How to create an app
How to create an app
How to create an app, How To Create & Develop an App
This 7-step guide will help you create a mobile app for Android, iOS or PWA from scratch in a very simple and intuitive way.
To create a mobile app, you need a core project, skills, time and, above all, good reason. We found at least 5 reasons that can motivate you to create an app:
Improve brand visibility and reputation
Offer specific "ad-hoc" features to your customers.
Create interactions tailored to your business needs
Take advantage of the ubiquity of mobile phones
Improve the speed and quality of interactions for your users
Whether you want to create an app to complement your website, reach a new audience for your business or just think you have a great idea for a new app, in this article we will explore each step of creating a phone app from scratch. The app creation process: from your app idea through store publication to app maintenance, you will find a simple guide for beginners who want to know how to start an app for the first time.
How to Build an App in 7 Steps
If you’re looking for a simple step-by-step guide, follow these 7 easy tips to build your own app:
Define your app idea on paper
Choose between a native app or a PWA
Choose the right app development methodology
Build your app with a no-code app builder
Test your app on iOS and Android devices
Submit and publish your app to the store
Continuous improvements and updates to your app
Start an app
1. Get your app idea on paper
According to Statista, 218 billion mobile apps were downloaded in 2020, and this number is set to reach 258 billion by 2022. Clearly, mobile apps are in high demand, which makes this market very competitive. The app idea, the idea behind your app, becomes important when you decide to build an app for your business.
Get your app idea: Create an app prototype
The first step in building your app is to understand what your app is trying to deliver:
Set goals for your app: Study your market and define a concept for your app. To do this, it will be helpful to answer these questions:
What is your target audience? Your app should be designed specifically to add value to your target audience
What features are most desirable and will help you keep your users engaged.
Find out if other mobile apps on the market are performing the same business/concept
Look at your competitors, their reviews, get inspiration for your design
Will you monetize your app?
Plan your app design: Create a mockup. App design plays a crucial role in creating an engaging experience for your users. Studies on website reading habits and interactions show that it takes as little as 500 milliseconds for a user to decide whether to stay on your screen or leave. Once that user decides to stay on the screen, it takes them about 5 to 10 seconds to decide whether to continue reading the entire content.
The main factors that determine this decision are visual complexity and prototypicality: the complexity of the visual design and the presentation of a design for a specific section of the website. In other words, if you want to be successful with your app design and provide a great user experience for your app, you need to keep your app design as simple and clean as possible, not overloaded, but fluid.
At the same time, you should avoid unusual/unusual layouts and opt for the familiar look and feel of a specific type of mobile app.
App design combines both UI (graphic elements such as icons, colors, backgrounds, fonts, logos, images) and UX (navigation, loading speed, functionality, number of clicks, responsiveness, wait and response times, and any interaction options). Providing the best mobile user experience under all conditions and circumstances.
Sketching a wireframe of your app allows you to focus on the essential parts of your interface before you start working on design elements and style. Starting with an MVP (minimum viable product), it makes it easier to identify where to place the key elements of the app and make them accessible to the user. Using a wireframe allows you to make changes to the interface sketch much faster than if you were working on the final mockup.
User Interface Design (UI): The look and feel of an app plays a critical role in the success of an app. The mobile UI is a set of touchscreen graphical elements that determine how users will interact with your app. Some of them are navigation menus, icons, shortcuts, but also feedback features (sounds, lights, text), colors, and fonts. The user interface should be as simple as possible and consistent across the app.
User Experience (UX): This is the perspective of your users. User experience is the overall quality and richness of the user journey. It includes the quality of the user interface as well as other elements such as load time, depth of the app structure, length of content, duration of the journey to reach a goal, or finding a specific piece of content.
It will affect how they perceive your brand. Also remember that your users are browsing your app on a small screen (Apple recommends that about 44 pixels square is the ideal size for a touch.)
The 3-Click Rule: To build a successful app, make your app easy for people to use. This means designing it so that they don’t have to work hard to figure it out and have fun with it effortlessly. Conversely, when a mobile app is difficult to perceive, it reduces user interaction and engagement.
