What mobile applications are needed. Mobile application for business: from idea to cost. Submit your idea to friends, family and colleagues for feedback

Do you doubt whether it is worth investing in the development of a mobile application? You can do it yourself and absolutely free. You may end up with a test case that is useful for evaluating the effectiveness of a mobile strategy. And if you try, you will make a decent mobile application that will become the main tool for online interaction with owners of smartphones and tablets.

Is it worth making your own mobile application

Costs. If you don't take the word for it, here are some facts:

According to Flurry Analytics and comScore, owners of smartphones and tablets use the browser only 14% of the total time they use the device. And 86% of their time they spend on different applications.
The installed application is your direct channel of communication with the consumer. Just think: you don't need to spend money on advertising or wait for a person to find you using Yandex. It remains to maintain the functionality the user needs and provide him with relevant content.
The number of purchases made using tablets and smartphones is growing both on the Internet in general and on the Internet. According to the marketing agency Criteo, already in 2016 more than half of online transactions on the Russian Internet will be made using mobile devices.

If you like, the app is a mobile browser that only opens your site. When would a user install such an Internet browser? Only if he is interested in your product or information. Therefore, remember: the client who installed the application is a loyal and ready to buy representative of the target audience.

In this case, is it worth the risk and offering loyal customers DIY applications, rather than custom-made programs for Android and iOS made by professionals? Let's figure it out.

When can you create an application yourself

Do you remember what website visitors need? They come from the content or functionality of the resource. People want to get information, buy something, see and comment on photos of friends, and so on. Mobile app users want the same. They are looking for information or doing any kind of transaction.

Do you remember when a business can make a website on its own? That's right, when there is still no money for cooperation with professionals, but there is time and desire to deal with WordPress or Joomla. The same situation is with applications. Self-created programs for iOS and Android can be roughly compared with sites on "engines" with open source.

You don't have to register to get started. Click the Create Now button on the main page or select the Create App menu in the upper right corner of any page of the service.

Choose the appropriate app template. If we are talking about a content project, you may be interested in the following options:

Manual. This template allows you to make a guide program.
Blog. The app will help your blog audience read new notes from their smartphone or tablet screen.
Website. The template converts the site into an application.
Pages. Using this template, you can convert any content into an application with simple functionality.
News. The template allows you to create an aggregator application for industry or regional news.
Page. The template converts offline content, such as an e-book, into an application.
VK Page and Facebook Page. Create an application that allows you to follow the updates of open groups on Vkontakte and Facebook.
YouTube. Use the template to promote your YouTube channel.

How to create a blog app

Use the Blog template. Enter the URL of your blog or RSS feed in the corresponding field. Choose a color for the title of your notes.

Please enter a name for the application.

Add a description.

Choose a standard or add a custom icon. A suitable image size is 512 by 512 pixels.

Click the Create App button to create the boot file. After that, you need to register in the system. Confirm registration and go to your personal account. Here you can install the application on your mobile device, publish it on Google Play and the Amazon App Store. The system also offers a monetization option. If you use this feature, ads will be displayed in the application.

Check how the app works on your mobile device. On a tablet, the program should display a list of blog posts in title and announcement format.

Open the template and customize the appearance of the application. Choose how the content is displayed: one step at a time on the screen or a list of steps.

Use the editor to add text, images, videos or links. To add a photo to the program, upload it to the Imgur hosting and paste the link into the appropriate field.

After editing the content, specify the name of the application, add a description and an icon. Click the Create App button. After creating the boot file, install it on your mobile device and check if it works.

Please note that most mobile devices block the installation of applications from unknown sources by default. If a user downloads a program from your site or from the App Builder site, when they try to install it, they will see a warning about a security breach. Some customers will probably refuse to install the program.

8 constructors similar to AppsGeyser

If the AppsGeyser universal constructor did not suit you, pay attention to similar services:

AppsMakerStore. With the help of the service, you can create applications of different types: from programs for Ecommerce to solutions for content projects. The constructor makes apps for iOS and Android. The service interface is Russified. For beginners, there is an informative guide to using the constructor. The service is paid.
Mobincube. A tool for creating and monetizing iOS and Android applications. The basic functionality of the service is available free of charge. The constructor allows you to create applications of different types.
Good Barber. With this service, you can develop Android and iOS applications. The constructor is paid, the cost of using is 16 USD per month.

