How to Build a Mobile App from Scratch 

The need to create a mobile app is the first thing you should consider before making one. If you've already considered it, you should next consider how such an app is built and which app you should create. Well, there's an app for anything you can think of, from small business apps to e-commerce apps, fitness apps, religious apps, etc. Creating a mobile app from scratch is possible by using this well-detailed guide which will lead you through the process of developing an app in a way that is simple to grasp for novice developers, non-technical users, and anyone who has previously attempted it unsuccessfully. But first, what does "mobile app development" mean?

What is Mobile App Development?

Building software for portable, wireless devices like smartphones and other handheld gadgets is known as mobile application development. Mobile application development has originated from older, more conventional software development, just like web application development. Mobile apps are frequently created mainly to take leverage of the unique features of a given mobile device, which is a crucial distinction.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Mobile App from Scratch

1. Brainstorming a unique idea

Make sure you have a solid app idea before you get started. This stage may seem frightening when you consider the vast number of apps available. However, the idea need not be wholly original. Many fantastic apps are only adaptations of earlier concepts. You must ensure that your software is genuinely solving a problem, regardless of the notion. Then, you must confirm that nobody is already carrying out your request. If so, you'll need to develop unique selling points that set your concept apart from the competition. It's important to remember that not all ideas require the creation or the development of novel ideas. Numerous apps are merely the expansion of an already-existing company. You can develop an app that facilitates mobile shopping if you have an e-commerce website. An app that improves client bookings, appointment administration, and deposits can be created if you own a barbershop or nail salon.

2. Create a plan that outlines the procedure

Clear goals must be established at the outset of the app development process. What do you hope to accomplish? What issues are you attempting to address? Your aims will ultimately determine your whole development process. If these aren't outlined clearly from the start, it's simple to become lost once you begin creating your app. Set measurable goals instead of just any goal. Use this as your pole star to ensure you're always aiming at them. Otherwise, you won't be making the best use of your time and resources. It could be alluring to include features, bells, and whistles that aren't essential to achieving your goal because there are practically no limitations to app development.

3. Conduct a thorough market analysis

Once your objectives are clear, you must confirm that the market has a demand for your software. In principle, every app idea is great, but you must verify your hypothesis before moving further. Without conducting market research, developing an app could be a costly waste of your time, money, and resources. You can conduct this research using your present clients if your app is a natural extension of your current company. If the app is for a brand-new concept, you'll need to connect with potential users who fall within your target market.

4. Describe the highlights of your app

According to the entrepreneur, your app idea has been validated if users are interested in using it. This is the moment to describe your product in detail on a document, or if you want to go above and beyond, use a wireframing tool. Always be as specific as you can while writing down your ideas. Along with all the envisioned features, provide the user's navigational flow for the app. Your developer will better comprehend your expectations thanks to this.

5. Develop a design

You do not need to make a fuss concerning your app's UI design just yet, and your layout, which is a challenging layout for your mobile app, doesn't have to be overly formal, either. A design can be created using a computer wireframing tool, a piece of paper, a whiteboard, or a napkin. The layout and functionalities of the software are just plainly illustrated by the design. The components of an app's design in a wireframe are unimportant. This tool doesn't represent exactly what the finished app will look like. Your wireframe should instead emphasize structure and flow. Draw out a user flow diagram. Demonstrate what will occur if they click a specific button. What will be on the following page? What happens on the screen if a user selects Option A instead of Option B? The skeletal framework of your program and the components that will make it function are visible thanks to designs, which are crucial.

6. Look into the Alternatives

It would be best if you researched current solutions as the last phase in the pre-development process. It's usually a brilliant idea to double-check to see whether that solution is currently on the market before you spend valuable time and resources finding out how to construct an app and other components from scratch. Services are available to achieve every app's standardized features in app development. Alternatives for topics like infrastructure, hosting, design, analytics, and push notifications to come to mind. Your app will reach the market more quickly, and you'll save time and money by doing this. It will also greatly simplify your life. Pre-development work must be finished before you can begin to construct an app. By this point, your app concepts have already been thoroughly researched, vetted, and you have a fundamental notion of how the app should operate.

