So you have a fantastic business concept and you believe an app is the way to go? Great! But before you dive in, there are questions you need to have answered.

Answering these questions will help you determine if building an app is the right choice for you and will help you get started on the right foot. We will make the assumption you have market validated your concept. For further information on this check out our page on Market Research & Validation.

What is the goal of the app development project

When it comes to app development, the goal is usually two-fold: to create a product that users will love, and to generate revenue. Of course, these two objectives are not always mutually exclusive. A well-designed app that offers a great user experience can also be quite profitable. 

However, developers often have to compromise one goal in order to achieve the other. For example, a freemium app may sacrifice some potential revenue in order to attract more users. 

Ultimately, the goal of any app development project is to create a product that strikes the perfect balance between user experience and profitability.

Should I test the market with a web app first?

When first releasing a product it is important to test the market and get feedback in order to refine the product. This is easier and less expensive to do with a web app. It allows you to get your product in front of users quickly and efficiently so you can start gathering data. You can also use this data to track user engagement and understand what features are most popular. 

Based on this feedback, you can then decide whether to continue developing the web app or pivot to a different platform. either way, releasing a web app first is a great way to test the market and gather feedback to inform your next steps.

Who is the target audience for the app

We build apps that people love, so when designing a mobile app it is critical to consider the target audience. After all, a key metric to the success of the app is user experience. What demographics are you trying to reach? What problems do they need to be solved? What devices do they use? Answering these and many other important questions can be difficult, but market research can help to provide some guidance.

Once you have a good understanding of your target audience, you can start to design an app that will meet their needs. And by making sure that your app is easy to use, you can help to ensure that it will be popular with its intended users.

What features does the app need to have

In order to create an app that will be successful in the market, it is important to first conduct market research and discovery workshops. This will help to understand the problems that potential users are facing and what they are looking for in a solution. 

Once this understanding has been developed, it can be used to create a list of features that the app needs to have to meet the needs of its target market.

By taking the time to properly research and plan before beginning development, it is more likely that the end result will be an app that is successful and popular with users.

Read more about Product Scoping, Design & Development

Is there a prototype or existing app that can be used as a model

There's no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to developing a new app. Instead, it's often best to study the competition and identify an existing app that can be used as a model. This will help you save time and money while still ensuring that your app is unique and provides value to users.

Of course, it's important to make sure that your app offers something different than what's already out there. Otherwise, there's no reason for users to download and use your app instead of the existing ones.

So study the competition, identify a model app, and then focus on creating a unique value proposition for your app.

How much will it cost to develop the app

How much it will cost to develop an app depends on a number of factors, including complexity, number of features, and integrations. Generally speaking, the more complex the app is, the more expensive it will be to develop. This is because there is more coding involved, and more time is needed to test and debug the app. 

The number of features also affects the cost of development, as adding additional features will require more time and effort. Finally, integrations with third-party services can also add to the complexity and therefore the cost of development. 

In general, it is difficult to give a definitive answer to the question of how much it will cost to develop an app without knowing more about the specific requirements. However, these are some of the main factors that will affect the cost.

How long will it take to develop the app

While the development of a simple app may not take much time, developing a complex piece of software can be a significant undertaking. Skilled engineers must not only design and code the app, but also test it on a variety of devices to ensure compatibility.

In addition, developing an app generally requires more effort than creating a website, as apps must be designed specifically to stringent App Store requirements. As a result, the amount of time required to develop an app can vary significantly depending on its complexity.

We usually factor a minimum of 5-6 months to plan, build, test, and deploy an app project.

What are the risks involved in developing the app

When it comes to app development, there are several risks that need to be considered. One of the biggest risks is poor planning. Without careful planning, it can be easy to miss key deadlines or even forget to include important features. This can lead to a poor user experience and a lot of lost revenue.

Another risk is changing client requirements. As the project progresses, clients may change their minds about what they want the app to do. This can lead to frustration on both sides and can ultimately result in a poor-quality product.

Finally, fast-tracked timelines for delivery can also be a risk. If the app isn't given enough time to be properly tested, it could result in a lot of bugs and poor performance. All of these risks need to be carefully considered before starting an app development project.

How can I monetize the app

There are a few different ways to monetize an app. One option is to sell it through an app store, such as the App Store or Google Play. Alternatively, you could offer it as a subscription-based service, or make money through in-app purchases or advertising. Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the monetization method that makes the most sense for your app and your target audience. For example, if your app is primarily used for entertainment or gaming, then in-app purchases may be the best option. However, if your app provides a useful service, then a subscription model may be more appropriate. Ultimately, the best way to monetize your app will depend on its features and how users are likely to interact with it.

Developing an app can be a complex and time-consuming process, but the end result can be a valuable addition to your business. The most important question is what you want the app to do. Once you have a clear idea of the app's purpose, you can start to assess the other factors, such as cost, time, and risks. With careful planning and a clear understanding of your goals, you can develop an app that will be a valuable asset to your business.

If you're considering developing an app for your business, then contact Bravo Zulu today for a free strategy session. We can help you assess your needs and develop a plan that's right for you. We have years of experience in app development and we can help you get the most out of your project. Contact us today to get started.