An app developer is a certified professional that transforms your idea for an app into an actual product that is launched and used on designated platforms (such as Android or iOS). Mobile App Developers deals with the “technical” components that go into bringing an app to life, such as coding to accommodate features and design. An app developer can be certified in specific areas of ios and Android development platforms. 

It is usually recommended that you hire a team of app developers from a development firm so that your app idea will receive input from a diverse group of app developers. In addition to your app’s pre-launch procedure, an app developer will also monitor and analyze your mobile app.

Let’s get started:

Global market revenue in mobile app development doubled in less than five years, according to Statista reports. It is only natural to assume this environment attracts a formidable workforce, enabling you to have your choice of top-notch mobile app developers.

In that case, you may be surprised if we tell you that hiring talent is one of the biggest challenges startups are dealing with. Moreover, software developer positions have been among the hardest to fill. The reasons boil down to this:

• Good mobile app developers cost (a lot of) money. 
• With a big pool of candidates, it is hard to nail down who has the right set of skills
• Companies and their recruiters often don’t know what they are looking for

In this guide, we will show you how to follow 5 simple rules to avoid these shortcomings and save your business a lot of time, energy, and money.

Here’s the kicker:

According to the State of Software Development in 2017 report from Coding Sans, around two-thirds of startups consider work experience as one of the most important hiring criteria, followed by cultural fit and test project and side projects. This is a good starting list – but the mistakes we mentioned above always creep in. How do you avoid them? Follow these rules.

Rule No. 1: Don’t go for the cheapest

It’s a given – you have a set budget, and you cannot go beyond it, especially if you have a startup. But it’s a cold hard fact: developing mobile apps is not a cheap endeavor, and the more money you want to make, the more you will have to invest.

You are an architect, a mobile app developer is a builder. If you hire the cheapest builder, you will save some money initially. But if your entire house collapses because the foundations were faulty, re-building it will end up more expensive than cashing out for the good builder from the get-go.

Spending those extra dollars to engage the services of a reputable firm may pinch in the beginning. But that well-spent money will certainly outweigh the risk you would take with a cheap, low-quality app development team. If you invest in a high-quality app team, your app will accrue value over the long term, ensuring your business’ success.

Rule No. 2: Set the App Development Framework

Many companies’ upper management and recruiters simply don’t know the intricacies of mobile app development. After all, if they did, they’d be the ones developing the app, right? But if you want to hire excellent mobile app developers, you will have to learn something about mobile app development – or consult someone who is an expert.

This needs to happen before you even post a job opening. This way, you will be able to list a very specific set of skills you are looking for, and immediately disqualify those who don’t fit in. Start from the basics:

Decide which type of app you want

There are three basic types of mobile apps. Native apps are built for a single mobile operating system exclusively. Hybrid apps are built using multi-platform web technologies. Web apps are responsive versions of websites that work on any mobile device.

Each type has its pros and cons. For example, native apps ensure high performance and good user experience, but they are more complicated to develop. You can find more details about the types of apps here.

Focus on the benchmarks of specific app category

Are you developing gaming, lifestyle, or travel app? How much maintenance and updates will it require? All of this affects your business model, marketing strategy, industry benchmarks, and yes, the app development process.

For example, any banking app requires solid inbuilt security features like encryption and data loss prevention. You may find a stellar mobile app developer, but if they lack experience with this type of technology, you are wasting each other’s time.

Once you set a basic framework for your app, you can focus on the details of mobile app developers’ expertise.

Rule No. 3: You Need an App Developer, Not a “Ninja”

As we mentioned, if you are not 100% sure what makes a mobile app development expert, consult one.

For example, let’s say you opt for a native banking app. This means your mobile app developer candidate needs to be an expert with programming languages Swift and Objective-C (for native iOS apps) and Java or Kotlin (for native Android apps).

Moreover, since native apps are built using specific Integrated Development Environment (IDE), your target app developers should be capable of working with the IDE of your choice. Finally, you expect them to be well versed with writing secure code, data encryption, high-level authentication, cryptography tools, etc.

Yes, it sounds like an alien language and it may be daunting. However, being specific significantly decreases the chances that you’ll hire an app developer who is better at selling themselves than writing code.

So, avoid looking for ninjas, gurus, and rockstars who are “always on top of their game,” and focus on hiring app designers who are good at the specific things you need.

Rule No. 4: App Developers Experience

The level of experience you need from mobile app developers depends on the complexity of your project. If you are building a simple app, there is nothing wrong with giving a chance to a beginner or intermediate app developer who wants to polish their skills.

But if the stakes are high, don’t risk it. For a native app, you want app developers who know their way around and have enough knowledge to come up with creative solutions when faced with challenges.

The more credentials, the better. Ask for certificates, degrees, recommendations from former clients, colleagues, or employers. Most important of all, ask for their portfolio. There is no better way to rate candidates than their past work.

Rule No. 5: Culture fit is a big deal

While it may sound hippie at first, culture fit is a genuinely important part of the equation when you are hiring app developers.

App development is usually a long process that requires a lot of coordination in the team. These people don’t have to think the same way about every issue in this world. However, they do have to be able to overcome challenges constructively, even when there are differences in opinions and approaches.

This is possible in an environment that fosters a healthy relationship between the employees. This relationship extends to upper management as well. Developing an app puts a lot of time, money, and energy on the line. Bottom line, you want to do it with a team who wants the app to succeed as badly as you do.

Conclusion

If you follow these five rules, you will discover a solid pool of app developers talent. How do we know? Because we stuck to them when we were building the leading mobile app development team at Gomeeki.

Still feeling overwhelmed or in need of advice? Simply give us a call. Whether you need expert opinion or app development services, you are in safe hands. No fluff, no ninjas – just pure knowledge and experience!

Why Gomeeki?

Gomeeki will work with you to fully understand your app development needs and put in place the best plan for your business. Our team of mobile app developers in Sydney, Australia understands the essential ingredients for the development of a winning mobile app, even when challenged with seamless integrations into complex business environments and legacy systems.

Brands We’ve Worked With

The post How to Hire Top App Developers (In 2019) appeared first on Gomeeki.

Why Cross Platform App Development? Imagine you are CEO of a chain of clothing stores. You serve customers of literally all genders, ages, shapes, and sizes. But how much business do you think one of your stores would get if it only sold one size in each piece of clothing? Not very much, right? Uh oh! Your profit margins aren’t looking good at all! So, what do you do? You open your doors to an array of sizes and styles! The only way to serve your customers fully is to be versatile!

