How to create an app? Make an app in ten simple steps.
Updated January 23, 2024
How to develop an app?
Mobile apps are everywhere. Enough people use smartphones today and that makes apps the best medium to connect with them. According to statistics, users spend 90 percent of their mobile time on apps and only 10 percent on mobile browsers. From businesses to customers and individuals to organizations, apps can unlock many opportunities for all.
Therefore, if you have set out on the goal of mobile app development, you are in the right direction and at the right place. At AppMySite, we believe in making app creation simple and accessible for everyone. This guide intends to help you with your aim of app building and breaks the process into simple and bite-size steps. Go through it and learn how to create an app the easy way.
From research to deployment, the process of building an app requires several steps. We have covered them all in this guide. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, this all-inclusive manual will help you create your own app from scratch.
Follow the steps listed below and create the app of your dreams:
01.
Define your app’s idea and pitch
The mobile app market is a competitive space. There is no room for cookie-cutter apps that lack vision and purpose. Therefore, it is important to have a clear and precise app idea in mind. Defining the app's concept is the first step in the process of creating an app and it should not be undermined.
Start with finding answers to questions like - What is the goal and purpose of your app? Who is your target audience? What problems or customer pain points will your app solve? What will be the USP (Unique Selling Proposition) of your app? How will your app stand out among the competitors?
To achieve this, you should do the following:
Identify the app niche you want to target.
List the key purpose of your mobile app.
Create an elevator pitch for your app.
Side note: An elevator pitch is a concise description of a product. The purpose of an elevator pitch is to explain the concept of the app to anyone instantly. This description typically explains who the app is for, what it does, why it is needed, and how it will address the same.
The idea here is to lay the foundation for the succeeding steps. It will help you identify your North Star metric and keep your project aligned with the same. Set measurable goals and objectives and stay focused throughout the process of mobile app development.
02.
Conduct in-depth research
Once you have defined your app idea, you can proceed to conduct detailed research and study. This step is incredibly important as it gives you a lay of the land. From gauging the demand for your app idea to analyzing your prospects, a detailed study will strengthen your app project in many ways.
Your research can be aimed at the following:
Establish the uniqueness and effectiveness of your app idea.
Demarcate suitable markets for the app.
Determine the targeted location and audience.
Identify your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses.
This meticulous approach will enable you to redirect your effort, resources, and energy in the right direction. For instance, if there is not enough demand for your app concept then you can pivot at this stage. Similarly, analyzing the competitors will help you understand what works for them and what does not.
You can opt for several popular research methodologies. This includes:
Internal data analysis: Use your own database to study your market and customer personas.
Surveys: Conduct online and offline surveys to study the market, customers, etc.
Focus groups: Interview a small number of your audience segment and collect feedback.
SWOT analysis: Determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
Conduct primary and secondary research and collect all the information you can. Get initial feedback and use existing resources to gain deeper insights about the industry you are planning to target.
03.
Address the legal requirements
Once you are thorough with your research, you can proceed to address the legal requirements. If you already own a business and a website, you must be aware of several legal formalities. However, if you are unfamiliar with this, then it is highly recommended to hire a legal team for solicitation.
For example, you can explore the following legal aspects:
Trademark: A trademark is a symbol, word, or words representing a company or product. You can apply for a trademark to protect your app’s logo, name, and more.
NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement): You can draft NDAs and get related parties to sign them. This will protect against unauthorized dissemination of information and data related to your app.
Copyright: To prevent unauthorized copying, you can secure the rights for your intellectual properties like source code, app design, and so on. If you are using third-party assets, make sure you obtain clearances for the same.
Business incorporation: If you are starting from scratch, you may have to incorporate your business first. You can register your company, domain, etc.
Jurisdiction: Explore the domestic and international laws that apply to your business. Make sure to adhere to them. Get the required clearances from concerned authorities, if needed.
License and distribution agreements: Learn about the platform guidelines and agreements before launching your app. Examples include the Google Play Developer Distribution Agreement or the Apple Developer Program License Agreement.
