On the whole, consumers are taking to mobile platforms as their medium of choice for online shopping, web browsing, and interacting on social media networks. Given the huge growth in mobile app usage, it’s a prospect that could have you rubbing your hands in glee at the money-making potential available to you. However, there are certain myths circulating about building a mobile app that could stop you in your tracks.
Luckily, these myths are just that. In reality, it’s important to grasp the potential of mobile apps – especially given the advent of the WordPress REST API. Debunking these myths is paramount to increasing your income over the long-term.
In this post, we’ll play MythBusters as we lay out four of the most common myths surrounding mobile apps and debunk them one by one. Let’s get cracking!
Myth #1: Mobile Apps Are Expensive To Create
If you’ve ever thought about creating mobile apps, your first consideration was likely how much it was going to cost. Simply put, the cost of mobile apps is largely centered around its platform, features, and complexity, and additional elements and functionality will likely drive the cost up even more.
In most cases, you’ll be in a scenario where you’re building an app from the ground up, potentially roping in a reputable agency for assistance. According to the Enterprise Mobility Exchange, the most common budget size for mobile app development ranged from $250,000 to $500,000. Cross-platform solutions such as Ionic and Cordova are also making it easier (and cheaper) to create an app from scratch.
However, those with an existing service can opt for services such as MobiLoud. These enable you to get started with mobile app development, without running up a large bill. The takeaway here is: building a mobile app doesn’t have to be expensive.
Myth #2: Mobile Apps Are Intended for Smartphones Alone
Our next myth centers around the belief that mobile apps are for smartphones alone. Even though 80% of internet users own a smartphone, not everyone wants to download apps – especially if it requires extra permissions to install. In fact, studies show that 36 percent of smartphone app users had somewhere between 11 to 20 apps on their device, yet only 3.2 percent of them still had active users after a month.
According to Smart Insights, smart watches, wristbands, and televisions — all of which support apps — are among the emerging devices that are being used to search the internet. In addition, nearly 50% of adults in the US own tablets. It’s clear, therefore, that your target market is likely using one – rather than their smartphone.
This is good news if you feel that your app will do better on a larger screen. You’ll be able to engage with your target market and deliver incredible user experience at the same time.
Overall, you’re not just looking to appeal to smartphone users. There are a whole host of app-enabled devices available – some of which may offer a more lucrative revenue stream.
Myth #3: Mobile App Development Is Quick And Effortless
It should be obvious, but app development doesn’t happen overnight. Although it takes seconds for the end user to download (then judge) your handiwork, the reality is that there’s an awful lot of planning to get your latest venture off the ground.
Building an app takes more than just conceiving a killer idea, then writing code for it. You need to at least plan it out, generate a structure, and test for bugs – and don’t forget the actual development process itself. The average time of development is around 18 weeks – around 10 for back-end development and 8 for the front end. Of course, developing for multiple platforms will send your project timelines haywire.
Let’s boil this myth down to the real issue: given the lucrative market, the turnaround times for app development are arguably much tighter than other industries and niches. Along with creating a solid plan, you’ll need to develop your project management skills. What’s more, avoiding the pitfalls that have befallen other projects is vital for smooth running, and a pain-free development cycle.
Myth #4: Mobile Apps Need No Additional Development
Of course, the work doesn’t stop once your app is launched. The maintenance stage is just as critical to your app’s overall success. The pitfalls we mentioned earlier could cause you damage if you’ve ignored them. However, even though you may have deftly sidestepped each one, there’s still a veritable development minefield to tiptoe around.
Firstly, customer feedback post-launch is a vital step and one that a surprising number of developers forgo. Your end users are essentially your app’s lifeblood, and to discard their experience as folly will bite you hard.
Next up is bug testing, and it’s something that’s become a baked-in part of modern development. However, it’s no less vital – not only because your app takes one step nearer digital perfection, but your end users will see that you actively listen to their concerns.
Speaking of which, although it’s not strictly a development task, a lack of grunt in the support department will send your users scurrying off the boat as quick as a flash.
Finally, post-launch is the time to focus not only on marketing your mobile app, but also analyzing its performance.
Conclusion
Developing a mobile app is a tantalizing prospect, that is, until you begin to believe some of the myths floating around about the process. With all of the negative connotations, it’s enough to make you take a step back and wait for a better opportunity to come along.
In this piece, we debunked four myths of developing a mobile app. Let’s quickly take a look at the truth behind each of them:
- Creating a mobile app won’t be heavy on your wallet.
- There are a multitude of devices that use mobile apps, not just smartphones.
- App development takes significant time and effort to be successful.
- Post-launch requires just as much of your attention as the development stage.
Are there any other common myths that you have come across regarding mobile apps? Get in touch in the comments section below!
Image credit: geralt.
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