Today, versatility is everything. We know that for anything to succeed, it must be in high demand and come in a variety of materials, shapes, and/or sizes. So, it’s crazy to think that an app built for one platform can reach its true, full potential. Think about it. If you have an app built for Android, you will be missing out on all the users who have Apple IOS devices (and vice-versa). Cross platform app development is the smart way to go if you want your app to be fully and richly successful! To further that thought, let’s look at the pros and cons of cross platform app development.

Pros

Cross Platform App Development Costs/Time to Develop

Using the cross platform method, developers create one code base. This means that you only have to build the app one time, using a universal code base. If you didn’t use the cross platform app development method, more time and money would be spent to complete the development cycle of the same app on different platforms. You will save on development costs and time by sticking with one, cross platform method.

Cross Platform App Development have Larger Outreach 

Like we said earlier, if you have a cross-platform app, you will reach many different users instead of just one group that uses one platform. You began the app development journey for a reason. Please don’t restrict your dream of helping others and building your business by offering your app to one platform’s users. Imagine all the users you will reach with the cross platform app development approach.

Use of Each Platform’s Development Tools

Some development “tools” available on one platform may not be on another. A development tool is used to develop an app and can come in many forms (such as a programming language or an interface design). Think of it like this: Each platform as a toy chest. Each chest has a set of building blocks that are unique and only in that one chest/platform (like a different color, size, or shape). If you want to build a castle with those blocks, your castle will be much larger, interesting, and eye-catching if it uses a variety of blocks from each chest (platform). An app that uses cross platform development builds an app (the castle) with tools (the blocks) from a variety of platforms (the toy chests). When you build an app with only one platform, you can only use development tools that are specific for that platform.

Cons

Interface Issues

All user interfaces have issues. It’s just a fact of life that we must accept and work through. These issues usually come in the form of guidelines that are specific to one interface. For example, Apple is infamous for its strict guidelines. Having to accommodate these guidelines takes time. So, when building a cross-platform app, you will have to make sure that all coding adheres to the guidelines set out by each platform you are utilizing.

Lags Between Updates

When a new version of your smartphone’s software is released, what do you do? You download the new software, right? Once the software update is complete, you may notice some of your apps begin malfunctioning/freezing. This is because the app’s development team hasn’t released an update yet to accommodate the new software version. Your cross platform app development may take a little longer to update since it is built to be compatible with many different platforms instead of just one. This is especially true if 2 or more of the platforms issue system updates around the same time. Basically, in general, lags between software updates and app updates can be expected (unless you have a psychic on your development team!).

Working Through Each Platform Tool’s Disadvantages

All platform tools will have disadvantages that will need to be worked through. If you build an app for one platform only, you will be able to tackle these disadvantages quickly. But, if you build a cross-platform app, you will have to work on several different platform tool disadvantages. Now, if you aren’t on a tight deadline, go ahead and follow the cross platform app development method so you can work through each platform’s quirks early on. This will save you time later on.

You may be wondering, “So, does my business need a cross-platform app?” Or you could be thinking you just need a little more guidance before making your final decision. We’ve got you covered! Here are a few guideline questions to ask yourself:

What’s my app development timeline?

When you first begin your app development, you need to figure out when you want your app to launch on each platform. For example, if you want to release your app for the IOS platform in a month (tight deadline), then native app development (not cross-platform) will be a good choice for you. This is because Apple uses Swift as its programming language. Swift is easy to use and will take less time to develop an app with. Once your app is launched on the IOS platform, you will be able to begin work on your Android version, without being rushed.

On the other hand, if you need to launch an Android app in a short timeframe, cross-platform app development will be the best option. This is because Android’s default language for app development (Java) is more complex and may present you with more difficulties to handle. A cross-platform coding will help to eliminate some of those difficulties by building your app with a basic code.

What’s my app development budget?

Here’s the deal: Budget is a big part of app development. So, when you are trying to decide if you should do a platform-specific or cross platform app development, take time to consider the app development costs of both options. Talk with your app development team and come up with estimates for each platform being developed separately, and then a cross platform app development estimate. Typically, cross platform app development is cheaper, but that’s not always the case. Keep in mind that the costs will not only depend upon the platform but also all the components you decide to go with for the app.

What will be my app’s feature set?

If you have an app that will be the center of your business (like stemming a business from your app) or want complex features or animations, a native app (not cross-platform) is right for you. With a native app, you will be able to implement a fast integration of new features, monitor the app’s performance, and provide an enriched user experience. On the opposite hand, if you have a simple app that doesn’t have a lot of customization/features, then cross platform app development is the way to go. The basic coding will be able to accommodate simple features without issues.

My digital strategy: Does cross platform app development fit in?

If your current digital strategy and resources include a website that has many features, interactivity, and complex functions, then cross platform app development is not the best path for you. Developing your app to mirror the bells-and-whistles of your website will present many headaches. Think about it like this: Imagine you have a large, framed portrait in your home. The many precise details are what make the portrait unique and beautiful. Then, a family member asks you to take a picture of the portrait with your phone’s camera and send it to him for an art appraisal. Will the appraiser be able to see all the details from that one small photo on your phone? Absolutely not. The same thing is true for an app. If you try to fit all the things that make your website great into an app, going with a cross-platform’s basic coding won’t do the trick. You need to carefully develop the app on each platform so that your users won’t be disappointed by the loss of features and interactivity they once experienced on your website. Cross platform app development is best used for a business who hasn’t developed a website yet.

Bottom Line

If you are looking into developing your app with the cross platform method, we hope this article will give you some guidance and clarity on what exactly a cross platform app is. There are pros and cons to every situation and deciding whether to use a cross platform or native app development method is no different. The early stages of app development are when many important decisions are made. But, we want you to know: You don’t have to make these decisions alone!

Why Gomeeki?

At Gomeeki, we develop both cross platform and native apps for a variety of clients. Like most development teams, we believe in versatility and the customization of apps to fit your ideas and needs. With years of experience to back us up, we stay up-to-date on the latest platform releases and update our clients’ apps accordingly. 

We work tirelessly to be sure your expectations are met, and you are more than satisfied with your decision to choose us as your app development team. We look forward to speaking with you!

The post A Step-by-Step Guide to Cross Platform App Development appeared first on Gomeeki.

The process of building your app seems like the most challenging step until everything is done and you run into the next milestone – delivering it to the users. If you want to submit your app to the App Store and gain access to 1.4 billion Apple devices around the world, you have to follow certain rules and guidelines. 

App Store currently has more than 1.8 million apps, and this number keeps growing, albeit much slower compared to the Google Play store. However, this doesn’t mean you should give up on Apple, particularly if your app belongs to its most popular categories such as gaming, business, education, lifestyle, and entertainment. 

Here are the steps you need to take to submit your app to the App store.

