Mobile apps are fun and convenient for the people who use them day after day on their smartphone or other mobile devices. For businesses, organizations, or artists, developing an app is a good marketing technique that can allow them to reach out to their clients and potential clients, to offer a useful and unique service, or simply to share their ideas with the world.
You might have a good idea that you would like to turn into an app, but unless you are an app developer, you are certainly wondering how you can achieve this. Developing an app is one thing, but developing a great app that people will want to download and to use is something else.
If you need resources about app development for beginners, these rules will help you get started on the right foot.
Rule #1: Make sure you are starting with a great idea
There are already many apps available on the market, and new ones are being offered everyday. Make sure your idea is unique and stands out from the competition for all the right reasons.
A good way to start with a great idea is to try to develop an app you wish you could have, but can’t find anywhere online. If you think such an app would be useful, there’s a good chance someone else will feel the same way.
Rule #2: Decide whether you want to use an app builder or not
There are different options in app development for beginners. You could simply hire a professional app developer who will take care of the job for you. You can compare different low code development tools and learn how to code, or you can use an app builder.
An app builder doesn’t require you to have a lot of technical skills, since you will be able to use a drag-and-drop builder.
Rule #3: Choose an app builder that will help you turn your idea into a great app
If you want to use an app builder, you need to choose one that will make it possible for you to create the app you want to create.
Your app builder should allow you to be in full control of the app you are developing. It should be user-friendly, but it should let you customize every aspect of your app as much as possible.
Rule #4: Choose the right platform for your app
Before you start the app development for beginners, you need to decide which platform you will build it for. Do you want to develop an app for iOS, for Android, or for Windows?
Each platform has its own pros and cons. If you don’t own a Mac, for example, it might be difficult for you to develop an app destined for the Apple store. Learn more about the different platforms to make your choice.
Rule #5: Write down everything your app will need
Different sets of skills can be useful to develop an app, but as a beginner, you should focus on acquiring the skills you will need to make your app a success.
Take some time to think about how your app will function, and about what it will need. Will it be linked to an online store? Will it require users to create their account and log in when they want to use it?
Rule #6: Take some time thinking about the design of your app
Your app needs to be functional, but it also needs to be well-designed. Even if you have a genius idea, no one will want to use your app if it was poorly designed.
The easier way to ensure your app looks great and is easy to use would be to customize an app template. Using a template will also simplify your job from start to finish.
Rule #7: Choose the right tools and learn how to code
If you don’t want to use a drag-and-drop app builder, you will need to choose and download the right tools, and you will need to learn how to use these tools. Many app developers use Swift or Objective C, but a few different Software Developer Kits are available, and require you to register as a developer. Take the time you need to choose your tools, and to learn how to code. Depending on the complexity of the app you want to develop, completing your project could take some time. Don’t try to rush it, and make sure you are creating the best app you can create.
Before you submit it to the app stores of your choice, make sure you test it out on different mobile devices. You should ask at least a few people you trust to try out your app, and to give you their honest feedback so you can improve it. When you feel ready, submit your app to app stores, and share it with the world!