The Impact of Mobile Apps on Business Success in 2023: Ways to Develop Your App

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Mobile applications have become a powerful force in the quickly changing world of technology, revolutionizing how companies conduct business and engage with their clients. Statistics say there are 8.93 million mobile apps today, and the biggest app stores, such as the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, have 3.553 million and 1.642 million apps. This post will explore the factors that will make developing a mobile app for your company essential in 2023. We’ll provide you with the information you need to fully realize the possibilities of this digital frontier, from comprehending the costs and how to create an app for your business to investigating marketing methods.

Why you should create an app for your business

Creating an app for your business can offer a wide range of advantages, allowing you to engage with your customers on a deeper level and provide them with a seamless and tailored experience. With the ever-increasing number of smartphone users, having an app for your business has become more of a necessity than a luxury. And this is why:

• Increased customer engagement: a well-designed app offers a customized and direct line of connection with your customers, strengthening bonds and promoting brand loyalty.

• Greater accessibility: mobile applications allow people to access your goods and services whenever and wherever they want, broadening your audience and clientele.

• Better user experience: create an app with easy navigation and functioning, giving your consumers a seamless and enjoyable experience.

• Competitive advantage: developing an app for your business sets you apart from competitors who may not have embraced mobile technology yet. It showcases your commitment to innovation and staying ahead of the curve.

• Data insights: mobile applications offer priceless data and analytics that help you better understand client preferences and behavior. This information may then be used to make decisions.

Creating an app for your business is no longer just an option but a strategic move that can enhance your customer experience and give you a competitive edge.

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The advantages of professional app development

Developing a successful app requires more than just a great idea. It requires the expertise and skills of professional app developers. There are several benefits to choosing professional app development, including:

• Expertise: professional app developers have the knowledge and expertise to create high-quality, functional, and user-friendly apps. They are skilled in various programming languages, frameworks, and tools necessary for development.

• Customization: professional app developers can tailor the app to meet specific business requirements. They can understand your unique needs and develop a customized solution that aligns with your brand identity and business goals.

• User experience: professional app developers focus on creating a seamless and intuitive user experience. They understand the importance of user interface design, navigation, and overall usability to ensure that the app is user-friendly and engaging.

• Integration: professional app developers can integrate the app with other systems, databases, or APIs, allowing for seamless data exchange and improved functionality. This integration can enhance the overall user experience and provide additional value to users.

• Quality assurance: professional app developers follow industry best practices and conduct thorough testing to ensure that the app is bug-free and functions properly across different devices and platforms. This helps in delivering a high-quality app that meets user expectations.

• App store approval: professional app developers are familiar with the guidelines and requirements of various app stores, such as Apple App Store and Google Play Store. They can help navigate the app submission process and increase the chances of getting the app approved without any issues.

• Maintenance and support: professional app developers provide ongoing maintenance and support for the app. They can address any issues, release updates, and ensure that the app remains compatible with new operating systems or devices.

• Time and cost efficiency: hiring professional app developers can save time and reduce costs in the long run. They have the necessary tools, resources, and experience to efficiently develop an app, avoiding common pitfalls and delays.

The advantages of professional app development pave the way for a high-quality app that delivers value to both your business and your users, setting you on a path to success in the competitive app market.

The cost to create an app and factors influencing the price

The price to create an app can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as:

• Features’ complexity: the cost of development increases as features’ and functions’ complexity increases.

• Platform: it will take more time, money, and resources to develop for other operating systems, such as iOS and Android.

• Design and user experience: the price of a user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing interface is a factor in the overall cost.

• Integration: the expenses associated with integrating the app with current databases and systems may increase.

• Testing and quality assurance: thorough testing and quality assurance are crucial for app development. The cost will increase if extensive testing and QA processes are required to ensure a bug-free and reliable app.

• Maintenance and updates: ongoing maintenance and updates of the app, including bug fixes, security patches, and compatibility updates, should also be considered as part of the overall cost.

To have an idea of approximate costs for simple, complex, and advanced apps you can find different research works on the Internet or use cost estimation calculators. But in short, according to Goodfirms survey, costs to create an app may start from $12,960 and reach $185,440. The price directly depends on the complexity of your app.  

Source

Looking at our experience at Purrweb you will need approximately $56,000 to create a basic functionality app with 4 months development process.

As you see, developing an app is not a cheap deal but it can be worth it considering the benefits it brings.

However, there’s a way to save money that will be covered below. 

DIY app development

DIY app development can be a suitable option in certain scenarios. Here are some situations where it may be better to opt for it:

• Limited budget: if you have a limited budget and cannot afford to hire a professional app development agency, DIY development can be a cost-effective alternative. By investing your time and effort, you can create an app without incurring the expense of hiring developers.

• Simple app requirements: it can be a viable option if your app idea has relatively simple features and functionality. Basic apps like information-based or content-based apps may not require complex coding or advanced technical expertise, making them more manageable to develop on your own.

• Learning experience: by taking on the development process yourself, you can acquire new skills and enhance your understanding of development.

• Quick prototyping: if you need a quick prototype or proof of concept to demonstrate your app idea to potential investors or stakeholders, DIY development can be a faster option. With readily available app building tools and templates, you can create a basic version of your app to showcase its potential.

• Personal projects or experimentation: if you are developing an app for personal use or as a hobby project, DIY development can be a rewarding experience. It allows you to express your creativity, explore new ideas, and experiment with different features and functionalities without the pressure of commercial success.

It’s important to note that DIY app development may not be suitable for complex or mission-critical applications that require advanced technical skills, security measures, scalability, and ongoing maintenance. 