Most of the proposed services have an English-language interface. If you are uncomfortable working with constructors in English, choose platforms with russified content.

Application builders: stone ax or thin modern tool?

Don't go from one extreme to another. With the help of the proposed services, it is really possible to create workable functional applications. The resulting programs can be used to solve various problems: from providing online trading to distributing content and educating the audience. Apps created in the constructor can be published on Google Play and App Store, edited, monetized using ads or paid installs.

Do not overestimate the services offered. Their obvious drawback is stereotyped. It's about both design and functionality of programs. In addition, access to platforms with decent functionality is paid. Which is better: to pay once for the developers' work or pay for many years to the owners of the constructor? Count yourself.

And one more thing: if you do not have time to create a mobile application on your own, please contact our company. We are developing mobile applications, and.

Translated from English native means "native". A native application is developed for mobile phones for a specific operating system. This is done by specialists who have certain knowledge and skills in this area. Native apps have a nice design, they freely interact with the mobile OS, they can work via an Internet connection or offline.

What is it?

A native app is development available for one device platform. For example, there are mobile applications that are created specifically for the Android or iPhone platform. With the development of modern technologies, the emergence of various applications (native, hybrid, web), there is a choice. Native applications are downloaded through special stores (App Store, Google Play) and installed on a smartphone.

The peculiarity is that they are developed for a specific platform, using the "native" programming languages when writing them. If an application is created for a specific operating system, it works well and looks organic. In addition, the application easily uses the functions of the smartphone software, such as a camera, microphone, player, and saves device resources.

One of the most famous examples of native apps is Shazam. It determines which song is playing on the other device. Shazam is installed from a store, requires Internet access, and requires a smartphone voice recorder to function. Instagram is a popular native app that requires a network connection to function.

Purpose

A mobile application in the modern world is a communication channel, communication between people and companies. They are essential in business. Through them, you can sell a service or product, communicate with customers, create a business structure with partners. Phone apps help you optimize internal communication in your company. Today, through mobile applications, you can read newspapers, find out the latest news, watch TV shows, films. And all this regardless of the time of day and location. Applications are ways to promote products, present services. This is a great marketing tool. In addition, through mobile applications, you can visit social networks, chat with friends and do business. The peculiarity is that developers can make a smartphone application to order, especially for a specific project.

There are three main stages in the development of native business applications. The first is adapting an existing website for a smartphone (creating a web application). The second stage is the creation of hybrid applications that combine web technologies and mobile functions. The third step is writing a native mobile phone application. It is the most resource-intensive, but it allows you to realize the capabilities of the operating system of the device and achieve the intended results due to the extended functionality of the smartphone. The popularity of native applications depends on their high performance, debugging, stability, and the ability to work without the Internet. Subsequent uploading to the app store allows the developer to track sales statistics. Use native applications if you need to process a huge amount of data and high speed of work.

Views

The types of mobile applications: native, web and hybrid have similarities. Native ones are written specifically for operating systems like iOS. Android, Win Phone. They are downloaded through app stores and comply with their requirements. Native apps run fast and smoothly thanks to OS-specific optimizations. They have access to device functions. These applications can run from the Internet or offline.

Web applications have similarities with mobile versions of sites, but they have advanced interactivity. They are created in order to be able to use the site through a smartphone. Its main difference: the application does not need to be installed. All work is done through the browser. The difference between a native and a web application is the ability to freely manipulate information.

Hybrid combines the functions of the previous two. The application works with smartphone software as it is cross-platform. Loaded from the app store, works over the Internet. The hybrid application is the most popular among the users. Native is used if you need a high speed of information processing (social networks, games or geolocation). Remember that native Android apps will not work for iPhones or smartphones with other platforms.

Advantages

A native app has a number of advantages. High performance, interaction with a specific operating system, low power consumption, phone memory, ease of use. The advantages of this application include maximum functionality and excellent speed, access to smartphone software, in some cases no Internet connection is required to use it. You can download and install the application only through a special store.

disadvantages

The native app has drawbacks. It takes a lot of time to develop, and the cost of such an application is higher. The developer is required to know a certain programming environment. In addition, the native works with a single operating system. If you need to change anything in the application, you need to release an update.

How to install?

The native mobile application is installed taking into account the operating system of the smartphone. In order to select the required application, go to any store, for example Google Play, and select the appropriate one. Download it and install it. Typically, the application will work if there is an Internet connection. If you can't install, check the storage capacity of your smartphone. It should be sufficient for installation.

