App development is one of the fastest growing industries in the market nowadays. What started as a simple concept is now a craze that attracts more than a billion consumers, and this is just based on iOS alone. When you factor in Android and Blackberry market, then the numbers would surely be beyond your imagination. It’s really a success story considering that this market sprouted in just less than half a decade ago.
Apps changed the game
The trend nowadays is that apps are not just for utility and games. They have become major marketing tools and platforms for businesses worldwide. There have been apps developed for various industries from banking to online stores. The sky is the limit when it comes to what apps can do.
A recent survey conducted by Anypresence, a backend-as-a-service platform provider, found that companies in the states are more than willing to invest in multiple mobile applications, not just for marketing purposes, but also for connectivity with their employees and partners.
Adding up the cost
From the same survey, it was found that major companies are shelling out $25,000-$100,000 for app development. However, it will definitely cost less if you are just beginning to venture out. For instance, you will just need to spend around $1,000-$4,000 for apps with basic presentation and around $8,000-$50,000 if it is going to be designed as a database. However, if you are thinking about investing in a gaming app, then be prepared to have $10,000-$250,000 to invest. Aside from the complexity of the codes, you will also be paying for various tricks that a standard gaming app is supposed to have, such as integration with the online community and gaming centers. One of the benchmarks when developing a gaming app is Angry Birds, which cost around $125,000 before it was out in the market.
Keep in mind though that these figures are simply the cost in producing an app. If you want your costing to be more realistic, you need to factor in expenses for in-app purchasing, web services, game centers, and share capabilities. It will probably amount to around $8,000 or less if you do decide to factor these elements in your app. With these add-ons, you can give your app more connectivity capabilities, making it more appealing to potential users.
You should also note that the given amount varies depending on what kind of developers you will get. Trusted companies will bill you with roughly the same amount. Meanwhile, if you want to hire freelancers, then the amount will definitely be lower. A catch on this trade though is that you will definitely get what you pay for, so you should not be expecting much if you are paying less.
Know your platforms
In the process of app development, the first thing that you have to think about is which platform are you going to venture in. At this moment, the most popular ones are iOS and Android. Blackberry is on the rise, but it still far from catching up to the popularity of the two major players. There might also be a shift in the coming months or years since Microsoft is expanding its reach in the mobile arena. Since Apple is the best bet, you will need to cash in $99 a year to pay for your app in iTunes Connect.
Getting to work
Developing an app is no easy task. It involves a process that requires the developer to think not just creatively, but also functionally. A highly aesthetic app will amount to nothing if it cannot accomplish its purpose. It has to be user friendly, because making life easier is the reason mobile apps exist in the first place. You may want to sit down with a designer first and conceptualize how you are going to balance functionality and design.
If you are not a programmer, it would be hard to attempt a fully functioning app in one try. Outsourcing is still the best method in app development. However, when you do find a company that you can trust, make sure that you know the ins and outs of the app that is being developed for you. You need to grasp how all elements of the app interact with each other. Moreover, you have to make sure that you will get all the copyrights of the app and that your source code will not be sold to anyone.
Another thing that you have to keep in mind is to find someone with good eye in terms of design when you are in the process of developing an app. A simple logo or an overcrowded app can be a turn off for users, and thus it will not sell much.
Offering your app
As mentioned, once the app is up and running, it needs to be set up in an app store like iTunes Connect where you will be asked to pay yearly for an account. Through this platform, you can monitor the activities related to your app, such as the number of people downloading it and other pertinent statistics. The whole process of app development takes around three months. However, maintenance is another issue. Typically, an app should be updated or enhanced every six months or even more frequently.
If you want to have revenue from your app, the easiest way is to simply allow advertisements to be placed in it. You can also establish an in-app purchase system where your users can purchase additional information or upgrades. This is the way through which gaming apps earn.
One final note
The whole app development process is not a walk in the park. However, if you have the right people on your team and you really see it as a worthwhile investment, all the intricacies involved throughout the whole ordeal will likely have a return. Once you familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of app development, you will probably find yourself thinking about your next big project.