If your subscribers primarily use Smartphones such as the iPhone or the Android (“Droid”), you need to be aware that apps (applications) for these mobile devices is a huge marketing success story. Find out create a successful app.
You can be as complicated and technical or as simple as you like, when it comes to creating apps… but before we get into methods for app creation (and differing alternatives), let’s examine what makes a thriving app.
How to create a successful app
Again, the answer is all in:
- How well you know your market
- The thoroughness of your research
Start out by asking yourself:
- “What is the best app for my subscribers? What do they want?”
BE ALERT to their wishes (“I wish…”) as well as to their complaints (“I really don’t know why no one has been able to…”)
Contrary to all the laws of product creation, your mobile app doesn’t have to be the most original and brilliant app in all the world… it just has to be:
- Something your ideal customer needs
- Something she will rely on
- Something that helps her enjoy life or her chosen interest more completely
So again – it all goes back to how well you know your customer, and how thoroughly you’ve answered and anticipated her questions.
What Your App Is Not
It may surprise you to learn that your app also doesn’t have to be a labour-saving business tool or a serious piece of hard science. Your hit app could be as frivolous as an app that plays a cuckoo-clock noise every time its user makes a spelling mistake or one that amuses by popping up a “Joke of the Day”.
Cruising your favourite niche forums and mastermind groups should tip you off to what your ideal customer is looking for:
- Entertaining
- Amusing
- Useful
- Necessary
For example, if your subscribers all work in the animal industry at non-profit shelters, a “Cute Dog Pic of the Day” is going to be appreciated far more than “Karate Tip of the Day”.
Similarly, a trucker would appreciate a “Nearest Big Breakfast Truck Stop” app than an app for your “weight loss in the office” list.
It all boils down to relevance and need. So make sure you get that research right as you seek to create a successful app! (Location-based apps are really big, too – for example, store locators, maps).
Creating Your Own App
You can create simple apps yourself at sites such as Manage Engine without knowing a word of code.
Be alert to the fact that some will charge a monthly fee if you develop an app. It’s not a bad bargain, however, because that monthly fee gets you:
- Support for your app
- Monetization with advertising
- The ability to sell ad space
Generally, the simpler your app, the better it should function and the easier it should be to use.
And, of course, ManageEngine isn’t the only fish in the sea, when it comes to self-creating apps. All you have to do is type a search parameter such as “mobile app building” into Google to pull up a myriad of options.
However, you may wish to start with two other sites that are industry standards, with established reputations and solid service to create a successful app:
Self-building app sites are great, if you don’t mind a basic template, but if your app is more complex, you might consider a second alternative…
Hiring a Pro
If you decide on the latter course, stick to posting project specs on sites that specialize in app development, rather than on general freelance job boards. Most specialist sites are concerned about reputation and provide some sort of ratings system or structure to weed out the more unprofessional freelancers.
Two good places online to find qualified app developers to create a successful app:
Upwork
Truelancer
If you want to create an app for the iPhone, remember that iPhone apps also should work on iPads.
Remember to let the app developer know if you plan to monetize your app. Plan your app, include details about:
- How you want it to function
- What you want it to do
Finally, observe these 3 essential tips for a successful app-outsourcing experience:
- Simpler is better. The more complex your app, the longer the project will take. The longer it takes, the higher the price. (You should plan to budget anywhere from $500 upwards in order to end up with a professional, glitch-free app.)
- Look for a developer who asks for a deposit or retainer – not one who wants the entire amount up front! And in case you’re not aware of it, legally a deposit is refundable and held in trust: A retainer is usually considered non-refundable. You’re paying your professional for reserving his valuable time slot. The better your developer’s reputation, the higher his retainer: 50% is not unusual, though many developers will accept 25-35% up front.
- Make sure you ask your chosen app developer to sign both an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) and an NCA (non-competitor agreement). This guarantees he won’t (a) let your competition know details about the app he’s creating for you (b) won’t launch a competing version of the app at the same time you’re ready to release yours.
Create a successful app
Before you rush off to create that app, do download a selection of apps on your own mobile (assuming it’s the same mobile your target market uses). Get to know these apps, work with them, use them, and see what grabs you – and what drives you mad.
Then take that applied knowledge and use it when you’re brainstorming your own app. You’ll do a much better job if you’re thoroughly comfortable and familiar with apps available for your niche market yourself.
Make sure to read our previous three posts on mobile content marketing:
What You Need to Know to Understand Mobile Content