These are a few examples of legal documentation that you can concern yourself with. Additionally, you may want to draft the Terms of App Usage, Privacy Policy document, End-user License Agreement (EULA), Consent Forms, and so on.
Depending upon your location and industry, you may also be required to ensure compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, etc. Remember that not all these guidelines apply to every app. The actual list of legal requirements will depend on several factors like your location, app content, and so on. Get expert help and cover all the grounds.
04.
Outline app features and functionalities
Defining your app’s scope is an important precursor to development. You can apply your research findings at this stage and create an outline of your app. Discuss your app’s core purpose and functionalities with the stakeholders and create a list of your offerings.
Remember, adding unnecessary features will only cause clutter and confuse your end-users. Therefore, it is important to stay focused on your app’s core features and functionalities. Incorporate only those features as you proceed to create your app.
For instance, some features remain common across several apps. This may include the ability to log in through social accounts, integration of payment gateways, in-app chat support, and so on. In contrast, some features will be based on your app type. For example, checkout and shipping for eCommerce apps, appointment scheduling for clinic apps, menu ordering systems for restaurant apps, and so on.
Identify your requirements and create a list of your app features accordingly. If you have a website, you may want to emulate its core features on the app as well. Map your user’s journeys and include everything that is necessary to make their experience smooth and easy.
05.
Create wireframes and mockups
Once your app idea is fully defined, you can create caricatures of the same. Many businesses also prefer creating an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) at this stage. However, you can start by creating skeletal frameworks of the app. This may include the following:
Wireframe: A low-fidelity blueprint that gives an idea of the basic architecture of the app.
Mockup: A medium-fidelity visual draft of the app that showcases the design and workflows.
Prototype: A high-fidelity app demo that allows interactive preview of screens, design, and features.
These frameworks will help you establish a simple layout of your app. It allows all your stakeholders to get a vivid picture of your app project and get on the same page as you. App prototyping is also used by developers to endorse the app idea and generate funds for the development process.
Depending on your goal, you can go with one or more methods listed above. While wireframing will need simple design tools, you can use more sophisticated ones for interactive prototyping. We recommend using AppMySite as you can create high-fidelity app previews for free here.
Once your frameworks are ready, you can use them as the foundation for development. Additionally, you can also share it with your team and get feedback on the design, layout, features, functionalities, and more. Test all your ideas and finalize the ones that work the best.
06.
Choose your app development approach
By this stage, you should be ready to choose your app development approach. First, decide on the type of app you want to create. The options are as follows:
Based on OS: Based on the operating system, you may want to create Android apps, iOS apps, or both. We recommend launching apps for iOS as well as Android. It will give you access to a wider and more diverse user base.
Based on app type: Based on your goals, you can choose to create native apps, cross-platform apps, progressive web apps (PWAs), or hybrid apps. While native apps ensure better performance, the latest technologies have bridged the gap. You can choose your preferred app type accordingly.
Next, choose your app development method or platform. The suitable options are as described below:
6.1: Option #1: Create your app with a no-code app builder like AppMySite.
No-code app development allows you to overcome time, budget, and resource constraints. This is the fast and easy route. It is suitable for beginners as well as developers. For instance, AppMySite simplifies and democratizes app development and enables you to create your own app in minutes.
Here, you can create any type of app in a completely DIY (Do-It-Yourself) environment. No prior technical or coding expertise is required to develop the apps. Everything from development to deployment can be managed under one roof.
Notably, no-code app development has the following advantages:
Eliminates the need to hunt for talent and hire a team of resources.
Makes app development super fast, easy, and accessible for all.
Enables beginners to build affordable and low-maintenance apps.
Remember, some no-code platforms offer limited customization and scalability. Go with a tool like AppMySite that allows you to turn any idea into an app. For instance, it offers the following products:
WordPress to App: Turn your WordPress website into an Android or iOS app.
WooCommerce to App: Turn your WooCommerce website into an Android or iOS app.
Web to App: Convert any website into an Android or iOS app.
Custom App: Build any type of app from scratch, without a website.