1. Prepare with the iOS 12.2 SDK

This is the step you’ve probably been aware of as you were building your app. Since March 2019, if you want to submit your app to the App Store, you have to build it with the iOS 12.1 SDK or any newer version.  It has to support the all-screen design of iPhone XS Max or the iPad Pro of the third generation. This also includes optimizing for the latest features, making changes in memory accounting, as well as updating compatibility.

Your app needs to be up to date with the latest iOS devices, including iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR, the 11-inch iPad Pro, and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. You will make sure of that by updating your information property list with the latest requirements. You can also repeat this every time you update your app. 

The final step before going to the app store should be testing. App Store recommends that you test with the simulator in Xcode 10.2.

In order to use the required software and later submit your app to the App Store, you need to be a member of the Apple Developer Program.

2. Create an App Store Connect account

The Apple ID you have from the developer program is a way to sign in to App Store Connect – mind it, this ID cannot be simultaneously used for distributing music, movies, books or for business management. 

Once you sign in, you can assign roles to various team members. You can control their access to developers tools and the actions their accounts can perform. Keep in mind that onboarding your team is not possible if you enroll in the developer program as an individual user. 

3. Add and Test Your App 

Adding your app to the App Store takes a few preparatory steps with your account. First, you have to sign the Paid Applications agreement and add your company’s contact information, as well as tax and banking details. All developers need to submit the U.S. tax forms, and there are also specific forms for Australia, Canada, Japan, and Brazil.

Once you settle this, you can start adding information about your app, including description, keywords, up to 10 screenshots, as well as pricing plans. Make sure this information is clear, informative, and enticing. Take special care to upload good screenshots – these are the first things your future users will see.

Upload the app utilizing Xcode or Application Loader. This does not mean your app goes public – it is only available in the Activity section until you choose what to do next – test or publish it.

App Store also offers one extra feature prior to the release of your app – beta testing it with TestFlight. This feature enables you to upload a beta version of your app and invite up to 10,000 testers. You can do this via email invitation or sharing a public link to the app.

Keep in mind that the app you submit for review and, ultimately, to the App Store, has to be final, tested, stable version with all required metadata and functional URLs. Messy submission or a buggy app will result in rejection and prolonging the release.

4. Submit the App for Review

Once everything is ready for release, it is time to submit your app for review. If you want to make sure this process goes as smooth as possible, you need to be aware of some App Store’s basic guidelines and requirements.

App Store has detailed, clearly outlined safety guidelines, so your app should not contain any content that is offensive, insensitive, upsetting, risks physical harm, intended to disgust, in exceptionally poor taste, or just plain creepy. This is particularly important for apps with user-generated content, where you need to provide a mechanism for managing this content. This includes filtering, reporting, and deleting objectionable content. 

Apps that belong in the Kids category have a specific set of guidelines. They cannot include external links, purchases, distractions, third-party advertising or analytics. 

All apps have to operate in line with legal requirements regarding users’ privacy, collection, and handling of their information. Your app also has to comply with any relevant legal requirements in every country where the app is available.

It goes without saying that your app has to be original. Also, the App Store puts a special focus on sleek, innovative app design. Finally, the app you submit to the App Store has to be more than just a “repackaged website”. It needs to be useful, unique and have a clear value proposition. 

You can find more details about the App Store’s requirements here. 

Conclusion

Once you submit your app for review, it will take some time to have it vetted. The status of the review process will be updated in your App Store Connect account. In general, gaming, gambling, and lottery apps are likely to take the most time for review, since these are the most heavily regulated content in the App Store.

In case you are running on a tight schedule, you can request an expedited review. Once your app has been reviewed and approved, keep in mind that it will go public on the date you set for release. Also, it will take around one day for the app to appear on all storefronts. 

Finally, submitting is not where your work ends. Your app needs to go through regular updates, which you can set and manage using your existing App Store Connect account. Apps that do not keep up can end up removed from the App Store – so don’t let all the hard work go to waste. 

All you need to do is give us a call or simply fill in the below form – we will take it from there

Brands We’ve Worked With

The post How To Submit Your App To the App Store in 4 Steps appeared first on Gomeeki.

Keeping up with changes in the digital industry is a two-edged sword for mobile app designers. Major app redesigns often end with backlash and lost revenue – and not even the giants in their respective industries are immune to redesign fails. 

Snapchat’s 2017 app redesign disaster cost the company 5 million lost users and a 36% decrease in ad views and revenue. After six months, they rolled back on changes. In 2018, Instagram fell into the same trap by completely redesigning their app, which was followed by a massive user backlash. Eventually, they gave up on the changes. Some businesses never recover from bad app redesign apps.

It is not surprising if you are cautious or confused when it comes to shaking up things with your app. As mobile app developers, we have a lot of experience with clients who are unsure of how to give their app a new look. Here’s our list of legitimate signs that it is definitely time for app redesign.

1. Common customer requests

Encouraging people to review your app has multiple purposes. Reviews enable you to measure overall customer satisfaction, identify strong and weak spots in your application, and they are a great marketing tool for building social proof.

While you cannot meet every demand your customers have, after a while you should be able to analyze feedback and put some of it into action. A lot of negative reviews can be fixed with minor changes, but if a larger pattern emerges across several app functionalities, app redesign is a better solution.

Tracking customer feedback is particularly important for businesses which launched their app without doing extensive research into their target audience and market. Businesses which apply this approach often stack up minor changes that eventually result in unstable apps. After a while, this will also call for a total app redesign. 

2. Things could get simpler (and prettier)

User experience is a fluid process, and this fact often turns out to be a UX shortfall of businesses who don’t know when to stop when it comes to tweaking their app design (we’re looking at you, Facebook).

When it comes to mobile apps, your reasoning should be simple – can a certain action be done in fewer steps without confusing a user? If the answer is yes, you have a green light for a redesign.

One way to be sure is to use heatmaps and screen recordings (within the app or conducting user tests) to determine common problems in the way users are interacting with an app. Another is to focus on so-called “micro-conversions”. 

This means putting aside the big goals of the app (sign-ups, sales, etc.) and focusing on small, immediate goals within the app – using the search feature, reading or uploading content, verifying the account, adding friends, etc. Long story short, focus on micro-conversions enables you to understand whether the app does what you intended it to do. 

In mobile apps, design and looks are closely intertwined, so redesigning your user experience usually goes hand in hand with changes in your visual identity. Freshening up your logo, icons, and looks is a good option for apps that feel a bit outdated and need adjusting for new devices and platforms.

3. Your app has evolved

When you launched your app, you may have had a broad idea of what your potential customers need, and went on to use their feedback to fully shape your product along the way. Other businesses conduct in-depth research and have clearly defined buyer personas from the get-go.

