10 Tips for Developing the Perfect App
Creating an app can be a highly rewarding experience when you reach the final outcome. Getting to that point, though, takes work. Developing the app is a challenge that requires consideration on all levels — from the audience to the user interface to updates. If you’re working on an app, here are 10 tips on what you should know:
The first thing you’ll want to do is get an idea of your audience. Of course, you can expand upon this as you roll out your app. For now, though, you should consider which demographics your creation will appeal to.
You can think in terms of small and big scales. Your app can reach multiple countries — meaning your interface will require different languages — or it can be popular within a certain age group, for instance. With those ideas as your basis, you can work on catering to your audience.
Keep your audience in mind as you narrow down how your app will operate. Is it an entertainment app? Will people use it for business or banking? This field will decide who your target audience is.
You’ll want to think about your app’s functions. Its abilities need to be useful for your audience. If it’s an entertainment app, people will want easy access to sharing options. When you go above and beyond to incorporate unique features other apps don’t offer, you’ll stand out.
A wireframe is an outline or model of what you want your app to look like. Before you head into coding, you can create a wireframe. That way, you’ll save yourself time if you end up changing your idea. Different platforms will come in handy here. You can sketch your ideas, use Adobe applications, try slideshow platforms like PowerPoint or experiment with wireframing websites.
Create the vision you want to bring to life before you start coding. It will save you time and energy in the long run, helping you develop your platform faster.
Have you ever been on a website or app and the layout was so bad that you clicked off? That’s a common experience for people all around the world. Your app’s user interface (UI) needs to be seamless, or you risk turning people away.
Keep disabilities in mind when you create your platform. You’ll want it to be accessible and easy to use for everyone who downloads it. Each app component should have clear and concise functions — from the initial walk-through and introduction to the more subtle features.
When you create an app, you’ll be developing it for a selection of three different areas. Your app could be for mobile devices, desktops or web browsers. Of course, the more platforms you incorporate, the higher your downloads will be.
However, keep in mind that each platform you integrate will require different types of coding. Android and iOS mobile devices have different languages from a Chrome browser extension, for example. You’ll need to consider where your app will work best and balance that with your resources.
Similarly to choosing your platforms, fine-tuning your third-party integrations can expand your reach. People like to have all their apps and functions in one place. For instance, Spotify and Google Maps are integrated, meaning your Spotify music shows up at the bottom of your navigation.
Integrations like these improve upon user interface and easy accessibility. They can also build a certain reputation for your brand. When you work with bigger brands and apps like Spotify, you can garner more trust from your user base.
Security, especially in the tech world, has become one of the most important user guarantees. When it comes to apps that use private or confidential information, you want to integrate the highest forms of security and safety.
You can use coding, encryption and authentication processes to optimize app security. You’ll also want to lock down permissions and essential data. This step prevents unauthorized access from outside parties and potential cybercriminals. However, you’ll still need to monitor the app regularly.
When you sell your app, you’ll need to deal with taxes — specifically income taxes. Take Apple, for instance. If you sell an app for $0.99, you’ll have to pay a certain amount of income tax on that. Of course, you can manage your taxes in different ways.
One option is to pay quarterly taxes. You’ll need to keep records of your sales and purchases so you can receive tax deductions. Remember that different pricing setups and platforms will have different procedures for taxes.
If your app uses battery power and bandwidth, you should make sure it doesn’t take up too much of either. When an app drains someone’s phone battery, they’ll be less likely to use it. Focus on optimizing battery life and power for better use.
Similarly, good internet connections and ample bandwidth can sometimes be scarce. If your app takes up a lot of Wi-Fi or data, it might turn people away. Both areas need to be reliable and practical. Once you balance them, your app will be ready for use.
As you roll out your app for use, you’ll want to monitor it regularly. Glitches and bugs are common and inevitable. They’re not always the biggest deal, but you will want to fix them as soon as possible — sometimes, they can interfere with key features.
Also, listen to user feedback. You’ll pick up on bugs on your own, but users can detect things you might miss. This feedback builds a connection between you and your users, fostering a better environment within the app.
As you work your way through these steps, your plans may change. Use these tips as your introductory guide to creating your app. When you cover your bases, your result will be a unique app that you can be proud of!
