5 Things that De-Rail Great App Ideas tutorial - DeadRiot

"I have a GREAT idea for an app...!"

That's typically how the process begins. You've got a great idea and your sixth sense screams out to you that it will be a mega hit.

Maybe so.

There are also a host of other considerations, most folks don't take into account that can literally make or break your app dreams into iddy biddy pieces. Here are some of the points that we regularly discuss with our clients to help them prep.

You want your app to succeed, so let's be professionally candid and lay out 5 Things that De-Rail Great App Ideas.

1. Lack of Knowledge about the Overall Development Process

Be it a business app, game or anything in between - developing your app requires a number of factors that are time consuming and revenue consuming.

a. Project Scoping and Analysis

A professional app, begins with detailed discussions between you & the design and development teams to ensure that the vision / outcome for your app and the technology behind it is clearly understood by everyone on the project.

b. Design

The basic app design can be done by either by you or a contractor. It can be as simple as drawing it on paper or in using a paid or open source wireframing tool. The golden rule is design first, code second. Designers design, coders code. Unless your resources is adept at both...keep 'em separate.

c. Development

Coding the app, following the design approvals happens next. Basic yes...however, make sure you understand if the coders on the project are experienced with your chosen technology. Developers come in basically three experience levels - Architect, Senior and Junior.

d. QA & Testing

This is the checks and balances stage. The team identifies that the app is working as designed and is ready for submitting to the store.

Each of these stages, takes time and money. Depending on the complexity of your app, the time and money you'll spend varies.

2. Not Knowing The True Costs of App Development

The costs to design, develop, test and deliver your app varies based on complexity, whether the apps are developed natively (iOS, Android) or web-based (device agnostic) and if you have them developed at the same time or independently.

App development costs range from $5,000 t0 $200,000.00

Game development can be considerably more...again, based on complexity.

After the app is built, more budget should be planned for app maintenance and hosting...usually a monthly fee - varies depending on the app load.

Check this for reference: https://www.infinitemonkeys.mobi/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-make-an-app/

3. Not Considering the Impact of Fixed Bid and Time & Materials Development & Scope Creep

If you go fixed bid, make sure that you have scoped EVERYTHING out up front in detail, and that you don't add to the project's scope. If you do (scope creep), you'll de-rail your budget and unless you can allocate more, the project will stop because the money has stopped.

If you go time & materials, you'll get an estimate. You should also keep an eye on the project to make sure that you will get delivery of your app with + or - 20% of the estimate.

With either option, we recommend that you add a project manager to ensure that delivery is made with either selection.

4. Thinking That the Hard Work is Over After Development & Launch

Before, during and after your app has hit the stores, you have to market it, brand it an promote it - to get people to use it. It's hard, continuous work.

There are hundreds / thousands of fantastic apps out there with nobody using them...because nobody knows about them.

At a minimum, you need a website, blog about the app, social sites for the app (Twitter, Facebook, etc) and the expectation that you'll have to market and promote your app regularly.

5. Creating an App from an Idea that "Nobody Else Has Done Yet."

If no one else has an app like your idea...that should be a red flag. There's a reason. Perhaps there isn't a market for it...or, it simply won't get used.

If something else exists and you can improve on that idea...that should be your focus. If something similar is out there, being used and is generating revenue, you can rest assured that if you develop and promote your app accordingly, it will get similar, if not better, results.

Thanks for reading & Good Luck!

- RobinSage

RobinSage is a custom app development shop, located in Utah. For more information, visit www.RobinSage.com