Mobile App Development for Businesses- A Complete Guide

The mobile application development sector is experiencing a remarkable surge, presenting a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs and businesses in today’s rapidly changing digital landscape.

According to Statista, the third quarter of 2023 witnessed a staggering 29.8 billion app downloads from Google Play and approximately 9.3 billion from the Apple App Store. These figures underscore the unprecedented popularity and expansion of the mobile app market.

This comprehensive mobile app development guide delves into every facet of the process, exploring the advantages it brings to business owners and entrepreneurs. Additionally, it explores diverse mobile app development cost strategies that can be adopted.

Without further delay, let’s delve into the article and unravel the dynamic world of mobile app development.

What is Mobile App Development

Mobile app development is the systematic creation of applications designed to operate on smartphones. These apps can either come preinstalled on the device, be downloaded from a mobile store, or accessed via a mobile web browser. Typically, a mobile application relies on a network connection to interact with remote computing resources. The app development process encompasses:

• Construction of installable software bundles.
• Implementation of backend services, including data access through an API.
• Testing the app on specific target devices.

For the development of scalable and resilient mobile apps, it is imperative to take into account hardware requirements, screen sizes, and various other factors that impact the overall app development process.

Why Build An App?

Be it a startup business, or an established business, mobile apps have become a necessity for every business. And as a business owner, it’s your responsibility to keep a keen eye on all these benefits. Let’s discuss some of the important benefits in which mobile app development is benefiting your business. 

1. Provide More Value to Customers

The business landscape has significantly changed in the past few years. The modern business heavily relies on the technology to initiate and complete transactions for it’s customers. 

Mobile apps, which is an integral element of modern technology, are constantly changing how the consumers shop and satisfy their needs. With the rise in technological advancement, the consumers are also expecting more. Mobile apps acts as a great barrier between the consumer and their needs, as the consumer can easily satisfy their needs with the help of these mobile phones, and additionally, they don’t need to put much effort. 

For Example, Retail Shopping is a key business category that benefits most of the businesses with the help of the mobile apps. By shifting your business to retail mobile apps, you assure that you make goods and services more accessible and easy to use for its customers. 

Consumers are the top priority for any business, and talking about the modern consumer behavior, personalization, and convenience  are two such things which are at most priority for the businesses. 

2. Build a Strong Brand

Creating value for your customers is directly proportional to the level of interest they develop in your brand. However, achieving a profound brand experience necessitates intentional branding efforts. This is precisely where the significance of branded mobile apps comes into play.

In our daily lives, mobile apps have become an integral part, presenting a unique opportunity for brand owners. By incorporating effective branding elements within your app, you enhance its impact on brand marketing outcomes. Additionally, the utilization of data collected through the app can provide valuable insights into your target audience, enabling you to refine and enhance your brand marketing strategy.

3. Achieve Increased Customer Engagement Level 

Elevating customer engagement is a key strategy for increasing revenue and building brand awareness. By enhancing the frequency of customer interactions with your brand, you can observe positive impacts on ROI, customer lifetime value, and other crucial metrics. For app owners aiming to elevate engagement levels, incorporating specific features is essential.

One pivotal feature is segmented targeting, involving the creation of distinct user categories and tailored content delivery to each group. User segmentation facilitates precise recommendations, personalized messaging, and a deeper understanding of customer journeys.

In addition to segmented targeting, other in-app elements contribute to heightened customer engagement. These include the implementation of loyalty programs, regular feature updates, and discount offerings. Beyond features, the UI/UX design warrants attention, as a subpar user interface may prompt users to uninstall the app in favor of a more user-friendly alternative.

4. Have a Competitive Edge in your Niche 

Staying ahead of competitors in the dynamic digital landscape can be challenging. However, a mobile app provides a substantial competitive advantage. Mobile apps have the ability to work more proficiently than websites. Mobile apps have the ability to deliver more speed and timely data as compared to the websites. 

In comparison to traditional websites and digital platforms, mobile apps excel in providing swift communication and an enriched customer experience. The myriad ways in which a mobile app strategy enhances business processes will gradually manifest in improved revenue generation, underscoring its significant impact on overall business success.

