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10 Steps To Creating Mobile Apps That Stand Out

10 Steps To Creating Mobile Apps That Stand Out

Whether you're starting a business or want to improve your existing one, there's no reason you can't create your own mobile app.

What makes a mobile app unique is that it is designed to meet the needs of mobile device users. This means the app will be very different from apps for desktops or laptops. However, we can apply some basic principles to create a unique mobile device app. This article will discuss creating apps that stand out from the crowd.

We all know it's easier said than done – but that doesn't mean you can't do it! We've pulled together our top tips on mobile app creation, from design to marketing, to help you create apps that people love and businesses thrive from.

1 – Understand How People Use Mobile Apps

Mobile App User Experience

Mobile apps are the latest trend in the business world. Most people are now using smartphones and apps for various purposes.

People are not only using apps to get information but also for doing shopping. Hundreds of online shopping websites like Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal, etc., provide a wide range of products.

Mobile apps will soon replace desktop PCs and tablets. The app market is getting bigger and bigger, and it will keep increasing in future. To create a successful mobile app, it is imperative to understand the user's behaviour and how they use it when creating a mobile app.

People are increasingly using apps for communicating and socialising. Let us discuss the ways how people use mobile apps:

The most popular purpose of using mobile apps is finding information. Mobile apps are the best way to know the latest news, events, etc. You can get the information from different sources like Google, Facebook, Twitter, etc. The mobile apps will also let you know what is trending and what is the hot topic.

Many social networking apps let people chat with friends, share photos, videos, etc. They also use mobile apps to search for nearby restaurants, movies, and shops.

There are also many entertainment apps like games, music, and TV. Most people are using mobile apps to send emails and instant messaging.

Mobile apps have completely changed the way people use technology. Today, mobile apps are being used for everything. Mobile apps will be a part of our life in the future. So, it is essential to know how people use mobile apps when creating a mobile app.

2 – Design a mobile app that solves problems

Designing a mobile app that solves problems is quite a difficult task.

First, you have to get the right idea about what the users are looking for and how they would use the app. This will help you to decide on the best features to include in your app.

Here are some steps you should follow when designing your app.

Choose an appropriate name for your app

This is the first step you have to take when planning your app. The name of the app has to be catchy and unique. Users will get confused when searching for an app using the same name. So choose a unique name.

Create a unique brand image

If you have a good design for your app, people will be able to understand your app immediately. It is also necessary to create a unique brand image for your app. The app icon should also be eye-catching.

Include the right features

The best way to build your app is to include all the essential features for users. In addition, you have to ensure that the users can easily access these features by making them easy to access.

Include the required information

People don't like apps that are poorly designed and lack relevant information. If your app contains everything in one place, it will help users to find the relevant information faster.

Include the app description

After reading the app description, users will know if they have downloaded an app or not. Ensure to include the features that will help users decide whether or not they want to download your app.

Make the app easy to use

It is pretty vital to make your app easy to use. It should be possible for users to complete their tasks within a few taps.

After including all the features in your app, make sure to give the users a clear view of what they can do with your app. You have to make sure you have a good impression on your customers.

3 – Start with an iPhone

Best Apple Iphone 2022 2023

With the popularity of the iPhone, mobile apps have become increasingly popular. According to a report on Oberlo, by 2025, there will be more than 7.5 billion smartphones worldwide. Oberlo predicts that mobile devices will generate over 60% of all internet traffic.

As smartphone users continue to grow, mobile app developers must ensure their apps run on multiple platforms. The iPhone is a powerful platform for developing apps.

For instance, the iPhone supports many sensors such as GPS, accelerometer, camera, and microphone.

In addition, Apple has integrated its proprietary framework to allow developers to use standard programming languages. This means that a developer can write code for the iPhone and then later convert it to the Mac OS X platform, which the iPhone and iPad use.

iPhone Apps Are Easy To Create

Creating mobile apps for the iPhone is easy. A developer can use the programming language Objective-C, which has a similar syntax to C++. In addition, you can use many tools to develop desktop applications also to develop iPhone apps.