Agency White-label: Customize and resell AppMySite’s white-label app builder.
Evidently, there are many options to choose from. If this approach suits you, then go with it and break free from the challenges of custom app development. Save hours’ worth of effort and go from idea to app in minutes.
Evidently, there are many options to choose from. If this approach suits you, then go with it and break free from the challenges of custom app development. Save hours’ worth of effort and go from idea to app in minutes.
6.2: Option #2: Code your app with native or cross-platform technologies.
This is the traditional method of app development. It involves building an app from scratch by writing code. Programming languages, dedicated IDEs (Integrated Development Environments), and technological frameworks are used to code and write an app.
Here are the options for traditional app development:
Code your own app from scratch using programming languages.
Hire freelance app designers and developers to build your app.
Outsource app development to a custom app development agency.
The list of technologies will depend on the type of apps you want to create. For example, if you want to create Android apps, you can use programming languages like Java and Kotlin. The apps can be built on Android Studio, the official IDE for Android. Knowledge of XML is considered essential for creating Android app interfaces.
Similarly, programming languages like Swift and Objective-C can be used to code iOS apps. You can build the apps on Xcode, the official IDE of Apple. For traditional iOS app development, it is important to have knowledge of Interface Builder, Auto Layout, UIKits, and other related tools.
Additionally, knowledge of app architecture, databases, version control, etc., is required for developing custom applications. Platforms like Flutter, React Native, and Xamarin can also be considered for cross-platform application development.
Remember, it is important to have a command over the above-mentioned technologies if you want to code your app from scratch. Else, it is best to hire expert developers or build your app with a no-code app creator.
07.
Design and create your app
Once you have finalized the development approach and platform, you can go on to make your app. This step discusses the core design and development processes.
If you have already created your app mockups, you can start with designing the UI/UX of your app. These are the elements that define the user’s journey within your app. They can be defined as:
UI (User Interface) design: The process of designing the interface, look, feel, and response of the app.
UX (User Experience) design: The process of designing the user’s journey and interaction with the app.
UI deals with the more tangible and visual aspects of app design such as color, typography, shapes, etc. Whereas UX is all about understanding the navigational journey of the user and making each interaction simpler and more meaningful.
7.1: How to design and build your app?
Again, the exact process of mobile app design depends on your approach. If you are coding your app from scratch, you can use UI/UX design tools to accomplish your goals. This includes tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, and so on.
However, if you are using an all-inclusive low-code or no-code development platform, you should be able to design your app during the due process.
Once the design is ready, start developing the app with your choice of tech stack. Use the layout as a foundation and build your app around it. Create screens and add elements like buttons, menus, navigation bars, and so on.
Incorporate features of your choice in the codebase and keep developing the functional elements of the app. Remember, the exact steps of development will depend on the programming language and platform used for development.
7.2: How to design and build your app with AppMySite?
For a sophisticated and no-nonsense approach, you can design and build your app with AppMySite. You will be able to put your app together in minutes without any coding. Here are the steps to design and build an app with AppMySite:
Create an account on AppMySite and get onboard. Select the product bundle that suits your goals. Enter the basic details and sign in to start building your app.
Start designing your app with easy point-and-click tools. Create your app icon and splash screen or upload your existing designs. Keep previewing your app on a live emulator as you progress. It is as easy as it gets.
Style your app’s theme and customize it to align it with your brand colors, typography, and so on. Create a bottom bar and menus with easy toggle options. Just a few steps and your app navigation will come to life.
Go on to fine-tune the settings of your app. You can add menus, categories, pages, posts, and other elements based on your app type. If you have a website, you can connect it with the app and import all the content. Sync the two and populate your app with content in no time.
Enrich your app with the features of your choice. Add and configure features like Push Notifications, Analytics, Monetization, Chat, and so on.
Preview your Android and iOS app on AppMySite’s emulators as well as real devices. Test the look, feel, and functionalities of the app and make modifications, if required.
Download your app builds (AAB and IPA files) and publish them to the Google Play and Apple App Stores. You will need Google and Apple developer accounts for the same. Once your app is live, you can push updates with the Auto-publish feature and seamlessly maintain your app on AppMySite.
