With the fast-paced changes in today’s digital world, mobile apps have become must-haves for businesses wanting to stay ahead and meet their customers’ expectations. Whether you’re just starting out or already running a successful business, building an app can help you tap into new revenue, engage with customers more, and make things run more smoothly.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of developing a mobile app. We’ll also answer questions like ‘What’s the cost to build an app for my business?’ and share valuable tips to help you build an app that speaks to your audience.
Unboxing Mobile App Development
Before we get into the details, let’s break down what mobile app development means. Mobile app development is the process of making apps that work on smartphones or tablets. There are three primary types of apps you can consider:
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Native Apps: These apps are built for one specific platform, like iOS or Android. They give the best performance and user experience but need a separate code for each platform. So, if you want your app on both iOS and Android, you’ll have to build two versions, which can take longer and cost more money.
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Hybrid Apps: These combine elements of both native and web applications. They are built using web technologies and can run on multiple platforms but may not perform as well as native apps. With hybrid apps, you only need to write the code once and can use it on different platforms, which is a great way to save money—especially if you’re running a small business.
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Web Apps: These are essentially websites optimized for mobile use. Web apps run in a web browser and don’t require installation. They are easier to develop but can be limited in functionality. Web apps are a good choice if your business just needs to offer simple services and doesn’t need a lot of extra features.
When thinking about small business mobile app development, understanding these types will help you make informed decisions based on your budget and goals.
Market Trends and Statistics
If you’re still wondering why mobile app development is so crucial, just take a look at these numbers:
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Statista reports that there were 257 billion mobile app downloads in 2023. That number is expected to hit 450 billion by 2027.
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It was found that people spend an average of 4.8 hours a day on mobile apps. This shows just how important connecting with your customers through this platform is.
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According to a survey by eMarketer, 74% of consumers prefer using mobile apps to shop. So, if your business doesn’t have an app, you might be missing out on potential customers.
These stats show that a mobile app isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore—it’s a must. To get an overview of the 7 stages of mobile app development, follow the link and read our previous article. However, to learn in detail how to build your app for business, read the sections below.
How to Build a Mobile App for Business: Step-By-Step Process
Pre-Development Phase: Setting the Stage
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Market Research
Before you jump into development, it’s crucial to spend some time on thorough market research. Take the time to figure out who your audience is and what they’re looking for. For example, if you’re in retail, find out which features your customers care about the most. You can use surveys, interviews, or even focus groups to gather valuable insights.
Take a look at your competitors, too. What features do their apps have? What are users saying in the reviews? Knowing the competition will help you find what sets your app apart.
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Defining Your App Objectives
Next, outline the primary objectives of your app. Are you looking to enhance customer engagement, streamline services, or increase sales? Setting clear goals from the start will guide the whole process and make it easier to measure success later.
For example, if you run a restaurant, your app might aim to facilitate online reservations, provide menu details, and enable customers to place orders directly. Each of these objectives requires different functionalities, so it’s essential to align your app’s features with your business goals.
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Creating a Requirement Specification Document
Think of this document as the blueprint for your app. It should cover the main features, how things will work, and all the technical details. It should detail key features, functionalities, and technical specifications. Consider including functionalities like user accounts, push notifications, payment processing, and integration with existing systems. The more specific you are with your requirements, the easier the development process will go.
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Case Study Example: The Importance of Planning
For example, Starbucks built its app to boost customer loyalty and make ordering easier. The company invested significant time in market research and planning to identify customer needs. Today, Starbucks’ app accounts for 31% of its total transactions in the U.S., highlighting the importance of thorough planning.
Design Phase: Making It User-Friendly
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Importance of UX/UI Design
UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) design are super important when it comes to building a great mobile app. A well-designed app doesn’t just look nice—it’s also super easy to use. Did you know that 94% of people’s first impressions of an app come down to its design?
Good design can also increase user retention. About 99% of users are likelier to ditch an app if the design is bad or hard to use. So, if you’re building an app for business, investing in good design should be at the top of your list.
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Wireframing and Prototyping
Before diving into development, start by creating wireframes and prototypes for your app. This allows you to visualize the app’s layout and functionality. Tools like Figma and Adobe XD can help you bring your ideas to life without investing in coding just yet. Prototyping enables you to gather feedback early in the process, allowing you to make adjustments before significant resources are invested.
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User Journey Mapping
Map out the user journey to make sure your app meets customer expectations at every step. This will help you spot any potential problems and improve the overall experience. For example, if your app is for booking appointments, make sure the process is easy and straightforward.
Creating user personas can also help you understand your target audience better. If your app is aimed at busy professionals, you might want to focus on speed and efficiency in the design.
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Creating a Design Mockup
After you’ve mapped out the user journey and made your wireframes, it’s time to create a design mockup. This will show how the app will look and flow. Make sure it matches your brand so people recognize it and trust it. Keeping your branding consistent throughout the app will help build user loyalty.
Development Phase: Building the Backbone
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Choosing the Right Development Approach
Once your design is ready, the next step is choosing how you’ll create your app for business. You can choose between native, hybrid, or cross-platform development, depending on your budget and what you need. If most of your audience uses iPhones, it might make sense to go with a native iOS app. Conversely, if you want to reach a broader audience, consider a cross-platform solution like React Native.
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Development Tools and Technologies
Picking the right programming languages and tools is key. For iOS, you’ll primarily use Swift or Objective-C, while Android development typically involves Java or Kotlin. If you’re building a hybrid app for business, tools like Flutter or Ionic can make it easier to develop for both iOS and Android.
Here’s a simple breakdown of some popular tools used for mobile app development.