So, be guided by the 3-click rule which suggests that users should be able to find any information on a website in a way that doesn’t require three mouse clicks. Don’t follow this rule strictly, just keep the 3-click rule in mind when designing a navigation experience within your app.
2. Build a native app or a PWA based on your needs.
When it comes to mobile app development, there are several approaches that all have their pros and cons, benefits, and limitations.
However, for our purposes, there are 2 main app development methodologies worth mentioning: native and PWA.
Choose a native app or a PWA
Native app:
A native mobile app is a software application that is developed to run on a specific type of device and operating system. Since it was designed to run on a given platform, a native app has the ability to utilize the hardware and software resources of that device. Native apps allow for better performance
Mobile operating systems come in two main types: Apple's iOS and Google's Android.
Native technology has always been at the forefront of mobile development. This is because this approach delivers reliable and high-performance products that can access the various native APIs and features available on a smartphone or tablet.
Building an app with native coding means that you create independent output for each specific operating system, which helps provide a refined interface for different devices.
In 10 years, Apple's App Store catalog has grown from 500 to nearly 2 million apps today. Another 2.4 million are distributed through the Google Play Store: mobile applications are now part of our daily lives.
More than 80% of all mobile traffic is native apps
Progressive Web Apps:
A Progressive Web App (PWA) is an app that uses web features to give users a native-like experience. Unlike native apps, PWAs are a hybrid of a regular web page and a mobile app. The term “progressive” refers to the fact that they introduce new features and are initially perceived by users as traditional websites but behave like cross-platform mobile apps.
PWAs are the perfect combination of web and native technologies. While they have the look and feel of a native app (for example, they can be installed on the home screen of a user’s device), you don’t have to go through the process of publishing to the store.
PWAs don’t need to be downloaded and adapted to mobile, tablet, and desktop.
Benefit from SEO and are indexed in search engines
Thanks to service workers, PWAs also work offline
With 67% of web traffic coming from mobile, PWAs ensure a mobile presence that is responsive across all devices.
Here are some things to consider when choosing your technology:
A PWA gets 3x more visitors than a native app, but the availability of features depends on the browser they are being used on.
Native apps offer full access to geolocation features (such as geofences and beacon technology), but the publishing process involves significant additional costs and third-party consent.
3. Build your app by choosing the method that best suits your business
Choose the best app development method for your business
After choosing what type of app best suits your business needs, it’s time to choose how to build your app.
Mobile app development is the process of creating software that is suitable to run on mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets.
While it allows you to design a perfect match between your app idea and the capabilities of the device, app development requires a lot of skill and expertise and is extremely time-consuming. Additionally, it is usually a fairly expensive service.
On the other hand, an app builder provides an affordable option for creating an app without coding.
Further down, we will explore both solutions and give you some tips to help you choose the one that best suits your needs for creating an app.
You have 3 main app development methods:
Developing your own app
If you want to create an app for free, creating an app by yourself is definitely the way to go. This first option requires significant time and expertise. Native mobile apps are specific to each operating system (OS), so skills in different programming languages are required: Objective-C and Swift for iOS apps; Java or Kotlin for Android apps.
However, if you have the necessary skills, this option will allow you to achieve the app you need without any limitations. Otherwise, you should start learning how to code for your apps. A viable option is to use a coding app that will help you learn the basic concepts and gain confidence in your coding skills.
Hire an Agency or a Freelance Developer
There is no shortage of web development agencies and freelance developers, and they should be easy to find. The deciding factor here will be the cost of such a service.
In fact, hiring someone to develop your app is by far the most expensive option. However, if you have the resources, it is a good way to get the app you have in mind without compromising.
Use an App Builder
Similar to the concept of website builders like WordPress (a content management system that allows you to edit and change the look of your website without any coding), an app builder is a no-code development platform, a software tool that allows users to create a mobile app without coding and distribute it through various app stores.
Most app builders provide a visual drag and drop editor in their UI so that users can preview their app in real time as they build it.
This is the ideal option to save time and money while achieving a quality app.
However, keep in mind that not all projects are suitable for an app maker and if you have specific and complex needs, you will need to go through a customized solution.