5. Build a Personalized Marketing Channel

Business mobile app development offers substantial benefits to the marketing department. One primary advantage for digital marketers is the direct access to user information when businesses opt for mobile apps.

The data gathered from user sessions within the app becomes a valuable asset in enhancing marketing efforts and campaigns. With comprehensive access to the necessary data, marketers can leverage mobile apps to deliver content that is not only more effective but also personalized, surpassing the capabilities of traditional marketing channels.

How to Develop a Mobile Application?

If you’re contemplating app development or seeking to elevate your existing business with a new application, there are key steps to consider before commencing development. These steps hold critical importance for the success of your application, so be sure not to overlook them.

To embark on a successful mobile app development journey, it’s imperative to follow a structured approach. Here are essential steps to consider before initiating the development process, as they play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of your application:

1. Outline Your Objectives

When commencing the mobile app development process, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your goals. Define the purpose of your application and the specific issues it aims to address. These goals will serve as the foundation for your entire development journey. Ensure that your goals are not just abstract aspirations but are measurable, with well-defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track success.

For instance, if you’re developing an app for your e-commerce business, a specific goal could be to reduce shopping cart abandonment rates on mobile devices. To measure this, it’s essential to be aware of your current abandonment rates for comparison upon the app’s launch.

2. Research Your Target Market

To develop effective mobile applications, thorough research on your target market is essential. Understand how consumers engage with brands, study market dynamics, and explore user reviews for top apps. Gain insights into your target audience, including their location, average age, and device preferences.

Evaluating the reviews of the customers on a daily basis can help you to work on the areas where you are lagging, and also get new suggestions which you can add in your business. Understanding and evaluating the location, their preferences, their age, their preferences you can help your business add additional stuff. 

3. Determine App Features

Selecting the right features for your app is pivotal. Identify features that are essential to provide optimal service to your users. While incorporating popular features may be tempting, avoid unnecessary additions that could lead to user frustration. Keep in mind that an excess of features can escalate development costs and time, so prioritize simplicity in the early stages.

In the realm of mobile app development for business, simplicity is a guiding principle, especially in the initial stages. The key lies in striking the right balance between providing valuable functionalities and maintaining a straightforward and user-friendly interface. Adding superfluous features not only risks overwhelming users but can also result in increased development costs and prolonged timelines. Prioritizing simplicity not only streamlines the development process but also contributes to a more intuitive user experience, fostering positive engagement and reception of your mobile app within your target audience. 

4. Choose Intuitive UI/UX Design

The initial impression users have of your app is shaped by its design and interaction. Ensure your app is user-friendly with intuitive controls. A visually appealing and easily navigable interface contributes significantly to user satisfaction. The UI (User Interface) dictates the app’s visual representation, while the UX (User Experience) focuses on user interaction and issue resolution.

Example: A mobile app developed for Pizza Hut in the Middle East showcased an engaging UI/UX, enhancing user navigation and food ordering. This led to 50k downloads and a 30% increase in conversion rates.

5. Engage an App Development Company

Collaborate with a reputable app development company comprising UI/UX designers, project managers, app developers, and market specialists. This ensures the integration of the latest functionalities and features at affordable costs. Access industry expertise and stay updated on cutting-edge technologies. The collaboration begins with a thorough understanding of your business vision and objectives, allowing the development team to tailor the mobile app to your specific needs. 

UI/UX designers work to create an intuitive and visually appealing interface, ensuring a positive user experience. Project managers oversee the entire development lifecycle, ensuring timelines are met, and resources are optimized. App developers bring technical proficiency to transform conceptual ideas into functional features.

6. Build Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Develop an MVP with essential features to gauge user acceptance before significant investments. Many successful brands, including Twitter and Airbnb, started as MVPs. This approach offers a clear understanding of the app’s worth at a low development cost. The MVP methodology helps in minimizing initial development costs and efforts while providing an opportunity to gather invaluable user feedback. Through user interaction and feedback, developers can identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in the app’s functionality and user experience. This iterative process enables informed decision-making for subsequent development phases. 