In both cases, it is quite possible to start your mobile app with one business goal in mind and end up with a completely different one. In multiple feature apps, some features often end up prioritized by users, while others may be completely pushed aside. 

For example, you created an app that was originally intended to be a booking app. You added a feature like a comparison based on rating, prices, availability, etc. After a year, reports imply that few users use the app for booking – but plenty of them are using it to compare restaurants.

Similarly, your app may have attracted a new group of users – the ones you did not have in mind when you created an app. Sometimes, the initial app design cannot meet their needs. For example, the app design can be too complicated for older, less tech-savvy users.

Spontaneous evolution of the product is the strongest call for an app redesign. Basically, in this case, an extensive app redesign means you are adjusting your product to your customers’ needs and priorities.

App redesign may be a slightly greater challenge in cases of accommodating new user groups. If there are several distinct demographic groups among your target users, your app redesign will require you to find a common ground for their needs and preferences. 

4. Market has evolved

Industry and technology go forward and keeping an eye on your competitors is one way to ensure you maintain your hard-won competitive advantage.

App redesign prompted by developments in devices, platforms, and user habits is a no brainer. Any app that begins to look obsolete or unfunctional in the new environment is a fertile ground for a redesign.

On the other hand,  making changes based on your competitors’ moves can be a slippery slope. Merely copying their features can hardly be called an app redesign. Taking your competitors’ features, adjusting and simplifying them based on your users’ needs is an important redesign task for every app. 

5. Your goals have evolved

We talked about an app redesign when your customers’ needs change. In this case, it is not their needs that have changed – it’s yours. Many apps try to assert their new business goals through redesigns and new features. Sometimes, users go with it, and other times, they switch to competitors because they feel what they signed up for is no longer there. 

So what is the middle ground? Before you start planning a redesign haul, make sure you conduct serious market research. If your new business goal is motivated by innovation, current trends or solid market forecast, it is a good reason to consider an app redesign. However, make sure that there is a market demand for this revamped app you have in mind. Also, conduct research among your customers to see how receptive they would be to this change.

In general, the app redesign should assert changes spontaneously. Your customer base’s favorite features should remain at the center of user interface and experience.

Conclusion

A solid redesign requires serious preparation. It takes time, hard work, and significant investment, so your app redesign should not be a change for the sake of a change. Every new line and app feature should be meaningful and serve a concrete goal.

You need an experienced team that will safely guide your app redesign from idea to solution. With dozens of products and apps under our belt, our developers at Gomeeki have seen and done it all – from the simplest apps to end-to-end strategies and executions for some of the most intricate and data-intensive solutions in the market.

All you need to do is give us a call – we will take it from there and give your app a new life. 

Brands We’ve Worked With

The post 5 Good Reasons for App Redesign appeared first on Gomeeki.

This puts publishers up for a big dilemma – is a mobile-optimized website enough to attract and keep visitors, or a news app would be a better choice? While the news app is a significant investment – it pays off ten-fold. Here are the reasons.

1. News apps are popular

News apps are among the most popular app categories. According to Statista, 41% of mobile users’ digital time is dedicated to news apps.

In Australia, almost a quarter of mobile users have a news app on their phone. This number has grown annually by a solid 7%.

Source: Statista

So, it is safe to say that your news app won’t be sitting idly in your readers’ mobile phone – people have a habit of using news apps to get their daily dose of information.

2. People prefer mobile apps to websites

Although there is some conflicting data on this one, bear with us. While approx 78% of users prefer mobile apps to mobile browsers for shopping, the reasons can easily apply to news apps and magazines. 

According to Compuware survey, users prefer mobile apps because:

• Mobile apps are more convenient
• Mobile apps are faster
• Mobile apps are easier to browse
• Mobile apps offer a better user experience

Source: EConsultancy

You can easily see how these conveniences can come into play with a news app – so let’s delve deeper into that. 

3. News app offers more personalization

There are plenty of tools that allow marketers to personalize ads for website visitors. However, on most news sites, there is no such option for curating news content. On the other hand, a news app allows you to collect data about the user’s interests and behavior and leverage it to curate content based on the individual’s needs.

Unfortunately, if you take a look at some of the major publishers, you will notice that their news apps are simply a mobile-friendly version of their website. Having an app that behaves differently is thus an amazing way to get ahead of your much larger competitors. 

The way you personalize content doesn’t only have to come from the app’s machine learning technology. Users will be more than willing to give feedback and shape their own news feed.

4. News app nurtures engagement

An engaged visitor is a visitor that is going to open your app several times a day and keep coming back. News apps offer plenty of opportunities to nurture engagement by enabling and encouraging users to:

• Rate news stories
• Pick and save their favorites
• Play various games
• Earn loyalty points and rewards
• Access exclusive stories 
• Submit their own content

The possibilities are endless. News apps also allow you to nudge users via push notifications and reminders.

5. News app offers a better user experience

News websites often blast users with information overload – stories, images, videos, ads, pop-ups. This is often a frustrating experience for website visitors. News apps, by their nature, push you to be very savvy with the little maneuvering space you have. 

This will drive you to focus on user experience by categorizing news and separating an overwhelming news feed into easily “digestible” feeds and chunks of headlines and stories. 

6. News app is easier to monetize

Online publishers often sacrifice user experience for monetization, overloading their website with intrusive banners and pop-ups. Visitors have learned how to strike back by employing ad blockers and developing banner blindness.

Surprisingly, when surveyed, users said they understood the value of content and were willing to put up with ads, but only under one condition – that they are not annoying or intrusive. How is a news app solution to this problem? By offering ample opportunities to make ads feel like a part of your news feed, instead of an interruption. 

Source: MobileAds

There are six types of mobile ads, and you can read more about the pros and cons of these mobile ad formats here. Long story short, native and expandable mobile ads are the least intrusive formats. Native ads come in different sizes and form, but their main characteristic is that they are blended with your news app’s content. On the other hand, expandable ads are displayed as a teaser that expands to full screen if the user taps on it. 

A neuroscience study conducted by True Impact and Neurons Inc confirmed that embedded, opt-in mobile ads will engage close to 90 percent of viewers who will pay attention to the brand, retain and understand the message.

And savvy marketers recognized this! In 2018, mobile ad spends worldwide amounted to 147.6 billion U.S. dollars and is expected to reach 231.3 billion by 2021. So, it is clear – a news app is a great way to monetize your online magazine and keep both advertisers and users happy.

But news apps also offer an easier way to generate paid subscriptions. If your news app offers a truly unique and convenient user experience and loyalty rewards, you are more likely to introduce paid content. Also, a seamless app subscription process can also help you grow your readership base by minimizing shopping cart abandonment. 