The iPhone Developer Program is free and allows developers to publish their apps in the App Store. In addition, the store provides a convenient payment mechanism, a rating system, and reviews.

Since the iPhone supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and infrared, we can use it with a wide range of hardware devices. For instance, it can be connected to television screens, digital cameras and printers.

iPhone Apps Can Be Developed With the iPhone SDK

The iPhone SDK includes tools for building iPhone apps. It also supports the iPhone OS's core features, including the address book, calendar, contacts, email, maps, mail, SMS, music player, and photos.

The iPhone SDK allows a developer to use the same code to build an iPhone app as it does on the Mac OS X platform. For instance, if a developer writes an app for the iPhone and then converts it to the Mac OS X platform, it will automatically work on the iPhone and iPod touch.

As of this month, Apple announced the release of its next-generation iPhone SDK, which will contain several improvements, including more powerful debugging tools.

4 – Build your app around the Apple guidelines

Your app is the centre of your business, and Apple guidelines are essential for its success. You must follow the guidelines to avoid getting rejected and your app suspended. You can't afford to deviate from the guidelines. So, even if you don't believe Apple is fair, it's time to act.

App Store Review Guidelines (https://developer.apple.com/appstore/review/guidelines/)

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If Apple rejects your app, you'll need to provide feedback explaining why. Even if you don't comply with the guidelines, Apple may still review your app. If you're unsure what's wrong with your app or how to fix it, use the suggestions provided to guide you.

Apple has made significant changes to the App Store over the years. If your app was released this year, you must update it to comply with the new guidelines.

How do I know whether my app needs updating?

Here are some guidelines to follow:

  • When you add a new feature, make sure you add a new icon.
  • If your app uses any new iOS features, update your app accordingly.
  • Create a new app listing in iTunes Connect for each version of your app and submit a new binary.
  • Update your app description to highlight changes.
  • You should upload a new version of your app every time you make a significant change. This includes major updates or new versions of your app.
  • For new apps, use the newest version of Xcode.

What happens if my app is rejected?

You'll need to provide feedback explaining why your app is rejected. Even if you don't comply with the guidelines, Apple may still review your app.

The review team may ask questions to clarify the issues raised. You may be asked to provide additional information, such as screenshots. The review team will contact you and let you know when they've completed their investigation.

If your app is accepted, they will publish it in the App Store. Make sure you respond to the feedback within a couple of days.

Do I have to pay for each version of my app?

If you add a new feature to your app, you'll need to submit a new binary to Apple.

If you've made any updates to your existing app, Apple will review your changes and reject them if they don't comply with the guidelines.

You'll need to create a new app listing in iTunes Connect for each version and submit a new binary.

When does Apple review my app?

You can't predict when Apple will review your app. It depends on their availability and the number of submissions to review. Apple has said they review submissions “in the order they arrive.”

You can see the number of reviews your app has received in the App Store. When Apple sends you the feedback, you'll need to respond within a few days.

5 – Include minimal information on your first version

Moqups Wireframe Tool

The most important thing to do when starting to develop mobile apps is to focus on solving real problems. If you create a fun game, no one will use it, but people will use it if you solve a problem uniquely and creatively.

There are two reasons why the first version of your app should be minimal. The first is that creating a minimal app takes less time and effort. This means you can concentrate on solving a real problem rather than wasting time designing and developing something which isn't needed. 

The second reason is that the app is much easier to maintain. You can add new content and features if you create a minimal app. This will mean you have to spend less time on maintenance, and the app will be more stable.

If you don't focus on solving a real problem, you will create a game for fun and nothing more. This is the easiest way to fail because it's easy to do. But there is always the chance that your app will be successful. So you can't just create a minimal app; you need to have a plan on how to solve a real problem and then execute the plan. The first step is to think of what problem you want to solve. Then you can decide what is essential and what is optional.