Many successful businesses, including Twitter and Airbnb, began their journeys as MVPs, highlighting the effectiveness of this approach in evolving from a basic concept to a robust and successful application. In essence, building an MVP facilitates a lean and strategic development process, allowing businesses to test the waters, refine their app based on user input, and ultimately enhance the chances of long-term success in the competitive mobile app landscape.

7. Build Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Continuous testing is essential to ensure optimal app performance, content quality, and a positive user experience. Thorough testing helps identify bugs, reduce development costs, and enhances your reputation as a service provider. User experience testing helps ensure that the app is intuitive, user-friendly, and aligns with the expectations of the target audience. Performance testing is essential to verify that the app functions seamlessly under different conditions and user loads. Identifying and rectifying any bugs or glitches during the testing phase enhances the app’s stability and reliability, contributing to a positive reputation for the service provider.

Furthermore, testing is integral in enhancing the app’s reputation, as a well-tested and error-free application is more likely to receive positive reviews and feedback from users. This positive user experience, in turn, fosters brand loyalty and encourages word-of-mouth recommendations, contributing to the long-term success of the mobile application. In essence, testing serves as a proactive measure to ensure that the mobile app not only meets but exceeds user expectations, positioning it for success in the competitive app market.

8. Launch Your App

After successful testing, submit your app to the App Store or Play Store. Comply with Google and Apple’s developer guidelines and align your monetization strategy with platform requirements. The launch is not merely a procedural step; it’s an opportunity to generate awareness and excitement around your app. Effective marketing efforts, including informative videos and leveraging social media platforms, are essential post-launch activities. Creating engaging content that showcases your app’s core functionality and highlights key features contributes to attracting potential users.

A successful app launch not only increases the likelihood of downloads but also sets the tone for positive reviews and feedback. User awareness and positive reception are critical in the competitive app landscape, and a well-executed launch can propel your app into the spotlight. Additionally, post-launch marketing activities contribute to sustained user engagement and retention, fostering a loyal user base. In summary, the app launch is a strategic moment that, when executed thoughtfully, can pave the way for sustained success and growth in the mobile application development landscape.

9. Post-Launch Marketing

Effective marketing is crucial post-launch to increase app awareness. Leverage informative videos and social media platforms to showcase your app’s functionality and highlight key features, ensuring widespread reach and user engagement. 

Types of App Development

Developing a mobile application involves strategic decisions regarding the approach chosen, each with its distinct advantages and drawbacks. Tailoring the choice to align with specific goals ensures the desired user experience and incorporates native features essential for the application’s success. The following app development approaches cater to diverse requirements:

1. Native App Development

Native app development entails creating separate applications for Android and iOS platforms. Businesses often opt for native development based on their primary objectives, whether it be expanding user base (Android) or maximizing revenue (iOS). Android apps boast a vast user base, with over 3.48 million apps on the Play Store, ideal for businesses aiming for widespread global reach. In contrast, iOS apps, numbering over 2 million on the App Store, attract businesses seeking high revenue potential, particularly in economically developed regions like the US and Australia.

2. Cross-Platform App Development

Cross-platform development involves creating a single app deployable on both Android and iOS. While offering advantages such as code reuse, cost efficiency, and broader audience reach, it comes with challenges like differences in app design, slower updates, and potential compromises in app quality. To optimize these advantages, choosing the right framework and iOS or Android library is crucial, and consulting with an app development agency or relying on popular frameworks can guide this decision.

3. Progressive Web Apps

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) present an alternative, eliminating restrictions imposed by traditional app stores. Offering benefits like progressive enhancement, a mobile app-like experience, responsive design, effective re-engagement, offline functionality, and feature-rich experiences, PWAs are gaining prominence as a future-oriented option. They cater to users’ preferences for quick interactions and save device memory space.

4. Hybrid Mobile Apps

Hybrid apps leverage web views running in native browsers, constructed using web development languages like CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. These apps, viewed in UIWebView and WebView for iOS and Android, respectively, provide a cost-effective solution with code reusability across multiple platforms. While offering a user experience close to native apps, they are wrapped using frameworks like Cordova for deployment.

