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Apps today are the ultimate way of connecting with like-minded individuals. Whether it’s for business purposes or to display a hobby of yours, apps offer the perfect blend of digital technology, connectivity, accessibility, and scalability.
As necessary as apps are for any business or entrepreneur, the process to build an app easily is easier said than done. Most people don’t understand how apps work, don’t have the necessary tools, don’t know how to code, and don’t know how to develop an app from scratch.
The good news is you don’t need to know any of that. That’s what app developers – like CodeBright – are for. We do all the difficult things, allowing you to focus your efforts on building the best app for your customers, fans, or followers.
So, how do you build an app easily?
While you aren’t doing any of the ‘heavy lifting’ when developing an app, you’re just as important to the process as the developer. You’re involved in every step of the development process, but don’t worry; the process is extremely simple and doesn’t take you away from your everyday routine.
To make the process even easier, let’s discuss each step of the process in more detail – including the research stage, design stage, development stage, testing stage, the app’s release, and maintaining the app.
Step 1: Research, Plan, & Prepare
Most people know the saying, “There’s an app for that.” It’s one of the most popular sayings today, and it’s funny because it’s true. The app stores today are filled with the same apps built by a different group of people.
To avoid building an app that already exists, proper market research is needed prior to developing an app. This is your opportunity to make your app unique – in other words, make it better. Trust us; users are sick of seeing the same thing over and over again, so give them something different!
Of course, this is also when you go through the hiring process and find the right developer best-suited for your project. Keep in mind; the right developer makes the rest of the process easy for you. The wrong developer, however, makes it an uphill battle every time.
Step 2: Design & Visualize the App
The research is done, the developer is hired, and you’ve started to build a working relationship with their team. The next step in the process is designing and visualizing the app. This is an exciting step in the process because it’s the first look you get at your new app.
Three useful design elements utilized throughout this step are wireframes, mockups, and workflow diagrams. Each one is just as important as the next.
Wireframes are basic blueprints of the app’s flow and structure. They focus less on the imaging, colors, and typography included in the app. On the other hand, mockups add the visual element and provide a more realistic representation of the end product.
Since it’s easier to change a wireframe or mockup, these design elements are easy to minimize mistakes during development. Workflow diagrams also minimize mistakes by keeping everyone on-task at all-times.
Step 3: Develop & Build an App
The design stage is exciting because you get your first look at the app, but you still haven’t experienced your own, “It’s alive!” moment – like in the 1931 film Frankenstein. In this step, that moment presents itself in a major way.
Your developers are hard at work during this step, and you aren’t asked to do a whole lot. The most important thing is maintaining constant communication with the developers; that way, you receive consistent updates on any progress.
It’s also an opportunity to notify them of any changes or new ideas you have to make the app better. Before you know it, your developers have a brand new app to show you.
Step 4: Testing the App Before Release
Your app has come a long way since the birth of your idea. As much as it looks ready to release and as much as you can’t wait to release it, the app is never truly ready until it passes the rigorous testing process. You simply can’t skip this step in the process.
The only way the testing process works is if you control the different testing environments the app is exposed to. Test it on different devices, different screen sizes, different battery levels, while receiving notifications, and even different internet/mobile connections.
Testing the app before releasing the app avoids any costly mistakes that generally result in the user uninstalling the app upon downloading it. It’s just one step in the process, but it provides a positive experience for the user.
Step 5: Release & Market the App
Congratulations, you’re now the owner of an app! How easy was that?! As big of an accomplishment as this is for you and your idea, it’s not the end of the road. In fact, the road is only beginning, but so is the excitement!
Releasing the app for the first time is exciting because it’s the first look users get at the app. At this point, you know the app like the back of your hand, but your users don’t – yet!
A successful app needs a steady release strategy and a sustainable marketing strategy. This ensures users are exposed to the app, and downloads are constantly streaming in. Properly monetizing the app allows you the opportunity to turn a profit with the app.
Step 6: Maintaining the App
Much like anything else in this world, apps struggle against Father Time and often face issues following the release of the app. Bugs, errors, fixes, and changes are inevitable with an app, but the right developer stays with you long-term to reinforce the app through these struggles.
Maintaining the app also involves monitoring customer reviews and feedback. Taking these suggestions into consideration while updating the app frequently is the best way to satisfy and build loyalty with users, both short-term and long-term.
Of course, this is where your strong relationship with the development team is needed. The more developers you introduce to the project, the more confusing it is when making changes and releasing updates. Keep in mind every new app owner needs to learn how the app is structured, which takes time.
If you’re looking for a proven, experienced, and quality team of app developers that know the industry well, CodeBright is proud to extend our services to you and your business. As always, we provide free estimates on any project to ensure we’re the right fit before signing anything.
Feel free to contact us today to learn more. Your new app awaits!
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