Do you have a great idea for an app but aren’t sure where to even begin? Use these steps to create an app that will be all your own.
Smart. Savvy. You know your stuff when it comes to business, and an app is what your customers need.
But you don’t know how to build one.
Whether you’re in finance and need an app for accounting, or you have a different business altogether, you know an app custom designed for your clients would boost their experience — and your profits.
Here are 9 simple steps to create an app that we’re sure you can follow. Spoiler — for the first half you don’t even need to know how to code. Hiring a great mobile app developer in Tampa doesn’t have to be difficult. Visit Ecodelogic for all of their development services.
1. Figure Out Your “Why”
What is the purpose of the app? You should be able to articulate this in one sentence.
When you are passionate enough about your new project that you can give a one-sentence elevator speech for it without even thinking about it, you are ready to get started.
2. Figure Out The “How”
You know the precise functions you want your app to have. Make a list of those functions. What should people be able to do once they have downloaded your app?
For research, you can download similar apps and explore their functions. Chances are you’ve already done this, and those apps don’t work as well as you would like. That’s a probable reason for designing your own.
How will your app achieve the purpose you defined in Step 1? What functions will it have that will let your users do the main objective?
3. The Easiest of Steps To Create An App
Figure out what it looks like. What buttons are there for people to click on? What icons will you use?
Some of the best sports apps are great examples to use because they have to be intuitive or people won’t use them. They’ll quit trying to watch the big game or play fantasy football because it’s too hard, and they’ll try another app.
Use some paper and a pencil or pen to design it. Put in buttons and places for videos or text blocks.
Don’t worry if you’re not an artist. Putting ideas down and organizing the design is the point, not your finesse withdrawing.
4. Plan The Interface
Do some flow charts about how users will get from one section of the app to another. Make sure you have all the separate menus and paths mapped out ahead of time. This will help you when you get ready to write the actual code.
As you plan, you can make a to-do list. It will help you stay organized, and you’ll remember which steps come first. Revise the list as you go, checking things off and adding in steps that you didn’t think about in the initial planning stages.
It can help to try storyboarding as movie directors do. Use arrows to show the next phase, and if one phase can lead to multiple others, use multiple arrows to redirect back and forth. The important part of this step is that you understand how everything fits together.
5. Pare It Down
If it’s getting too complicated, try eliminating essential functions. If you can get things up and running, you can create another version of the app to add new functions in at a later date.
It’s better if your app can take a simple thing and make it exceptional, rather than trying to do too much and fail miserably. An all-in-one app will be more useful, yes, but give yourself grace and space to get to that point. Your users will thank you.
6. Choose An OS and A Language
Will you create an app for Apple or Android users? Both have free resources to help with the process, and there are advantages and disadvantages to each. Find out which platform your users are most interested in having, and cater to their needs.
Dating apps like Tinder or other very popular apps that are available for both use different code languages. It may be that you need to start with one side and work your way up to having the app available for more users. You’ll have to rewrite the code to in another coding language.
7. Consider A Developer
App Developers can help you do things a lot faster than when you try and do it on your own. They charge minimal fees, and it can be worth the money for all the time and frustration they save you.
Take the time to communicate the specifics of what you want from the app, and show them your plans and ideas. The right developers will work with you and help you achieve your business goals.
8. Write the Code
Learn the coding language for the app. There are YouTube tutorials and other classes online that you can take. During your class, use your own idea in the projects and worksheets to get a head start on the code you’ll need for the app.
Some websites help you with bits of code that other writers already created. If you are able, use these prewritten chunks to make your job easier.
Of course, you’ll also need to write your own code that’s specific for your app. Something customized may be more helpful to your users than jimmy-rigging an old bit to fit your purposes.
9. Test for Bugs
There’s nothing more frustrating than thinking you’re done with a project and finding out you still have a long road. Plan on doing significant testing so that you aren’t surprised or disappointed when you get to that part of the project.
Testing might be the most important step. There will be bugs. Don’t try to convince yourself it will be perfect on the first try. If you spend time testing the app and working out the kinks, you’ll be that much more pleased with yourself at the end.
Users will be happier and won’t abandon your company because of a few minor inconveniences. After testing, writing the fixes, and adding the code to get rid of the bugs, you may have even more bugs. Don’t worry, you’ll get there in the end.
Have patience and keep working hard. No one said it was a short road, but when you get there, you’ll feel like a champion.
Be Your Own Developer
With these easy steps to create an app, you’ll be building something fantastic for your customers in no time.
From planning and mapping to developing the app and writing the code, you can get the job done well. Don’t forget the last step, testing for bugs, and your customers will thank you.
Got a question about tech for business? Contact us, and we can help find the answer.
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