Choosing the right approach depends on the specific goals, target audience, and desired outcomes for the mobile application. Each method presents unique opportunities and challenges, requiring thoughtful consideration to align with the overarching objectives of the business.

Latest Mobile Application Development Trends in 2024

In 2021, the combined revenue of Android and iOS apps reached $133 billion, indicating a 19% year-on-year increase. Notably, iOS accounted for 63% of the total app revenue, underscoring its dominance in the market. This revenue disparity can be attributed to Apple’s stronghold in economically developed nations like the US and Australia, offering significant advantages for businesses engaged in iPhone app development. Apple’s stringent App Store guidelines, emphasizing quality, contribute to a willingness among users to pay for a premium app experience.

Cross-platform app development differs from native app development by creating a single app for simultaneous publication on both Android and iOS platforms. While this approach offers advantages such as code reuse, cost efficiency, and wider audience reach, it comes with challenges like disparities in iOS and Android app design, delayed app updates, and potential compromises in app quality. Choosing the right framework and iOS or Android library is crucial to maximize advantages and minimize disadvantages, with top frameworks recommended by mobile app development companies or insights from partnered development agencies aiding this decision.

Progressive web apps present an alternative to native and cross-platform development, gaining traction for businesses seeking expanded reach without the constraints imposed by traditional app stores. Offering features like progressive enhancement, a mobile app-like experience, responsive design, effective re-engagement, offline functionality, and rich features, progressive web apps align with user preferences for quick interactions and efficient memory usage.

Hybrid mobile apps operate based on web views within native browsers, using languages like CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. Wrapped into native apps with Cordova, these apps offer a cost-effective solution with code reuse across multiple platforms. While being more economical, hybrid app development ensures user experience and performance closely match native apps, making them a compelling choice for businesses looking to optimize development costs without compromising quality.

1. 5G

The upcoming rollout of 5G is anticipated to bring significant changes to app development trends in 2024, revolutionizing both the usage and creation of apps. Notably, 5G connections experienced a 3.5-fold increase in 2021 compared to the previous year, and this figure is expected to nearly triple by 2025.

The transformative impact of 5G on mobile app development lies in its ability to substantially enhance speed and efficiency. Projections indicate a remarkable 10x reduction in latency, along with increased traffic capacity and network efficiency. Compared to its predecessor, 4G, 5G is set to deliver speeds up to 100 times faster, contingent on the mobile network operator selected.

The widespread adoption of 5G is poised to elevate the functionality of mobile applications, providing developers with the opportunity to integrate new features and capabilities without compromising performance. Furthermore, the high-speed capabilities of the 5G network can be harnessed by developers during the testing and development phases, offering an enhanced and streamlined process for building robust and efficient apps.

2. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

In the realm of mobile app development for 2024, augmented reality (AR) emerges as a pivotal trend, offering diverse applications across various use cases. While the inception of AR gained widespread attention through games like Pokemon Go, its utility has expanded beyond gaming to more practical applications.

An illustrative example is L’Oreal Paris, leveraging AR for its Style My Hair app. Through AR technology, users can virtually experiment with different hair colors and styles directly within the app, enhancing the virtual try-on experience.

Google Maps has also embraced AR with its ‘Live View’ feature, enabling users to receive turn-by-turn directions overlaid on real-world imagery in real-time. By utilizing the device’s camera to scan street signs and buildings, the app provides users with a dynamic understanding of their current location.

Virtual reality (VR) is another disruptive force in the mobile app development landscape, primarily prominent within gaming apps. While gaming remains a primary application, VR technology is increasingly integrating with apps, smartphones, and wearables to elevate the overall gaming experience on mobile platforms. This amalgamation of AR and VR signifies a dynamic shift in how mobile apps engage users, offering immersive and interactive functionalities beyond traditional boundaries.

3. Predictive Analytics

Harnessing advanced technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, predictive analytics emerges as a potent tool for forecasting events based on accumulated data. Major players in the tech industry have long employed predictive analytics to augment user experiences.

A prime example is Netflix, where predictive analytics is adeptly utilized to present personalized movie recommendations tailored to users’ viewing history.

