Did you know that the Google Play Store has over 3 million apps available – and that’s just one store!

With so many mobile apps out there, you might be thinking is it so hard to build your own? and you wouldn’t be alone. Tons of people think they can take on the task and build a mobile app, but the truth is that it’s not that simple.

What Does It Actually Take to Build a Mobile App in 2021?

A lot of work goes into mobile app development, even for the simplest of apps! But, if you’re willing to put in the time, broaden your knowledge, and gain the skills you need, it is possible to turn an app idea into a successful application.

Get started by finding out what it takes in our guide.

A Solution to a Problem

Even if you make a stunning mobile app that’s full of advanced features, if it’s not useful to your audience it’s not going to be used. When creating your app idea you need to be taking a problem and giving it a solution, enhancing the lives of your users in some way or another.

For example, a budget app takes the problem of how can I start to save money easily? and provides a solution; learn to budget!

When you look around you, you’ll start to realize that everything we’ve ever invented was the answer to a problem.

We couldn’t keep drinking from our hands, so we made mugs and cups. We wanted to explore new countries, so we built boats and planes.

Your app should do the same. Take a problem and solve it!

Wireframe Your App

Once you have your idea, it’s time to wireframe your app. A wireframe is a detailed layout of your app but in skeletal form, not unlike the blueprints for a house. Your wireframe should give an overview of features but shouldn’t be a work of art; forget design for now and focus only on the essentials.

Your wireframe should give you a clear view of your page structures, the features you’ll include, and your user flow. Ideally, you could give your wireframe to app developers and they could make your app from it.

Only Offer the Essential Features

At the first stage of development, you should only be focusing on the absolutely essential features. In fact, your first mobile app deployment release should be a paired back version of what your app might become, offering only the core features.

Remove anything that’s simply fun to have; this can be added later in updates but isn’t essential now.

By cutting down on unnecessary features, you can cut back on costs and make development time quicker. Your app will be on the market much sooner!

Focus on User Experience

While it’s a good idea to remove non-essential features, it isn’t a good idea to pair back your design.

A lot of entrepreneurs talk about creating a super simple design and focusing on function, but this is a really bad idea. Design isn’t just about how your app looks but how it feels to use, and this is essential to your success!

Make the user experience a priority at every step of your development. This includes navigation, ease of use, and useful features, which are all a part of good design.

Learn How to Code

If you’re not getting a developer to do the work for you, you’re going to have to learn to code to create a fully functioning app – there’s no way around it! Pick a language that’s easier to learn, like JavaScript, and get started.

Here are some tips to help you learn coding languages:

• Get to grips with what coding actually is
• Choose the right resources to learn, like online courses or books
• Download a quality code editor
• Find a mentor to help you learn

It’s also important to remember that you’ll need to code your app to work on different operating systems. For example, an app that’s been coded for android devices isn’t going to work on iOS. It’s annoying, we know, but it’s something that every app developer has to work with!

Hire a Development Team

If you don’t have the time to learn to code, hire a reputable app development team to do the work for you. They’ll take charge of everything, from monitoring project metrics to dealing with any errors in the design.

With a professional team, your app should be finished to a super high quality that your target market will love to use!

Mobile App Deployment

Once your app is up and running, it’s time for app store deployment. Bear in mind that it can take some time to get your app up on a store, especially if you’re looking to market on the Apple Store.

They’ll take time checking your app meets their regulations and is suitable for their store, so take that into account in your schedule!

Once your app is live, keep monitoring your analytics. Remember, right now you just have the core design of your application, so here’s your chance to start improving and adding those fun to have features that your users want. Be sure to get feedback directly from your users at this point, too!

Build a Mobile App

Learning how to build a mobile app isn’t hard, but putting all you’ve learned into practice can be trickier – especially when it comes to coding! Remember, if you’re struggling to develop a professional app, call in a team of qualified developers. You won’t regret it!

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out more on our website. We have tons of great advice for startups and small businesses looking to thrive in this competitive world.

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