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iOS Development: Swift, Objective-C
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Android Development: Kotlin, Java
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Hybrid Development: React Native, Flutter, Ionic
Of course, that’s not the complete list of efficient mobile development tools. Luckily, we’ve collected all the best mobile development tools in one blog article because sharing is caring.
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Backend Development
Don’t forget about the backend! You’ll need to set up a server, database, and APIs to keep your app running smoothly. You’ll want a solid backend to handle things like user data, transactions, and other important tasks. Popular backend solutions include Node.js, Firebase, and AWS.
Don’t forget about security! You’ll need to add strong authentication and encryption to keep user information safe.
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Frontend Development
With the backend in place, it’s time to implement the UI/UX designs. Make sure your app works well on all devices and screen sizes. Keep an eye on load times—53% of mobile users will leave if a site takes more than three seconds to load.
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Testing During Development
As you’re building an app for business, it’s a good idea to test it regularly. This way, you can catch bugs early and fix them before they become bigger problems. Make sure developers run tests as they code to keep things running smoothly and maintain quality.
Testing and Quality Assurance: The Final Check
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Importance of Testing
Testing is one of the most critical steps in developing a mobile app. It ensures your app works how it’s supposed to and is free of bugs. Thorough testing helps reduce user complaints and keeps people happy with your app. Notably, 88% of consumers state that they would delete an app if they noticed bugs. That’s why testing is so important.
Types of Testing
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Functional Testing: Verifies that each app feature works as it should.
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Performance Testing: Assesses the app’s responsiveness, speed, and stability under various conditions.
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Usability Testing: Evaluates how easy and user-friendly the app is.
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Security Testing: Ensures your app is safe from vulnerabilities and data breaches.
Tools for Mobile Testing
Tools like Appium and TestFlight can make the testing process easier and faster. Automated testing can save time and reduce human error, ensuring a smoother launch. Incorporating real user testing can also provide invaluable insights into how your app performs in the wild.
Deployment and Launch: Hitting the Market
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Preparing for App Store Submission
After testing is finished, the next step is getting ready to submit your app to the app stores. Each platform has its own rules. Apple, for example, has a strict review process, and they might ask you to make some changes if your app doesn’t meet their guidelines. Carefully review the submission guidelines for both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This helps you avoid any delays.
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Marketing Strategies for App Launch
Don’t wait until the app is live to start marketing! Start building excitement before your launch by using social media, email newsletters, and even giving sneak peeks. Why not offer early access to a few select customers? This way, you can get some feedback and maybe even a few testimonials before the big launch. Getting your audience involved before launch can help build excitement and boost downloads when your app goes live.
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Creating a Launch Plan
Make a solid launch plan that includes your marketing strategies, key performance indicators (KPIs), and timelines. Ensure you have a dedicated marketing team in place to monitor and respond to user feedback during the launch phase.
Post-Launch Phase: Keeping the Momentum
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Monitoring and Analytics
Once your app is live, it’s really important to keep an eye on how it’s doing. Tools like Google Analytics or Firebase can help you track how users are engaging with your app and what they’re doing. By using these insights, you can keep improving your app as time goes on. Here are a few important metrics to keep an eye on:
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User Retention Rate: How many users return to your app after the first use?
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Daily Active Users (DAU): How many users engage with your app daily?
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User Acquisition Cost (UAC): How much does it cost to acquire a new user?
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Collecting User Feedback
Ask your users to leave reviews and share their thoughts. That feedback is super helpful for making your app better and keeping users happy. You might find that users are clamoring for new features or reporting bugs that need fixing.
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Regular Updates and Maintenance
The launch is just the beginning! Plan for regular updates and maintenance to keep your app running smoothly. Address any bugs quickly and consider adding new features based on user feedback. This commitment can lead to increased user retention.
Example: The Importance of Regular Updates
Take WhatsApp, for example. They regularly update their app with new features based on what users want. This is one reason WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app out there. Regular updates keep users engaged and help your app stay relevant in a competitive market.
How Much Does It Cost to Build an App for My Business?
Knowing the costs involved in app development is important so you can budget effectively. The overall cost can vary significantly based on various factors, including:
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Complexity: If your app is relatively simple, it might cost between $10,000 and $50,000. But if it’s more complex, you could be looking at anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000—or even higher. Features like user authentication, real-time updates, and payment processing can drive costs up.
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Development Approach: Native apps tend to be more expensive than hybrid or web apps because you need to build separate codebases for each platform. However, hybrid apps may lead to performance issues, which could require additional time and investment to fix.
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Geographic Location: Development costs can vary based on the region of your development team. For example, hiring developers in North America may be more expensive than in Eastern Europe or Asia. According to some studies, developers in the U.S. typically charge around $100 to $150 per hour, while rates in Eastern Europe are usually between $35 and $50 per hour.
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Maintenance and Updates: Don’t forget to budget for regular updates, server costs, and customer support. These things can add up over time.
If you want to know the approximate cost of your future app, use our free online cost calculator. You only need to answer a few simple questions about your project, and you’ll see the price.
In a Nutshell
To sum it up, building an app for your business can really make a difference by boosting growth and improving how you connect with your customers. By following the steps we’ve discussed here, you’ll be able to navigate the app development process confidently. Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an existing app, staying on top of trends and best practices is the key to success.
If you’re ready to dive in, now’s the perfect time to create a business app that fits your customers’ needs and shows off your brand’s personality. Just don’t forget—putting money into a mobile app can bring big rewards, like loyal customers and more sales.
To build a sleek and robust mobile app, you need an expert team of software developers. Our team has successfully completed a number of app mobile development projects (click here to take a peek). Let’s team up and create WhatsApp’s competitor!