Before you have an app developed

When you have a mobile application developed, nothing is as important as good preparation. That's why we're already helping you get started with some tips, points of attention, and principles. In this article, we explain how to ensure a good start towards success.

Are there already apps that solve similar problems? Take a close look at them and consider not only what's missing, but also what they do well. Even apps with a very different application can provide you with insight into what best practices are for solving general problems. There's rarely a reason to reinvent the wheel.

Think about what the ultimate version of your app should be able to do; what major problem are you solving for your users? By making this value proposition clear, your revenue model is established. Clarifying your business plan helps to gain insight into which functionalities ultimately need to be built for your mobile app.

Create a roadmap with a consideration of the most essential functionalities needed to use the app. Consider what the minimum functionality is that allows you to enter the market. When you want to limit costs and risks, and keep the time-to-market as short as possible, the art of omission is crucial.

Dare to experiment, learn from it, and if necessary, change course. There are countless examples of apps that have failed and risen successfully again by making mistakes quickly and learning from them as soon as possible. In every setback, there lies a phoenix.

• Twitter used to be called Odeo and served as a platform where you could share and follow podcasts. After the release of Apple’s iTunes, they saw no possibility of remaining relevant and turned to the idea of a microblogging service, and thus Twitter was born.
• Instagram started as a ‘location check-in’ app called Burbn, but failed because they simply had too many features. Later, they trimmed all the excess fat from the app and relaunched as the app we now know as Instagram.
• Groupon previously went by the name ‘The Point’ and started as an activist platform where users could collectively join to draw attention to a social media campaign. Eventually, they kept the revenue model but shifted the focus to local deals instead of social media.

Companies that dare to change course when necessary have a better chance of success! When it comes to app development, it really is no different, whether or not it is your core business.

Do not build everything the user says they want. Stay 'lean' and build what the user needs in a great mobile experience. A mobile app for everyone is an app for no one. Focus on the needs of your key mobile customers, not on all requests that are 'nice to haves'.

The development of mobile apps is not a one-time effort: after the initial release of your mobile app, the adventure has just begun! Both Android and iOS release a new version each year, often with significant changes. Trends change rapidly, software must be maintained to stay ahead of the competition. Include in your roadmap that you will need to release updates regularly and reserve development time for this. An actively maintained app shows that you are actively engaged in quality and improving the user experience, which leads to higher user reviews. This, in turn, positively contributes to the ranking in the app stores.

If you're stuck or looking for a reliable digital partner with experience in the world of mobile Apps? For the design and development of Apple iOS and Android apps, you've come to the right place! We have extensive experience with a wide variety of cases for mobile apps. We would be happy to discuss the possibilities with you. Email us at info@sping.nl or call 088 774 6400.