Book a Call
Mobile App Development
Business Apps
App Development Process
Small Business Apps
Business Growth
Test 1
Test 2
Test 3
Test 4
Test 5
ARTICLE #139
Table of contents
A complete guide to developing a mobile app for your business
Mobile App Development
Business Apps
App Development Process
Small Business Apps
Business Growth
Mobile App Development
Test 1
Business Apps
Test 2
App Development Process
Test 3
Small Business Apps
Test 4
Business Growth
Test 5
Written by:
12 min read
Updated on: February 25, 2025
Toni Hukkanen
Head of Design
Creative Direction, Brand Direction
Toni Hukkanen
Head of Design
Creative Direction, Brand Direction
Smartphones practically run our lives these days. With over four billion users out there, it’s no stretch to say our thumbs hold serious power. By 2026, researchers project a jaw-dropping 143 billion downloads on Google Play and another 38 billion on the App Store—clear proof that business apps are anything but a side gig.
Some entrepreneurs dream of TikTok-level fame, while others are fine-tuning behind-the-scenes apps that keep operations ticking along. Either way, a smart App Development Process can steal the spotlight for your brand, spark growth, and keep people coming back for more. Here’s how to turn a great idea into a real, profitable product.
Smartphones practically run our lives these days. With over four billion users out there, it’s no stretch to say our thumbs hold serious power. By 2026, researchers project a jaw-dropping 143 billion downloads on Google Play and another 38 billion on the App Store—clear proof that business apps are anything but a side gig.
Some entrepreneurs dream of TikTok-level fame, while others are fine-tuning behind-the-scenes apps that keep operations ticking along. Either way, a smart App Development Process can steal the spotlight for your brand, spark growth, and keep people coming back for more. Here’s how to turn a great idea into a real, profitable product.
1. Understand the purpose of developing a mobile app
1. Understand the purpose of developing a mobile app
Building a mobile app isn’t just about showing off new tech skills or hopping on the latest digital trend. It’s about zooming out and pinpointing exactly why this app should exist. Maybe it’s because you want to reel in fresh customers, or maybe you need an easier way for employees to file reports. Whatever your aim, having a crystal-clear “why” from the start will guide every design choice, feature set, and marketing effort down the road.
Increase brand awareness
Many small businesses launch apps to land a permanent spot in people’s daily routines. After all, if your icon is on their phone’s home screen—sandwiched between Spotify and Instagram—you’ve got a powerful advantage. And with users averaging 4 hours and 39 minutes on their smartphones each day, snagging even a fraction of that time can dramatically boost your brand recognition. Plus, a well-designed app can look more professional and polished than a purely web-based experience, giving people that “ooh, they are legit” moment when they see your logo.
Generate revenue
A mobile app can be a potent tool if you bake in options for in-app purchases or subscriptions. Users are more inclined to stick around in an app, making it easier to showcase products or premium features that might get overlooked on a regular website.
Be strategic about monetisation because nobody likes feeling bombarded with ads or never-ending paywalls. A balanced approach can keep users happy while still driving revenue. Track in-app behaviours to see which features people gravitate toward. Then fine-tune your offerings or promotions around those preferences.
Offer a personalised marketing channel
An app lets you serve your audience on a one-to-one level—a luxury you don’t always get with email blasts or social media posts. Through data and user preferences, you can send highly customised notifications, deals, or recommendations. This kind of personalisation not only makes customers feel seen but also ramps up the likelihood they’ll tap through and explore.
Use location-based services if relevant. Restaurants, for example, can ping nearby customers with lunch specials around noon. Avoid going overboard with notifications. Bombarding users can lead to the dreaded “notification mute” or, worse, an uninstall.
Build brand value
An app also doubles as a real-time feedback funnel. With the right features in place, you can gather instant insights into user likes and dislikes, product issues, or even potential new features they’d love to see. This ongoing loop of feedback can feed directly into your innovation pipeline—think of updated product lines, loyalty programs, or curated events that resonate with what people are actually asking for.
Reward users for participating in polls or leaving reviews. This encourages them to keep sharing thoughts—and, by extension, keeps your data fresh and actionable. Consider integrating a loyalty program into the app. People love racking up points or earning discounts, and that “gamified” dynamic can go a long way in retaining customers.
Entertain and delight
If your primary goal is to serve up entertainment—whether it’s streaming video, binge-worthy podcasts, or the next addictive game—mobile apps are practically a one-way ticket to user engagement. Phones are getting more powerful, and wireless speeds are on the rise, so if you make your app fun and easy to navigate, you’ll have people returning for quick hits of content on their morning commute, lunch break, or late-night couch session.
Building a mobile app isn’t just about showing off new tech skills or hopping on the latest digital trend. It’s about zooming out and pinpointing exactly why this app should exist. Maybe it’s because you want to reel in fresh customers, or maybe you need an easier way for employees to file reports. Whatever your aim, having a crystal-clear “why” from the start will guide every design choice, feature set, and marketing effort down the road.
Increase brand awareness
Many small businesses launch apps to land a permanent spot in people’s daily routines. After all, if your icon is on their phone’s home screen—sandwiched between Spotify and Instagram—you’ve got a powerful advantage. And with users averaging 4 hours and 39 minutes on their smartphones each day, snagging even a fraction of that time can dramatically boost your brand recognition. Plus, a well-designed app can look more professional and polished than a purely web-based experience, giving people that “ooh, they are legit” moment when they see your logo.
Generate revenue
A mobile app can be a potent tool if you bake in options for in-app purchases or subscriptions. Users are more inclined to stick around in an app, making it easier to showcase products or premium features that might get overlooked on a regular website.