Think about it – most news websites and online magazines require a manual subscription process that includes data entry, confirmation emails, and links, etc. In most cases, shopping cart abandonment happens because users feel the process is too complicated. By running app subscriptions through Google Play or App store, this becomes a process that requires 2-3 taps. 

Conclusion

Finally, creating a news app that will help you stand out among your competitors requires a top-notch development team. 

Gomeeki is a company with ample experience and knowledge in the field of mobile app development that responds to our client’s unique customer acquisition strategies, as well as retention and engagement challenges. 

Want to see it first-hand? Check out Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s news app built by Gomeeki team which features: 

• Up to the minute news
• News in 90 Seconds video bulletins
• ABC TV and Radio shows on demand
• Live audio streaming of over 25 ABC Radio stations
• Live video streaming of ABC24 television
• Location-based weather information

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions, so give us a call so we can discuss challenges and creative solutions for your online magazine!

Brands We’ve Worked With

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SMS may seem like an obsolete means of communication compared to modern messengers and social media. However, its underdog status makes SMS refreshingly engaging, and yes – successful marketing channel. Find it hard to believe? Here are some surprising SMS marketing numbers:

• Text messages have a 98% open rate
• Text messages have a 209% higher response rate than email or Facebook
• 90% of text messages are read within 3 minutes
• Consumers redeem SMS-delivered coupons 10 times more than other types of coupons

So, ready to give SMS marketing a shot? Keep in mind that misusing the privilege of having access to someone’s phone inbox is a costly mistake. So let’s see which SMS marketing strategies will help you boost your sales, and which mistakes you definitely shouldn’t make.

1. Two magic words – target and segment!

Let’s start with the strategy that applies to any marketing channel, including SMS. If you want your messages to resonate with your audience and prompt them to action, you want to make sure of two things. First, know your customers. By the point when they opt-in for receiving text messages from your brand, you probably already have enough information about their interests and purchasing habits. Leverage this knowledge to write compelling offers that will tap into their needs and behavior. 

Second, know the differences between your customers. SMS marketing that comes down to random text message blasts sent to all of your subscribers is a waste of time. For example, if there is a big back-to-school seasonal sale, there isn’t much purpose in messaging 21-year-olds about it. In fact, texting your customers about discounts and sales they are not interested in is perceived as spam.

Bulk messages are a good choice for some general sales, discount, and information. For everything else, focus on targeted SMS marketing for various segments of your audience. Once you do that, customer relationship management apps or features can help you analyze responses and find patterns that will help you fine-tune your messages. 

2. Find the right time and frequency

Since SMS marketing feels a bit more personal than classical ads or emails, it is fairly easy to cross the line into the pushy and spammy zone. Nailing down the right tone, frequency and time of your messages will help you steer clear from that zone.

We mentioned in the introduction that an overwhelming majority of customers read text messages within 3 minutes of receiving them. SMS marketing relies on a quick, immediate reaction from customers, so avoid doing SMS promotions way ahead of important events. 

If you have a weekend sale, send your message on Friday evening or Saturday morning. Unless an event requires some sort of preparation, SMS promotions, in general, should be sent out on the day of the event, a few hours ahead.

It should go without saying that you should not message your customers at the dead of the night – stick to 8am-9pm time frame, and pay special attention to time zones if you operate internationally. 

Similarly, the frequency of your messages can make or break your SMS marketing efforts. Around 75% of consumers are fine with receiving SMS messages from brands – but you shouldn’t overstay your welcome. Although the right frequency depends on the nature of your business, on average, successful businesses text their customers 2-4 times a month. In general, any message that does not contain valuable information and clear call to action should not be sent.

3. Use words clearly and sparingly

Although writing a simple text message may sound like the simplest thing in the world, putting a compelling offer into 160 characters can be a significant challenge. So, unless you are a great copywriter, hire one, or learn the intricacies of SMS communication.

Think about the way text messages display on your phone. When you open the inbox, you are likely to see a part of the first sentence. Make sure these 2-3 words contain the value proposition or key information for your customers – as you can see from examples in the image below

Strong SMS marketing texts include personalization, clear information (what, when, for how long, how to get it) and a clear call to action.

4. Use a strong call to action

The importance of a clear call to action in SMS marketing cannot be overstated, so there is a special section dedicated to it. As we already said, the nature of SMS lies in the sense of urgency and immediate response. While ads or email marketing can serve different purposes such as informing or educating your customers, the sole purpose of SMS marketing is to prompt customers to do something. 

Calls to action such as – click here, text to win, text to vote, buy now, pay now – are refreshingly simple and effective. However, keep in mind that CTA’s that go beyond “text back” request should not be “empty”. 

The best solution is to display them as clickable WAP links that will take your customers where they need to be to take action. This can be a payment processor or your website, depending on your offer.

5. Final step – get personal

Sure, we talked about targeting and segmentation, but now we mean personal – for real. Little things can go a long way, and in terms of both email and SMS marketing, addressing your customer by name is a simple trick that can boost your message. 

Using SMS marketing to wish your customers a happy birthday or inform them about discounts on items they prefer is a great way to ensure actionable engagement from customers. Another trick up experienced SMS marketers’ sleeve reminding customers of their previous purchases and recommending items based on them. 

Using split testing to determine the best messaging, as well as the right timing and frequency is one way to fine-tune your SMS marketing personalization. Hers’s another blog on App Marketing Plan (Works Great In 2019)

Here’s a blog post to help you understand enterprise networks.

Looking for the SMS marketing solution? 

Now that you know just how effective SMS marketing is and what makes it effective, it’s time to look for the right partner. If you want a platform that will seamlessly guide you through these five steps, look no further than Gomeeki.

Gomeeki SMS marketing solutions encapsulate the best marketing practices. It comes with a flexible customer engagement platform that enables:

• Messaging
• Push notifications
• Digital coupons
• Payment options
• Data management 
• Segmentation 

Our SMS marketing solutions are specialized for various industries, including sports, insurance, retail, schools, NGO’s, marketing, and religious organizations. 

Brands We’ve Worked With

Want to give it a shot? Just click below!

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App development is a whole process of coming up with an idea for an app, searching for and hiring an app developer, developing the app (coding, appearance, functions, etc.), launching the app, and maintaining (analyzing and improving) the mobile app after it has launched.

Development of a mobile app can take a few weeks to months to complete, depending upon the complexity of the mobile app, timeline desired, and budget.

