Congratulations, you have decided to design your own mobile app! Yes, these are the times when an app is not only beneficial for businesses, but a powerful product in itself. However, it certainly does not imply a one-size-fits-all strategy. Here are 5 things to consider when designing your mobile app:

Target audiences:

Have a well-defined target audience. Be specific about your audience’s geographic location, demographics, preferences, trends, and requirements. For example, if you are a women’s clothing company, you should choose a very visual content with a feminine aspect through colors, patterns, etc.

Competition in the market:

Every product needs a buyer. Is your product in enough demand to ensure that people will download your app? For example, if you are launching a messaging app, your competitors are Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, WeChat, etc. In this case, your app must have a unique and advanced offering to be successful within this category of apps.

Type of application:

If your application intends to have specific features for a mobile user, it is best that you opt for a native one, designed for the platform of your choice (Android or iOS). If you already have a successfully running website, you can go for a hybrid, which has the basic functionality of a native but has the internet browser inside that app, meaning it relies on the website to run and cannot run offline. Hybrid apps are also lighter on the pocket.

High degree of usability:

Whatever mobile app you design must appeal to the end user. Attractive graphics and images will prove to be shallow if the app is unresponsive. A clean screen, short loading time, and bold navigation elements are a must. Touch features like dragging, pinching, and swiping (think Tinder’s right swipe) are also essential if you really want to engage users in your app.

Application Marketing:

Say oh! You cannot skip this step. If you’re designing an app, make sure you create a marketing strategy at the same time. This can range from in-app marketing to creating a good landing page to promoting the app on social media channels. Even more important, you should spend time creating a creative app description for the Apps Store (or Google Play). It’s literally like your resume on the app or your bio on a matrimonial site!

If you’re an app UI designer or a business looking to build an app, we hope the tips above have encouraged you to enter the app design process with a conscience. If you have a clear vision of the purpose of the app, pay attention to refining schematics and prototypes, and market the app well, you are sure to create an impact.