UK Start-up Scene: How to turn your App Idea into a Reality
We all daydream and from time to time we think that we’ve identified the next big thing or a gap in the market that needs to be filled. Taking your idea to the next level and trying to create something tangible is when you can identify if your idea has the potential to succeed. One of the key factors in creating an app is that you’ll need to collaborate. There are several considerations that you need to take into account when you build on your idea; missing out or neglecting certain factors can mean it’ll be incredibly difficult to launch a successful app. Here at Studio 14, we have an experienced team of designers, developers and creatives that can take your idea and help guide you towards an end-product. We’ve put together a few factors that you’ll need to think about and some of the decisions you’ll make in the creation process.
Look at your competitors
Conduct research in the area your app is positioning itself in and the marketplace it’ll be competing in. Take a look at other similar apps and try to be different. By creating features that makes your app stand out, you’ll have an advantage over other apps in your niche. Assess what works well for your competitors too and try to emulate best practices.
Native vs Cross-Platform Development- keeping it simple
You have to think about and decide whether you want your app to perform on one platform or across a series of platforms. Each platform has its own unique coding requirements and coding is expensive. By starting out and making your app available on one platform, it means that you can keep things simple and test your app. Multi-platform development is something you can look at once you’ve experimented with a single platform.
Design
When you’re designing your app, don’t try and run before you can walk. Try to scale down your idea so it’s manageable and realistic. Being minimalist in your approach means that it’s easier to execute good design, by doing fewer things really well. It’s then easier to test your design and ensure it fits with the theme of your app. The little things matter, such as icons, buttons and fonts; they are all integral to the overall design of your app and the UX. Don’t compromise on the overall quality of the app either, ensure that the graphics are as good as they can be, as customers will spot flaws and are looking for a seamless, sophisticated looking app.
Analytics
If your budget allows you to, try to integrate analytics into the development of your app. This means you’ll then be able to make improvements in the future that are informed by consumer research. You’ll also know where to target advertisings and pop-ups.
Marketing
It’s crucial that you set aside a marketing budget, in order to promote your app. Having a good product is essential, but if you combine this with a coherent marketing strategy then you have increased chances of success by being able to attract consumers. Try to generate brand awareness by using social network platforms; it’s a cost-effective way to create a buzz.
Monetization
If you want to build your app and be able to make improvements, you’ll need a constant stream of revenue. Make your app pay for itself by deciding how you will implement a monetization strategy. You can sell you app at a fixed price, make it free for users but rent out advertising space or sell in-app purchases. You could make your app free for first users and then create a call of action to try and get them to upgrade to a paid for Pro version. It’s important to make sure that you have a monetization strategy that works for the niche you’re in and will appeal to consumers.
Keep Improving
There are always ways that you can improve your app and your users will be looking for new functionality that develops the user experience. Keep working on solutions to problems that arise and looking at ways to make your app better in a market that is always evolving.
At Studio 14, we’ll guide you through this process and offer our expertise. We can turn an abstract idea into a palpable solution. We’ll design, build and test, so we can create the best solutions for you and give you the ability to intersect a busy marketplace with a sound product. Visit our portfolio page and have a look at some of the start-ups we have worked with. Hopefully we can do the same for you.
If you have an idea you would like to talk to us about, give us a call on 01214393031, or email info@westcourtir.com/studio14