Here are 13 things you need to keep in mind before you get started: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Research Your Competition <\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/circlehub.net\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/Circle-Hub-13-Things-to-Know-When-Creating-Your-First-App-Competition.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis applies to just about everything you do with your business – it always pays to stay in-the-know when it comes to your competitors. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nChances are that you\u2019ve got a few competitors out there who already have their own app, so spend some time using these to ensure that you can make yours so much better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few questions to ask yourself include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- How is your idea better than what\u2019s already out there?<\/li>
- What can you learn from the reviews of competitor apps? <\/li>
- How do you plan on out-performing your competition with your app? <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Put Together a Good Team <\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nThere are a lot of different parts that come together to make an app, so unless you\u2019re 100% confident in your technical and graphic skills, you\u2019ll need to gather together a good team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An app developer is a must, and they should ideally be someone who lives and breathes code. A graphic designer is key too, as is someone who can take control of sound and music. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tempted to use online resources to create your app yourself? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is definitely possible, but your app won\u2019t be quite as professional or sleek as one that has been professionally-developed. If you really want to stand out from your competition, you need a good team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While out-sourcing this work to remote companies is always an option, it can sometimes help to work with local experts – nothing quite beats a face-to-face meeting for ensuring that everyone is on the same page. Don\u2019t worry if you don\u2019t have a suitable office for this yet – the conference rooms at Circle Hub<\/a>, or even the co-working spaces, are great for a brainstorming session. <\/p>\n\n\n\nKeep Things Simple and User-Friendly<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n![\"App](\"https:\/\/circlehub.net\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/Circle-Hub-13-Things-to-Know-When-Creating-Your-First-App-Simple.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYour initial idea may be quite complex, but it\u2019s important to keep things simple when creating your first app. You want each user to immediately understand exactly what the app is for,<\/strong> and ideally that purpose will be enough to convince them to download it. <\/p>\n\n\n\nA user-friendly app is vital as well – most people download apps to simplify their lives in some way, meaning that your app should do this too. Nobody wants to use an app that\u2019s going to end up being hard work, so keep the user experience at the forefront of the development process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The actual design of your app needs to be simple and user-friendly too\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Design your app as though a newbie is going to be using it – not just a newbie to the app, but a newbie to smartphones or tablets in general. Keep menus large and easy to find, and make sure that buttons are the right size too – a user should only have to press a button once. A button diameter of between 7 to 10 millimeters <\/strong>is usually recommended. <\/p>\n\n\n\nChoose a Good Name<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no point spending countless hours and dollars developing an amazing app, only for users to avoid downloading it because of its name. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The name of your app will be what first attracts people to it<\/strong> – users often even download a new app simply based on the name alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHow do you choose a good name? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHere are a few tips: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Make sure that it\u2019s unique and catchy <\/li>
- Choose something different from your competition <\/li>
- Pick a name that reflects the purpose of the app <\/li>
- Make sure that the name is easy to spell and pronounce <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Consider Scalability <\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nScalability isn\u2019t something that first-time app developers really think about, but this is something that could fuel your idea on for several years, long after your app has launched. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scalability simply means being able to scale your idea up or down. For example, an app that has the potential to launch sequels, or one that could be turned into a computer program or a game, gives you the opportunity for growth in the future. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nApp Features Will Need to Be Prioritized<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n![\"App](\"https:\/\/circlehub.net\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/Circle-Hub-13-Things-to-Know-When-Creating-Your-First-App-App.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYou probably have numerous ideas when it comes to the different features that you want your app to have, but prioritizing these is essential. Not only will it be extremely costly to stuff your app with hundreds of different features, but this will also over-complicate the user-experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There will always be some must-have features that your app simply cannot function without, but when it comes to the rest of them, ask yourself the following questions: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- How often is this feature going to be used? <\/li>
- How many people will actually make use of this feature? <\/li>
- Does this feature provide value to the user? <\/li>