Looking ahead to 2023, the integration of predictive analytics is poised to become more commonplace across a diverse array of mobile apps. The primary focus will be on elevating the overall user interface and experience within apps, aiming to optimize customer retention and engagement. This widespread adoption of predictive analytics is anticipated to contribute significantly to enhancing the user journey and, consequently, fortifying user satisfaction and loyalty.

4. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

The integration of both Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into the mobile app development landscape commenced several years ago, yet there remains untapped potential in fully harnessing these technologies.

While popular virtual assistants like Alexa or Siri often spring to mind in connection with AI, the applications extend far beyond this within the realm of mobile app development. Apple’s introduction of Core ML 3 last year, an iOS machine learning framework, exemplifies the commitment to incorporating AI seamlessly into apps.

Numerous AI features can be seamlessly integrated into mobile apps, offering a spectrum of functionalities, including image recognition, face detection, text and image classification, sentiment recognition and classification, speech recognition, and predictive maintenance. These AI-driven capabilities go beyond enhancing the front-end user experience, extending to optimizing backend development processes.

In 2023, the transformative impact of AI is poised to redefine the mobile app development landscape, making applications smarter and elevating performance across various facets. The evolving role of AI is set to revolutionize the entire app development process, from user interface improvements to backend intricacies, ushering in a new era of innovation and efficiency.

Mistakes to Avoid When Developing Mobile Applications

Now that we’ve explored different platform options and the latest technology trends in mobile app development, let’s delve into potential pitfalls and mistakes that can impact your journey in the mobile domain.

1. Insufficient Targeting

Failing to reach your target audience significantly diminishes your app’s chances of downloads and success. It’s crucial to strategize and implement carefully instead of rushing into development. Understanding the target market, analyzing trends, and studying usage statistics are key steps. Additionally, evaluating competitors’ strengths and weaknesses enhances your app’s retention and installation rates.

2. Neglecting UI Design

Overlooking the importance of User Interface (UI) design is a common mistake. The UI serves as the face of your app, influencing the initial impression on users. As users are impatient in deciding which apps to keep, a well-crafted UI is vital for user retention. Pay attention to the resolution, avoid unnecessary animations, and consider incorporating a gesture-based interface for an enhanced user experience.

3. Lack of Monetization Strategy

Developing an app incurs various costs, from production to team outsourcing. To recover these expenses and generate long-term profits, a well-defined monetization strategy is essential. Options include paid ads, in-app purchases, subscriptions, and more. Regardless of the chosen model, ensuring its long-term profitability is paramount.

4. Feature Overload

The misconception that adding numerous features makes an app more appealing can be counterproductive. Too many features can make the app cumbersome, increase size, and slow down performance. Opting for targeted and essential features enhances user understanding and utility. Streamlining features not only improves user experience but also saves resources and development time.

5. Ignoring Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Not considering the development of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a missed opportunity. An MVP allows real-market testing, gathering valuable user feedback, and refining the app’s performance. Developing an MVP reduces overall development time and costs, ensuring the final product is well-informed by market responses. Building an MVP is a prudent step for the ultimate success of your application.

Who Should You Entrust Your App Development Process to?

When contemplating app development, three viable options include in-house development, outsourcing to an offshore agency, or hiring a freelance developer. Among these, outsourcing to an offshore mobile app development company is the most prevalent choice, with approximately 47% of global companies opting for this approach.

Outsourcing app development offers several key benefits:

1. Cost Efficiency

In the app development industry, hourly rates for development in countries like the US or Australia typically range between $100 – $150. In contrast, Eastern countries like India offer rates in the range of $60 – $80 per hour. This significant cost difference makes outsourcing a financially efficient option.

2. High-Quality Apps

Offshore development agencies, accustomed to handling projects from diverse geographical locations, possess a deep understanding of varied markets. This knowledge allows them to craft mobile apps tailored for success in different regions. The allure of obtaining a high-quality app at a lower development cost is a compelling reason for businesses to opt for outsourcing.

Additionally, four factors contribute to the popularity of outsourcing mobile app development: flexibility, concentrated app development expertise, and more.

Whether hiring an app development company or a freelance developer, outsourcing is not without risks. Both approaches entail potential challenges. Let’s delve into the specifics of hiring a mobile app development company before exploring the hiring requirements for mobile app developers.

