We already know that mobile applications can solidify and expand your brand. A lot of businesses are taking advantage of the mobile revolution to get closer to potential customers. By having a mobile app available, your business can be within reach of potential customers at all times.
Before you can enjoy the benefits of having a mobile app, however, you need to first go through the development phases successfully. Planning is the most critical part of the process, especially if you want to keep the project within budget and on target. These next several tips we are going to cover in this article will help you get started with planning a mobile app development.
Start with Goals and Target Users
The two most important things you need to figure out when planning a mobile app development project are the goals you want to achieve and the target users you’re trying to reach. According to Maryville University and its masters in software development department, planning is 50% of the process. Students who are pursuing the online MSSD degree are taught to plan the project down to the last detail to increase chances of success from the start.
Determining your goals is relatively easy. You simply have to define whether the app is there to connect with users, to offer access to your products and services, or to achieve other promotional purposes. Defining the target users, on the other hand, requires a bit more research. You need to know the potential customers you want to reach as well as their mobile habits to have a clearer picture of which user segment to target.
A Problem to Solve
The best, most successful apps on the market are apps that solve problems for their users. Even when the app you want to develop is specifically for ordering your products, you still need to develop it in a way that solves an existing problem.
By allowing users to order your products in one tap instead of several clicks, for instance, you are adding value to the app. It is even better if you can solve multiple problems. Adding a content section filled with tutorials or enabling customer support through the app are ideas you can integrate to increase the value of your mobile app even further.
Planning for Competition
The last tip to keep in mind when developing a mobile app is to make sure you are aware of your competition. There are millions of apps on Google Play Store and iTunes App Store. The big question to ask yourself – and the development team – is how can my mobile app stand out from the crowd?
We’re back to adding value to the app in this case. The more valuable your app is in the eyes of users, the more users will choose to install the app. Don’t hesitate to go into details and add features that take user experience to the next level when planning the development project. Start the project once you know you have a solid app that caters to the needs and preferences of its target users.
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