A Step By Step Guide To Mobile App Development

Mobile apps have become handy tools in our lives. From education, entertainment, shopping, and doctor consultation to food ordering, these apps have brought everything to our fingertips. 

It’s no surprise that there are over 3.1 million apps on the Play Store and 1.6 million apps on the App Store. These numbers register the rising graph of the mobile app market. 

While the number of mobile apps is incredibly huge, only a few of them are successful. 

So, what makes a mobile app successful?

Of course, the unique idea, usability, and market trend matter. But it’s the right development strategy that an app needs to captivate the market.

While you refine your app idea, here’s the winning mobile app development guide you will need.

Let’s get started!

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What is mobile app development?

Mobile app development is the process of developing software for mobile devices especially for smartphones and tablets. 

The process includes designing app UX, writing code, creating prototypes, backend development, integrating APIs, testing, and more. 

These steps are similar to traditional software development including web apps. However, there’s one difference. Mobile apps are designed with the ability to use the native features of the smartphone.  

For example, a location tracking app uses in-built mobile features like GPS for its functioning. 

There are different types of mobile app development for businesses to choose from as per their needs. These include native apps, cross-platform apps, and hybrid apps.

Further, you also have a variety of app development methodologies. These methodologies guide the developers to build quality apps that stand up to global standards and business expectations. 

We will discuss the mobile app development types and methodologies in detail later in the blog.

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Mobile app development process

Often businesses struggle during the app development phase. Sometimes it is the development team that is struggling with a technical glitch. Other times it’s the businesses who don't have a clear idea of what they want from their app.

Mobile app development is simple yet sensitive. Even a minor miscommunication between teams or change of app features & functions or an error in the code can create blunders that cost both time and money.

To save you from app development hiccups, we have decoded a step-by-step process. Of course, you will have to work on team collaboration, deciding the right tech stack and methodology, tracking the development progress, and other things. But these steps will give you a base to start and guide you along the way.

Refine your app idea

You can’t just wake up one day with an idea and start building an app on it. Your app idea should be viable and fit the market dynamics. 

While it's necessary to brainstorm ideas, it's also important to evaluate their sustainability toward your business goals, market conditions, and user preferences.

Here are some questions you need to ask yourself to get started. 

1. What will be the core function of your app?
2. How will your app benefit the users?
3. How much investment do you need to get started?
4. What features will your app have?
5. Do you want to build an app for both iOS and Android?
6. How will you build the app?
7. What is the app development cost?
8. What problems will your app solve for customers?
9. Does your app function have a market demand or opportunity?

You can use these questions to sort out the best app idea from your list. These questions will also give you a rough idea of the factors to focus on priority.

For example, hiring developers yourself or outsourcing app development will have different cost implications. Plus, the development team and budget have a major impact on the quality of the app to be built.

Another point of focus should be clearly defining the app features and customizations. Ensure to add on necessary features and not the "nice-to-have" addons that deviate from the app's primary function.

The above two points are just examples of important factors you need to consider. In the initial stages of app ideation and market research, you will come across several such factors. We recommend you make a priority list for reference.

Market Research

Once you have finalized your idea, it's time to research your market sentiment. 

You cannot afford to invest your time and money in an app only to realize that there is no market need for it. 

For example, an app to explore nearby restaurants and reserve a seat seems useless. It is because we already have food delivery apps where you can also explore dine-in options. 

Most importantly market research helps understand your target audience and competitors. With a clear knowledge of your target audience's pain points and preferences, you can build a product to impress them. Similarly, you need to analyze what your competitors are offering to come up with a differentiator factor that will captivate your audience. 

Here are a few points that you must consider during market research.

1. Who are your competitors?
2. What features and services they are offering?
3. What are their strengths and weaknesses?
4. Who are your target audience?
5. What enhances the experience of your TG?
6. What are the expectations and preferences of your TG?

Market research is the only way you can identify the gap and create strategies to capitalize on it. 

Build app UX/UI design

You may have a brilliant app idea. But if your design isn’t easy to navigate through, users will abandon your app. 

88% of online customers won’t return to an app due to bad UX. So, while you are putting efforts in all the areas of app development, don’t forget to miss out on UX design. 

A survey states that every $1 spent on UX design produces an ROI of $100. That’s a 9900% return on your investment. 

Here are a few tips for designing the app's UX/UI.