Be strategic about monetisation because nobody likes feeling bombarded with ads or never-ending paywalls. A balanced approach can keep users happy while still driving revenue. Track in-app behaviours to see which features people gravitate toward. Then fine-tune your offerings or promotions around those preferences.
Offer a personalised marketing channel
An app lets you serve your audience on a one-to-one level—a luxury you don’t always get with email blasts or social media posts. Through data and user preferences, you can send highly customised notifications, deals, or recommendations. This kind of personalisation not only makes customers feel seen but also ramps up the likelihood they’ll tap through and explore.
Use location-based services if relevant. Restaurants, for example, can ping nearby customers with lunch specials around noon. Avoid going overboard with notifications. Bombarding users can lead to the dreaded “notification mute” or, worse, an uninstall.
Build brand value
An app also doubles as a real-time feedback funnel. With the right features in place, you can gather instant insights into user likes and dislikes, product issues, or even potential new features they’d love to see. This ongoing loop of feedback can feed directly into your innovation pipeline—think of updated product lines, loyalty programs, or curated events that resonate with what people are actually asking for.
Reward users for participating in polls or leaving reviews. This encourages them to keep sharing thoughts—and, by extension, keeps your data fresh and actionable. Consider integrating a loyalty program into the app. People love racking up points or earning discounts, and that “gamified” dynamic can go a long way in retaining customers.
Entertain and delight
If your primary goal is to serve up entertainment—whether it’s streaming video, binge-worthy podcasts, or the next addictive game—mobile apps are practically a one-way ticket to user engagement. Phones are getting more powerful, and wireless speeds are on the rise, so if you make your app fun and easy to navigate, you’ll have people returning for quick hits of content on their morning commute, lunch break, or late-night couch session.
2. Brainstorm a concept for your mobile app
Now that you’ve nailed down what you want your app to accomplish—maybe you are boosting brand awareness or providing a quirky new service—it’s time to let your imagination run wild. This is the phase to toss every idea onto the table, from the perfectly practical (like a daily meditation tracker that rewards consistent practice) to the absolutely off-the-wall (a gamified app that translates your cat’s meows into daily horoscopes). Even if some concepts seem too wacky, they might spark a more realistic angle you hadn’t considered.
Remember to keep your audience in mind, too. If your core users crave quick solutions, a one-tap interface could be your secret sauce. If they love deep dives, consider features that encourage exploration or customization. Jot everything down—functionality, rough design ideas, user flow—so you have a treasure trove to sift through once you are ready to refine your vision.
Monetisation models
How you plan to make money (or whether you want to make money at all) will shape the entire user experience. A slick interface can be overshadowed by intrusive ads, while a seemingly steep subscription price might be justified if the content is pure gold. Here’s a rundown of common models, along with some food for thought on each:
Advertising: Display ads, affiliate links, or sponsored placements.
In-App purchases: Let users upgrade features or buy digital goods.
Pay-to-download: Charge a one-time fee at install.
Subscription: Offer ongoing premium access for a monthly or annual cost.
Now that you’ve nailed down what you want your app to accomplish—maybe you are boosting brand awareness or providing a quirky new service—it’s time to let your imagination run wild. This is the phase to toss every idea onto the table, from the perfectly practical (like a daily meditation tracker that rewards consistent practice) to the absolutely off-the-wall (a gamified app that translates your cat’s meows into daily horoscopes). Even if some concepts seem too wacky, they might spark a more realistic angle you hadn’t considered.
Remember to keep your audience in mind, too. If your core users crave quick solutions, a one-tap interface could be your secret sauce. If they love deep dives, consider features that encourage exploration or customization. Jot everything down—functionality, rough design ideas, user flow—so you have a treasure trove to sift through once you are ready to refine your vision.
Monetisation models
How you plan to make money (or whether you want to make money at all) will shape the entire user experience. A slick interface can be overshadowed by intrusive ads, while a seemingly steep subscription price might be justified if the content is pure gold. Here’s a rundown of common models, along with some food for thought on each:
Advertising: Display ads, affiliate links, or sponsored placements.
In-App purchases: Let users upgrade features or buy digital goods.
Pay-to-download: Charge a one-time fee at install.
Subscription: Offer ongoing premium access for a monthly or annual cost.
3. Build an app development strategy
Once your concept is clearer, gather the right specialists to bring it to life. Hiring individuals with complementary skill sets can save a lot of time and hassle later. That might mean UI/UX designers for visual flow, front-end and back-end developers for coding tasks, and a marketing team to target your audience effectively.
Conduct market research
With over 1.8 million apps on Apple’s platform and more than 3.3 million on Android, it’s wise to see what your competitors are up to. Study their apps and read user reviews—what are they missing? Where do users seem happiest? Then incorporate these findings into your own plan so your product stands out. So, should you choose a customer-centric or technical approach?
Android: Holds the larger share of the global market, which is ideal if you want to reach huge user bases.
iOS: Smaller but often highly engaged demographic. Paid downloads and in-app purchases can work well here.
Your chosen platform can shape your marketing strategy. While Android often suits mass audiences with free downloads and in-app buys, iOS users may respond better to refined user experiences and pay-to-download models.
Once your concept is clearer, gather the right specialists to bring it to life. Hiring individuals with complementary skill sets can save a lot of time and hassle later. That might mean UI/UX designers for visual flow, front-end and back-end developers for coding tasks, and a marketing team to target your audience effectively.
Conduct market research
With over 1.8 million apps on Apple’s platform and more than 3.3 million on Android, it’s wise to see what your competitors are up to. Study their apps and read user reviews—what are they missing? Where do users seem happiest? Then incorporate these findings into your own plan so your product stands out. So, should you choose a customer-centric or technical approach?
