I Have An Idea For An App - Start Here

Do you have a great idea for an app? Are you unsure of where to start to turn your idea into an app that actually earns money? If you’re feeling lost when it comes to app development, we’re here to help get you on the right track. Here are seven steps you can take today to get started.

1. Ask the Right Questions

It’s awesome that you have an idea for an app. However, there’s a lot that needs to happen in between having an idea and creating an app that people want to download and use. For example, you need to do some research to see if others also think your idea is a good one. Here are some specific questions you might want to ask:

• What problem will my app solve?
• Who do I want to help with my app? How old are they? What’s their gender? What do they do?
• Are there other apps out there like mine? How will mine be different?
• How will I make money from my app?

Don’t forget to talk to people face-to-face, too. You can also ask your friends and family members what they honestly think of your idea or how they might refine it. Try to ask people who are most likely to use an app like the one you want to create, though. If you talk to your great-aunt who has no idea what an app even is, you’re probably not going to get very useful feedback.

2. Create a Business Plan

Once you’ve done some research and answered the questions listed above, you’ll be ready to move on and create a business plan for your app. A business plan is a roadmap that you can reference as you work on your app. You don’t need to follow it to the letter, and there’s plenty of room to adjust it over time, but it’s still good to have some kind of plan in place. When you’re putting together your business plan, pay special attention to how you’re going to make money from your app. Will you offer in-app purchases? Will you earn money from in-app advertisements? Consider how much money you need to develop your app and how long it will take you to raise that money, too.

3. Find Investors or Lenders

Speaking of raising money, there’s a good chance that you’ll need to find an investor or lender (or perhaps several investors or lenders) who can help you get the funding you need to develop your app. If you’re having a hard time getting a business loan from a traditional lender, keep in mind that there are lots of online lending and investment platforms out there. Consider using one of these sites to get in touch with potential investors and lenders. Just do some digging before giving away personal information to ensure they’re legitimate. When you do talk about your idea, remember to have everyone sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) as well. This protects you from having your app idea stolen before you can launch a product.

4. Find an App Developer

Unless you’re an adept app developer, there’s a good chance you’ll need to hire a professional to help you create your app. Reach out to a development agency or placing an advertisement for a developer on sites for freelance developers. Both options put you in touch with qualified experts who can turn your idea into a reality.When you’re looking for an app developer, ask to see samples of their past work. Consider whether or not their style lines up with the vision you have for your app. Ask about their rates and their average turnaround time, too, and don’t forget to go over their contracts thoroughly before agreeing to work with them.

5. Create a Minimum Viable Product

At this point, you’ll be ready to work with your developer to create a minimum viable product (or MVP). An MVP is a working pilot version of your app that you can launch in the app store for people to download. It won’t be perfect, but it will still give you a chance to test your idea and see how folks respond to it.

6. Launch Your App

When your MVP is complete, it’s time to launch your app. If you want people to start downloading and using it, make sure you’re promoting the app properly. Talk it up on social media, share news of the launch to your email list (if you have one), and consider working with a marketing team to spread the word and get people excited about the finished product.

7. Assess and Update as Needed

Remember, the MVP is not the finalized version of your app. Once you’ve launched it, take note of the feedback you’re getting from users. What kinds of ratings and reviews are they leaving? What problems do they have with the app? Take this information and use it to refine the app and make it better.

Start Your App Development Journey Today

Now that you know more about how to build an app and turn your idea into a tangible product, it’s time to get to work. Follow the steps listed above and you’ll be well on your way to developing a successful app.