Technology continues to evolve and it seems increasingly impossible to slow it down. The mobile apps sector in today's world, for example, has completely revolutionised the way people use their mobile devices, so much so that having a phone or tablet without apps is now almost inconceivable. This global technology sector is growing abysmally and encompasses more than 4 billion users around the world.
Apps represent a challenge of innovation within the technology market, and are very well rewarded by users. But success in this business is not guaranteed, it takes more than a great idea to create a mobile application that makes a profit. In fact, many ideas that could have become great applications, fall by the wayside because of a poor definition of the project, or an erroneous approach to the initial objectives.
That is why the initial process of shaping and planning the app idea is crucial for the future of the project. Here we will show you some of the issues you need to solve in order to follow an orderly and coherent planning of your mobile app.
10 questions before starting your app
- what is the function of your app?
You must be able to define what your future app is, what it does and why it will be useful in less than 30 seconds, as well as being able to explain what user needs it intends to cover in the market. Think that you must be concise and offer information that encourages people to want the app right now.
- what is your budget?
The cost of an app depends on many factors. If you are clear about your objectives, your revenue model and your expectations, the ideal is to go for a complete app, without fear of investing too much. It is advisable to make a good financial plan before starting the development of your app, especially if your intention is to present the idea to investors. And bear in mind that you must include in your budget the promotion and marketing actions of the app.
- have you identified the competition?
After a good market analysis, you should be able to answer this question. Competition is not only healthy but also serves as an inspiration for any business. Therefore, you should look for all kinds of businesses that are not only similar but also work or offer similar functionalities or services. Here we also have an important question: What is our differential, that is, what differentiates us from the rest of the competition?
- what technology are you going to use?
This point would require a lot of development, but in short it is about defining the type of technical development that your app will have, i.e. whether it will be a 100% pure development model, or based on technologies that are already available to work on, or a hybrid model.
- how are you going to monetise your app?
The investment can be returned in many ways and not purely economic, for example by building customer loyalty, offering added value, obtaining more of their data to offer paid services, etc. In addition to this type of monetisation, there are many ways to monetise an app, you can charge when you download it, offer micropayments within the app, internal purchases, etc.
- what benefits will your app offer?
Thousands of apps are developed every day. Your app is just one more, and in order for it not to disappear as soon as it is launched, you must be clear about the direct benefit it offers. This benefit must be made known in your marketing strategy.
- how are you going to get downloads?
Plan how you are going to get users and downloads. Your app will be nourished by your customers and if you don't get them, it won't be very successful. Plan how you are going to acquire users through a marketing strategy based on your objectives and according to your company's purposes in relation to the promotion of the app.
- have you defined a stakeholder map?
The acquisition of customers is as important as the acquisition of other people or companies that may interact with your app: suppliers, investors, etc. Define this map to be clear about how to take advantage of each of these potential drivers of your app and thus achieve large investments that will ultimately lead to greater profits for you and your map of investors.
- what is the goal of your app?
You must be clear about your objective before starting the development of your app. Your goals can be varied: to build loyalty, attract customers, new line of business, help your employees, etc. It is very important that before starting the creation of the app you have in mind what you want to achieve and for what purpose you are developing the mobile application.
- what do my customers expect from the app?
If my customers are mainly young, they will want an app with a great design, which is attractive and surprises them. If my potential users are older, then simple and easy to understand design should take precedence over visual appeal. In either case, we must understand the needs and characteristics of our audience to offer them what they are looking for in our app.
Nowadays, the development of applications has multiplied among entrepreneurs, companies and future businesses. The development of applications is an industry that moves billions every year and a trend among consumers that continues to grow. Nowadays, any purchase, consultation or even leisure time begins and passes through the smartphone, and specifically through an 'app'. That is why it is important that you consider the creation of an app as an excellent opportunity to grow in the market .