The best thing about building an app with AppMySite is that you can manage everything from design to development under one roof. You can also test your fully built apps and submit them to the app stores.
08.
Test your mobile app
Testing is an important step in app development and quality assurance. Test your mobile apps rigorously before submitting them to the app stores. It will help you eliminate the shortcomings at this stage and provide a flawless version to your users.
For instance, the app can be tested for the following elements:
UI/UX: Test the visual elements of the app. Ensure design consistency and easy navigational flow.
Functionality: Test the features and functionalities of the app. Ensure everything works as intended.
Performance: Test the performance of the app in terms of response time, speed, adaptability, etc.
Security: Test the app for potential vulnerabilities, crashes, data breaches, and so on.
Compatibility: Test the app’s compatibility and adaptability across various operating environments.
Integrations: Test the performance and flow of the tools integrated with the app.
In addition to the above elements, your app may require testing of other aspects like usability, network connectivity, data accuracy, and so on. Prepare your test cases accordingly and perform thorough checks for every element.
Notably, AppMySite allows you to preview every step of development and test your apps on emulators as well as real devices. For other approaches, you can adopt the traditional methods of testing. This includes:
Automated testing: It involves the usage of specialized tools and scripts. Pre-defined test cases are used to test the app and verify its functioning and performance.
Manual testing: This process involves human testers manually executing the test cases and exploring the various aspects of the app including design, performance, features, and so on.
Depending upon your use case, you can also use testing tools to examine your app. This includes testing software and tools like Appium, LambdaTest, XCTest, Espresso, and so on.
Test your applications and collect the responses and feedback. Implement changes and test again if required. You can also receive feedback from beta testers regarding the overall design and functionality of the app. Perfect every aspect of your app and make it ready for launch and distribution.
09.
Deploy and publish your app
Now that your app is ready, go on to make it available for the users. The best way to distribute your app is to launch it on the top app marketplaces – Google Play Store for Android and Apple App Store for iOS apps.
Make sure that your app adheres to the specific guidelines laid out by the app stores. Failing to comply with the prescribed standards can lead to app rejection. Avoid that at all costs and only submit your app when you are fully ready.
Create your developer accounts on Google and Apple and pay the fees for the same. It is a primitive requirement for submitting your apps to these marketplaces.
Next, go through the checklists for Google Play and Apple App Store submissions and make sure you have what is required. This may include app descriptions, screenshots, preview videos, and so on. Go on to upload your apps and submit them for review.
The review process may take anywhere between a couple of days to weeks. During this period, be prepared for any correspondence and queries from the review teams of the app stores. Address the same and make adjustments to the app if required.
Note that it might be easier to get your app live on Google Play as compared to the Apple App Store. However, it depends on your app’s compliance with the guidelines.
Note that it might be easier to get your app live on Google Play as compared to the Apple App Store. However, it depends on your app’s compliance with the guidelines.
Alternatively, submitting PWAs (Progressive Web Apps) will be simpler. You can host the app on a web server and link a web domain to it. Distribute your app the way you want and make it available for your users.
10.
Maintain and update your app
It does not end with making your app live on the app stores. Maintaining and updating your app is highly critical for its success.
Once your app is live, you can start monitoring the performance and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). Collect usage data and use analytics to monitor how your app is performing. Urge your app users to drop ratings, reviews, and feedback.
Use the information to make improvements to your app and enhance it. Add new features as and when required and launch new app versions accordingly.
Wondering how frequently you should update your app? Well, there is no fixed formula for the same. Release new content and features when needed. Push app updates when you have to make rectifications, or you have something new to offer to the users.
Keep collecting and analyzing data. Also, monitor the impact of the changes you make to your app. Take data-backed and informed decisions and execute them carefully. Keep your app up to date and running at all times and grow your user base.
Post Launch
What to do after launching an app?
Now that you know how to create an app, you can focus on ways to make it a success. App Store Optimization (ASO) is an obvious place to start along with app monetization, analytics, and marketing. Furthermore, you should make an effort to improve the app by incorporating user feedback into future app updates.