4. Create an app with an app maker (no code)
Create your app using an app maker
Now that all the hard decisions have been made, it’s time to get down to business.
Obviously, the app creation process will vary depending on the approach you choose to develop your app. For our purposes, we’ll assume that you’ve chosen a no-code development platform, specifically GoodBarber.
With over 10 years of experience in app creation using the latest technologies, GoodBarber App Maker gives you the ability to create a cross-platform app that will work on iOS and Android devices as well as a progressive web app from a single interface. . .
Design: The app’s global color theme, the style of the header, its navigation mode, the icon that will represent it in the store and on users’ home screens, the splash screen, feature icons, etc.
When choosing your design templates and designing these elements, it’s always a good idea to keep the look somewhat aligned with any existing designs that already identify your brand, such as logos, colors, fonts, icons, etc.
Your home page will be the most visited page and the first impression users will have of your app. Spend time designing it. It will showcase your most important features, provide a fluid navigation to the different sections of our app, thanks to the widgets provided by GoodBarber. Our preview feature allows you to see the look and feel of your app immediately.
Content: Add anything you want to convey about your business/project here. In some cases, you will manually enter this content directly into the backend of your app, while in other cases your content may already be available somewhere and you just need to integrate that external source to pull it in (such as an RSS feed, a live stream, or a social media account).
The structure of a GoodBarber app is pretty easy to understand. It is made up of sections, each of which has a dedicated purpose: articles, videos, photos, events, podcasts, maps, forms, etc.
Our developers recommend keeping a very simple structure for easy navigation and user experience optimization.
Add-ons: In addition to the classic sections, GoodBarber offers a catalog of add-ons to add value to your app according to your needs and business.
For example, you are building an app for your shopping business: loyalty card and couponing add-ons will allow you to keep your clients engaged and reward them for their loyalty. Through push notifications, you can communicate about new products, upcoming events, etc.
If your app needs to support a local association or it serves for internal communication between your company's employees, chat and community add-ons will help you inspire a sense of belonging and allow easy communication between your users.
Custom Plugins: When needed, explore the customization options offered by our platform and add essential features or design options that weren’t available by default. Personalization is the most effective way to make your app stand out from the crowd.
API Access: What is an API? An API or Application Program Interface is a software intermediary, like a bridge, that allows information to be transferred from one piece of software to another. Enabling the API Access add-on or public API for e-commerce apps will give you some advanced functionality that will allow you to further personalize your app as well as retrieve hidden settings.
5. Test your app on iOS and Android devices
Test your app on different devices
After putting all the parts of the app creation process (idea, design, and technology) together, you’ll arrive at a version that’s almost ready to be released. But before sharing your new app with the world, run a series of tests to check if everything is going according to your plan. You should test all versions of the app you plan to release (native iOS, native Android, PWA, etc.) using different OSes and different browsers. Don’t forget to hire some beta testers as well—a fresh perspective will bring to your attention elements or points that you may have overlooked or had a biased view of.
Overall app speed
No crashes while performing any tasks
Performance on weak connections
All functionality/interactions respond to the task they are supposed to perform
The design is visually pleasing and adapts well to all screens
Navigation is intuitive and efficient
No aspect of the app is “hidden”
The app name/store description is self-explanatory
Often, an app builder like Goodbarber provides a test app that you can use to run initial tests on your app.
However, the best way to test your app is with an ad hoc version of it, which is the actual file of the app that will be submitted to the stores that you can download and run on your device—it’s an exact replica of what your users will see, and every aspect of the app can be tested using this method.
For native iOS apps, there’s a specific tool provided by Apple: TestFlight. It allows you to test your app before it goes live on the App Store. This option is especially appealing if my Goodbarber solution or the ad hoc version previews don’t meet your needs.
6. Submit and Publish Your App to the Store
Once your app is ready, it’s time to think about publishing it. It’s a good idea to publish your app to as many platforms as possible because it will allow you to reach as many users as possible.