Android: Holds the larger share of the global market, which is ideal if you want to reach huge user bases.
iOS: Smaller but often highly engaged demographic. Paid downloads and in-app purchases can work well here.
Your chosen platform can shape your marketing strategy. While Android often suits mass audiences with free downloads and in-app buys, iOS users may respond better to refined user experiences and pay-to-download models.
4. Select tech stack for app development
Choosing your tech stack is a bit like picking the perfect ensemble for a big event: it can make or break your app’s performance, security, and long-term potential. Aim for a setup that not only fits your current goals but also leaves room to grow because nobody wants to be stuck rewriting everything when your user base suddenly skyrockets.
Front end (Client side)
A solid front end can be the difference between someone sticking around or tapping “uninstall” in five seconds flat. Frameworks like React Native and Flutter allow you to build cross-platform apps with a single codebase. It is great if you want to cover both iOS and Android without doubling your workload. If you are laser-focused on iOS, Swift remains a powerhouse, while Kotlin is a go-to for modern Android development. Whichever route you choose, your guiding principle should be: “Is this easy to use and visually on-brand?”
Keep testing on a variety of devices (not everyone has the latest smartphone). Design responsiveness matters: make sure your layout adapts gracefully to different screen sizes and orientations.
Back end (Server side)
While the front end handles the show, the back end is involved in managing data, processing logic, and keeping everything secure. If you love Python, frameworks like Django or Flask can help you spin up robust back ends quickly. For a more JavaScript-driven ecosystem, Node.js lets you keep it all in the JS family. And if you are aiming for enterprise-level complexity or legacy integrations, Java can still hold its own. The key is to think about how scalable and maintainable your setup will be in the long run.
Don’t skimp on security. Authentication, user management, and data protection should be top priorities from day one. Use cloud services like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud to streamline deployment and scaling.
Frameworks and programming languages
Frameworks are like well-stocked toolboxes that save you from reinventing the wheel every time you start a project. They bundle commonly used features, best practices, and shortcuts so you can focus on the unique parts of your app. React Native and Flutter are popular for cross-platform development; Swift and Kotlin excel at native performance if you are cool with building separate iOS and Android versions. There’s no one-size-fits-all champion here—just weigh development speed vs. feature richness vs. performance needs to pick your winner.
App analytics tools
Launching your app is just the beginning. If you are not tracking user sessions, behaviours, and drop-off points, you are basically flying blind. Tools like Firebase, Mixpanel, or Amplitude offer real-time data on how people navigate your screens, which features they love, and where they are bailing. Armed with these insights, you can refine your user flow, fix pain points, and even test new monetization strategies—because gut feelings only go so far.
Choosing your tech stack is a bit like picking the perfect ensemble for a big event: it can make or break your app’s performance, security, and long-term potential. Aim for a setup that not only fits your current goals but also leaves room to grow because nobody wants to be stuck rewriting everything when your user base suddenly skyrockets.
Front end (Client side)
A solid front end can be the difference between someone sticking around or tapping “uninstall” in five seconds flat. Frameworks like React Native and Flutter allow you to build cross-platform apps with a single codebase. It is great if you want to cover both iOS and Android without doubling your workload. If you are laser-focused on iOS, Swift remains a powerhouse, while Kotlin is a go-to for modern Android development. Whichever route you choose, your guiding principle should be: “Is this easy to use and visually on-brand?”
Keep testing on a variety of devices (not everyone has the latest smartphone). Design responsiveness matters: make sure your layout adapts gracefully to different screen sizes and orientations.
Back end (Server side)
While the front end handles the show, the back end is involved in managing data, processing logic, and keeping everything secure. If you love Python, frameworks like Django or Flask can help you spin up robust back ends quickly. For a more JavaScript-driven ecosystem, Node.js lets you keep it all in the JS family. And if you are aiming for enterprise-level complexity or legacy integrations, Java can still hold its own. The key is to think about how scalable and maintainable your setup will be in the long run.
Don’t skimp on security. Authentication, user management, and data protection should be top priorities from day one. Use cloud services like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud to streamline deployment and scaling.
Frameworks and programming languages
Frameworks are like well-stocked toolboxes that save you from reinventing the wheel every time you start a project. They bundle commonly used features, best practices, and shortcuts so you can focus on the unique parts of your app. React Native and Flutter are popular for cross-platform development; Swift and Kotlin excel at native performance if you are cool with building separate iOS and Android versions. There’s no one-size-fits-all champion here—just weigh development speed vs. feature richness vs. performance needs to pick your winner.
App analytics tools
Launching your app is just the beginning. If you are not tracking user sessions, behaviours, and drop-off points, you are basically flying blind. Tools like Firebase, Mixpanel, or Amplitude offer real-time data on how people navigate your screens, which features they love, and where they are bailing. Armed with these insights, you can refine your user flow, fix pain points, and even test new monetization strategies—because gut feelings only go so far.
5. Outline your minimum viable product (MVP)
The MVP is your app in its leanest, trimmest form—a purposeful version that shows off the core feature set without the shiny add-ons. Think of it like a trailer for a summer blockbuster: it teases the main draw without blowing your entire budget on pyrotechnics. By rolling out an MVP, you can put your concept in front of real users sooner rather than later, gathering genuine feedback before sinking resources into features that might not even make the final cut.
Releasing an MVP doesn’t mean you have to shortchange usability or quality; it just means focusing on what truly matters. If your app’s mission is to let users order artisan donuts with one tap, make that experience smooth and hassle-free first. Extra touches—like customizable sprinkle colours or donut-flipping animations—can wait until you confirm that people actually want them. Collecting feedback quickly also helps you adapt in real time, rather than chasing a moving target for months on end.