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6 – Make your app stand out with good design

The design process is crucial but often overlooked. In the early stages, it's vital to create something attractive to users and helps to encourage them to use your app. When creating your app, several considerations can add value.

Think about how users will interact with your app. For example, if the content is designed for consumption on the move, the interface needs to work well on smartphones. Your app may need to work across different devices if it requires lots of data input. Your app needs to be easy to navigate and intuitive to use.

Think about your audience. The people using your app will likely have varying levels of experience with technology. So it's essential to consider this when designing your app. Are there particular features that are essential for your target audience? Are there aspects of your app that will be more familiar to existing users or help new users get up and running quickly?

Consider what kind of app you want to create. Do you need a complex app or one that is simply an extension of a website? How much content will your app require, and what kind of content? Is the content static or dynamic? Will you need to add functionality in the future, such as allowing users to upload their content?

Think about the app itself. What is its purpose? How is it designed to make it easy for users to find the information they need? Where does your app fit within the context of the user's other apps? What information is already available in the market, and how will your app differentiate itself from this?

Create a compelling, engaging, and attractive design that works for users, and they will love it.

7 – Offer users multiple ways to learn more about your app

Ui And Ux How To Get Featured On The App Store

In our world, where social media is growing at an incredible rate, people are constantly looking for different ways to learn new information. This can sometimes mean learning about a topic via a video tutorial, a podcast, a blog post, a text article or any combination of these methods. Our goal was to ensure we provided various ways for the user to learn more about our company and app.

The most effective way for a consumer to learn something new is by watching a short video. People spend about 3 hours each day using their mobile phones. 

Many of these hours are spent consuming content, which means there is a good chance we will be able to capture the attention of our consumers with our marketing messages. Consumers who consume information on their phones use less energy when listening to a lecture than when reading a book or listening to music. When they are on their phones, they are usually focused and alert.

The second most common method of learning about our products is through podcasts. There are millions of podcasts available today, and this number is multiplying. Podcasts are an excellent way to learn about our company, products, and how we can help the user. By providing our users with various ways to learn more about our app, we provide them with many options to learn more about our company and products.

Finally, when a consumer is trying to find out about a product, they will search the web using a search engine such as Google. When looking for product information, a consumer will search on Google, Facebook, and other websites. 

We want to ensure that the content we create on our website provides the best opportunity for a consumer to learn about our products. When creating mobile apps, it is imperative to consider how a user might want to learn more about the product. By offering a variety of learning methods, we ensure that our users can get the information they need quickly and easily.

8 – Promote your app before you launch it

There is nothing more critical to the success of a mobile app than marketing. The process is very complex, and hundreds of different methods and tools are available to marketers today. We recommend you get the right tool for the job and find an app marketing company with a proven track record in-app marketing.

The main goal of app marketing is to reach your target audience. You need to create a strategy based on the type of app you are creating and the specific needs of your target users. You should also think about how your app will affect your business. For example, if you are planning to build an e-commerce app, you should consider the features of this type of app and whether they would appeal to your target users.

We recommend starting with a plan before starting to market your app; otherwise, you risk wasting money and effort.

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Promoting your app does not mean just posting it on social media. You need to promote your app in the right places. In addition to Facebook and Twitter, you need to think about other ways of promoting your app. This might include using video content, engaging with users, and working with search engine optimisation (SEO).

App marketing services can help with these areas, especially when launching your app. They have the necessary experience and knowledge to create a comprehensive campaign for your app and to understand your target users. 

App marketing experts can work with you to ensure you make the most of your budget and get the best return on investment.

In addition to the app marketing service, you should always use the right tools. A mobile app platform is the best tool to create an app. It allows you to create an app for both iOS and Android users. You can also connect to third-party data sources and integrate them into your app. A platform also includes the right technology to connect to the various devices that users may have, such as computers and tablets.

9 – Start collecting data from real users in an alpha phase

Creating Mobile Apps Alpha Testing

Developing a new product is a complex process that requires research, testing and refinement. A mobile app is complex because it requires interaction between multiple systems and applications. 

