Mobile app startup tips and stats:
With the digital revolution an unending trend, mobile phones have taken the world by the storm and are now seen as necessities rather than luxuries, even in poor countries. In fact, there are now more mobile-only Internet users than desktop Internet users. With this growth, there is a surge in use of smartphone apps targeted at improving communication, entertainment and productivity.
Even more exciting for app startups is that over half (52%) of time spent by mobile media users is spent on apps, according to recent stats. There are over 2 million apps in Apple’s App Store, 2.2 million apps in Google Play, and a total of over 200 billion mobile app downloads expected in 2017. These dizzying statistics show how large the mobile app market is—it promises to be a winner for startups interested in getting a piece of the pie.
Mobile app building goes beyond just technical know-how—and beyond just building user-friendly, useful and engaging mobile apps. The success of your mobile app startup will depend on more than just that.
Mobile app startup tips
Here are seven app startup tips to help you build your dream mobile app business.
1. Be skillful:
To build a successful mobile app start-up, you must be ready to build amazing apps that will ensure the success of your start up. Make sure you have the capacity to build apps, with an edge over competition. If you are just a business entrepreneur, engage the services of deft app builders who will be committed to your business. Quality first.
2. Carve a niche:
App building should not be a jack-of-all-trades business. Every app builder should carve a niche for himself, rather than going for ‘all sorts’ of apps. You might want to focus on certain types of games and entertainment, or on productivity, depending on your passion and expertise. This will single you out as a potential market leader on your own turf, making you able to better compete.
3. Plan and set goals:
Don’t just jump into the mobile space without arduous planning. Planning should involve identifying your target users (Google Android users, Apple iPhone or iPad users, Blackberry users), budgeting, number of staff required, what are the goals and how do you measure these goals.
4. Source for funds:
App building is capital intensive venture and requires adequate funding for a smooth sail. You already have a budget, so go ahead with a fund sourcing plan. Loans, savings, crowdsourcing and investors are all potential sources.
5. Invest in great marketing:
Your apps might remain largely unknown if they are not well marketed. Apply aggressive social media marketing using every available platform, and launch a well-built website to market your mobile apps. “First, a business needs a professionally designed website that is optimized for speed, engaging content, and [sales] conversions. This underscores the need for optimizing your website for the right marketing,” says Brian Hong, CEO of top New Orleans SEO and web design company Infintech Designs.
6. Take feedback seriously:
Put in place feedback mechanisms to give you an insight into experiences of the users. There might be glitches in the apps which had gone unnoticed and might discourage users from downloading your apps, and only feedback can help bring them to the fore. Respond well to criticisms. Allow for comments on the app download page and reply them as much as possible. Also have a ‘testimonial section’ on the download page to encourage users to download.
7. Release regular updates:
Ensure regular updates of your apps based on current trends, feedback, identified glitches, new features, etc.
The mobile app space is a big business for any startup. The trick is to properly plan your business, promote it well, and listen to users’ needs. Follow these golden app startup tips and get your piece of the pie.
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