An increasing number of individuals are launching mobile apps. Many have no previous experience in designing and building apps. However, if you think you have a good idea, there is no reason not to give it a go.
Before you get started, it is best to explore what you need to know about launching a mobile app. There is more to launching an app than meets the eye. It is not very different from starting a new business.
A 10-Step Guide to Launching A Mobile App
1 Gap Analysis and Market Research
Apps need commercial value to succeed. That means you are looking for users who want to pay for your app or companies that want to place adverts.
Creating an app and not making any money is pointless.
This is where market research and gap analysis come in.
The first thing you need to do is look into the market in which you plan to launch your app and see if it targets the needs of potential users. Is there a similar app already? What will make your app stand out?
Once you have identified the apps available in your niche, you must explore their strengths and weaknesses. How can you make your app different? When you know more about the competition, you need to decide if there is a space for your app in the niche you are targeting. Why should someone download your app instead of an already existing app?
2 Target Audience
For example, you must understand your target audience when you launch a business.
What are your users’ preferences? Where do they come from? What are their behaviours? Would they use your app?
You also want to ask yourself if your app appeals to a wide age demographic. You are more likely to succeed when your app has a broader appeal. Can you tweak the app to make it more appealing to a larger target audience?
Take your time to understand potential users and their pain points.
Why are we talking about pain points? Because they are essential. Often, we use an app because it solves our problems.
3 Select A Platform
Selecting a platform is essential. What platform is the best for your app?
As you know, you can choose between Android and iOS. Ideally, your app should work well on both platforms. This is often called a cross-platform framework.
4 Budget and Rescources
Launching an app is not free. Can you start a business for free?
When you start a business, you must make an initial investment. The same goes for launching an app.
Before you start making money, and app revenue, you need to invest in your app.
Set yourself a budget and factor in the costs. Associated costs are development, marketing and maintenance.
5 Features and Priorities
Start listing the priorities of your app.
For instance, if you are launching an exercise app, you may want to start with one target market. If you like yoga, start by offering yoga lessons.
Once you have mastered one task, you can move on to the next. Prioritise your features based on what is popular with users and your business goals.
An excellent example of a business goal is ensuring you can monetise the app immediately.
6 User Experience
We expect a lot from apps, so you need to ensure that you can deliver the best user experience.
If you haven’t created an app before, this is perhaps where you should get the professionals involved. They can help you create frameworks and layouts to test drive the app before launch.
There are a couple of must-haves when it comes to layout. The app needs to be easy to navigate for targeted users. It should also support clear interfaces and easy-to-use interactions.
7 App Monetisation Strategy
We have mentioned this briefly, but let’s delve into it a little bit deeper.
To monetise your app, you need to align with users’ expectations. It does not matter whether you use a subscription, ad, or purchase model.
Many app developers don’t think about their monetisation strategy until too late. It almost becomes an afterthought.
Monetisation should never be something you do at the last minute – it should be a priority.
8 Privacy and Security
Privacy and security are two other significant factors you must consider.
You need to ensure that your app meets industry standards for it to be accepted by major platforms, including Google Play Store.
This means you need a robust security system and must comply with privacy regulations such as the CCPA and GDPR.
9 Test, Test and Test Again
Nothing is more frustrating than an app that does not deliver or work as it should.
If this happens, the result is terrible reviews. This could mean your app never gets off the ground.
Make sure you test and fix any bugs before you launch.
10 Marketing and Launch Plan
Do you know you need to submit your app to popular platforms such as Google and Apple before you can get started?
An app submission does not happen overnight. The more time you take over your submission, the more likely your new app will be featured and accepted.
Launching your app in the Play Store or the Apple Store is insufficient. Consider what significant companies do when launching an app or product.
They have a marketing plan to reach the right target audience, and that should be on your list of priorities.
Final Thoughts
Have you finished reading? If you go back through the list, you will realize that launching an app is not very different from launching a business.
The more thought and consideration you give before you launch, the faster you see a return on your investment—just like with a business!
