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Concept to Launch: 3 Things Aspiring Mobile App Entrepreneurs Should Know

So, you have an idea for a new mobile app, and it is a winner. You are sure of it. There’s just one little problem.

Simon Crompton, freelance Journalist and entrepreneur; Source: Courtesy Photo
Simon Crompton, freelance Journalist and entrepreneur; Source: Courtesy Photo

So, you have an idea for a new mobile app, and it is a winner. You are sure of it. There’s just one little problem.

You have very limited coding experience. Maybe you have never even written a line of code in your life. I’m here to tell you, it’s okay. There are numerous systems in place that will allow you to make your app a reality.

This short guide will cover all the key points sure to increase your success, from app conceptualization, to hiring developers and mobile app marketing tips.

 

App Concept and Development

This is probably the most important part of the whole process. Unless you have a great idea for a mobile app, you could hire the best coders in the world and you will still not be successful. Everyday thousands of entrepreneurs try to tap into the mobile app space.

Although there is money to be made on the app market, it is important to realize you are probably not going to get rich, at least not right away.

As Steve P. Young, an indie app developer and founder of AppMasters.co, explains, “Yes the App Store is crowded. Yes there are those who are barely making a living off apps. And yes the gold rush days are over. However, new success stories are constantly popping up” (The Next Web).

Jared Sinclair, an app developer, created a nifty RSS reader app called Unread. With the success of his app, he made an estimated $40,000 for a year’s worth of work. One might think that sounds like a lot, but experienced programmers can easily make double for the same amount of work if they seek out traditional employment.

To that point, this level of success for an app is not the norm. You could very easily put in the same amount of effort, and come out in the red if your concept is off. However, with all of this in mind, if you still believe you have a solid idea and are ready to move forward, then you can proceed onto the next step.

 

Hiring a Mobile App Programmer

There are several sites that match experienced freelance programmers with coding projects. The most popular ones out there are Elance, Guru, and Freelancer.

Certainly, there are others out there, so do your research before deciding on a specific site. On these sites you will find all sorts of programmers, from all over the world, fluent in different coding languages, and they all have different levels of experience.

You will find loads of programmers from countries like India who are willing to work for peanuts, but remember you get what you pay for. However, just because you hire an expensive programmer doesn’t mean their communication, or quality of work they provide will necessarily be any better.


“There are both good cheap programmers, and bad expensive programmers on the market. The important thing is that you thoroughly checkout their background and the validity of references”


There are both good cheap programmers, and bad expensive programmers on the market. The important thing is that you thoroughly checkout their background and the validity of references. Most freelance sites offer a review system where past clients share ratings. Don’t hesitate to request samples of their work to evaluate if they are the right person for the job.

Choosing the wrong freelancer can cause numerous headaches, as evidenced by other app developer’s experiences, where a freelancer’s lack of communication and professionalism can threaten to ruin a project. To avoid these sort of issues, make the scope of work clear up-front including the agreed upon price.

A good mobile app developer will help “you develop your proof of concept, create a scope of work, wireframes, and even comp designs for your application” (Accella).

If you have successfully hired an epic freelancer for your job, and your app comes out just how you imagined, then you are ready for the next hurdle.

 

Marketing Your Mobile App

Marketing is a crucial variable in the formula of mobile app success. If users don’t know about your app, they will not search it out when there are more visible and proven alternatives to choose from. Word of mouth may pick up eventually, but to kick things off create a promotions calendar.

As KISSmetrics contributor Seema Nayak, head of Digital Marketing at MobStac, explains, “Although finishing up development and releasing your app might seem like the most crucial tasks, making sure that your app gets discovered is equally important.”  After all, there are currently over 1 million apps in the Apple app store alone.

When marketing your mobile app Seema shares some tips that include:

 

  • Find out the USP of your app – Know what makes your app unique.
  • Optimize for the App Store – App store optimization is crucial for the success of your app. Here are some tips to optimize your app name, keywords, and description:
  • Promotional deadlines – Create a timeline for all the activities to be carried out. This will ensure that you are prepared when your app releases.

 

“It’s easy to assume your app can become the next Snapchat as long as you build a solid product, but what makes that app successful isn’t the fact that it exists — it’s the efficiencies it creates,” says Gideon Kimbrell, a software engineer, entrepreneur, and co-founder/CEO of InList.com.

“By focusing on marketing strategies alongside product development, you can create an app that not only makes life better for your users, but also makes a profit for your startup.”

 

This article has been edited and condensed.

Simon Crompton is an entrepreneur running several online businesses. Currently focusing on his marketing firm, Threecolors.blue, he is also a trained journalist sharing his knowledge via several internet blogs. In his spare time he’s an avid programmer and videographer. Connect with @PermanentStle on Twitter.

 

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