Native code

What does "native application" mean? For many, this phrase will seem new, but in fact, almost all modern gadget users encounter it every day. For the native application to work correctly, developers write special code. This is a command system, a machine language that will be interpreted by a smartphone. The instructions in the application will allow the user to realize its capabilities to its fullest. Developer commands can be of different lengths and ranges. Native apps are fast because of the large but small code.

These applications are Java. It gives developers great opportunities. Its versatility and convenience allows you to create simple corporate applications in the shortest possible time. The nice thing about Java development is that its tools are available on all PC operating systems that include Linux and MacOS. If you want to develop Java applications, you need a MacOS X computer. A native iOS application differs from Android in the amount of development time.

Price

Free native mobile app builder helps users create one themselves. There are a lot of constructors on the web. The most popular and well-known are My-apps, Net2Share, BuildApp, MobiumApps, Appsa4u. For example, the My-apps constructor independently builds an application for iOS and Android operating systems. Users can choose from ten ready-made templates, depending on the purpose of the application. The end result can be published in the store for download.

Full native development is not cheap. Before planning it, decide on a budget. It should consist of funds for the promotion of the finished product and the development itself. If an application is being prepared for multiple operating systems, its cost doubles. We are talking about development for legal entities, for example, trading companies. Hybrid apps cost 30% more than native ones, and the web has a low price due to a single codebase, so it is more profitable to develop them than native ones.

Creation of native applications is always a huge waste of money and there are no standard projects, applications are developed individually for each customer. The price includes design, the number of operating systems, the use of technologies for writing code, the complexity of the work, testing, publication and other nuances. A complex application can cost several million rubles. And this is only development. Publications, tests and other services require additional funding. That is why applications are ordered by large business companies that are ready to call themselves such a benefit. Applications further bring good income and pay off over time. Doing business, expanding the increase in demand for products, creating a positive image are the advantages of mobile applications.

Performance

How the application will work depends on the performance of the smartphone. Natives have direct access to the phone's platform and features, which positively impacts their productivity. Hybrid apps, if done correctly, can render the web native. The performance of web applications depends on the speed of the Internet connection, so it may work differently for several users.

Spreading

After development, a native Windows, Android, iOS application should reach users. Distribution through app stores is the best option. There are special requirements for the finished product that the developer should adhere to in advance. They depend on the internal policies of the store. If the app is successful, users download it, and the owner gets a profit and a higher rating. Remember that adding any content (native and hybrid) to the app store requires a confirmation process.

The basic equipment of a smartphone includes not only pre-installed applications, but also those that you can download for free from Google Play, including in the form of APK files.

Our must-have apps are primarily for those who have just received a new Android smartphone. At the same time, the application experts from the CHIP editorial staff thought about all the uses of the smartphone: managing files, reading news, downloading videos from YouTube and even watching TV.

30th place: Clean Master

Clean Master removes unused files from your smartphone - this way you keep order and get rid of the garbage that is devouring the memory of your Android device.

The utility will delete the application cache and also free memory from unused running applications.

Also, there is a function to analyze the performance of the device and files on the SD card. In the full version, antivirus is built into the program.

In addition, the application has the AppLock function, with which you can block access to Facebook, SMS, contacts, photo gallery, as well as to any other applications.

29th place: AirDroid

With AirDroid, you can sync your Android device with your personal computer wirelessly.

The only thing you need for this is the corresponding version of the program on your PC.

28th place: RIA Novosti

You should always have an idea of the picture of events in the world. With the free RIA Novosti app, you will always be up to date with the latest news.

27th place: Adobe Reader

With the Android version of "Adobe Reader", PDF documents can now be opened and viewed on any Android phone or tablet.

26th place: Navitel Navigator 9.6

Navigation system Navitel Navigator has a high positioning accuracy on the terrain, a unique system for laying and guiding along the route, and also has a convenient search for objects on the map. Moreover, the program does not need the Internet for laying and guiding the route. All infrastructure objects are already integrated into the map database, including gas stations, workshops, banks, shops, cafes, theaters, etc.

When connected to the Internet, data on traffic jams becomes available, as well as current prices for gasoline at many gas stations.

The user can purchase the program with a map of Russia or individual districts (from 800 rubles). There is an opportunity to buy maps of other countries.