- Is this feature risky in any way? <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Even if your idea is pretty multi-faceted, it\u2019s always best to try to focus on just one main thing with your first app<\/strong> – something that truly provides value. After this, you can expand from there. <\/p>\n\n\n\nProvide an Offline Experience <\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nSome apps will only fully work when a user is connected to the internet, but, ideally, you want your app to provide a good offline experience too. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis is something that will need to be considered in the design stage – an app that works seamlessly both offline and online is one that users will stick with in the long-term. If you think of all of the major apps out there, from Google Docs to Asana to Evernote, these will all work perfectly even if the user isn\u2019t connected to WiFi – your app needs to do the same. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Decide How Many Platforms to Design For<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nThis is a tricky one, because designing for multiple platforms will take a massive chunk out of your budget.<\/strong> It will also take more time to get your app ready for launch, unless you happen to have a large team. <\/p>\n\n\n\nMost small businesses create an iOS app to begin with, before branching out into other platforms if their app is showing signs of success. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why iOS? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because there are really only two main devices that use iOS – the iPhone and the iPad. This really simplifies the design process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you start moving into Android, and then Windows, and then anything else that\u2019s proving popular at the time, things start to get much more complicated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, the best way to reach the largest audience is by launching on multiple platforms, so this is a decision that really needs to be considered carefully. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Underestimate the Testing Phase<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/circlehub.net\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/Circle-Hub-13-Things-to-Know-When-Creating-Your-First-App-Testing.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYou don\u2019t want to put your app out there until it\u2019s perfect, which is why the testing phase is so important. This is something that can take quite a bit of time, and although many small businesses often rush this process, this is usually to their detriment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It isn\u2019t enough for just you and your team to test the app out yourself, even if you plan on doing so on multiple devices. Your app is something that you\u2019ve been working on for months, if not years, so you\u2019re going to be attached to it in a way that you don\u2019t even realize, making it important to form an objective opinion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ideally, you need real people who have had absolutely nothing to do with the app\u2019s development to be your beta testers. <\/strong>This has a number of advantages, such as: <\/p>\n\n\n\n- Using your app in a variety of different environments <\/li>
- Customizing the app in their own individual way <\/li>
- Combining your app with others that they use <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The feedback you get from those users will give you the information you need to get your app ready for the general public. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Create a Good Marketing Strategy<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nFor some, marketing an app begins at the same time as development, meaning that you need to come up with a good marketing strategy early on in the game. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis will play such a significant role in how successful your app is. Even if you don\u2019t have much competition, good marketing will still make a wider audience aware that your app even exists<\/a>. On the other hand, if competition is rife, then you need a good marketing strategy<\/a> to shine. <\/p>\n\n\n\nA few marketing tactics that work well for new apps are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis applies to just about everything you do with your business – it always pays to stay in-the-know when it comes to your competitors. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Chances are that you\u2019ve got a few competitors out there who already have their own app, so spend some time using these to ensure that you can make yours so much better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A few questions to ask yourself include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a lot of different parts that come together to make an app, so unless you\u2019re 100% confident in your technical and graphic skills, you\u2019ll need to gather together a good team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An app developer is a must, and they should ideally be someone who lives and breathes code. A graphic designer is key too, as is someone who can take control of sound and music. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tempted to use online resources to create your app yourself? <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is definitely possible, but your app won\u2019t be quite as professional or sleek as one that has been professionally-developed. If you really want to stand out from your competition, you need a good team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While out-sourcing this work to remote companies is always an option, it can sometimes help to work with local experts – nothing quite beats a face-to-face meeting for ensuring that everyone is on the same page. Don\u2019t worry if you don\u2019t have a suitable office for this yet – the conference rooms at Circle Hub<\/a>, or even the co-working spaces, are great for a brainstorming session. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your initial idea may be quite complex, but it\u2019s important to keep things simple when creating your first app. You want each user to immediately understand exactly what the app is for,<\/strong> and ideally that purpose will be enough to convince them to download it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A user-friendly app is vital as well – most people download apps to simplify their lives in some way, meaning that your app should do this too. Nobody wants to use an app that\u2019s going to end up being hard work, so keep the user experience at the forefront of the development process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The actual design of your app needs to be simple and user-friendly too\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Design your app as though a newbie is going to be using it – not just a newbie to the app, but a newbie to smartphones or tablets in general. Keep menus large and easy to find, and make sure that buttons are the right size too – a user should only have to press a button once. A button diameter of between 7 to 10 millimeters <\/strong>is usually recommended. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no point spending countless hours and dollars developing an amazing app, only for users to avoid downloading it because of its name. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The name of your app will be what first attracts people to it<\/strong> – users often even download a new app simply based on the name alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few tips: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Scalability isn\u2019t something that first-time app developers really think about, but this is something that could fuel your idea on for several years, long after your app has launched. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Scalability simply means being able to scale your idea up or down. For example, an app that has the potential to launch sequels, or one that could be turned into a computer program or a game, gives you the opportunity for growth in the future. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You probably have numerous ideas when it comes to the different features that you want your app to have, but prioritizing these is essential. Not only will it be extremely costly to stuff your app with hundreds of different features, but this will also over-complicate the user-experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There will always be some must-have features that your app simply cannot function without, but when it comes to the rest of them, ask yourself the following questions: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if your idea is pretty multi-faceted, it\u2019s always best to try to focus on just one main thing with your first app<\/strong> – something that truly provides value. After this, you can expand from there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some apps will only fully work when a user is connected to the internet, but, ideally, you want your app to provide a good offline experience too. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is something that will need to be considered in the design stage – an app that works seamlessly both offline and online is one that users will stick with in the long-term. If you think of all of the major apps out there, from Google Docs to Asana to Evernote, these will all work perfectly even if the user isn\u2019t connected to WiFi – your app needs to do the same. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a tricky one, because designing for multiple platforms will take a massive chunk out of your budget.<\/strong> It will also take more time to get your app ready for launch, unless you happen to have a large team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most small businesses create an iOS app to begin with, before branching out into other platforms if their app is showing signs of success. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Why iOS? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because there are really only two main devices that use iOS – the iPhone and the iPad. This really simplifies the design process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you start moving into Android, and then Windows, and then anything else that\u2019s proving popular at the time, things start to get much more complicated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, the best way to reach the largest audience is by launching on multiple platforms, so this is a decision that really needs to be considered carefully. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t want to put your app out there until it\u2019s perfect, which is why the testing phase is so important. This is something that can take quite a bit of time, and although many small businesses often rush this process, this is usually to their detriment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It isn\u2019t enough for just you and your team to test the app out yourself, even if you plan on doing so on multiple devices. Your app is something that you\u2019ve been working on for months, if not years, so you\u2019re going to be attached to it in a way that you don\u2019t even realize, making it important to form an objective opinion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideally, you need real people who have had absolutely nothing to do with the app\u2019s development to be your beta testers. <\/strong>This has a number of advantages, such as: <\/p>\n\n\n\n The feedback you get from those users will give you the information you need to get your app ready for the general public. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For some, marketing an app begins at the same time as development, meaning that you need to come up with a good marketing strategy early on in the game. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This will play such a significant role in how successful your app is. Even if you don\u2019t have much competition, good marketing will still make a wider audience aware that your app even exists<\/a>. On the other hand, if competition is rife, then you need a good marketing strategy<\/a> to shine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A few marketing tactics that work well for new apps are: <\/p>\n\n\n\nPut Together a Good Team <\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Keep Things Simple and User-Friendly<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nChoose a Good Name<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
How do you choose a good name? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Consider Scalability <\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
App Features Will Need to Be Prioritized<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nProvide an Offline Experience <\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Decide How Many Platforms to Design For<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Underestimate the Testing Phase<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCreate a Good Marketing Strategy<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
![\"Man](\"https:\/\/circlehub.net\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/Circle-Hub-13-Things-to-Know-When-Creating-Your-First-App-Maintenance.jpg\")