Why an MVP makes sense
Rapid feedback: Real-world users are your best critics. Their early reactions can expose hidden flaws or highlight surprising strengths.
Resource efficiency: You’ll save time, money, and sanity by developing only the core elements. If something flops, it’s better to pivot now than after you’ve poured half your budget into an overlooked feature.
Early buy-in: Whether you are pitching to investors, upper management, or a sceptical friend, having a working product (even a basic one) speaks volumes. It’s easier to spark excitement with something tangible than with endless slideshows and sketches.
The MVP is your app in its leanest, trimmest form—a purposeful version that shows off the core feature set without the shiny add-ons. Think of it like a trailer for a summer blockbuster: it teases the main draw without blowing your entire budget on pyrotechnics. By rolling out an MVP, you can put your concept in front of real users sooner rather than later, gathering genuine feedback before sinking resources into features that might not even make the final cut.
Releasing an MVP doesn’t mean you have to shortchange usability or quality; it just means focusing on what truly matters. If your app’s mission is to let users order artisan donuts with one tap, make that experience smooth and hassle-free first. Extra touches—like customizable sprinkle colours or donut-flipping animations—can wait until you confirm that people actually want them. Collecting feedback quickly also helps you adapt in real time, rather than chasing a moving target for months on end.
Why an MVP makes sense
Rapid feedback: Real-world users are your best critics. Their early reactions can expose hidden flaws or highlight surprising strengths.
Resource efficiency: You’ll save time, money, and sanity by developing only the core elements. If something flops, it’s better to pivot now than after you’ve poured half your budget into an overlooked feature.
Early buy-in: Whether you are pitching to investors, upper management, or a sceptical friend, having a working product (even a basic one) speaks volumes. It’s easier to spark excitement with something tangible than with endless slideshows and sketches.
6. Identify core features and functionalities for your app
Once you’ve sifted through competitor offerings and pored over MVP feedback, it’s time to zero in on the features your users actually need—or the ones that flat-out delight them. Remember, every extra bell or whistle should pull its weight, either by solving a real problem or ramping up the fun factor. Here are a few areas to focus on as you refine your app’s must-haves:
User experience
A crisp, intuitive interface can mean the difference between an app people rave about and one they abandon faster than yesterday’s meme. Chat with real users—friends, colleagues, or beta testers—and ask them where they get stuck or annoyed. The simpler the navigation, the more likely they’ll keep tapping around. Think minimal clicks to reach core functions, straightforward labels, and logical screen flows. After all, your app might have groundbreaking features, but if users can’t find them, it’s all for nought.
Security
If your app handles anything remotely sensitive—payment details, personal data, or health records—you need robust security baked in from day one. Encryption, secure logins, two-factor authentication—these aren’t fancy extras but essentials. Don’t be the next headline about a massive data breach; invest in the kind of airtight protocols that keep both regulators and your customers happy.
Deployment simplicity
If your back-end setup is more tangled than a box of old headphones, getting updates out the door will be a royal pain. Simplify your architecture so developers can focus on building exciting new features instead of wrestling with patch fixes every other day. Continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) pipelines are your friend, letting you roll out small, incremental updates without yanking the rug out from under your user base.
Use built-in OS features
Modern smartphones are more powerful than some older computers—they come with GPS, cameras, motion sensors, offline capabilities, and more. Tapping into these native goodies can speed up your development process and deliver features users genuinely love. Whether it’s location-based notifications for a local discount or a clever AR camera filter that shows users how that new couch looks in their living room, leveraging native tools can give your app an edge.
Once you’ve sifted through competitor offerings and pored over MVP feedback, it’s time to zero in on the features your users actually need—or the ones that flat-out delight them. Remember, every extra bell or whistle should pull its weight, either by solving a real problem or ramping up the fun factor. Here are a few areas to focus on as you refine your app’s must-haves:
User experience
A crisp, intuitive interface can mean the difference between an app people rave about and one they abandon faster than yesterday’s meme. Chat with real users—friends, colleagues, or beta testers—and ask them where they get stuck or annoyed. The simpler the navigation, the more likely they’ll keep tapping around. Think minimal clicks to reach core functions, straightforward labels, and logical screen flows. After all, your app might have groundbreaking features, but if users can’t find them, it’s all for nought.
Security
If your app handles anything remotely sensitive—payment details, personal data, or health records—you need robust security baked in from day one. Encryption, secure logins, two-factor authentication—these aren’t fancy extras but essentials. Don’t be the next headline about a massive data breach; invest in the kind of airtight protocols that keep both regulators and your customers happy.
Deployment simplicity
If your back-end setup is more tangled than a box of old headphones, getting updates out the door will be a royal pain. Simplify your architecture so developers can focus on building exciting new features instead of wrestling with patch fixes every other day. Continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) pipelines are your friend, letting you roll out small, incremental updates without yanking the rug out from under your user base.
Use built-in OS features
Modern smartphones are more powerful than some older computers—they come with GPS, cameras, motion sensors, offline capabilities, and more. Tapping into these native goodies can speed up your development process and deliver features users genuinely love. Whether it’s location-based notifications for a local discount or a clever AR camera filter that shows users how that new couch looks in their living room, leveraging native tools can give your app an edge.
7. Design a user-friendly UX/UI
Designing an app that users actually want to use (and keep using) goes beyond just pretty pictures and shiny icons. It’s a careful blend of how things work and how they look. Consider it like planning a dinner party: good UX is making sure guests know where to find the food and drinks without awkwardly bumping into furniture, while good UI is about arranging the décor and lighting so the space feels inviting rather than chaotic.