How to Hire a Mobile App Development Company?

Navigating the outsourcing landscape for mobile app development can be a daunting task, given the horror stories of projects gone awry. To ensure a successful collaboration and quality outcomes, it’s crucial to pose the right questions to evaluate the authenticity and capabilities of the chosen app development agency.

Start by delving into the agency’s background and foundational information. Understand the agency’s origins, executive team, and their background, and inquire about their mission to gauge their values and alignment with your goals.

When examining their work process, request a summary of their design engagement from inception to completion, including a list of deliverables. Gain insights into their project approach, identifying major variables, risks, and strategies for managing these factors. Inquire about their quality assurance (QA) process, seeking details from initiation to completion, and assess how they ensure best-in-class technical documentation.

In addition to these five foundational questions, there are 17 detailed queries that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the app development company’s capabilities. Whether you are considering a mobile app development company or planning to hire an Android or iOS developer on a freelance basis, these questions cover crucial aspects such as development processes and handling diverse responsibilities.

Furthermore, scrutinizing their portfolio and engaging with past clients offers valuable insights into their track record and client satisfaction. Once a mobile app development partner is selected, you can anticipate the involvement in the app development process.

Reputable mobile app development agencies often follow an Agile development process, emphasizing flexibility and iterative progress over the rigid Waterfall model. Agile ensures faster delivery and high-quality development, enhancing the chances of project success. Additionally, the initial deliverable in the development journey is typically a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). An MVP is a scaled-down version of the app, featuring essential functionalities. This approach allows for early user feedback, helping to refine and improve the app based on user preferences and needs

A. Opting for the Agile app development process is a strategic move that many mobile app development companies embrace. While some still adhere to the traditional Waterfall model, the Agile approach stands out for its emphasis on flexibility and iterative progress. When faced with the choice between Waterfall and Agile, the latter often leads to faster delivery and ensures the development of a high-quality app. For a comprehensive understanding of how Agile works, refer to the provided guide on the Agile methodology in the context of mobile app development.

B. The initiation of the development journey typically involves the creation of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). MVPs serve as the preliminary version of the app, incorporating fundamental features. This strategic approach aims to assess the app’s viability and potential success. During MVP development, the chosen mobile app development company will identify key Unique Selling Propositions (USPs) and essential features. Users are then encouraged to provide feedback, offering insights into desired functionalities and contributing to the refinement of the application. The MVP stage acts as a crucial phase in gauging user response and shaping subsequent developments.

Cost of Mobile App Development

The final and perhaps the most pivotal aspect that forms the cornerstone of a business’s mobile journey is the cost associated with app development. In essence, the expense for mobile application development can vary widely, typically ranging from $25,000 to $200,000 or more. This estimate is approximate because the custom mobile app development cost is contingent on various factors. These factors include the app’s purpose, the platform it is built on, complexity levels, the size of the app development agency, geographical location, and other considerations.

Outlined below is a precise breakdown of the cost structure, elucidating the expenses involved in the development and maintenance of a mobile app. The article delves into cost estimates associated with different processes and app categories, offering insights into the financial considerations necessary for business mobile app development and post-launch maintenance.

How DesignersX can Help in Your App Development Journey 

At DesignersX, our track record includes the successful development of numerous unique and innovative mobile applications, assisting businesses in crafting apps that resonate with their customers.

For instance, we collaborated with our client Innovative Eye Care to create Vyrb, a social media application. This app facilitates the exchange of optimized audio messages for Bluetooth wearables, allowing users to post content on platforms like Facebook and Twitter using Bluetooth glasses. With over 50,000 downloads and securing $1+ million in funding, Vyrb has proven to be a significant success.

In another project for Asian Bank, we developed a core banking app aimed at simplifying crypto transactions. The app supports wallet recharge and payments using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, expanding Asian Bank’s app capabilities in the realm of digital currencies. With 250,000 downloads and over 50,000 cryptocurrency transactions, the app has achieved remarkable results.

Whether you are considering app development or seeking insights into the mobile app development process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are enthusiastic about assisting you on your journey!