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Building a mobile app comes with various challenges, but they can be avoided with the proper preparation and an experienced mobile app developer by your side. Finding a way around these challenges early will spare users the frustration of an error-filled app that falls short of expectations.
If you’re planning on having a mobile app built for your business or brand — or if you’re already in the process of building it — there are several “do’s” and “don’ts” you should be aware of.
Following these tips religiously throughout the design, development, and testing process will ensure users receive a positive experience.
Here’s What You Need to Do
First, let’s take a look at some of the things you should be doing when building a mobile app:
- DO: Consider your target audience.
Every mobile app needs a target audience, otherwise you won’t understand who you’re building the app for. In order to do this, you’ll need to put yourself in the user’s shoes and figure out what they need. Remember, every successful app needs to solve a problem.
When you can prove to the users that their preferences, behavior, and desires are being considered, your app will start to attract loyal users that enjoy your app for a long time.
Don’t build the app for yourself — build it for the user.
- DO: Take UI/UX design seriously.
If you’re not implementing a solid UI/UX design strategy into your mobile app, users will notice immediately. This is one of the leading causes to a brief uninstall following a download — an app owner’s worst nightmare.
UI/UX design, also known as user interface/user experience design, is crucial to the development process. Without a quality user interface, users will have a difficult time navigating your mobile app and will become frustrated. This will lead to a negative user experience, which results in the uninstall.
High-quality visuals, easy navigation, consistency, and simplicity where it matters most will capture a solid UI/UX design strategy.
Don’t let poor UI/UX design kill your mobile app.
- DO: Plan around your budget and prepare for anything.
In many cases, your budget will limit what’s possible throughout the mobile app development process. Knowing your budget before you begin this process is essential, but you’ll also need to plan out how to use that budget.
To better organize your budget, you should detail all the features you would like to see in your app before you start anything. Speaking with a developer will give you a clearer idea of what they’ll be able to do with your budget.
In the event you have to do away with some features, pick the ones that might work better as an update later down the road. You’ll save money now, but will give your users something to look forward to in the future.
Don’t break away from your budget.
- DO: Test your app in multiple environments.
A mobile app can’t be released to users until it has passed through the strenuous testing process. Failing to take this process seriously will result in an error-filled, bug-infested, and dysfunctional app. As you might expect, this won’t fly over too well with the users.
When testing your mobile app, ensure that you do so on multiple different devices, platforms, screen sizes, and connections. You should also test it with a low battery life and ensure it functions properly when receiving notifications, calls, or messages.
Don’t neglect the testing process, plain and simple.
Here’s What You Need to Avoid
Now that we’ve discussed some of the things you need to do throughout the mobile app development process, let’s discuss some of the things you should avoid!
- DON’T: Crowd your mobile app with content.
One of the biggest mistakes made in mobile app development is trying to crowd the app with too much content. It might be tempting to want images, text, and features plastered all over the app, but it will likely confuse the user and add to the frustration.
Like we mentioned before, make a list of the features that are most important to the user’s experience. Separate those features from the ones that are viewed as “icing on the cake.” The features that are most important should be at the forefront, while the other features should be in the background.
Users want apps to be appealing, not distracting.
Want to start your own startup?
- DON’T: Make navigation complex.
Mobile users today like simplicity, convenience, and minimalist designs. The more complex and busy an app feels, the less it will get used. Remember, apps are supposed to make the user’s life easier — not harder.
Consistency will play a major role here, especially if you already have a website the users are familiar with. Try to implement some of the same designs and menus when possible. Otherwise, focus on making it as simple as possible.
Do you really want to lose users inside your own app?
- DON’T: Rush your work.
Time is valuable. While it will likely be the metric determining the total cost of your mobile app, it will also be essential to the overall success of the mobile app. When you rush your work, mistakes are made.
Many app owners will try to rush the process for the sole reason of saving money. While this is a good theory, rushing also leads to more mistakes and errors. These are errors your developer will have to fix, which will lead to a higher bill.
Do yourself a favor and take your time; the users will appreciate it.
- DON’T: Forget to market your mobile app.
I know many people move forward in the app development process thinking, “If I build it, they will come.” We hate to burst your bubble and ruin the party, but this is simply not true. Maybe back in the old days when these things were rare, but today everyone has a mobile app.
We discussed considering your target audience earlier, now it’s time to get your app in their hands. The only way this is possible is through marketing. Whether it be on social media, through the app store, word of mouth, or TV commercials, your app needs all the exposure it can get.
Do you want downloads? Then market your app!
Now that you have a better understanding of the various do’s and don’ts involved in mobile app development, you can put them to good use within your own project.
If you’re ready to get started with your project, contact us because we want to help! We’ll give you a free consultation and give you a breakdown of what the process is like.
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