This creates many challenges for developers because they must consider all the constraints of mobile devices, including screen size, network speeds and battery usage.

To minimise these challenges, we need to validate the usability of our product and, most importantly, identify and resolve any problems. In addition, we need to create a user experience that is not only functional but also enjoyable and rewarding.

The process begins with the definition of the problem to be solved by the app. Then we analyse the market to determine its potential and to identify the best strategy for reaching users.

We then start to collect user data through surveys and interviews. The goal is to validate the app and its features by collecting information from real users, allowing us to plan the app's development.

In our case, the main issue is how to integrate the different components of a mobile app. We need to gather data on the design and functionality of the app from a sample of real users to understand the product's strengths and weaknesses.

For this reason, we start collecting user data in an alpha phase. This approach allows us to plan the development of the product according to what we know and learn about its usability.

Once we've validated the app's usability, we can proceed with the development.

10 – Test all functionality before launching

There are many factors to consider while planning the development of mobile apps, but one of the most important ones is testing the app during its early stages. 

Although various tools are available online to help developers build their apps, most fail to address the testing process. This is why some of the best mobile app development companies prefer an app development methodology that includes an early testing phase.

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  1. In-App Testing: In-app testing is a vital component of the app development process. This means that you should ensure that every element of the app is working properly before launching the app on the market. After all, the app's quality will determine how users will interact with the app. If there are any issues with the app, users will not be able to enjoy the app entirely. Therefore, a robust testing process needs to be in place to ensure that the app runs smoothly and that there are no significant glitches in its functionality.
  2. Real-time App Testing: To ensure that the app is functional, you should test it in real-time. While doing so, you will be able to pinpoint the bugs in the app and identify the problems that users will encounter while using the app.
  3. Testing Before Beta: Another essential aspect of the mobile app development process is ensuring that the app is tested before its beta launch. The idea is to ensure that the app works the way it was intended to. The app needs to be tested, including the user interface and the app's look and feel. If the app doesn't work the way it was meant to, users won't be able to enjoy using it.
  4. Real-time Post-Beta Testing: After the app's beta launch, you should continue to test the app regularly. If there are any changes to the app, you should be ready to incorporate them in the next version of the app. The goal here is to ensure that the app is working in real-time and that there are no issues that users will experience while using the app.
  5. Testing During the Design Phase: An app's design involves several steps. Initially, the designer should test the app while designing the UI. If any issues come up, you can quickly fix them. Also, it is recommended that the designer test the app as soon as the design is complete. This way, they can identify the flaws and fix them before the app is released to the market.
  6. User Testing: After the initial testing phase, it is essential to conduct thorough user testing of the app. This will help you identify any issues users may encounter when using the app. You can then incorporate the results of the user testing in the next version of the app.
  7. User Feedback: You should invite users to test the app at the beginning of the development cycle. This will also help you determine whether or not the app is meeting the users' expectations.

The mobile app development process aims to help you create an app that is safe, effective, and easy to use. However, you need to be careful when carrying out the development process.

Conclusion

Mobile apps can be a powerful sales tool for a business, but not if you don't take the time to think about what they're capable of and how they could benefit your customers. 

You'll be able to see if an app fits your brand and whether it's a good fit for your target audience. You can also see if it can drive engagement and increase brand awareness, which means that your customers will know about your brand when searching for it on their smartphones. 

If they find what they need, they'll likely stay loyal to you and use your app over others. In this article, you learned:

  • Why you need to have an app.
  • How to choose the right app type.
  • How to build your mobile app.

This article will help you create mobile apps that can convert an audience into loyal customers.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Stuart Crawford

Stuart Crawford is an award-winning creative director and brand strategist with over 15 years of experience building memorable and influential brands. As Creative Director at Inkbot Design, a leading branding agency, Stuart oversees all creative projects and ensures each client receives a customised brand strategy and visual identity.

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