Submit and Publish Your App to the Store
Publishing an app can be a complex and slightly overwhelming process, starting with registering as a developer:
A developer account (a mandatory step for both platforms). For Apple devices, you'll subscribe to the App Store Developer Program, which costs $99 per member per year. Keep in mind that Apple equates the owner of the content in the app with the owner of the developer account, so if you're publishing multiple iOS apps for different projects, each one will require its own developer account. Becoming a Google Play developer costs $25 (a one-time fee) and you must own a Gmail account.
Apple's App Store: The process of submitting an app to the App Store is a bit complicated and requires a lot of preparation. Apple has set high standards and strict guidelines to maintain a safe ecosystem that provides its users with only high-quality apps.
App Store Reviews: Apple reviews each app before approving it for release. Before submitting your app for review, you’ll need to provide a collection of information (icon, app preview/screenshots) and metadata (your app’s name, its category, a detailed description, and additional keywords for ASO). Don’t underestimate the importance of metadata, especially the app description.
App Store Publishing: The review process can take a few days, and Apple will notify you via email when your app is public. In the event of a rejection, you’ll be able to contact the Resolution Center for more information and try to resolve the issues.
Goodbarber has a reviewer who will guide you through the submission process. Our team will review your app in detail to ensure it complies with the App Store guidelines. If your app doesn’t meet these requirements, we’ll provide you with advice to help you improve your app and successfully publish it.
Google Play Store: Android offers a variety of choices for distributing mobile applications, but with over 1 billion active users, Google remains the number one platform for Android apps. So, submitting an Android app to the Google Play Store is definitely a good idea.
Store Listing and Required Information: After creating your app on your Google Play Console, you need to register the information that will appear on Google Play. This includes mandatory information such as title, short description, full description, graphic assets (images, app screenshots), categories, contact details, privacy policy. Choose the keywords you will use carefully: the optimization of your app ranking on the store depends on it.
APK File and App Release: Once the store listing is complete, it is time to upload your apk.file. The Android Package Kit contains all the components of your app. Then follow the instructions on the Google Console to deploy and publish your app.
Once your app is approved, it will be published within a few hours, although Google recently announced that they will take more time to review apps submitted by developers who have not previously published to Google. Be sure to follow the established rules because if it is not, Google may withdraw your app at any time later.
Progressive Web Apps:
Luckily, publishing a progressive web app is much easier. All you have to do is host the app on a web server and take care of linking a web domain to it. Since this process is very fast and easy, you have more time to optimize your SEO so that your product is easily discovered by the public.
Hosting is included in your GoodBarber subscription. However, we highly recommend purchasing and setting up your own domain name: this will allow your businesses to build a strong brand footprint to avoid confusion with GoodBarber’s hosting domain name.
Don’t launch all the features at once, it’s better to turn them off. This gives you the opportunity to further develop your app and launch an updated version later.
With the GoodBarber Takes Care service, you let our experts do all the work for you. They will take care of the publishing process of your single app on Google Play and the App Store, so you can focus on your marketing strategy.
Create an App
7. Continuously Improve and Update Your App
Continuously Improve Your App
Keep track of feedback and your app KPIs using the analytics tools provided by Google Play and the App Store. Analytics are also available in your GoodBarber back office.
Another responsibility that every app owner should regularly fulfill is to always release new content and features. Whether it’s releasing new content or upgrading existing features, it’s the most effective way to keep users engaged and avoid deleting under-used apps. Make sure your users are aware of new releases by incorporating them into your marketing strategy:
You can update your app to the stores as often as you like, although in some cases you will need to submit a new version of the app if major changes are made.
On the other hand, your PWA can be updated infinitely without any resubmission constraints. Either way, don’t hesitate to bring something new to the table whenever you get the chance!
GoodBarber developers recommend updating your app 3 to 4 times a year (new features, bug fixes, OS updates). GoodBarber will guide you through the update process and notify you when an update is needed through the various tools provided in your app back office.
How to Build an App Yourself
Programming Languages to Build an App
For those who want to learn more about mobile app development, here is a collection of information on the most commonly used programming languages for building apps and the skills needed to tackle app coding.
Programming languages and frameworks vary depending on the type of app you are building: native, hybrid, or web app.