Those who do not intend to spend money on a fully functional version, after a 7-day test mode, can continue to use the program for free, but in freemium mode. At the same time, he will not have access to: routing; voice guidance; 3D map mode; traffic congestion information and lane indicators.

25th place: MAPS.ME

The free MAPS.ME package will help you plan your trip from your current location to a train station, metro station, a specific address or any other place of interest.

24th place: Evernote

Anyone who places a lot of importance on being well organized can rejoice in the free Evernote app. It allows you to create, edit and extract notes for offline use, as well as compose voice memos.

In addition, you can import the resulting images into the application and then process them using Skitch.

23rd place: Snapseed

Snapseed is a versatile image optimization app suitable for both beginners and experienced photographers.

22nd place: Spotify Music

With the streaming service Spotify, you can listen to millions of songs legally and for free.

21st: TripAdvisor

To avoid getting into a hotel that will disappoint you, simply check the numerous TripAdvisor user ratings ahead of time. At the same time, you can choose not only hotels. Here you will find evaluations of both restaurants and other leisure activities.

20th place: Instagram

Pump up your photos: 20 effects are available with which you can give your images a style, for example, Gotham. During the test, it turned out smoothly and quickly.

Then a short name is assigned to the photo, the current GPS location is assigned, and now friends can already see the photo news in your Instagram application.

19th place: Translator Translate.Ru

Free Translator Translate.Ru scores points primarily when translating whole phrases and expressions. The history stores the last 50 translations that are available offline. The dictionary is especially helpful in translating texts.

18th place: Gismeteo lite

With the free Android app Gismeteo lite, you will be aware of the weather conditions in your area and the forecast for 10 days. GPS positioning tells you where you are right away.

17th place: Runtastic

The best running app on the market.

16th place: Amazon App Store

At the Amazon App-Store, you get one paid app every day for free.

15th place: Netflix

Even if there is no huge TV nearby, Netflix works on both smartphones and tablets.

14th place: QR & Barcode Scanner

Take pictures and compare: With the QR & Barcode Scanner, you quickly get independent product information directly to your Android smartphone.

With the integrated scanner, you can take a photo of the code that is located on almost every product. This can be a European barcode (EAN), a two-dimensional barcode (QR), or an international standard book number (ISBN).

The product and all available information about it, such as price and customer reviews, will quickly appear on your smartphone.

13th place: OneFootball

The OneFootball app cannot be missing on a football fan's mobile phone, providing you with information on individual matches and much more.

Here you can also get detailed reports on all major European championships, the Champions League, Europa League and cup competitions.

Install Toralarme if desired. The application will alert you to the starting whistle and you will never miss a game.

12th place: Chrome

Perhaps everyone knows the desktop version of Chrome. Google itself has released a mobile version of the popular browser for Android smartphones, which, however, only works on devices with Android 4.0 ("Ice Cream Sandwich") and later.

11th place: VLC for Android

The Android version of "VLC Media Player" - like the original - stands out for its support for a variety of audio and video formats.

10th place: Snapchat

Through Snapchat, you send photos to your friends. The trick is that all the pictures you send will appear for only a few seconds, and after that they will be automatically deleted.

This way, through Snapchat, you can seamlessly send the boldest selfies without worrying about the consequences.

9th place: messenger WhatsApp

Without further ado: you need to install WhatApp if only because all your friends have it.

8th place: Dropbox

The Dropbox online service gives you 2GB of free internet storage that you can use from anywhere. Including, of course, from your mobile phone. Is there any reason to refuse such an offer?

7th place: ES Explorer

ES File Explorer is one of the best file managers for Android. In addition, the following features are included: copy, cut, move, thumbnail images, multiple selection, text editing, program management, search, work with ZIP archives and access to an FTP server.

6th place: avast Mobile Security

Viruses lie in wait for you not only on door handles and handrails in trams - there are plenty of them on the Internet. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to protect your mobile phone.

The free application "avast Mobile Security" offers a scanner that will check your applications for malware. In addition, this also gives you a web screen that warns you about dangerous Internet sites.

Among other things, there are call and SMS filters, as well as a practical task manager. Moreover, as the owner of the "hacked" (gerooteten) ??? smartphone, you can benefit from the built-in firewall, as well as the practical anti-theft function.

5th place: Skype

With the Skype VoiP application, you can make free calls and communicate over the Internet with millions of other Skype users.

Thanks to the ability to purchase "Skype credits", you can make calls to landline phones.