UX (User Experience)
User experience is about shaping every interaction so people feel like they know exactly where they are going and what’s happening next. Start with solid user research: actually, talk to (or observe) the people who’ll be using your app. Identify their main goals and frustrations—maybe they hate having to scroll through endless menus, or they are hunting for one simple feature that’s buried three screens deep. Plan your navigation flow to minimize these headaches and make each step feel natural.
UI (User Interface)
Once you’ve nailed the flow, it’s time to make sure your app doesn’t look like a cluttered junk drawer. Effective UI boils down to choosing consistent colours, readable typography, and a logical arrangement of elements so users instantly grasp what each button or tab does. Think about your colour palette: maybe you want something soothing and minimal, or maybe you are going for bold, energetic vibes. Whichever route you pick, keep it cohesive so users don’t feel like they’ve been teleported to a different app every time they switch screens.
Designing an app that users actually want to use (and keep using) goes beyond just pretty pictures and shiny icons. It’s a careful blend of how things work and how they look. Consider it like planning a dinner party: good UX is making sure guests know where to find the food and drinks without awkwardly bumping into furniture, while good UI is about arranging the décor and lighting so the space feels inviting rather than chaotic.
UX (User Experience)
User experience is about shaping every interaction so people feel like they know exactly where they are going and what’s happening next. Start with solid user research: actually, talk to (or observe) the people who’ll be using your app. Identify their main goals and frustrations—maybe they hate having to scroll through endless menus, or they are hunting for one simple feature that’s buried three screens deep. Plan your navigation flow to minimize these headaches and make each step feel natural.
UI (User Interface)
Once you’ve nailed the flow, it’s time to make sure your app doesn’t look like a cluttered junk drawer. Effective UI boils down to choosing consistent colours, readable typography, and a logical arrangement of elements so users instantly grasp what each button or tab does. Think about your colour palette: maybe you want something soothing and minimal, or maybe you are going for bold, energetic vibes. Whichever route you pick, keep it cohesive so users don’t feel like they’ve been teleported to a different app every time they switch screens.
8. Follow a structured mobile app design process
Designing a mobile app that truly stands out goes far beyond having a slick interface or trendy colours. It starts by understanding what your audience actually needs, and then turning those insights into clear goals and intuitive user journeys. With that foundation in place, you can confidently move into prototyping, user testing, and iterative refinements—always keeping the end user’s experience front and centre. By the time you reach the final launch, you’ll have an app that’s both visually compelling and built for real-world engagement. A clear process saves time and prevents do-overs.
Create wireframes
Consider wireframes as your app’s blueprint. They are two-dimensional diagrams that spell out the core screens and essential interface elements, but skip the glossy design details for now. Because wireframes are easy to change, they are perfect for gathering early feedback from clients and users—no big commitments just yet. Once everyone’s on board, designers can forge ahead with confidence.
Use style guides
A style guide is the foundation for how your product’s design will evolve, no matter who’s working on it or which platform you’re targeting. It covers all the must-haves—fonts, colours, graphics, layouts, components, dialogues, alerts, menus, and bars—keeping the look consistent while leaving room for creative growth. Think of it as your design team’s shared rulebook, minus the referee whistles.
Build mockups
Mockups help show off what your app will actually look like before you invest in the real deal. This is where you bring together your audience insights, user-friendly layouts, and polished visuals so stakeholders can get a tangible glimpse of the end product. Whether you’re on Figma, Photoshop, Sketch, or Adobe XD, mockups let you grab vital feedback early and ensure everyone’s excited about what’s coming next.
Develop an animated prototype
Prototypes are your app’s dress rehearsal. They’re not the final product, but they’re interactive enough to let you and your users get a feel for the experience. This step doubles as user research—watch how people respond, spot usability snags, and iron out any kinks before production. Consider prototypes as a test drive: they help you discover what works (and what really doesn’t) long before you roll your app onto the marketplace stage.
Designing a mobile app that truly stands out goes far beyond having a slick interface or trendy colours. It starts by understanding what your audience actually needs, and then turning those insights into clear goals and intuitive user journeys. With that foundation in place, you can confidently move into prototyping, user testing, and iterative refinements—always keeping the end user’s experience front and centre. By the time you reach the final launch, you’ll have an app that’s both visually compelling and built for real-world engagement. A clear process saves time and prevents do-overs.
Create wireframes
Consider wireframes as your app’s blueprint. They are two-dimensional diagrams that spell out the core screens and essential interface elements, but skip the glossy design details for now. Because wireframes are easy to change, they are perfect for gathering early feedback from clients and users—no big commitments just yet. Once everyone’s on board, designers can forge ahead with confidence.
Use style guides
A style guide is the foundation for how your product’s design will evolve, no matter who’s working on it or which platform you’re targeting. It covers all the must-haves—fonts, colours, graphics, layouts, components, dialogues, alerts, menus, and bars—keeping the look consistent while leaving room for creative growth. Think of it as your design team’s shared rulebook, minus the referee whistles.
Build mockups
Mockups help show off what your app will actually look like before you invest in the real deal. This is where you bring together your audience insights, user-friendly layouts, and polished visuals so stakeholders can get a tangible glimpse of the end product. Whether you’re on Figma, Photoshop, Sketch, or Adobe XD, mockups let you grab vital feedback early and ensure everyone’s excited about what’s coming next.
Develop an animated prototype
Prototypes are your app’s dress rehearsal. They’re not the final product, but they’re interactive enough to let you and your users get a feel for the experience. This step doubles as user research—watch how people respond, spot usability snags, and iron out any kinks before production. Consider prototypes as a test drive: they help you discover what works (and what really doesn’t) long before you roll your app onto the marketplace stage.