1. Start creating wireframes of how the app should look
2. Ensure your design is user-friendly and easy to navigate
3. Create a storyboard demonstrating the connection of each screen

It's always best to create a prototype before actually building the app. This will enable you to identify what your app is missing and what more you can add to enhance its functionality. From here, you can build an MVP (minimum viable product) to test your app’s design and core functions.

App Development

If you have an in-house team, you can start with team discussions and collaborations on how to progress. 

But if you don’t have one, it's best to hire a mobile app development company. They have skilled developers, programmers, and designers to help you build robust and fully functional apps. Plus, they have years of proven experience and are acquainted with standard methodologies and technologies to build apps. Their assistance simplifies your app development journey and paves the path to success. 

No matter what development approach you choose, here are a few factors to consider.

1. Do you need an app for both iOS and Android platforms?
2. Will you go for native or hybrid app development?
3. Will a native app suffice your requirements?
4. Will a hybrid or cross-platform app prove more economical for you?
5. Which app development methodology will you choose?
6. What tech stack you have decided to work with?
7. What will be the development timeline, milestones, and goals?

You must discuss these points in detail with your development team. Their suggestions will help you refine your development goals. Plus, it will set a clear roadmap for them outlining the approach they need to take and the objectives to fulfil.

App Testing And Deployment

You wouldn’t want your customers complaining about bugs in the app. That is why testing the app is of utmost priority before deployment. 

Your QA team should minutely check the app for bugs, coding errors, and other technical glitches. An effective app testing process ensures that all the potential issues are resolved before putting the app in the hands of the users.

Here’s how you can efficiently test the app for high performance:

1. Ensure that the QA team continuously tests the app throughout the development process.
2. Make sure to test the app performance on different devices

You can also release the beta version of the app for closed groups. This will allow you to test the app on real users and gather feedback for further improvement.

No app is perfect. So, our target is not to reach perfection but to offer a quality customer experience. With this in focus, try to build an app that captivates your audience. 

As for the minor glitches in the app, you can always resolve those even after deployment and release new versions.

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Types of mobile app development

Previously if you were to build an app, native development was the only option. Plus, you have to code two different versions of the app if you were to release the app on iOS and Android platforms. 

Today, tools and technologies have become more advanced. You no longer have to build different versions of the app. Now you can simply use Javascript to build cross-platform apps.

The release of a more sophisticated app development tech stack has lowered the point of entry. Therefore startups and businesses can easily build and release apps. 

This brings us to our 4 types of mobile app development.

Native app development

Native app development refers to the process of building apps from scratch for a specific platform. 

Native apps are built using platform-specific programming languages and tools, and they have the ability to use device-specific hardware and software, providing optimized performance and taking advantage of the latest technology.

Native mobile app development incurs more high cost and time to market making it less feasible for businesses to opt.

Cross-platform mobile app development

Cross-platform mobile app development is the process of writing a single code for the app which is compatible with both iOS and Android platforms.

These apps are developed using platform-agnostic technologies, enabling the sharing of some or all of the source code across platforms such as Android and iOS. This approach reduces development costs, speeds up the development process, and allows for a consistent user experience across different platforms.

Hybrid mobile app development

Hybrid and cross-platform app development may sound similar but aren’t. Similar to cross-platform apps, the same source code functions on both platforms. 

However cross-platform app development is complex and requires high levels of coding skills. In the case of hybrid app development, even developers with basic knowledge of coding can build reliable apps.

Progressive web applications (PWA)

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are a type of application software that combines the best of web and mobile apps, offering a user experience that is similar to that of platform-specific apps while being built using common web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. 

PWAs are designed to work on any device and enhance progressively, taking advantage of any features available on the user's device and browser. They can be installed on devices, operate offline and in the background, and integrate with the device and other installed apps.

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Choosing the right tech stack for mobile app development

The app development toolkit, technologies, and programming languages you use depend on your app requirements.

Here is the standard list of the latest mobile app development tech stack.

Top 5 mobile app development methodologies

Sure, here are five popular methodologies used in mobile app development:

1.Waterfall Methodology

This traditional approach follows a linear and sequential model. Each phase of development (planning, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance) is completed one after the other. It's structured and sequential, making it easy to understand and manage but less flexible for changes once a phase is completed.

2. Agile Methodology

Agile is a flexible and iterative approach that emphasizes collaboration, adaptability, and customer feedback. It breaks the project into smaller increments or iterations called sprints. Each sprint involves planning, development, testing, and review, allowing for continuous improvements and adaptations based on feedback.

3. Scrum

This is a specific framework within the Agile methodology. It divides the project into time-bound iterations called sprints, typically 2-4 weeks long. It involves daily stand-up meetings (Scrum meetings) to track progress, frequent reassessment, and adaptation, fostering teamwork and communication among development teams.

