App Development

App Development

There’s been a huge surge in app development over the years, both in Australia and worldwide. But Australians really love apps. In fact, we enjoy apps more than mobile users in most other countries. Here’s a snapshot of the app market and where it’s headed:

• There has been a 350% growth in how frequently Australians use banking and finance apps since 2016 (App Annie’s State of Mobile Report Report 2020).
• Advertisers will pump more than $240 billion into ad spend in 2020, an increase of 29% from 2019 (App Annie’s State of Mobile Report Report 2020).
• The Australian app market revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2020-2024) of 11.1%, resulting in a projected market volume of AU$70m by 2024 (Statista, 2019).

But what does app development mean for small businesses? When should you consider developing an app?

The aim of this page is to cover some of the key questions about app development to help you decide if it’s an avenue you should go down. You may also have a business app idea and want to know what process entails.

Source: Statista, 2020

What is app development?

App development is the process of creating software designed to be used on mobile or web devices. It’s a multidisciplinary field that includes app design, user experience, programming and app testing for mobile devices. The two biggest mobile app platforms are iOS (from Apple) and Android (by Google).

There are three types of apps:

1. Native mobile apps:These apps are designed for one platform only, e.g. iOS or Windows.
2. Hybrid mobile apps:These apps can be used on mobile and web browsers, e.g. Facebook.
3. Web apps:These apps can be used only on web browsers.

Who is app development for?

App development is for businesses who offer their products and services on mobile devices. Whether you are an ecommerce clothing store or a tour company offering local excursions, mobile apps improve customer experience and give you a competitive edge to compete with big guns in the market. 

What are the benefits of having a mobile app for your business?

Mobile has changed the way humans find information, shop, eat, bank, communicate - and even find love. We can access everything we need at the click or swipe of a finger. In a data-driven world where mobile is king, there are ample opportunities in app development for businesses to take advantage of.

The benefits of mobile app development for SMEs include:

• Start competing with or get ahead of your competitors
• Better alignment with your business model and long-term goals
• Leverage a huge amount of data and customer insights 
• Personalise customer experience to boost engagement using app features like push-notifications 
• Provide higher-quality customer service
• Create more targeted and direct marketing strategies 
• Be available for your customers around the clock 

A common question business owners ask is, “But I already have a mobile website, do I really need an app?” While an app can complement your existing business offering and facilitate growth, every business has different objectives and developing a mobile app may not be as effective for your business as it is for others. 

Mobile apps vs mobile websites - which one is better?

Check out the pros and cons of mobile apps vs. mobile websites below to help you decide if it’s the right option for you:

What makes a good app?

On average, 40% of people abandon a website that takes longer than three seconds to load and has a poor user experience. Any app (whether mobile or web-based) needs to be designed to a high standard with excellent user experience - at least if you want it to engage your audience. 

A good app has the following qualities:

• It solves a problem
• It fulfils a need
• It tends to do one thing really well
• It’s simple to use and prioritises user experience 
• It can operate offline (or at least has basic offline functionality)
• It works for both Android and iOS
• It has an in-app feedback system
• It undergoes frequency testing

How do I develop an app for my business?

So you’ve come up with an amazing idea for an app, but what comes next? You have a few options to get your app idea off the ground?

1. Build your own app using an onlineapp builder 
2. Hire a professional app developer or agency 

While there are many DIY options available that don’t require you to be fluent in coding and app development, it’s sometimes best to leave app design to the experts. As you can imagine, app development is a multidisciplinary field that includes app design, user experience, programming and app testing. If you’re serious about creating an app that will support your long-term goals, make sure you carefully weigh up the pros and cons of professional vs. DIY app development.

That said, below is high-level overview of the app development process:

• Find an idea that fulfils a purpose:What is the purpose of your app? It could be to fulfil a gap in your customers’ journey, solve a problem or streamline your communication channels. 
• Conduct market research:What similar apps are currently available? Download some of your competitors’ apps, test them out and assess the common features they share - and how you can improve.
• Validate your idea:Define your value proposition and map out your target audience, app features, etc.
• Set your budget and project timeline: From your planning and research, how much time and resources will you need to develop your app? Is it a simple app you could build yourself or will you require the expertise of an agency?
• Hire good app developers and designers:Good app designers and developers have the ability to turn your idea into a fully-functioning app.
• Plan for a minimum viable product:A minimal viable product is a test-run of your app that has just enough features to work in order to get feedback and insights from users.
• Create a landing page or website for your app:Creating a landing page for your app can have a significant impact in building credibility and persuading people why they should download yet another app.
• Do iterative testing:Testing is vital to ensure your app is performing to the best of its ability for your users. 
• Launch your app on iOS, Android or both: Developing a marketing plan to promote and launch your app ensures that people actually discover it.
• Collect feedback to improve your app: Every user pain point is a golden nugget to help you improve your app. Always keep a close eye on user feedback - especially in the early stages post-launch.

Building an app is exciting, but it’s important to understand the scope of work involved - especially if you’re planning on using the app to scale and grow your business. Coding, UX design, UI design and app development are just a few factors that will enable you to turn your idea into a functioning app. While some business owners have the skills, time and resources to build their own app, many also require the expertise of professional app developers. 

Learn more about the servicesapp developers offer, how to hire and the typical costs involved in app development.