1. Build a native app.
iOS (Apple) and Android apps are distributed exclusively in the App Store (Apple) and Google Play Store (Android).
How to create an iOS app for iPhone
The most common programming language used to create apps for the iOS operating system is Objective-C, which is a subset of C with the addition of objects. Although effective and very popular, Objective-C is a fairly old and complex programming language for those who have never programmed before. For this reason, Apple has created another universal programming language for all its systems and devices: Swift.
Swift is a programming language that is as complete as Objective-C, but easier to learn. More and more mobile apps rely on this programming language because you can easily develop all types of apps (regardless of their purpose) and it offers much higher performance than apps programmed with Objective-C.
Development environments for iOS
For Android, there are many environments that we can use to program and design iOS apps. But most of them have to go through Xcode, Apple's compiler for iOS, available only for macOS.
Therefore, programming for iOS has two main drawbacks. The first: you must have a Mac to be able to compile apps; the second, to be published in the App Store, you pay 99 euros per year. If you stop paying, your developer account will be blocked.
How to create an Android app
There is currently a wide range of programming languages supported by Google for the purpose of creating Android apps.
Java, the most popular
The best known and most used language is undoubtedly Java. Its full integration into Google's development environment and the ability to use it with the simple syntax and comprehensive framework of the popular Eclipse IDE make Java very popular. In addition to the low workload for mobile processors, other advantages of Java are faster app launches, since the binary code is generated only once and not launched every time.
Kotlin integrated with Android Studio
At its latest I/O developer conference, Google unveiled full integration of Kotlin into Android Studio. Kotlin is compatible with Java, which means Java code can be easily integrated and used in Kotlin projects. Kotlin is enjoying increasing popularity. However, code examples and references are much rarer than Java.
C and C++ are possible with a few patches
C++ is suitable for those who want to be much closer to the hardware and who want to do without Google's out-of-the-box features wherever possible. This language is supported by Android Studio, but requires integration of external components.
C# in Xamarin
How to create an app, The Xamarin framework implements the prerequisites for using C# with Visual Studio for mobile application development. Due to the necessary integration of various Xamarin libraries, the programming is similar to Java in that they emulate the interfaces of the Android infrastructure. The high-level languages mentioned above, Java, Kotlin, and C# are suitable for efficient Android development.
C++ is primarily used only for specific functionalities, for which you need the most possible control. Doing all the development in C++ would take too long and would provide little or no benefit.
2. Create a PWA (Progressive Web App)
A progressive web app is created with a specific framework that is compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems: a web app that runs on all operating systems.
A PWA is run by the browser, using so-called "service workers" for smartphones.
The web app is available via a URL, without going through the store.
Furthermore, PWAs are characterized by being very easy to develop (they are coded like a website); in addition, they are very lightweight and can always be updated. However, PWAs have relatively limited access to mobile devices. In addition, they require an internet connection to work, otherwise they will not open.
By using a native programming language like Java, you can take full advantage of device hardware and build apps that are independent of an internet connection.
JavaScript can be a bridge between web languages and Java because it allows you to build more sophisticated apps and access hardware without the complexity of Java.
App Building Toolbox
Key Questions to Address
What is the core idea of your app?
Determine the problem your app will solve or provide.
Is there a demand in the market for your app?
Conduct thorough market research and analysis to validate your app idea.
Who are your competitors and what do they offer?
Conduct a competitive analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for differentiation.
Who is your target audience?
How to create an app, Understand the demographics, needs, and behaviors of your potential users.
What are the essential features of your app?
Identify the purpose of your app and the features that are important to the user experience.
How will you design the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX)?
Focus on creating an intuitive, accessible, and visually appealing design.
Which development platform will you use?
Decide between no-code platforms like Goodbarber or traditional coding methods based on your budget, time, and customization needs.
What is your development process?
Outline the steps from environment setup to coding, testing, and iterating.
How will you test your app?
Plan for functional, usability, performance, security, and compatibility testing.
What is your strategy for publishing the app?
Make sure to adhere to App Store guidelines and prepare for the review process.
