According to Statista, mobile app engagement experienced an increase of 3% in 2022. Even the time spent using these for global users has increased by approximately 46% between 2019-2022. These skyrocketing numbers are why businesses worldwide pour resources into application development in 2024.
But again for some entrepreneurs, especially in New Zealand, venturing into the app world can be daunting. Questions like these often come up in their minds:
- Why should I build my own app?
- How much does it cost?
- What goes into the application development process?
- Who can I trust to build it?
API Connects understands your concerns. In this blog, we’ll answer all your burning questions about building your own mobile app in 2024. Let’s start with the obvious – Why should you even consider having it in the first place?
Why Do Businesses Build an App?
Given the figures that we shared in the beginning, it is pretty clear that a mobile app landscape is booming. But before you dive headfirst into app development, let us share several compelling reasons why building an app is attractive option for businesses of all sizes:
– Enhance Customer Engagement: Apps offer a direct and personalized channel to connect with your customers. Unlike websites, apps can send push notifications, practically stay on your phone, and accomplish a lot more. In short, there are a lot of avenues for customer engagement.
– Increase Convenience and Accessibility: In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king. Mobile apps allow customers to access your store, services or information easily, anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s booking appointments, making purchases, or simply browsing your catalog, they put your business at their fingertips, making customers more likely to choose you over competitors.
– Boost Brand Awareness and Recognition: A well-designed and user-friendly app can significantly enhance your brand image. It showcases your business’s innovation and commitment to providing a superior customer experience. This, in turn, can lead to increased brand awareness and recognition.
Having a mobile app can literally make you stand out in the crowded marketplace.
– Gather Customer Insights: Building your mobile app can be a powerful tool for gathering valuable customer data and insights. Through features like user analytics and in-app surveys, you can gain a deeper understanding of your customers’ preferences, behavior, and needs.
This data can then be used to personalize their experience, improve your marketing strategies, and develop new products and services that better cater to their wants.
– Drive Sales and Revenue Growth: As an entrepreneur, it’s obvious that your goal is to add value and drive growth for your business. Mobile apps can directly contribute to your bottom line by facilitating online sales, offering in-app purchases, and providing exclusive deals and promotions. They can also help you reach a wider audience by leveraging app store visibility and marketing strategies!
Everything you need to know about innovative cloud application development services!
What’s the Process of Building Your Own Mobile App?
We bet that by now, you’re determined to join the mobile app revolution! But here’s the thing – navigating the development process can be daunting. Fret not, we have decided to explain it in the easiest way to you! Here’s a simplified breakdown of the key steps involved:
– Define Your App Idea and Goals: Okay, it all starts with a clear vision. Ask yourself questions like what problem are you trying to solve for your audience? What unique value will your app offer? Clearly define your target users, their needs, and how your app will address them.
– Research and Competitive Analysis: Once you’re done defining your goals, delve into the existing app landscape in your niche. Meaning, analyze your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses to identify opportunities for differentiation.
By conducting this research, you’ll be able to inform your app’s features, user interface (UI), and user experience (UX) design.
Building an app obviously means having a decent amount of knowledge about app design, development, testing, and other programmatic aspects. If you don’t have that, this is your sign to jump off this article and start reading about app development courses offline or online!
In case you just need basic points on how a mobile app is built, read on!
– Choose Your Development Approach: There are various ways to build your own mobile app, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. For example, if you consider native app development which involves creating separate apps for Android and iOS, you’ll be offering the best performance and user experience to your audience.
Alternatively, you can go with cross-platform development which uses a single codebase for both platforms. This will not only help you save time and resources but potentially sacrifice some customization. What approach you want to go with for building your app is totally upto you!
– Design and Prototype: We bet you’ve already guessed what our next step is about! For those who still haven’t figured, let us tell you that this stage involves creating a blueprint for your app’s functionality and user interface. Your hired UX designers will focus on intuitive navigation and user flow. UI designers, on the other hand, will bring your vision to life with a visually appealing interface.
Prototyping allows you to test and refine the design before committing to development.
– Development and Testing: Finally, the actual coding of your app begins. The process of translating the design into a functional application! Once your mobile app developers are done with app development, they will do rigorous testing. It is crucial to identify and fix bugs, ensuring a smooth and seamless user experience.
This stage involves both internal testing by the development team and external testing by real users.
– App Launch and Marketing: By this time, the mobile app you built is polished and bug-free. Guess what time it is for? BIG launch! Your hired team of mobile app developers will submit your app to the relevant app stores (Google Play Store and Apple App Store).
Now, you also have to hire the best digital marketing team to implement effective marketing strategies for reaching your target audience.
– Maintenance and Updates: Remember, building your own app isn’t a one-time project. Continuous monitoring, bug fixes, and feature updates are crucial for maintaining user engagement and keeping your app relevant in the ever-evolving mobile landscape.
Note: This is a general overview. Depending on the complexity of your app, the specific steps involved and the time each stage takes can vary. However, by understanding the core process, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the journey of building your own successful mobile app!
What’s the Cost to Build Your Own Mobile App?
Our blog on ‘how to build an app’ will be considered incomplete without discussing this aspect! API Connects believes that the cost of building a mobile app is like planning a dinner party. If you say, “Money ain’t a problem!”, you can literally hire a Michelin-starred chef and fly in exotic ingredients. But if you set a budget, you can still have a delicious and memorable meal.
Exact cost of building your mobile app depends on several factors but here’s a general idea:
– Simple app: Expect to pay around $5,000 to $50,000. This might include a basic to-do list app or a simple information portal.
– Moderately complex app: Complex apps could range from $50,000 to $100,000. They might include features like user login, social media integration, or e-commerce functionality.
– Highly complex app: Okay, be prepared to invest over $100,000 for apps with extensive features, intricate animations, or integration with advanced technologies like AR/VR.
Remember, this is just a starting point. It’s crucial to discuss your specific project with potential developers to get a more accurate estimate.
Learn about best app development company in New Zealand!
Why Us for Mobile App Development?
At API Connects, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by New-Zealand based businesses in the mobile app landscape. Here’s why we can be your trusted partner in building your dream app:
– Experienced and Skilled Team: Our team comprises seasoned developers, designers, and project managers passionate about crafting innovative and user-centric mobile experiences.
– Tailored Solutions: API Connects don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach! We work closely with you to understand your specific needs and goals. We craft a customized development plan that aligns with your budget and vision.
– Focus on User Experience: We prioritize creating intuitive and engaging user interfaces that not only look great but also feel effortless to navigate.
– Transparent Communication: At API Connects, we believe in clear and ongoing communication throughout the development process. Our team will keep you informed and involved every step of the way.
– Proven Track Record: We have a history of helping businesses across various industries achieve success through impactful and user-loved mobile apps.
Build Your Own Mobile App: Final Words
There You Go!
We’ve answered all important questions regarding building your own mobile app in 2024. Remember, the mobile app landscape is constantly evolving. So, staying informed and adapting to new trends is key. Let API Connects be your guide in the exciting world of mobile app development.
We’re confident that we can help you turn your app idea into a reality that drives growth and engagement for your business. Got any queries to ask? Send them to enquiry@apiconnects.co.nz and have them answered by our experienced developers!