9. Start the app development process
The development process starts with coding. You'll need to code your mobile app's front and back end, and you may need to coordinate front-end and back-end work processes to achieve a cohesive end product. Here is how you'll go through this process.
Back-End development
Consider the backend as your app’s brain. It handles all the heavy lifting—data processing, security, and storage—while staying out of sight. This hidden powerhouse sits on a remote server because smartphones simply can’t handle everything themselves.
How does it all work? When a user taps the screen, the frontend sends a request to the backend. The backend then uses an API to fetch the necessary data and sends the result right back to the frontend. It’s basically the ultimate behind-the-scenes collaborator.
API development
APIs are the secret sauce that lets different software services talk to each other. They’re especially critical for repackaging a company’s mountain of data into a mobile-friendly format. Now, you can either buy ready-made APIs (cost-effective, but sometimes limiting) or build your own (greater control, but higher complexity). Whichever you choose, make sure you’re setting clear, strategic goals.
Document the mobile API development process
Thorough documentation is your best friend—it helps track the API’s history, current status, and future updates. That way, developers can jump in without tearing their hair out, and you can keep an eye on necessary tweaks down the line. Security should always be the top priority. Cover your bases by looking at authentication and authorization, potential threats, and message-based encryption to protect data in transit.
Front-End development
On the other side of the equation, the frontend is what users actually see and interact with. This is where frameworks come in handy—tools like Ionic, Onsen UI, or Intel XDK can help your frontend developer compile all the written code and assets into a single, functioning app.
Remember: the front end and back end need each other. Without a backend, the frontend is all show and no substance. Without a frontend, the user has no way to interact with your brilliant backend. Marry these two correctly, and you’ve got an app that’s functional, secure, and ready to impress.
The development process starts with coding. You'll need to code your mobile app's front and back end, and you may need to coordinate front-end and back-end work processes to achieve a cohesive end product. Here is how you'll go through this process.
Back-End development
Consider the backend as your app’s brain. It handles all the heavy lifting—data processing, security, and storage—while staying out of sight. This hidden powerhouse sits on a remote server because smartphones simply can’t handle everything themselves.
How does it all work? When a user taps the screen, the frontend sends a request to the backend. The backend then uses an API to fetch the necessary data and sends the result right back to the frontend. It’s basically the ultimate behind-the-scenes collaborator.
API development
APIs are the secret sauce that lets different software services talk to each other. They’re especially critical for repackaging a company’s mountain of data into a mobile-friendly format. Now, you can either buy ready-made APIs (cost-effective, but sometimes limiting) or build your own (greater control, but higher complexity). Whichever you choose, make sure you’re setting clear, strategic goals.
Document the mobile API development process
Thorough documentation is your best friend—it helps track the API’s history, current status, and future updates. That way, developers can jump in without tearing their hair out, and you can keep an eye on necessary tweaks down the line. Security should always be the top priority. Cover your bases by looking at authentication and authorization, potential threats, and message-based encryption to protect data in transit.
Front-End development
On the other side of the equation, the frontend is what users actually see and interact with. This is where frameworks come in handy—tools like Ionic, Onsen UI, or Intel XDK can help your frontend developer compile all the written code and assets into a single, functioning app.
Remember: the front end and back end need each other. Without a backend, the frontend is all show and no substance. Without a frontend, the user has no way to interact with your brilliant backend. Marry these two correctly, and you’ve got an app that’s functional, secure, and ready to impress.
10. Test your app
Testing a mobile app can feel like juggling flaming torches: you are checking everything from functionality, usability, and stability to hardware and software specs—all at once. But there’s no skimping here if you want your app to thrive.
Hardware testing: Start by scrutinizing the devices themselves: processors, screen sizes, memory, resolution, camera, Bluetooth, radio, Wi-Fi…you name it. Each component has its own quirks, and your app needs to run smoothly across the board.
Software testing: Next comes the software side. You’ll test how the app behaves on various mobile devices and operating systems—think iOS vs Android or old versions vs shiny new updates—to ensure it’s as stable as you claim.
Testing types
Of course, “testing” is more than a single checkbox. Here are a few essential types to consider:
Functional testing: Does your app do what it’s supposed to do?
Performance testing: Can it handle heavy loads without collapsing?
UX/UI testing: Does it look good and feel intuitive?
Documentation testing: Are instructions and guidelines clear and accurate?
Security testing: Are user data and transactions safe?
Configuration testing: Does it behave under different settings or environments?
Cross-Platform testing: Can it survive on both iOS and Android (and beyond)?
Recovery testing: How does it bounce back after a crash or error?
Beta testing: What do real users think before the big launch?
Certification testing: Does it meet platform-specific standards?
Localisation testing: Does it function seamlessly in different languages or regions?
Automation testing: Can you streamline repetitive testing tasks with scripts?
Testing a mobile app can feel like juggling flaming torches: you are checking everything from functionality, usability, and stability to hardware and software specs—all at once. But there’s no skimping here if you want your app to thrive.
Hardware testing: Start by scrutinizing the devices themselves: processors, screen sizes, memory, resolution, camera, Bluetooth, radio, Wi-Fi…you name it. Each component has its own quirks, and your app needs to run smoothly across the board.
Software testing: Next comes the software side. You’ll test how the app behaves on various mobile devices and operating systems—think iOS vs Android or old versions vs shiny new updates—to ensure it’s as stable as you claim.
Testing types
Of course, “testing” is more than a single checkbox. Here are a few essential types to consider:
Functional testing: Does your app do what it’s supposed to do?
Performance testing: Can it handle heavy loads without collapsing?
UX/UI testing: Does it look good and feel intuitive?
