If you have an idea for the next great app, but don’t know where to start, it can be difficult to get started with creating your own software from scratch. However, there are so many tools out there these days that it is easier than ever to take your idea and make it into something incredible. You just need to get started. This step-by-step guide will show you how to create an app from scratch in 10 steps.
Step 1 – Consider your audience
The first step to developing a great app is figuring out who you’re creating it for. And, while many people may see creating an app as a fun creative outlet, or just something they want to do on a whim if you’re planning on making money off of your app—it’s important that you take into account your audience before spending hours working on something no one will use. Ask yourself: Who are you creating your app for? How do they use their phones and what is their demographic? Do they value aesthetics over usability? Answering these questions will help you get a clearer picture of what direction to go in.
Step 2 – Create a design plan
Before you even type a single line of code, it’s time to layout your app’s overall functionality and flows. Start by creating wireframes—simple diagrams that illustrate where on-screen elements will appear and how they will work. Before you can do so, make sure you have: 1) thought through all of your app’s basic functionality, 2) taken into account any potential iOS/Android differences, and 3) identified several different design options for each screen. The more options you create, the easier it will be to decide which one is best suited for your app.
Step 3 – Write a business plan
Writing a business plan helps formalize your idea and can streamline the business-creation process by getting you to sit down and think things through methodically. And, yes, plans are (often) worthless, but planning is everything. Many entrepreneurs say they rarely look at their plan once they’ve launched—but they’ll also tell you there’s value in thinking through and researching your idea. At the very least, you’ll quickly figure out what questions you don’t have answers to. Having a firm grasp of your known unknowns is important and writing a business plan is the perfect way to make sure that happens.
Step 4 – Develop a detailed timeline
From finding a developer to building your app, there are many steps involved with developing an app. Make sure you have detailed a timeline for completing each step and give yourself extra time for unforeseen delays. It’s also a good idea to schedule some time to test your app before it goes live. Beta testing is one of those things that can be easily pushed back but is essential to ensure everything works properly when your customers first use it. Setting expectations ahead of time will allow you and your team more flexibility while still keeping everyone accountable for meeting deadlines and achieving goals.
Step 5 – Know how much it will cost
In your budget, you need to add a line item for development costs. This is one of your biggest expenses, so try to be as accurate as possible. If you’re uncertain how much it will cost, conduct market research or ask developers how much they charge for similar projects. The initial estimate could be higher or lower than what it will actually cost — but it’s crucial that you have a baseline number before moving forward. Then check out step #6 below!
Step 6 – Set up servers and hosting
Setting up servers for hosting your web apps is not always necessary. Services like Firebase and Heroku have made it easy for a developer or a startup to host their product without having to set up and maintain their own servers. If you don’t need custom hosting, there are tons of services out there that will provide a good platform for your application that will require little maintenance on your part. However, if you do decide you want some custom hosting, they are pretty easy to get set up with most cloud providers (Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform) and even dedicated hardware vendors (Google Compute Engine, Digital Ocean). Setting up just one server can be done in about 30 minutes and is usually automated through scripts or configuration management tools like Chef or Puppet.
Step 7 – Choose a language
For the creation of your app, you will have a couple of different choices. The first thing that you must decide is whether or not you want to develop your application using Swift, Java, or one of many other languages that are available. Some developers may be at a disadvantage because they do not have as much experience with certain languages, but ultimately it is up to you which language you would like to use. In order for your app to run properly and efficiently on any mobile device, it should be written in Objective-C or Swift if possible. This way, there are fewer issues that arise while porting your app over from platform to platform. You can also choose Java if you would like more accessibility with Android devices since Android Studio is written in Java and vice versa for Apple products.You Can use Platforms like Flutter Or React Native.
Step 8 – Hire programmers
Hiring programmers is expensive, but it’s a necessary step. It can also be tricky; you need to make sure that they can do what you want and that they don’t take forever. If you are having trouble finding qualified programmers, talk with other app developers; if they’re willing, they may give your development work out to someone. In any case, get estimates on how long it will take to develop your app and how much it will cost before hiring a programmer. Once you hire one, stay involved—make sure that things are moving along at a good pace and keep tabs on whether there are any hidden expenses or problems.
Step 9 – Implement your app
This is where you’ll actually build your app. The coding and designing is all up to you, but there are a few things to keep in mind: First, use open-source code as much as possible. Not only will it save you time and effort, but it’s also easier to customize and comes with a wealth of documentation that can help you avoid any newbie hiccups. Second, get beta testers on board right away; they’ll be your eyes and ears once you launch. Third, remember that speed trumps perfection here.
Step 10 – Submit your app
Once you have completed each of these steps, your app will be ready for submission. You can make your app available on iTunes or Google Play or any other relevant application stores. This step is a great milestone, as it means that you’ve managed to create and get your app up and running. But remember – there’s no real finish line when it comes to creating a successful app! Continue reading and implement new features, update old ones, fix bugs and keep working at it until you have reached success!
Chris Mcdonald has been the lead news writer at complete connection. His passion for helping people in all aspects of online marketing flows through in the expert industry coverage he provides. Chris is also an author of tech blog Area19delegate. He likes spending his time with family, studying martial arts and plucking fat bass guitar strings.