Business First Family Business, Accounting, Finance, Investing, Marketing And Management
Apps or Applications are pieces of software that can run on a computer or mobile device that is designed to perform a specific function. From Flappy Bird to Snapchat, every successful app started out as just an idea. Your app ideas could make millions, too. If you want to get your idea for an app off of the ground, follow these steps below.
Step 1: Flesh Out Ideas
If you have a lot of ideas floating around your head it can be difficult to pick just one that you will focus on. However, it is essential that your app has a clear and specific purpose. Too many app ideas can leave you with a cluttered product and clueless consumers. Pick one good idea and stick to it.
r/AppIdeas
If you are looking for some inspiration, visit Reddit. The r/AppIdeas subreddit is full of a ton of – you guessed it – app ideas! Redditors post app ideas they themselves want but are unable to develop themselves. Then, other Redditors upvote or downvote the post. We certainly do not advise that you steal ideas for apps from this page. However, this provides an excellent way for you to do some informal market research once you do have an idea. Visit the App Ideas subreddit for inspiration or market research if needed.
Step 2: Research The Competition
Once you have your main idea for a mobile application in mind, it is important that you research it before diving into the creation process. Although you may have thought of these ideas on your own, it is possible that somebody got there first. Make sure that you are not copying an existing app. Analyze the competition and discover what they are missing that you can provide with this new program.
Step 3: Start Sketching
With an idea and a goal in mind, you can begin to do a rough sketch of what you want your app to look like to start your virtual business. This will be especially helpful if you are looking to outsource, hire or partner with someone who can help you build the app. Even if you are technologically capable enough to build it yourself, you should have a general guide that expresses how you want the app to operate.
Step 4: Build A Prototype
When you have sketched everything out and analyzed the logistics, it is time to build a prototype. Work with the developer (if you have hired one) to build a storyboard and wireframes. Get an idea of the technical limitations of your project. Once you have a strong prototype for your app, you can move on to step 5.
Step 5: Market Research
The next step to making your mobile app ideas a reality is to find out how the public will receive it. You have a prototype ready, now it is time to start testing. Whether you invite friends and family or hire a focus group, it is important that you receive feedback on how your app works and what you can improve. This will help you later form a sample marketing plan. With their input, you can gauge who would be most interested in the app and how you can draw them in.
Step 6: Refine And Release
The final step to turning your app concept into a reality is to take the information gathered from your market research and make the necessary adjustments to your design. Once you have done that, and you are happy with the results, you can release your app to the public. From there, you can watch your project come to life on phones everywhere.
Turning an idea for an app into an actual product is no easy task. It takes a lot of dedication and revision to get the perfect end result. However, as long as you remain focused and determined, you have every opportunity to succeed. Follow these simple steps the next time you come up with a few brilliant business ideas. Just do not forget to start an online business once your app is ready to be released.
Photo from http://www.creativebloq.com/app/android-stencil-kit-drawing-app-difference-6133321