Documentation testing: Are instructions and guidelines clear and accurate?
Security testing: Are user data and transactions safe?
Configuration testing: Does it behave under different settings or environments?
Cross-Platform testing: Can it survive on both iOS and Android (and beyond)?
Recovery testing: How does it bounce back after a crash or error?
Beta testing: What do real users think before the big launch?
Certification testing: Does it meet platform-specific standards?
Localisation testing: Does it function seamlessly in different languages or regions?
Automation testing: Can you streamline repetitive testing tasks with scripts?
11. Launch and maintain your app for optimal performance
First, make sure you are following all the rules of the app store(s) you are targeting. Apple App Store and Google Play Store each have their own guidelines, so get familiar with the nitty-gritty to avoid surprises when you hit the “submit” button. Developers often start by focusing on either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store—sticking to one platform can simplify the process. Just remember that if you go single-platform, you might miss out on a bigger audience. Going cross-platform can boost visibility and pull in more users; the trick is weighing your target audience and resources to decide what’s best for your app’s big debut.
Promote your app
Don’t just quietly launch and hope for the best—promote like you mean it. Many companies upload demo videos, eye-catching images, and compelling descriptions to app stores to hit the right crowd. Some design and development agencies even offer marketing support on social media and websites. All this buzz can spike downloads, giving your app a healthy head start in visibility and revenue.
Iterate with user feedback
App development never truly ends. Once your app is out there, users will leave reviews and report bugs. Some clients (or your own team) will dream up new features. In response, you’ll roll out fresh versions—maybe a simple bug fix, maybe a major overhaul—and push updates to existing users and app stores. Keep that feedback loop open and proactive, and you’ll have an app that keeps evolving rather than gathering dust.
First, make sure you are following all the rules of the app store(s) you are targeting. Apple App Store and Google Play Store each have their own guidelines, so get familiar with the nitty-gritty to avoid surprises when you hit the “submit” button. Developers often start by focusing on either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store—sticking to one platform can simplify the process. Just remember that if you go single-platform, you might miss out on a bigger audience. Going cross-platform can boost visibility and pull in more users; the trick is weighing your target audience and resources to decide what’s best for your app’s big debut.
Promote your app
Don’t just quietly launch and hope for the best—promote like you mean it. Many companies upload demo videos, eye-catching images, and compelling descriptions to app stores to hit the right crowd. Some design and development agencies even offer marketing support on social media and websites. All this buzz can spike downloads, giving your app a healthy head start in visibility and revenue.
Iterate with user feedback
App development never truly ends. Once your app is out there, users will leave reviews and report bugs. Some clients (or your own team) will dream up new features. In response, you’ll roll out fresh versions—maybe a simple bug fix, maybe a major overhaul—and push updates to existing users and app stores. Keep that feedback loop open and proactive, and you’ll have an app that keeps evolving rather than gathering dust.
Types of mobile apps you can develop
Let’s be honest: these days, there’s an app for practically everything. Still, creating a mobile solution customised to your business can do wonders for your brand. Here are a few popular categories worth exploring.
1. Games and entertainment
If you aim to keep people amused and returning for more, consider the crowded (but potentially rewarding) gaming or streaming niche. Think PUBG, Mobile Legend, Netflix, and YouTube. Though it can be tough to stand out, a clever concept can capture a fun-loving audience and deliver massive engagement.
2. Lifestyle
Travel, food, dating, fitness—lifestyle apps wrap personal interests in one convenient spot. Great examples include Spotify, Stoic, Tripadvisor, Uber, and Sleep Cycle. If your brand connects with everyday habits, this category can drive repeat use and loyal fans.
3. Social media
Got a new spin on bringing people together? Social media apps remain a major draw. Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram showed how quickly the right concept can soar. If you genuinely solve a social need—sharing, chatting, or networking—you’ll have users logging in daily.
4. News and information
For those who specialise in content, curated news or timely updates can keep readers coming back. Flipboard, CNN, and Google News are strong references, combining ease of use with relevant stories. A distinctive angle or specialised focus can help your app stand out in a busy market.
5. Mobile Security
As smartphones hold more precious data, security apps appeal to anyone keen on safeguarding their personal details. Lookout Personal, BitDefender Mobile, and Avast Premium Security all show how peace of mind can be turned into a compelling digital product. If trust and safety are your brand’s priority, there’s a real opportunity here.
Let’s be honest: these days, there’s an app for practically everything. Still, creating a mobile solution customised to your business can do wonders for your brand. Here are a few popular categories worth exploring.
1. Games and entertainment
If you aim to keep people amused and returning for more, consider the crowded (but potentially rewarding) gaming or streaming niche. Think PUBG, Mobile Legend, Netflix, and YouTube. Though it can be tough to stand out, a clever concept can capture a fun-loving audience and deliver massive engagement.
2. Lifestyle
Travel, food, dating, fitness—lifestyle apps wrap personal interests in one convenient spot. Great examples include Spotify, Stoic, Tripadvisor, Uber, and Sleep Cycle. If your brand connects with everyday habits, this category can drive repeat use and loyal fans.
3. Social media
Got a new spin on bringing people together? Social media apps remain a major draw. Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram showed how quickly the right concept can soar. If you genuinely solve a social need—sharing, chatting, or networking—you’ll have users logging in daily.
4. News and information
For those who specialise in content, curated news or timely updates can keep readers coming back. Flipboard, CNN, and Google News are strong references, combining ease of use with relevant stories. A distinctive angle or specialised focus can help your app stand out in a busy market.