Here are the steps you can take once your app is built and launched.
ASO: Optimize your app listing on the app stores
There are millions of apps on every app store and each category is flooded with multiple options. Therefore, your app needs to stand out and appear higher on the search results. This is where ASO comes into play.
ASO (App Store Optimization) is to apps what SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is to websites. It is the process of optimizing and enhancing your app listings on the app stores. This ensures better exposure, visibility, and rankings for your app.
You can optimize your app listings in the following ways:
Assign relatable categories to your mobile app.
A/B test your app store assets and find what works best for your app.
Include impressive assets like app title, description, screenshots, etc., in the listing.
Use real images and screenshots from within the app for illustration.
Include potential search terms and keywords in the app title and description.
Localize the app content if your app is meant for a specific demography.
Follow app submission guidelines of the respective app stores.
Collect app user ratings, reviews, and feedback on the app stores.
Respond to the reviews and aim to get positive feedback for your app.
Fix bugs and issues and keep your app updated at all times.
Optimize your app store listings and aim to rank higher for the relevant keywords. Keep a tab on the current practices and search terms trending for your industry and incorporate them in your description copies. Above all, maintain the performance of your app and earn organic ratings and reviews that inspire other users to install and use your app.
Optimize your app store listings and aim to rank higher for the relevant keywords. Keep a tab on the current practices and search terms trending for your industry and incorporate them in your description copies. Above all, maintain the performance of your app and earn organic ratings and reviews that inspire other users to install and use your app.
Monetization: Implement revenue-models in your app
Revenue is a significant aspect of launching an app and often a key indicator of your app’s success. Therefore, it is important to find ways to monetize the traffic you receive on your app. There are several mobile app monetization techniques you can use.
Some of them are as described below:
Product sales: Selling physical products in the app is the most obvious way to make money. If you don’t have an obvious product in mind or lack the resources to create an inventory, you can dropship products.
Paid apps: Another way to monetize your app is to list it as a paid app. Users will be required to pay a fee to download your app from the app stores.
In-app purchases: This method involves the sale of digital products, services, and subscriptions within a mobile app.
Ad monetization: Display ads within your mobile app and earn colossal commissions. For instance, AppMySite enables you to monetize your Android and iOS apps with top Ad networks like Google AdMob.
Affiliate links: If you’re part of an affiliate program, you can promote third-party products and earn commissions by listing them on your mobile app
As your app traffic grows, you can use these methods to monetize your app. You can choose a method that aligns with your goals and best suits your business.
As your app traffic grows, you can use these methods to monetize your app. You can choose a method that aligns with your goals and best suits your business.
Analytics: Track app usage and performance metrics
Launching and optimizing an app is not enough. You also need to know how your customers are using your app. In-depth analytics is essential for optimizing your app’s user experience and managing churn. You can keep track of your app’s essential KPIs and see if the experience being delivered is optimal.
AppMySite has an in-built Analytics feature and the following points highlight the data you can track:
Track app downloads by viewing active Android and iOS installs.
Know your app’s unique users and traffic segmented by Android & iOS.
Monitor app traffic over different preset time ranges.
Analyze your app’s most popular screens and see how many views each type of screen is getting.
You can improve user experience by making popular screens more easily accessible within the app. Furthermore, you can correlate marketing campaigns and in-app updates with changes in traffic and find the best ways to bring more people to the app.
Marketing: Promote your mobile app
Marketing is a critical step for earning exposure and engagement. Many businesses with a live mobile app have a dedicated mobile app marketing team. Given the large number of apps available on the app stores, you need a strong marketing strategy to ensure your app is successful.
There are numerous ways to promote your mobile app. The following points discuss some techniques to do the same:
Promote on your website: Start with targeting your existing customers and visitors and add app store links on your website. Urge and incentivize visitors to download and use your app.
Social media marketing: Social media platforms have emerged as the strongest marketing tools. They must be part of your marketing strategy and campaigns. Besides posting content, you can run paid social ads to grow your app’s visibility.
