It’s no secret that app development is a lucrative industry. With millions of people globally using smartphones and tablets, there’s a big demand for apps. Everyone wants to have the app idea that becomes the next unicorn.
If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner with an idea for a great app, don’t hesitate to get started on development!
First, you need to come up with a great idea.
But, how do you go about doing that?
Check out the tips below.
Analyze What’s Already Out There
If you’re thinking about developing a mobile app, it’s important to first take a look at what’s already out there.
See what existing apps are doing well and what areas could use improvement.
For example, maybe you see that the most successful meditation apps have limited libraries of meditations. Or, you take the approach of the creators of the dating app Spark.
They heard people complaining that traditional dating apps lead to endless swiping and no actual conversation, so they have tried to create a dating app that’s different.
Thoroughly studying the current environment will give you a better sense of what consumers are looking for. It can also be key to how you can make your app stand out in the crowd.
Keep in mind that even the most successful apps had to start somewhere – so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect.
With some hard work and a little bit of luck, your app could be the next big thing.
Think About Your Own Daily Problems And How An App Could Help Solve Them
Many of us have struggles on a daily basis trying to manage the basics of life. For some people, it might be something as simple as forgetting to take their medication.
For others, it could be maintaining a healthy lifestyle despite a busy work schedule. Some people need help budgeting.
Whatever the case may be, there’s often an app for that. The most popular kinds of apps in recent years are social media apps, gaming apps, communications and messaging apps, and retail apps according to a consumer survey by The Manifest.
There are mobile apps available for just about everything these days, and they can be extremely helpful in making our lives easier. However, occasionally these apps miss the mark in key ways. This is where innovators can step in.
For example, in the rush to create healthcare apps to streamline the process of getting medical care, many of them have been left with huge security gaps.
Think about the apps you use in your everyday life. Why do you use them? And what could make them better? This can be a great way to get started.
Get Global
Mobile app development is a booming industry, with mobile apps becoming increasingly popular around the world every year. There are exciting regional app markets with different top apps.
For example, while the Facebook-owned social media app WhatsApp is popular in many countries around the world, it is not as popular in the US.
Many mobile applications are designed for specific countries or regions. As a result, it can be difficult for developers to create something that will appeal to a global audience.
One way you can leverage this is to see which apps are popular in other countries. Then, try to come up with a similar offering that would work well in your country.
This approach can help you to better understand the needs and wants of users in different parts of the world. Then, you can develop an app that meets those needs.
In addition, by studying the success of other apps, you can learn from their successes and failures. By taking this approach, you can increase your chances of creating something successful!
Find Gaps in the Market and Work to Address Them
There are a few ways to determine if there are any gaps in the market. First, look at the existing app store categories and see if there are any areas that are underserved.
Another way to identify potential gaps is to look at the top-rated apps in each category and see if there are any needs that are not being met by them.
You can also talk to friends and family about the kinds of apps they use and whether they have any suggestions for improvements or new features. This may help you find your niche.
If you already know your niche, interview potential users and ask what they need. This can be invaluable information that truly helps you create something great.
Don’t Keep Your Idea A Secret
When it comes to developing a new mobile app, it’s important to get as much feedback as possible. That’s why you should talk about your project with as many people as you can.
By getting input from a variety of sources, you can refine your concept and ensure that your app will meet the needs of your target audience.
You may also find that talking to others about your idea will help to generate new ideas and directions for your project.
Many new developers make the mistake of becoming obsessed with secrecy. They think that they should never tell anyone anything until release day. Some think that others will steal their ideas.
The opposite is true. As an entrepreneur, you never know who you will meet. If you hide your work, you will miss out on critical networking and feedback opportunities.
Also, most projects require help of some kind, with a whole team behind them. If you keep everything a secret, you can’t build that winning team.
So, don’t be afraid to spread the word about your project – the more people you talk to, the better your chances of success.
Build Monetization Into Your App
Apps have a lot in common with traditional business offerings and products. In fact, in many ways, the same rules apply.
Unfortunately, a problem that many small business owners run into is that they are doing something they love and are passionate about, but it’s just not profitable.
The same thing can happen with your app if you are not careful.
From the ground up, you need to know how you will monetize your app. Will you display adds in your app? Will it be a subscription-based app?
These days, it’s very common for apps to offer a free version that either has ads or limited functionality, and a paid tier that offers more possibilities or an ad-free experience.
Whatever you choose, you need to know from the jump how this app will make you money. This will inform how it is built from the ground up.
Creating an app requires extensive resources. Whether you do it yourself or outsource it still requires a significant investment. That’s why you want to make sure you are building something that people actually use.
Your app will only benefit you and generate a solid ROI if you strategically monetize it. Do not forget this, even if you are only in the planning stages.
Forget about all the tech jargon and specifics which can be overwhelming to industry outsiders. At the end of the day, apps are just another way to do business. Don’t forget that.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to create a winning app, it can be helpful to look at what’s popular and try to come up with an idea that fills a need in the market.
But don’t stop there – do your research and make sure that your idea is feasible.
Once you have a solid concept, it’s time to start planning out the specifics. You will have to find the right team to help make your vision a reality.
At Chop Dawg, we specialize in helping businesses of all sizes build winning mobile apps.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us show you how easy it can be to bring your vision to life!
What do you think? Comment below.
Since 2009, we have helped create 350+ next-generation apps for startups, Fortune 500s, growing businesses, and non-profits from around the globe. Think Partner, Not Agency.
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