5. Mobile Security
As smartphones hold more precious data, security apps appeal to anyone keen on safeguarding their personal details. Lookout Personal, BitDefender Mobile, and Avast Premium Security all show how peace of mind can be turned into a compelling digital product. If trust and safety are your brand’s priority, there’s a real opportunity here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a mobile app?
Costs can vary widely depending on the app’s scope, complexity, and the region of your development team. For a smaller app with basic functionality, you might spend anywhere from as low as $5,000 to $10,000. As you add advanced features—like integrations, payment processing, or sophisticated animations—budgets can climb up from $50,000 to $75,000 (or more).
Is it worth it to build a mobile app for your business?
In most cases, yes. With people increasingly reaching for apps instead of desktop browsers, having a dedicated mobile presence can deepen customer connections and potentially increase revenue. An app can also gather data that helps you better understand user behaviour—insights you can use to refine your offerings. If designed well, an app makes life easier for customers: faster checkouts, personalised notifications, and even offline functionalities are all possible.
How many hours does it take to develop a mobile app?
Development timelines hinge on complexity, feature requirements, and design depth. A simple prototype or minimal-viable product (MVP) might be completed in about 80–100 hours of coding and design time, usually spread over a few weeks. More moderate builds often run closer to 120–150 hours, especially if you’re integrating APIs or adding polished design elements. Once you step into feature-rich territory be prepared for 300–600+ hours (spanning multiple months). Testing, bug-fixing, and platform-specific tweaks can further extend the schedule, so it’s wise to build in buffer time for unforeseen challenges.
Final Thoughts
Though it may feel like you are gearing up to summit Everest—armed with bug reports instead of hiking gear—mobile app development can yield huge rewards for your business. When you’ve got the right crew on board (think front-end wizards, back-end architects, project managers, UX gurus, QA testers, and maybe even a data analyst for good measure), you are setting yourself up to create an app that genuinely clicks with users and holds its own against any competitor.
It’s not all about coding marathons, either. Keeping an eye on emerging guidelines, evolving design trends, and honest user feedback ensures your app doesn’t get stale. The list of tasks might look long, but every new iteration and bug squash brings you closer to a product people can’t stop talking about. If you maintain a sharp focus on user experience, stay nimble in the face of tech shifts, and rely on a well-rounded team to steer the ship, you’ll have a strong foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a mobile app?
Costs can vary widely depending on the app’s scope, complexity, and the region of your development team. For a smaller app with basic functionality, you might spend anywhere from as low as $5,000 to $10,000. As you add advanced features—like integrations, payment processing, or sophisticated animations—budgets can climb up from $50,000 to $75,000 (or more).
Is it worth it to build a mobile app for your business?
In most cases, yes. With people increasingly reaching for apps instead of desktop browsers, having a dedicated mobile presence can deepen customer connections and potentially increase revenue. An app can also gather data that helps you better understand user behaviour—insights you can use to refine your offerings. If designed well, an app makes life easier for customers: faster checkouts, personalised notifications, and even offline functionalities are all possible.
How many hours does it take to develop a mobile app?
Development timelines hinge on complexity, feature requirements, and design depth. A simple prototype or minimal-viable product (MVP) might be completed in about 80–100 hours of coding and design time, usually spread over a few weeks. More moderate builds often run closer to 120–150 hours, especially if you’re integrating APIs or adding polished design elements. Once you step into feature-rich territory be prepared for 300–600+ hours (spanning multiple months). Testing, bug-fixing, and platform-specific tweaks can further extend the schedule, so it’s wise to build in buffer time for unforeseen challenges.
Final Thoughts
Though it may feel like you are gearing up to summit Everest—armed with bug reports instead of hiking gear—mobile app development can yield huge rewards for your business. When you’ve got the right crew on board (think front-end wizards, back-end architects, project managers, UX gurus, QA testers, and maybe even a data analyst for good measure), you are setting yourself up to create an app that genuinely clicks with users and holds its own against any competitor.
It’s not all about coding marathons, either. Keeping an eye on emerging guidelines, evolving design trends, and honest user feedback ensures your app doesn’t get stale. The list of tasks might look long, but every new iteration and bug squash brings you closer to a product people can’t stop talking about. If you maintain a sharp focus on user experience, stay nimble in the face of tech shifts, and rely on a well-rounded team to steer the ship, you’ll have a strong foundation.
More news
Work with us
Click to copy
work@for.co
- FOR® Brand. FOR® Future.
We’re remote-first — with strategic global hubs
Click to copy
Helsinki, FIN
info@for.fi
Click to copy
New York, NY
ny@for.co
Click to copy
Miami, FL
mia@for.co
Click to copy
Dubai, UAE
uae@for.co
Click to copy
Kyiv, UA
kyiv@for.co
Click to copy
Lagos, NG
lagos@for.ng
Copyright © 2024 FOR®
Work with us
Click to copy
work@for.co
- FOR® Brand. FOR® Future.
We’re remote-first — with strategic global hubs
Click to copy
Helsinki, FIN
info@for.fi
Click to copy
New York, NY
ny@for.co
Click to copy
Miami, FL
mia@for.co
Click to copy
Dubai, UAE
uae@for.co
Click to copy
Kyiv, UA
kyiv@for.co
Click to copy
Lagos, NG
lagos@for.ng
Copyright © 2024 FOR®
Work with us
Click to copy
work@for.co
We’re remote-first — with strategic global hubs
Click to copy
Helsinki, FIN
hel@for.co
Click to copy
New York, NY
ny@for.co
Click to copy
Miami, FL
mia@for.co
Click to copy
Dubai, UAE
uae@for.co
Click to copy
Kyiv, UA
kyiv@for.co
Click to copy
Lagos, NG
lagos@for.ng
Copyright © 2024 FOR®