4th place: Facebook / Messenger

Without the official Facebook app, a smartphone would probably only be half the fun. The messenger gives you direct access to your profile and contacts. Plus, it shows you who sent you a message and friend status updates.

With messenger for Android, you can quickly send a message without having to launch the Facebook app.

3rd place: Plus Messenger

An upgraded version of the Telegram messenger.

2nd place: SPB TV Russia

The free SPB TV Russia application gives you access to many domestic TV channels.

1st place: TubeMate YouTube Downloader

TubeMate YouTube Downloader allows you to download YouTube videos to any Android device. It is also possible to download files in MP3 format.

Photo: manufacturing companies

About 20% of traffic on the RuNet is accounted for by mobile operating systems. And this figure continues to gain momentum. Isn't this a reason to think about whether to adapt your site for mobile traffic, because this is a completely different audience.

Responsive design for different screen resolutions of electronic gadgets has long become a modern standard in website development. However, the percentage of such sites on the Internet is still not great. And there are even fewer sites that have their own mobile version. So is it worth creating a separate version of the site for mobile phones, or is it enough to make the design responsive?

Why does a website need a mobile version?

It is much more convenient to use the mobile version of the site from smartphones and mobile phones: there is no need for horizontal scrolling, all the functionality works correctly (on some non-adapted sites it is impossible to even put a product in the cart!).
In the mobile version, you can develop additional features aimed specifically at this target group of visitors: organize SMS sending directly from the site, determine the location and distance to the nearest point of sale, etc.
Navigation of such sites is made adapted for the touch screen (Touch screen), which is also much more convenient.
The mobile version of the site is lighter, has less bulky code, so it loads faster, which reduces the user's cost of downloading it when paying for mobile traffic.
Search engines use mobile search for phones, so the mobile version of the site will rank higher in it, which means there will be more conversions to your site.

Types of the mobile version of the site

The mobile version can be identical to the main site: repeat structure, content, design. This effect can be achieved even with special services, without resorting to developers.

Independent mobile version of the site. Here, the structure and functionality are completely changed, only the style correspondence is repeated, partly the elements and content, so that the user knows that he is on the same site.

What is required for the mobile version of the site?

Design. Perhaps the most important component. The latest design trends for mobile sites are the ultimate in lightness and simplicity.
Compatibility. The site should display correctly on the most popular screen resolutions (240x320, 480x320 and some others). On such sites it is better not to use javascript or use a minimum of javascript, use xhtml.
Optimization of content. This is especially true for pictures: they should be light both in size and in kilobytes.
Usability. Good navigation is the key to a successful mobile site!

Mobile version or responsive design?

You will not find an exact answer to this question. There are different points of view that rely on the disadvantages of both one and the second option.

The main disadvantages of responsive design refer to the fact that the "weight" of the site remains large, which means that the site will still load for a long time. In development, responsive design is simpler than the mobile version, however, it cannot be disabled on the mobile screen, while if the user does not like the mobile version, he can always switch to the standard version of the site.

Which sites need a mobile version?

Research shows that it is advisable to create a mobile version of the site for the following types of sites:

Reference site
Social networks and services
Web services
Online Stores

If you have already thought about whether your site needs a mobile version or not, analyze the traffic to the site over the past year through analytics systems. If the share of mobile traffic is 15% or more, the answer is obvious!

Numbers

Haven't you decided yet? Then consider these statistics:

Mobile phones are used by 87% of the total population. Apparently, only small children do not have them!
The growth of mobile commerce is predicted to increase 99 times in the next 5 years!
Only 21% of sites are mobile friendly. You still have a chance to get your share of the traffic!

Useful statistics are shown below in the infographic (clickable).

Every owner dreams of creating his own application for mobile gadgets, even if he doesn't talk about it.

Just imagine, people can, after a couple of taps on the screen, make an order with you or consult an operator.

And how many components are in the words “We have our own mobile application for business”. This is all very cool. Just not as easy as it seems.

For those who are just starting a business and do not plan to build an entire business on one mobile application, this article will now be useless.

Since starting a mobile application is necessary for those who already have a steady stream of sales, with which you will strengthen the application.

Fashion or necessity

50% of people visit our (this) blog from mobile applications. Moreover, their share is growing every day.

And this once again suggests that "mobilization" is coming at a frantic pace. Therefore, many sites create, however, which we did with our blog.