Let’s get Started:

So, you have one or more app ideas. Now what? Research, research, research! Unless you are professional, certified app designers and developers, you will more than likely need to spruce up your knowledge on the application development process, current app market stats, and much more. To make it easier for you, here’s a list of some questions to ask yourself:

BASICS:

1.  What do you hope to accomplish with your mobile app? (Hint: These are your short-term and long-term goals for your app)
2. Who will your app benefit? (Hint: This is your target audience)
3.  In what ways will your customers find your app useful and convenient?
4.  What platform(s) will your app be available on? (Examples:  app for iOS and/or Android or web applications)

COMPETITION:

1. Who will be your app’s biggest competitors?
2. What apps do your competitors have?
3. What are the features your competitors offer their app users?

DEVELOPMENT:

1. How much is your overall budget for your app’s development?
2. How long are you wanting to spend on mobile app development? (Example: Number of weeks, months, or even years)
3. Once development is complete, when do you hope to launch your app? (Example: A set date or a certain time of year)

 MARKETING:

1. What is your mobile app business plan? (Hint: This will include your marketing budget)
2. In what ways will you market your app pre- and post-launch app marketing plan? (Example: Online ads)

Whew! Great job on researching and answering all of the above questions! Now, you are ready to move to the next step: Assembling your superhero development team! Well, they may not appear to be superheroes, but they should be experts in their individual fields. Do your research and select professionals to fill the roles of team leader, marketing specialist, sales specialist, app developer, app designer, IT advisor, and so on. Once your development team is assembled, share your thoughts and findings (your answers from the above questions you researched) with them. Discuss your app ideas and develop a plan based on the input of every team member. Tip: Establish an “open door” policy between team members. Collaboration and feedback are key elements of an app’s success!

Next Steps: ↓

Here’s the deal: When you make the decision to build a new app for your business, there are important factors that you have to consider. Going on Google to do a simple search might end up being an expensive mistake. A lot of people advertise themselves as a top business app development company and maybe they do have knowledge of the business. But you would be better served sacrificing some of your time to do some necessary research about top app development companies who have prior experience in your niche and have case studies to help you understand their software development process and success.

Think of it this way

When you decide to purchase a new car, will you just blindly drive to the dealership and buy the first car you see? Probably not! Instead, you will more than likely look at the specs of each car (such as gas mileage, safety features, warranty options, etc.). When you invest in a mobile app for your business, it is a lot like buying a new car. You need to do the research and know what to look for in an app developer. So, to get you started, here are six tips for choosing the top-rated mobile application development companies in Australia ( or anywhere in the world, for that matter!).

Freelance App Developers Vs. App Development Agency

This point is not a swipe at freelancers in any way, but you should know that while there may be a lot of people that can build mobile apps or wearable apps, there is a difference in quality, and more importantly being around in the future to provide ongoing support once the mobile application has been released and on the market. If you run a small-scale business that is specifically working with a very limited budget, you might be tempted to work with freelancers or a new app company for your web and mobile development projects.

But be sure to ask your shortlisted freelance designers and developers about their past software development jobs (preferably with some client references). You can also check their qualifications by seeing what certifications they have (specifically whether they have completed a software engineering program or attained a mobile developer certification). This will give you more confidence when understanding their expertise in the different operating systems. The other easy way to verify credentials is via social media platforms like LinkedIn or Behance.

Options

If you’re a mid-to-large scale business, you should not even consider the freelance option. Instead, go with a top software development company. Mobile apps are a big part of the growth of your business and you must not compromise on quality. Apart from the fact that freelancers are hardly ever specialists in all the niches, they will also work for you based on their own schedule. On the flip side, a genuine app team will work on your schedule, and they will have high-quality web and mobile app development team that can successfully deliver software products that align with your business objectives. Generally, you are guaranteed high quality and better insurance for your project’s success.

Identify Your App  Needs

This may sound a bit obvious, or even crazy, but know what your business needs for it to grow. In other words, you must have clarity about your business and how exactly a software development enterprise will help you drive it forward. Before you worry about the functionality and features that you want in the app, you should take your time to establish what the business needs, and if you indeed do require an app. Knowing this will help you while you are evaluating your options for mobile application development.

Ask questions related to your app idea/mobile platforms

Don’t be afraid to ask questions when discussing with your mobile app designers what your ultimate business goals are. Sometimes you will have a goal that you aren’t sure how to reach. Ask the android studio top app developers or ios app developers/app team. Chances are they will have an idea or two about how to reach that goal through the app.         Want to Introduce Gamification in your app?

Here’s an example: ➠

If you have a goal of reaching/acquiring 100 new customers in a month. The app team can offer suggestions such as in-app purchase discounts (where customers are offered a discount the first time they purchase an item through your new app).  Remember: The app company you choose should be supportive of your ideas and willing to work hard to reach your fullest potential.

Identify the Needs of Your End Consumers 

So, you have identified the needs of your business. Great! But here’s the kicker: Now you need to identify the needs of your end consumers which includes UI UX design. This is even more important than identifying the needs of the business itself. As there really is no point in developing a mobile app that doesn’t perform the functions your customers want to use. The consumers drive your business, so you must identify what they want from you, possibly by conducting a survey or monitoring user behavior. You need to work with an app company that can deliver these capabilities. Many times, business owners will decide to have an app developed for their business because of user needs.

Here’s an example: ↓

For instance, if you have a small-town grocery store that serves mostly retirees or elderly people. Then you may have the idea to develop a grocery app for your store. Which allows users to shop for groceries on mobile devices and have the groceries delivered to them. In this situation, the app would need to be simple and easy to use, as well as have features like shopping and delivering. This is just one example of how important it is to know what your customers need and how your app can fulfill those needs.

Gomeeki was asked to work with Aussie Farmers Direct to create ‘ AisleOne’, the world’s simplest way to shop online. AisleOne had to be Australia’s easiest, quickest and most intuitive online shopping/ user experience.

Research

One other important step that you must take when choosing a custom software or app company is to do your research. Find out which businesses the company has worked for in the past For ex: If you are a real estate company then you can ask about real estate application development experience. This will provide you with potentially valuable information about the best designers and developers you are hiring. Because you might find a mobile app company that has worked with a client in your niche

It may be easier to just quickly search the internet for reviews on an app developer, but it’s not as beneficial as taking your time to really find out the specifics of their past work. Knowing what kind of experience an app developer has will help tremendously when you are making your final decision for hiring your mobile app developer.

Cost of App Development

Application Development Cost is one of the factors that you should consider while selecting a good app company. A word of advice: The cheapest isn’t always the greatest. Spending a few extra dollars for a reputable mobile application development company will deliver additional value in the long run. Sometimes that extra $10k you invest with a more experienced team will outweigh the risk.

Every business wants to save money. But where does the compromising end? With the development of an app for your business, please don’t compromise for the sake of costs. Hire an app company that will deliver in quality and success.