Paid search ads: People also discover apps via search engines. You can run app install ads with search advertising platforms like Google Ads.
There are other ways to promote your app as well. From publishing content in interactive formats like videos and podcasts to collaborating with influencers, you can find many ways to grow the visibility of your app.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is natural to have questions when learning something as complex as how to create an app. Go through the following questions and get answers to all your doubts and queries about app development:
How much does it cost to create an app?
The number varies depending on your requirements and choice of development. If you wish to develop an app from scratch with coding, here are the numbers:
A recent study showed the average cost of developing an app is 66,119 US dollars. The study covered three different types of mobile apps and their development across fifteen countries and a total of fifty-five development teams.
Of course, you don’t need to pay this much to develop an app. There are app builders like AppMySite that make things much easier and affordable. You can start creating an app by signing up for a sustainable plan on AppMySite.
How long does it take to create an app?
According to recent reports and studies, traditional app development can take about four and a half months. This depends on several factors like the complexity of app design and features, availability of talent and resources, and so on.
However, with AppMySite, you can create an app in minutes and publish your app to Google Play and the Apple App Store.
How to create an Android app without coding?
Most steps and processes of app development remain the same across platforms and operating systems. You can use the guide above to create an Android app.
For custom app development, you can use programming languages like Java and Kotlin. The apps can be built using various Android development technologies like Android Studio, the official IDE of Google.
However, with AppMySite, you can create apps without coding. Follow the steps discussed above and build your own Android app in a code-free DIY environment.
How to create an iOS app without coding?
AppMySite is the best platform for creating iOS apps without coding. Here, you can design and preview your apps and deploy them on the Apple App Store.
Get onboard and design your app. Finetune the settings of the app and add desired features. Preview and test your app for perfection. Download the IPA file for your app and submit it to the App Store when you are ready.
I have created an app. How do I get it to the Google Play Store and Apple App Store?
It is not uncommon to find people asking how to create an app and sell it. Ultimately, the aim is to make people download the app.
To get an app to the Google Play Store, you need to create a Google Play developer account first. Fill out the necessary details and make sure your app follows all the Play Store guidelines.
To publish an app to the Apple App Store, you again need an Apple developer account. You also need other details and certificates. Create apps that are compliant with the guidelines to avoid rejection and submit them successfully.
How can I monetize my app?
Mobile app monetization is essential for making your app a viable commodity. There are many ways you can monetize your app. The popular methods include in-app ads, in-app purchases, selling physical products, and so on. You can scroll up to the dedicated section in this guide and learn how to monetize your app in detail.
Why should I create an app for my business?
All trends point up when it comes to smartphone and app usage. Most businesses that wish to enhance their online visibility generally start with a website, but we know from consumer reports that mobile apps are preferred over mobile websites.
In short, smartphones are now the primary device type used to consume content online and mobile apps are the ideal medium.
The biggest reason you should create an app for your business is that it gives the opportunity to get more visibility and impressions. Whether you’re a blogger or run an online store, apps are ideal for attracting mobile visitors.
How to start an app development agency?
Starting an app development agency involves several steps. From incorporating a business to finding a reliable development partner, it takes a lot. However, the easiest way to launch an app development company is to become a white-label reseller. Find a white-label app development solution like AppMySite that enables you to rebrand and resell its app builder solution. Enroll for the same and start reselling the solution to your customers.
Get started with AppMySite
This guide above provides complete insight on how to create an app in ten simple steps. From different methods of app development to the steps required post-development and launch, it covers all grounds. Use them to get directions and build successful apps.
Once you know how to create an app, you can build one for your business or even offer your services to other businesses. You can subscribe to AppMySite to build any type of app you want.
It doesn’t require you to study courses and learn coding to figure out how to create an app. You can simply sign up for AppMySite, choose a plan that suits you best, and start building apps for your business.
AppMySite’s powerful and user-friendly app builder enables everyone to create apps without writing a single line of code. Build an affordable app for your website and ensure quality and perfection.