How will you analyze user feedback and metrics?
Set up analytics tools to track user engagement, retention, and other key metrics.
What is your marketing strategy?
How to create an app, Create a plan for pre-launch and post-launch marketing to promote your app.
How will you maintain and update your app?
Plan regular updates, bug fixes, and new features to keep your app relevant and engaging.
How will you monetize your app?
How to create an app, Consider different monetization strategies, such as in-app advertising, purchases, subscriptions, and paid apps.
What are the costs associated with publishing and maintaining the app?
Understand the fees for publishing in different app stores and the ongoing costs for maintenance and updates.
Key points to focus on and examples of successful objectives
Define your app idea
Objective: Clearly describe the problem your app will solve or the value it will provide.
Example: “Our app will provide users with a seamless platform to track their fitness goals and connect with personal trainers.”
Conduct thorough research and market analysis
Objective: Validate your app idea against market realities and ensure there is a demand for your proposed solution.
Example: “Conduct surveys and focus groups to gather insights into user preferences for fitness tracking apps and analyze competitors to identify gaps in the market.”
Identify Core App Features
Objective: List essential features that support your app’s mission and value proposition.
Example: “Include features like workout tracking, goal setting, progress analytics, and integration with wearable devices.”
Create a wireframe
Objective: Create a simple layout sketch of your app to focus on structure and user flow.
Example: “Create wireframes for key screens like the home dashboard, workout log, and progress report to ensure intuitive navigation.”
Design Your App
Objective: Focus on UI and UX design to ensure an intuitive and engaging user experience.
Example: “Design a clean and modern interface with readable fonts and a color scheme that encourages motivation and energy.”
Choose the right development platform
Objective: Decide between a no-code platform and traditional coding based on your budget, time, and customization needs.
Example: “Choose a no-code platform like GoodBarber to quickly prototype and launch the app, with plans to transition to custom development as your user base grows.”
Build your app
Objective: Set up the development environment and select the right tools and frameworks that align with the chosen platform and the intended functionality of the app.
Example: “Use GoodBarber to build an early version of the app, focusing on core features and user experience.”
Test your app
Objective: Conduct functional, usability, performance, security, and compatibility testing.
Example: “Beta test with a group of fitness enthusiasts to gather feedback and identify any usability issues.”
Publish your app
Objective: Ensure compliance with App Store guidelines and prepare for the review process.
Example: "Submit the app to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, ensuring all guidelines are met, and necessary documentation is provided."
Analyze user feedback and metrics
Objective: Set up analytics tools to track user engagement and other key metrics.
Example: "Use analytics tools to monitor daily active users, session length, and user retention rates, and adjust features based on feedback."
Promote your app
Objective: Create a marketing strategy for the pre-launch and post-launch phases.
Example: "Create a pre-launch campaign on social media to use App Store Optimization (ASO) techniques to build anticipation and improve visibility."
Maintain and Update
Objective: Regularly update your app to fix bugs, add new features, and improve the user experience.
Example: “Release monthly updates to introduce new workout plans, fix bugs, and improve app performance based on user feedback.”
Additional Considerations
Monetization Strategy: Consider different ways to monetize your app, such as in-app advertising, purchases, subscriptions, and paid apps.
Cost and Time: Understand the costs associated with publishing and maintaining your app, and plan for a development timeline.
User Engagement: Focus on building a community around your app and increasing user loyalty through ongoing engagement and support.
By focusing on these key points, you can create a well-structured plan for building, launching, and maintaining a successful app.
Conclusion
App development is a long and complex process. There are many factors to consider.
Once you’ve finally decided to build an app, you should start by figuring out your app design: this will require you to make some essential choices.
Remember why your mobile app is really important: it can help you increase brand awareness and grow your business overall.
These are the main leads that will guide you through the steps of app design and app creation.
Then, depending on your financial means and your business needs, you will need to choose between building your own app, hiring a development company, or using an app builder (like GoodBarber).
Keep in mind that building an app can require technical skills along with marketing expertise: the GoodBarber team will help you successfully achieve your project and create the app you need for your passion or professional needs.
0 Comments