Consider Your Local App Development Options

Having a local app development studio or app developers has benefits for you and the company. For you, there is the benefit of proximity to your business (which helps when your schedule is tight, but you need to quickly meet with your development team). For your app team, a benefit for them can be the ease of visitation to your business. Evaluate them with the other tips we have provided. And if they check the right boxes, then seek out an initial discussion.

Why Gomeeki? 

The first thing that you should do now is to begin your research. One way you can start is by checking out our high-quality mobile application development services at Gomeeki. We are one of the top web and mobile app development company in Australia & Thailand with a vast portfolio of products and experience.

Brands We’ve Worked With

The post How to Hire Best Mobile App Development Company? appeared first on Gomeeki.

The retail game has changed. Today, you will be hard pressed to find many wholesalers who don’t have an online presence, either through a website or now more commonly; a mobile app. Users are now funneling their attention to the latter. With mobile users spending 90% of their time inside apps and only 10% within the browser. This is because an app provides a much slicker process from start to finish if it’s been built correctly. So if you have an e-commerce business, then creating a perfectly balanced app to cater to all needs should be one of your top priorities and today, we will be exploring exactly why this is the case.

Impact of  ECommerce App Development

Get this – the retail juggernaut Target saw a 200% increase in sales through their mobile app last Black Friday. Other big players such as Walmart and Amazon also saw their revenue increase drastically by opening up their Black Friday deals early on their mobile apps. So why did this happen? Essentially, shoppers changed their habits. Rather than mobilizing and joining the army of the dead trudging through a packed mall, people opted to stay inside and shop for their goods online and elect to have items delivered. This is clearly more convenient and the best part is that there are typically deals and promotions online to help people save money. Now, this is where things can get interesting for an app; deals and so forth can be highlighted and are accessible at the tap of a finger.

This is crazy, but studies have indicated that a whopping 89% of people are using mobile retail apps instead of going to the website. It all comes down to convenience, so it comes as a no-brainer that this is a profitable route to explore.

So what should an effective e-commerce mobile app have? Here’s a breakdown of essential components to include;

App Design 

Many users of apps are looking for something fast and easy to understand. People don’t want to be bogged down with a complicated user interface that aims to dazzle with flashy banners and complex animations; simplicity is king here.

App Security 

e-commerce asks for a lot from its users. Information that is sensitive, such as payment details and addresses, therefore it pays to make sure your app is using the best app security around.

Social Media 

Giving people the option to log in with social media credentials is another way to ensure customer retention. Filling out a new user form is tedious, but having an option to link to a Facebook, Google or Twitter account gives yet another slick feature to your app. Another aspect of social media is that it can generate further exposure for your app. This can take the form of users sharing their experience with your product or take things further by creating online wish lists (Amazon as an example has this feature).

Checkout 

Make it easy. Cart abandonment rate is as high as 67% which can be down to a multitude of factors such as payment issues. Therefore, make your process as smooth as possible and give plenty of options for payment like accepting multiple cards and PayPal.

Geofencing 

Something to give your app the edge over the competition, this is essentially location-based marketing. The idea is that your app can use GPS and other means of location finding. 

Imagery 

Eye-catching images to grab the attention of a user are a must. It’s crazy, but visual information can be processed 60,000 times faster than text. So if you apply this to e-commerce, your brand should be represented by top-class imagery. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to penny pinch by not using high-resolution images, either from a graphic designer or professional photographer.

Conclusion

Now we understand what an e-commerce app should look like; how will it fit into your business? Think about a funnel and position your app at the top. It can be used as a way to point users towards your product by acquisition (downloading the app), engagement (finding the item to buy) and finally to sales (checking out). Should this process be seamless, then the next benefit comes out; repeat business.

Keep in mind throughout the entire app development, that the user experience should be a priority. If a customer can get to know and trust your app. You can become their number one place to go pretty quickly. On average, users spend 2 hours a day using apps, so that creates a lot of time where your brand could be getting seen and used.

Why Gomeeki?

When it comes down to it, shoppers want a brand that has a digital presence. Something that is convenient to use, easy on the eye and gets them from point A (finding their goods) to point B (paying for their chosen products) with as much ease as possible. This is where Gomeeki can help, by providing all the tools necessary to help you create the app that works best for your e-commerce business. Retain customers and find new ones, with a slick app that does it all.

Brands We’ve Worked With

The post How to Develop an eCommerce Mobile App? appeared first on Gomeeki.

You might ask, “Why a mobile app for real estate?” and your question would be in order, as it is one that we have been asked on numerous occasions over the years by our clients. First of all, take the wide reach of the constantly evolving mobile market. There are at least a hundred and twenty million smartphone users in the USA alone and research has shown over 50% of web searches are carried out with mobile devices.

Going even deeper into this research, it has been revealed that the majority of tablet users are people that earn medium to high income – the perfect target market for a real estate business. Finally, it is a well-researched and known fact that people spend a significantly higher amount of time on their mobile apps than on any other web services combined. Still, have doubts? Let us examine more closely seven reasons. How a real estate app will fuel the next stage of growth:

#1 Branded Real Estate Agent App

If you choose to develop a mobile app, we could design you one with an interface that streamlines a complete virtual user experience. Basically, you get more control over the content you provide to your clients and you can sell property easily. They don’t even have to leave the comfort of their homes to access the information, and they can immerse themselves completely in your app and gain a better understanding of what value your business offers. They can do a quick property search, all without taking a step outside their home. All these value-add services build confidence within the buyer about their purchasing decisions.

#2 Reach of Real Estate App

A real estate app not only readily provides information about available and saved properties to your clients, but it can notify them in real time about any special deals that your business is currently offering – something that may otherwise be hard to do without the option of push notifications available in mobile apps. Now, imagine linking your real estate app with your social media accounts – the reach that you could get could well be a game changer for your business.

#3 Get Started 

Each new day, the world evolves a little bit more than the previous, and this constant evolution includes technological advancement that only continues to gain in pace. Smartphone users increase globally every day, and as a result, mobile app users do too. It really is only a matter of time before your competition adopts the use of the real estate app for their business, and you will lose business if your brand is viewed as archaic or “behind the times”. Moral of the story. There’s no time for inaction, seize the day!

#4 App for Real Estate Agents

An app for agents offers greater convenience that can aid the sales process and make the property search experience easier.  There are a good number of mobile apps for real estate that functions even in the absence of connectivity or a strong internet connection. This provides a good opportunity for your prospects in regional areas, when out and about or even from other countries that may have connectivity issues to browse your content without stress. Additionally, even your local prospects and sales staff will find it easy to browse through available properties at their convenience anywhere and anytime, without the need to worry about bandwidth or roaming issues.