But even if all traffic is consumed by mobile devices, this does not mean that everyone needs to create their own mobile application for business.

Therefore, you need to be clearly aware that not everyone needs their own application, and perhaps even in the future it will not be necessary.

To understand the need for business applications, you need to determine for yourself and understand how much it will increase the company's profit.

After all, there are two main goals that the creation of mobile applications pursues:

Sales growth
Service enhancement

Moreover, the most interesting thing is that according to the last analytics, the second point prevails over the first.

And this once again confirms that companies come to the creation of their service only after they have reached stable sales, and not vice versa.

This is if you designate global goals, if you divide them into subgoals or separate tasks, then you can form more interesting conclusions that will help you understand why you need your application. Here are some examples from the world and our clients.

Detachment from competitors

Each of us wants to find the “blue ocean”, to find our own. Perhaps it is the mobile application that will help you do this.

For example, the global company Uber (taxi) abandoned classic operators and created an application where people can order a car in a few clicks.

Moreover, during the order, they see where which car is located and how much they will have.

You can do the same. Only you should clearly weigh all the pros and cons in advance.

As you may have noticed above, taxis have a fairly massive market. Therefore, if your target audience is rather limited, you should think twice.

Although you do not need to consider the application as the only channel of interactions with you. You can make it additional, to detune from competitors.

WE ARE ALREADY MORE THAN 29,000 people.
TURN ON

Selecting and ordering a product

An elementary task for which mobile applications for business are created.

We can especially notice the implementation of such a task at clothing stores. It is more convenient for people to choose and order goods through them.

We can see an application with the same task on message boards, for example, Avito.

One of our clients also decided to create an application for this task, only changing the concept.

Namely, he produces wallpaper and sells it through dealers (retail stores).

And since not all photo wallpapers are available from dealers, he bought tablets for each store, where he downloaded the application, where the client can select current sketches right on the spot and leave an order through the dealer.

Loyalty program

It is rare for a company to personally create an application for itself with the goal of increasing customer loyalty.

Most often these are ready-made applications to which you connect for an additional fee. But if you are one of those who like to keep everything under their control, then this is your choice.

For example, we implemented a mobile application for a coffee shop chain, where visitors could track their accumulated points and make a table reservation.

But there is a lot of the whole application for tracking points and ordering tables, so additional functionality was introduced that, through push-up notifications, notifies the client about new promotions.

This is another task for which you can make an application - for the distribution of new promotions and offers.

Moreover, at the coffee shop we did it cleverly, namely, when a person was in a certain radius from our institution, he received an alert with a promotion that was valid for an hour. Here's an interesting example for a small business.

Work organization

Another client of ours, when selling a franchise, realized that for the organized work of all franchisees, he needed a common system where they could manage their orders and regulate all technical issues.

Thus, he created an application that every employee of the company installed on his phone.

In this application, each employee sees his panel and performs all the work actions in it.

For example, he accepted an order or registered a marriage. Firstly, it is convenient, secondly, it creates a common eco-system for all franchises and, thirdly, this approach increased profits by reducing time costs.

Support service

I love such long and strategic actions. You are creating a service that has nothing to do with increasing profits

Your company, but who helps clients in solving their problems. The principle of operation is this, for example, you create a service for modeling the design of apartments. That is, you let the client create the design of his apartment himself. Point?

No! Comma. During the process, users will understand that the design is not so easy and what thoughts will come to their minds?

Contact the design studio. More precisely, contact the design studio that created this wonderful application.

Just do not forget to make capture forms so that the client understands that you are not only a founder-creator-ideological inspirer-a good person, but also a designer.

Build - do not break

Building a house is a tedious process (I think so), but developing an application is exciting.

True, creativity alone is not enough here, you need to provide for many technical issues. Therefore, now we will decompose all the actions that include the development of mobile applications for business into stages and determine the cost of creation.

Step 1. Determine the platform

In developer circles, it is common to ask: "Native or cross-platform application?"

You need to decide whether you will make an application for all platforms or only for one. There are three popular platforms in the world now: iOS (+ apple watch), Android and Windows.

The agony of choice is very exhausting. The most popular iOS platform. BUT! You don't need the most popular one, you need the one that your customers use.

Most likely it is either iOS or Android. To understand this, go to and see from which platform customers come to you most often.

Average term: 1/2 day

Step 2. Functionality

I deliberately skipped step 0, where we have to select the application task, as we discussed earlier.

