5 Factors to Consider when Developing a Mobile App

5 Factors to Consider when Developing a Mobile App

Thinking about getting a mobile app for your business? Whether you're a small business, startup, or online business, having a powerful app isn't just nice to have—it's essential in today’s world. Mobile apps are an awesome way for businesses to expand their reach and engage with customers in a whole new way. But before you dive into app development, there are some key factors to think about.

In this blog, we'll discuss five of the most important things to consider when developing a mobile app. Why each factor is crucial and how it could impact the success of your app!

1. Your Target Audience

Nothing is more important than understanding your target audience. People love engaging with stuff they're into, the success of your app depends on how well it meets their needs. Take the time to genuinely understand your audience and what they want in a mobile app. Here are five succinct steps to aid you in identifying your target audience:

Interview your customers

  1. Audit your social following
  2. Review your marketing performance metrics
  3. Take notes on your competition
  4. Define who your target isn’t

Understanding the age, gender, and interests of your target audience can help you create a mobile app that truly speaks to them and lasts in the market.

"Marketing without a target audience is like shooting arrows in the dark; you might hit something, but it’s unlikely to be what you aimed for."
Poster: How to find your target audience for your mobile app or business
Click here to view the full image

2. Make it User Friendly

"The time it takes to make a decision increases with the number and complexity of choices." This quote from Hick's Law means that in the world of app design, a simpler and cleaner app often leads to more user engagement. A mobile app should be easy to use and understand, even for people who aren't tech-savvy. The more user-friendly your app is, the more likely it is that users will use it and recommend it to others. Spend time testing your app to make sure it's easy to use and understand.

Uber's mobile app UI mockups
Uber’s latest UI design

UX/UI Case Study: Why Uber’s mobile app design is a success?

Talking about the successful design of a specific app, Uber cannot be missed. The success of Uber's mobile app design lies in its seamless integration of user-centred design principles, strategic feature innovation, and continuous user feedback. Just look at the mockup above -- how clean is it?

The Uber app's success can be attributed to its user-friendly interface, smooth user experience, and its ability to adapt to what users want. This is shown by features like ride tracking and driver ratings. Additionally, through careful user research and looking at the competition, Uber has improved its mobile app by adding features that address common issues, such as safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for personalised ride options. This user-focused approach, combined with testing and prototyping, has allowed Uber to remain a top player in the transportation industry by making sure that the app meets users' needs and preferences.

3. A Good Design

Everyone loves a clean and nice-looking app. To make your mobile app successful in today's market, your app needs to have a modern and visually appealing design that's easy on the eyes. A good design will help your app stand out and attract more users. It's also important to keep the design consistent throughout the app so users have the same experience wherever they go and to enhance your brand’s identity.

Headspace's UI design mock up

Research Driven Design: The story that mastered the design of medication apps.

Headspace's app design has made meditation easy through a deep understanding of human behavioural patterns. With scientific research into user psychology, Headspace provides a personalised and intuitive experience. The app uses simple, cool interfaces and quick onboarding processes to make it easy to get started and keep coming back. Additionally, they show inclusion of diversity and send personalised reminders, making it seamless to fit meditation into your daily routine. This awesome approach not only hooks users but also keeps them committed to mindfulness practices and using the app.

4. Marketing Your App

Having a great app design is not enough to attract a lot of users. To make your app stand out, you need the right marketing strategy. No one will know about your app if you just keep it in your pocket. You need to make sure that your app is visible to your target audience and that you're doing everything you can to promote it. This could mean creating a website, using social media, or running an ad campaign. A good marketing strategy will help ensure that your app is seen by the right people and that you can reach your target audience.

Calm's Marketing Poster
Calm’s marketing poster

The marketing strategy of the #1 meditation app in the world: Calm

Calm is a big player in the mobile app market, with a million downloads, and it has used a variety of methods to secure its position as the top meditation app worldwide.

A key part of its success is its strong focus on paid advertising, particularly on Facebook, where it uses over 300 different ad designs to guide users through their journey with targeted messaging and retargeting. The ads often showcase popular influencers and calming visuals to keep users engaged. Calm's marketing also emphasises personalisation, starting from the first app experience and continuing through targeted offers and retargeting campaigns. They cleverly use Sleep Stories to attract and keep users and offer special deals and retargeting to turn free users into paying subscribers.

In terms of its app design, Calm's use of colour psychology and simple app design adds to a relaxing user experience, making the brand even more appealing and driving sustained growth.


5. Monetisation Strategy

A monetisation strategy is a plan for generating revenue, and getting it right is essential. By determining how to make money from your app, such as through in-app purchases, subscriptions, or ads, you can ensure its profitability and ongoing development. This is a crucial factor that keeps your app in the market. Numerous innovative and well-designed apps have unfortunately been forced to shut down because of inadequate monetisation strategies. Here’s a quick 6 strategies to keep your app in profit:

  1. In-app Advertising
  2. Trials & subscriptions
  3. In-app Purchasing
  4. Affiliate Marketing Offers
  5. Social Media Marketing
  6. Sponsorship Ads

Learn more about monetisation strategy and its pros & cons in mobile app development (2024).

Portrait of happy smiling woman using mobile phone app, holding money cash, standing over white background. Copy space
Image by benzoix on Freepik | Copyright: Cookie Studio


Get Started with FONSEKA Today!

Getting a mobile app for your business seems like a lot to consider. From good app design and effective marketing to thorough research, these are just 5 out of many factors that can impact your app's success. But don't worry—at FONSEKA, we specialise in creating custom applications tailored to fit your business needs. Get in touch today and let us help you build an app that stands out!

Post Details

Author: Sonnie Poon

Categories:

App DesignApp Development

Updated: 18 Sep 2024

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