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Are you an entrepreneur who’s always dreamed of creating an app? Maybe you have a brilliant idea for an app that you think could make you some money, but you aren’t sure how to proceed. This article will help walk you through the process of building your very own app, whether it’s one that helps others or just makes your life easier. Let’s get started!
Review the list of what you will need
Depending on what type of app you want to create, you will need different resources. If you want a mobile app (available for Android and iOS), you’ll need graphic designers and coders. These folks can be found through freelancing websites like oDesk or eLance or referrals from friends. Many coders have their own sites where they advertise their services; check out Eric Staller’s site, which has both his contact information and a list of apps he’s already created. If you only want an online (web) application, then you will still probably need some design help at least for the logo. You might consider creating an online business plan first before spending money on software if it is an online application.
Download the software you will need
There are dozens of software options that can be used to create an app. There is Apple’s Xcode, Eclipse, and Adobe Flash, as well as a variety of open source solutions like App Inventor and MIT App Inventor 2.0 (for Android). Regardless of which you choose, you will need a Mac computer running at least Snow Leopard or higher or a Windows PC running XP SP3 or newer. You will also need at least 5 GB of hard drive space. If you don’t have access to either one of these machines, head over to a local library; most offer free access during business hours. Once you have chosen your software, follow any onscreen prompts for download and installation. Once it has finished installing, double click on its icon to launch it. Click Continue if prompted for further setup information.
Decide on a topic
Before you begin, it’s important to know what your app is going to be about. Are you going to offer a dictionary or news feed? You should also think about whether it will be geared toward a certain age group. Will it be used by children? If so, it will probably have different requirements than if you’re creating an adult-oriented app. Consider things like licensing and legal issues—you don’t want someone stealing your content and using it for their own profit! For more information on how to create an app see: How To Make An App: A Step By Step Guide To Creating Your First App Using The Top Mobile App Development Platforms For 2014 (iOS and Android)
Come up with content ideas
Content is king. When deciding what content you want on your app, keep in mind that users are likely only going to spend a few minutes checking out your product or service, so you need content that gives them a good idea of what they’re looking at while also providing reasons why they should care. The best apps combine hard facts with emotional appeals and case studies to help users fully understand both what they get out of downloading the app and why it’s better than its competitors. Now the latest trend is taxi booking app development.
Decide on platform
You have a variety of options when it comes to developing apps, but each one will determine what you can do in terms of distribution and access. For example, Google Play allows you to monetize apps by placing ads within them, while Apple’s App Store doesn’t allow for ads on free apps (it does for paid ones). But both are viable options; look at it as figuring out if you want to sell a book or if you want it on every possible e-reader out there. If you plan to release multiple versions of an app—say, an Android version and a mobile Web version—don’t forget about syncing data across devices; use Firebase or another similar system that syncs across multiple platforms. Or look into services like Delve Apps for collaboration on building multi-platform apps.
Create your first app
If you want to create an app for a smartphone or tablet, then you’ll first need to choose which type of platform you’d like to create it for—Apple or Android. Apple is only available on iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads, so if you want a larger audience for your work (and more apps in general), then an Android option may be better. Apple users are also more inclined towards premium apps, whereas free apps have much more access on Google Play. Either way, if you’re looking to create apps, these are very different platforms that require unique approaches; you might benefit from using a service that helps bridge both worlds.
Test it out and fix bugs
Your first iteration doesn’t have to be a slick production—it just needs to work. Test it out on some family and friends, and listen closely for feedback. After you receive input from real users, you can decide if you want to make improvements or pivot your idea. This is a good time to ask for funding so that you can pay someone who has expertise in mobile development or design. Ideally, you will find an experienced programmer who is willing to trade his services for equity in your company. If that’s not possible, consider purchasing a book or taking an online course (like those offered by General Assembly). You don’t need professional training; what matters most are passion and effort. As soon as possible, build something cool enough to inspire people around you and raise awareness of your idea.
Promote it
Why promote it? Because if you don’t promote it, no one will know about it. Word of mouth is great and all, but when we rely on others to talk about our content, we give them control over whether or not they do so. If you create a compelling piece of content that people are drawn to, promoting that content can lead to a lot more views than you would have ever dreamed possible. The best part? Promoting your own stuff gives you full control over who reads it—you!