4. Lean Development

 Lean methodology focuses on minimizing waste and maximizing value. It prioritizes customer feedback and continuous improvement, aiming to deliver only what's necessary at the moment. It emphasizes rapid iterations and reduces unnecessary features to streamline the development process.

5. DevOps

DevOps isn’t solely a development methodology but rather a set of practices that combines software development (Dev) with IT operations (Ops). It emphasizes collaboration between developers and IT operations, aiming for shorter development cycles, increased deployment frequency, and more dependable releases

Each methodology has its strengths and suitability for different project types or team dynamics. Many modern approaches combine elements from various methodologies to create a hybrid or customized method tailored to a specific project's needs.

What are mobile app monetisation models?

When it comes to mobile app monetization, not every app is designed solely to make money. Your app might serve as an integral part of an IoT device, like a smart fridge or heating system, adding functionality to the product. Alternatively, it could be a booking system for a plumbing business or hair salon, improving customer convenience.

These types of apps generate returns indirectly by enhancing product quality or convenience. However, you can also utilize them to upsell by sharing information on offers, new services, and more. Even if your app isn’t a standalone business, it serves as a direct communication channel with users—a highly valuable aspect that should be maximized.

For apps intended to directly generate revenue, here are some main monetization models you can explore:

1. In-app ads: If your app is free and provides added value, users are often okay with some in-app advertising. You can join major mobile ad networks or strike direct deals with advertisers if your app gains popularity. Just be cautious not to violate Play and App Store policies—they take a fixed 30% cut of all app-generated revenues.

2. Ad-free version: Free apps using in-app ads can offer users an ad-free version for a small fee, creating a reliable revenue stream.

3. Freemium: These apps offer limited free functionality, prompting users to pay for access to the full set of features. For example, a fitness app might provide a few exercise programs for free and charge for unlocking more or additional features.

4. Data licensing: Apps can make money through data, but it requires a sizable user base. Successful apps like Waze and Foursquare have built their business models around data licensing.

5. E-commerce: E-commerce apps sell products in a manner similar to websites, offering users a more user-friendly interface to browse and buy products.

Each of these models lets you capitalize on your app's unique strengths, either by directly generating revenue or by enhancing the overall user experience.

Checklist to select the right mobile app development company

Your choice of mobile app development company can make or break your project. That is why you should weigh all the factors before finalizing a company.

So, what are the factors that you should consider while choosing a tech partner?

Of course technical expertise matters. But you need a development team that understands your visions and has the capability to transform it into a viable app. 

The company you select should have proven experience in app development. Further, the team should have knowledge of user experiences, programming languages, security protocols, UX/UI design, integrating APIs, and more.

Your tech partner should also be able to find the balance between translating your vision into tangible features and offering valuable insights to enhance its market viability.

Here is a checklist to help you find the right app development company.

1. Does the company have a rich portfolio?
2. Are the app projects in the portfolio similar to the one you require?
3. Does the company have the bandwidth to deliver your project on time?
4. Does the team have knowledge of the latest programming languages and toolkit?
5. Do developers have expertise in handling your app requirements?
6. Does the company understand the basics of UI designing, customer experience, and data security?
7. Does the company follow a standard and transparent app development process?
8. Does the company ensure two-way communication for you to monitor the progress?
9. Do they sign an NDA and contract?
10. Are they open to negotiating the terms and conditions of the contract?
11. Do they offer IP rights?
12. Are their services in your budget?
13. Do they offer a fully customized app?

This set of questions will help you evaluate and find the right app development company. 

How Ampcome can help you with mobile app development?

At Ampcome, we specialize in empowering businesses through our comprehensive mobile app development services. Our team comprises seasoned developers adept in various programming languages and frameworks, enabling us to create tailored solutions aligned with your unique vision and objectives. 

We prioritize a collaborative approach, working closely with you to understand your requirements and deliver a bespoke app that resonates with your audience. Our UX/UI designers craft intuitive interfaces to ensure a seamless user experience, while our dedicated QA engineers conduct rigorous testing to guarantee flawless functionality. 

Beyond development, our commitment extends to providing ongoing support, maintenance, and updates, ensuring your app remains at the forefront of innovation and security. With a focus on efficient project management, we ensure timely delivery and transparent communication throughout the development cycle. 

Partner with Ampcome for an exceptional mobile app journey that merges innovation, functionality, and reliability.