Platforms where you can create an app yourself

There are several platforms available that allow you to create your own mobile applications without any coding or programming knowledge. Here are some popular platforms where you can do it:

• Appy Pie: an easy-to-use platform that enables you to build simple apps without any coding experience.

• BuildFire: BuildFire offers drag-and-drop app construction capability to meet a variety of company demands.

• Thunkable: a visual programming platform that allows users to build native apps for Android and iOS. It features a block-based programming interface, similar to Scratch, making it accessible for beginners.

• Bubble: a web-based platform that allows users to create web and mobile applications without coding. It provides a visual interface for designing app workflows and integrates with various APIs for advanced functionality.

Don’t forget to evaluate your specific requirements, such as design flexibility, integration capabilities, and target platforms, before choosing a platform.

Risks of DIY app development

DIY development may appear appealing, but it has a number of hazards:

• Limited expertise: unless you have prior experience or knowledge in app development, you may lack the necessary skills and understanding to create a high-quality and user-friendly app.

• Time-consuming: developing an app from scratch involves learning and implementing various development tools and techniques. This learning curve can significantly extend the development timeline, potentially delaying the launch of your app

• Limited customization: DIY platforms might not be flexible enough to meet intricate corporate requirements. While these tools provide a simplified development process, they may not offer the same level of flexibility and scalability as professional development platforms.

• Quality concerns: without a high level of expertise, DIY development may result in a lower-quality app that lacks robustness, security, and user-friendliness

• Lack of assistance: DIY platforms could not provide sufficient customer assistance for advice and troubleshooting.

• Maintenance and support: after the app is developed, you will be responsible for its maintenance, updates, and providing customer support. These tasks can be challenging, especially if you are not experienced in these areas.

DIY app development offers advantages such as cost savings, flexibility, and learning opportunities. However, it also comes with challenges, including limited expertise, time-consuming development, quality concerns, maintenance and support responsibilities, and limitations in features and scalability. It is essential to carefully consider these factors before deciding whether to pursue DIY development or hire a professional agency.

Pre and post-launch marketing strategies

With millions of apps available in various app stores, it is crucial to have a well-planned and executed pre and post-launch marketing strategies. This strategy not only helps in creating awareness and generating buzz around the app but also ensures its long-term success. Let’s look at pre-launch and post-launch strategies closer.

Pre-launch strategy

The pre-launch marketing strategy focuses on building anticipation and excitement among the target audience before the app is officially released. It involves such steps as:

a. Teaser campaigns: teaser advertisements, which provide sneak glimpses at the app’s features and advantages, can whet your audience’s appetite. To arouse interest and anticipation, combine captivating imagery with thought-provoking prose.

b. Create a landing page: create an eye-catching landing page that displays the app’s distinguishing features and entices users to subscribe to updates. Once the app is out, you may contact prospective users by collecting their email addresses.

c. Work with influencers: collaborate with industry leaders or influencers whose audiences fit the demographic of your app. Their support might generate buzz and raise awareness of your app.

d. Press releases: write press releases and send them to the appropriate media sources. The media will be interested in a well-written press release, which will help you get publicity for your impending app launch.

e. Social Media Buzz: use social media’s engagement capabilities to interact with your audience. To keep interest levels up, create teaser posts, surveys, and behind-the-scenes stuff.

f. Beta testing: before the launch, conduct a beta testing phase with a small number of users to obtain input and spot any possible problems. This technique not only aids in the app’s improvement but also produces early app supporters.

g. Program store optimization (ASO): use pertinent keywords, a compelling description, and attention-grabbing screenshots to improve the listing of your program in app stores. ASO makes sure your app is more visible in search results, which improves discoverability.

Post-launch strategy

The post-launch strategy aims to drive downloads, increase user engagement, and ultimately, achieve long-term success. The steps of this strategy are usually as follows:

a. Track user feedback: after launch, pay attention to user comments, reviews, and ratings. Building client loyalty requires rapid resolution of any difficulties and appreciation of good comments.

b. App updates: update your app often with new functionality, bug fixes, and performance improvements. Keep consumers interested and ready to discover fresh content.

c. In-app analytics: utilize in-app analytics tools to collect information on user behavior, engagement, and usage trends. Future marketing and development decisions can be guided by the insights gathered through analytics.

d. App cross-promotion: take into account cross-promotion if you collaborate with other developers or have several apps. To maximize your user base, promote your new app within your current apps.

e. Content marketing: produce informative content pertinent to the market for your app. This might contain articles, guides, or videos that demonstrate how your software improves the user experience or solves an issue.

f. Referral scheme for the app: promote word-of-mouth advertising by putting in place a referral scheme that compensates users for referring friends to download the app.

g. Paid advertising: to reach a larger audience, invest in focused advertising campaigns on social media sites and other pertinent channels.

h. Participate in user communities: join discussion boards, groups, and communities where your target market hangs out. Participating in forums and offering insightful commentary may improve the reputation of your app.

Always keep in mind that a good post-launch marketing plan is a continuous process that calls for continual work and change in response to user feedback and market developments. You’ll be well on your way to attracting a devoted user base and establishing long-term success in the cutthroat market for mobile applications by actively advertising your app both before and after its release.

Conclusion

The importance of mobile apps to company success in 2023 cannot be emphasized. The idea is to create an app that’s user-friendly and entertaining and appeals to your target audience, whether you decide to go the DIY route or hire professionals. Take use of mobile technologies to grow your company in the digital era.

So there you have it, a thorough explanation of how to create an app and its effect on businesses in 2023. Happy app-building and may your path be prosperous and successful!

Author Bio

Aleksander Shulgin

The founder of Purrweb. Over the last 8 years this agency has designed and developed more than 300 MVPs for clients from all over the world.