7. Hire a developer/designer

Look for a development firm that has a strong development team and excellent design ability. Go online before hiring a developer to research their reputation and sample apps they have produced. They might be the appropriate fit for your product if you genuinely enjoyed an app they created in their portfolio.

8. Set up accounts for developers

To be able to market your app through an app store's platform, you must sign up for a developer account with that store. You can register as an individual or, if you've previously founded a corporation, as that entity.

9. Develop an MVP

It would be best if you always were creating an MVP—minimum viable product—as you begin to make the software. An MVP's main benefit is that it pushes you to consider your app's most crucial features. This is an essential component of the app project that must be regarded if success is to be achieved. What is required for your app to run? Build those features first, and then focus on the others. Learn how to create an app using only those parts that are required. It only has the essential functionality to fulfill the most basic functions and use cases.

10. Ensuring Quality

You must test your app before deploying it once your MVP is complete and operational. Actual mobile platforms must be used to evaluate the app. Your software can be used in a wide variety of contexts. Therefore the quality assurance person will need to review it from top to bottom. You'll have a tough time keeping up with everything across iPhones, iPads, Android devices, PWA, smartphones, tablets, and more. Check that the app functions both online and off. Devices with various software versions or varying screen sizes could have problems that aren't present in other devices. And it's much better to spot the issues immediately than wait for users to discover them. If a user finds issues, it will be difficult for your software to succeed in the long run. You can do usability testing with actual test users in addition to running your app with a QA specialist. Also, give the app to your loved ones, coworkers, and friends. When you release the software, it doesn't have to be flawless. But ideally, you'll want to eliminate every flaw and mistake. Changes to the user interface and user experience can be made later.

11. Deploy

It's time to release your software and put it in users' hands. Uptime and visibility must be your current main priorities. Ensure that the program is entirely user-friendly. Your servers shouldn't go down or anything like that. You must submit your app to the various app stores to make it available for download. The Apple App Store and the Google Play Store have different app requirements. Therefore, before going through this process, you must comprehend the various submission standards.

12. Analytics integration

Analytics assist you in monitoring app downloads, user interaction, and retention. Use programs like Localytics, which has a free and paid version, and Flurry, both of which are free.

13. Quickly solicit feedback and modify

When your app launches on the app store, the usage and behavior of the first group of users will help you determine how to develop and improve it. Maintain an eye on customer input and keep growing because improvements and adjustments are constantly occurring. The last two but also essential steps are:

• Continue to improve the app with new features via update releases and
• Maintaining the app

Our Experience with Mobile App Development

Mobirevo has been in business for over 10 years, ensuring that customers like you are satisfied. As a software development company, we have over 50k delivered projects handled by our mobile development specialist. As such, we can assure you that the price of developing an app will not scare you off. However, the development cost depends on the app's proposed features and intended usage. But don't fret. First, create the outline.  Lastly, we also focus on services like Saas Application development and custom software development, therefore highlighting our expertise as one of the best companies that will make the task of either beginning or finalizing the process of your desired mobile app hassle-free and user-friendly. 

Conclusion

App creation is a continuous process, much like developing any other software program. Maintaining your mobile products after launch will encourage continued use and pay you back multiple times your initial investment. Mobirevo is a leading mobile app development company in Nigeria that has offered development services to companies in finance, healthcare, construction, retail, consumer products, logistics, industrial engineering, and entertainment over the years. Let’s talk about making your Mobile app ideas a reality! We follow certified enterprise mobile app development process steps to ensure the success of your app's launch. Our skilled mobile app developers are here to assist you with your digital transformation. You can contact us today to get a free quote. Our team at Mobirevo strives to provide unrivaled services to all of our valued clients. You can also check out our case study page to see our client’s portfolio and better understand the Quality of products we deliver. Also, contact us if you have any questions about our services, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Want to receive more content like this? You can sign up for our newsletter, which features curated opinions and Mobile app development tools for building remarkable digital assets. If you sign up for our weekly newsletter, you will be the first to know when we publish fantastic like this. You can also visit our blog to see other content created with love by our amazing team.