Many times we walk into client meetings and immediately get asked, “What are the three most important things in rolling out a mobile app development project?” Of course, each client is different so we respond accordingly. However, we started to notice a common theme in our responses when we were dealing with decision makers.
So we decided to create a 3-point guide for developing mobile applications. Mobile apps are typically task-based, life-style, entertainment or game oriented applications that use very specific smart-phone abilities like GPS, Gyro, Bluetooth, Picture, Video, Audio, Camera and human-interactions.
What is really possible with mobile devices?
To create an effective mobile app, we need to be using not only core mobile abilities but also peripherals that interact innocuously with mobile devices. Core abilities include the GPS, Gyroscope, Camera, Audio recorder, Picture, Video and Audio player, Gesture, Touch and Tap interfaces. Peripheral interfaces include iBeacons, iOT, Wireless, Bluetooth, etc. And finally understanding usage of in-app notifications, Text-messaging, VOIP calling is critical to mobile app success.
A clear understanding of which ones to use and when to use them; is very critical to any mobile app.
What are App Types?
There are several categories and sub-categories for App Types. And the list between Apple iTunes and Google Play stores is exhaustive and confusing. To identify correctly, you need to have a thorough understanding of your user personas.
Checkout the Apple list here https://developer.apple.com/app-store/product-page/. This has a profound impact on your app discoverability. Choosing the right category will have a profound effect on your app store performance.
How do we make people download our app?
Making people download your app comes down to grass-roots marketing and promotion. We have seen crappy apps get tons of downloads while great apps languish with very little activity. Here are some of the things to consider – building an email list to run traditional email marketing, Google Adwords, SEO for App web pages, Social-media marketing among others. Which ones to execute will depend on your own marketplace, user interests and domain.
Focusing on these multidimensional aspects of mobile apps will make your app truly great and will lead to success.
