Maintenance: Mobile technologies are always changing. New devices with different screen sizes, peripherals, and features are constantly being released. To keep your app relevant, ensure it is regularly updated and issues are timely fixed.
How long does it take to build an app?
Generally, it takes an average of 18 weeks to develop a mobile app. However, this time can vary based on the app complexity. More complex designs and functions will take longer.
Keep in mind that app development agencies often juggle multiple projects simultaneously. Despite this, they can usually provide an estimated timeline at the start of the project.
Here’s an overview of the mobile app development process and its associated timeframes:
- Planning: 2-3 weeks
- Design: 3-4 weeks
- Development: 8-10 weeks
- Testing: 2-3 weeks
- Deployment: 1-2 weeks
If you are creating your app using an app builder, you can build it in a few minutes.
Can I create an app by myself?
Yes, you can. For this, you will need to begin by learning coding languages for mobile apps. If you lack coding skills or time to learn, consider using an app builder. This option is more affordable and user-friendly.
Is it easy to make an app?
Certainly not! Mobile app development is a time-consuming, complex, and often expensive process. You need to have adequate knowledge and technical skills to create an app. However, if you opt to use a no-code tool, like an app builder, the process can be simplified.
How much does it cost to publish an app on the app stores?
The App Stores charge a fee for the submission and publication of apps. It is required to open a Google Publisher Account in order to publish your software on the Play Store; this is a one-time $25 fee, but it is an annual fee in the Apple App Store.
To become an Apple Developer, you must register. This account costs $99 and has to be renewed annually.
How do you make money creating an app?
There are several ways you can monetize your app, including:
- Free app with in-app purchases
Typically, downloading the app is typically free for users, especially for Android apps. The provider earns revenue through in-app purchases, such as upgrading to a premium version (freemium model) or buying items within the app. Other options include paying for services like parking or ticketing through the app.
- Free app with in-app advertising
Many people know they can earn money from free apps by using ads, like banners, videos, or popups. Advertisers pay for these spots, often through a pay-per-click system. However, this approach can hurt the user experience. When ads are overused, they can frustrate users and drive them away. Balancing revenue and user satisfaction is crucial for long-term success.
- Freemium App
A freemium app is a free app that users can upgrade for a fee. It offers endless possibilities. Here are a couple of examples:
Two versions of the same app: You have a free version with ads, slower speed, limited features, and one language. The paid version removes ads, improves performance, unlocks all features, and allows for language customization. Users can also purchase in-app items.
Additional accounts when downloading the premium version: the free version may allow only one account. If users need more accounts, they must upgrade to the paid version.
- Free trials
Users can download apps without paying any fee and use them for a few weeks or a month. Once the trial period is over, users have to buy a plan to continue using the app.
Read our comprehensive blog to learn more about app monetization strategies.
What kind of apps are most popular?
Mobile applications for on-demand services are quite popular right now. They quickly connect consumers and vendors with the services they require. Video streaming, groceries, food delivery, logistics, retail shopping, medical care, salon and beauty services, and taxi services are among the top categories.
Conclusion
Building an app involves a lot of considerations and is a time-consuming and complex process. Once you’ve made the decision to proceed, begin by designing your app. Make important decisions that align with your goal.
Remember how important your app is. It can promote company expansion and increase brand recognition. Throughout the phases of design and development, let this goal serve as a guide.
Next, assess your company’s requirements and budget. Accordingly, choose between using an app builder, hiring a development company, or building the app yourself. Each one of these has its own benefits and drawbacks. Evaluate them thoroughly to make an informed decision that best suits your app development goals.
Keep in mind that developing a mobile app involves both technical skills and expertise and marketing experience. The iTechnolabs team can assist you in transforming your concepts into a profitable app for your interests or company. As the top mobile app development company, we help businesses develop their apps for Android, iOS, and web platforms. By understanding your business and app development goals, we can help you turn your idea or vision into a profitable app at competitive pricing.
To discuss your app idea or to get a free consultation along with a detailed quote, get in touch with us.