And until you find the answer to this question, you can skip to step two. If you don't know what you are doing, then you don't know what you are doing.

You need to decide on the functionality, at least the main one, and better with everything.

If you did not have experience in development before, then focus on analogs, including foreign ones.

If there are no analogues, then with God ... Appoint a day of brainstorming and think. Not an hour, not a time, but a day. You can't figure it out quickly.

How much to think ...

Average term: 1-2 days

Step 3. Prototype

A prototype is your future mobile application in a schematic (not in design).

I like to call it the heart of the project. Because prototyping is one of the most challenging and intelligent jobs. Therefore, run away from those companies that offer to create it for free.

In our article, we described the prototype development process.

The sequence is very close. Therefore, I strongly recommend that you study this material. A prototype is needed for both the designer and the programmer. Explanations in words will not work.

Let me summarize all the requirements for two thoughts. First. You need to create a prototype where the consumer, through a minimum of actions, will get to the required page or accomplish the desired one.

Second main thought. Nothing superfluous, just what is needed. Otherwise, the client will replace your application with another because of "nerves".

Clever phrase. It's easy to create an application that works. And making an application that will do its job is difficult.

Average term: 1 week

Step 4. Design

In the article about you and I, we decided that design does not affect sales.

The main thing is that it should be comfortable and pleasant. Let's dwell on the word - convenient. I will give some recommendations on how to achieve excellence in this.

We use large elements. The control is carried out with fingers, namely, it is not so easy to get into small objects + not everyone has good eyesight.
Distance between objects. If active objects are located close to each other, you may encounter accidental pressing of other buttons.
Simplicity. You don't need a lot of elements and details. We do everything in the most restrained colors. This advice is optional, but necessary for many.

I know dozens of amazingly designed apps with zero popularity. And I also know dozens of apps with terrible designs and wild popularity.

Important. Design is important, but convenience and usefulness are more important.

I would like to highlight the application icon as a separate item, it should be easy to find among other icons.

It should stand out and urge you to click on it. With 5-10 icons, this is not so important, but people are installing more and more applications every day, which means that it is important for us to be head and shoulders above everyone else.

Average term: 1 week

Step 5. Programming + fixing bugs

The process is covered in darkness for most of the townsfolk. Because if people still know the HTML code on which websites are written, then the code on which Swift / Java / XML applications are written is the first time entrepreneurs hear.

This imposes an additional amount on development, since there are much fewer such specialists. And I'm not talking about good specialists.

The task of the programmer is to pull the design onto the code. In ordinary life, this is comparable to setting up a tent on the rails, after which it only takes shape.

This process is not fast. It is logical that the more complex the design and functionality, the more complex the process and the longer the time frame.

An integral part after development is checking for bugs (problems). Without them, nowhere.

The human factor in this work has a place to be. Moreover, you need to check not only the technical component, but also the visual display on different devices.

Average term: 2 weeks

Step 6. Publish the application

Placing your creation in the apple, android and windows markets is not free. This business costs from $ 25 to $ 300.

The cost depends on the platform and on the person hosting the application (legal or physical).

But this is not the most difficult thing, you need to sign the application with a digital certificate and correctly fill out the application in special sections.

In Eppstore it is “iPhone Developer Program”, in Android it is “Google Play Console”.

When publishing, you will need to add your own icon, which we developed at the design stage, you will also need to add a description and several screenshots, or better videos with screenshots.

This information needs to be prepared "delicious", since it is on it that they will decide whether to download or not.

You can opt out of hosting on these platforms, but then you will face a lot of problems when transferring applications to your customers.

Up to the impossibility of installation on your devices. Therefore, it is better to consider this a mandatory measure by default.

On a note. On Google Play, application moderation takes about 2 weeks, android moderators are more loyal. But in the App Store, moderation takes about 1 month, but it is very difficult to pass it.

Average term: 2 weeks

Step 7. Marketing

Many entrepreneurs believe that the main thing is to create an application, and then everything will be fine.

But this is the same as starting a business and hoping that customers will come to you themselves. Just creating is not enough, you still need to attract subscribers.

This is where marketing and all of its tools come into play. The most obvious way is to translate your website visitors with the words “10% discount when ordering through the application”.

This trick is used by almost all companies that have a visited site.

Otherwise, you need to use classic methods that are no different from those that you use to attract customers to your company. Our blog and our articles will help you. Start with these.