#5  Convenience

The amount of time that prospective customers spend on the road, searching for that perfect property, can be cut to the barest minimum with a mobile app, maximizing effectiveness. Obviously, a buyer or seller would rather engage with a real estate business that provides all the information they need at the click of a button than one that has them driving all over the place, only to be disappointed with the options they eventually get.

#6 Reach

A mobile app for real estate agents will also help you to connect with foreign clients, even if your business does not have a branch in their area, or you do not have any sales staff working there. They can still access information about what you offer easily, and the simple addition of location tracking within the app will make it easy for them to find the branch of your business that is closest to them, should they decide to have a physical meeting.

#7  Why to Invest in Real Estate App Development?

As a real estate professional, you should understand the importance of making yourself available for the needs and requests of your clients or potential clients they can easily hear from you via mobile app. Customer service is important in any business and real estate is not an exception. A mobile app developed for any business, by default would usually come with integrated customer service support so that your clients can easily reach out to you for any information that for any reason, the app is unable to provide for them

How can we help?

At Gomeeki, we have an extremely effective team of developers that can develop an app that will shoot your real estate business to the next level. Gomeeki has extensive experience in cross-platform app development for this niche and you can get your own customized mobile app for real estate within a short time of making a request. Simply reach out to us and let us know what you need.

The post How to Develop a Branded Real Estate Agent App? appeared first on Gomeeki.

Skyrocketing your app into the 1% elite doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to pour millions into app development – there is no definite “one number fits all” price for this project. According to Clutch, leading app developers earned around $170K per mobile app project. But this doesn’t mean much – estimating the final amount of investment requires a closer look at your specific plans and objectives. Let’s run you through considerations that will shape your budget.

It’s a given – you want to find the most affordable option to save app development cost, and the pace of the IT industry allows you to have your choice of teams. Keep in mind that each of them has its pros and cons.

Cost of App development in Australia

The easiest and safest way is to work with an established app development company (the accent here is on established). This type of partner will be involved in the development process from beginning to end – with expert teams dedicated to each stage of your app’s creation.

Reputable app development companies have the most experienced professionals with a hefty portfolio of successful projects, they are at an arm’s length throughout the entire development process and can be held fully accountable for their results.

Technical Co-Founder

Another convenient option is a technical co-founder who works for the percentage of potential revenues, but there is a twist – it is a possibility reserved exclusively for people who are already experienced and well known in the business.

Outsourcing

Then there is outsourcing – one possibility is hiring a remote team in countries where you can get high-quality service for a fraction of the price you’d pay in your native country. This comes with its risks – less transparency, less communication, and less accountability, leading to more uncertainty when it comes to the quality of the final product. The foreign team doesn’t necessarily mean lack of experience or knowledge – it merely requires more of your work and personal investment to pick the right team and keep things in check.

Freelancers

Finally, there are freelancers. Even though they are the cheapest option, don’t expect genuinely good freelancers to work for peanuts – the most affordable option are people who work for USD$50 per hour, but the ones with portfolio typically won’t go under USD$250 hourly rate. Also, hiring different people for each stage of the development process requires a lot of management overhead in the form of supervision on your side.

The best way to decide how and to whom you should give this job is to go through the list of things your app needs – and each of them has its price tag.

App Development Cost Breakdown

*Approx estimates

Simple Apps Cost

Simple apps are the cheapest ones – but it is still fairly difficult to get a precise number. As ludicrous as it sounds, app development can cost between $50k and $100k, with an average estimated price of $75K. Don’t let this discourage you – a simple app with a few screens, basic functionality, and no data storage don’t have to ravage your budget – and there is a lot of maneuvering space for financial negotiations.

Basic Database Cost

Basic database /API app that enables registration, data storage on device and remote server, as well as data synchronization, adds up to the price – which may reach between $100K and $150K.

Multi-Featured/Enterprise Apps Cost

Multi-Featured/Enterprise apps with customized design and several functions could cost up to $250K, or even more, depending on the complexity of the services you’re offering. Games fall into this category – and there is no doubt that they are most likely to become lucrative ventures, given that they comprise nearly 82 percent of global app revenue. Their average development price ranges between $100K and $250K – but on a case by case basis, the expenses can go lower or higher.

Additional Features

These are only the basics – don’t forget the additional features that may seem like needless nitpicking, but may contribute to your business strategy and growth. Email and social networks login, as well as enabling the app to post on user’s social accounts will cost you between $3K and $15K each – and adding these simple features is non-negotiable for your marketing and business strategy.

Enabling users to create their profiles or purchase through your app, or adding the possibility of geo-location will add at least $7.5K for each features’ price. However, if you negotiate a features package, many app development agencies are ready to offer you a discount.

Native App

Native mobile apps are the best choice – speedy and sound because they were written in the same programming language as the platform they are made for (Swift for iPhones and Java for Android). Their development cost reflects their smooth performance and pays off in the long run. Why?

Cross-Platform App

For example, famously cross-platform app combine web and phone programming. However, adjusting them to work for different platforms and fixing bugs that may arise from incompatibilities may prove to be more expensive than going with the priciest native option.

Progressive Web Apps

Progressive web apps are sort of a compromise – a web app exclusive to Android, which is available through the mobile browser and offers a user experience similar to the native app. However, keep in mind that giving up on iPhone means you are throwing away a vital chance to monetize your app.  In 2016- 17, Google Play generated $3.3 billion, while the App Store managed to generate $5.4 billion. It is not a good idea to be absent from the market that has almost twice as much monetization capacity than Google Play.

App Designing Cost

When it comes to mobile apps, the design isn’t merely the look of things – it is connected to the app’s functionality and usability. Visual design and UX (user experience) design go hand in hand and can make or break your app, no matter how good the idea is.

Based on estimates the basic visual design costs around $5K. While UX could add between $10K and $25K to the final price of your product. 

Icon and logo might seem like tiny details in the grand project of app development. But often, these are what hooks users while they are scrolling through the app store. Getting people to click on the flashy icon can cost between $300 and $10K. Once again, your ambitions and audience’s sensitivity for visuals will dictate whether you will go with the cheap or pricey option.

Once the users open your app, you also want to engage them and connect with them.  You cannot do that without a good copywriter who will strike the right chord with your target audience. Their services can cost up to $5K.

Surviving the First Year

Once the app is finished and delivered to the app store, some would say that the most gruesome job begins. We don’t want to scare you with stats, but it’s a cruel world out there. Out of all users who download a mobile app. Less than half of them will open it more than ten times, Statista estimated.

How to Monetize your Mobile App

If you want people to actually use your app. And therefore bring you money, advertising your services is an absolute must. Count that creating the business plan and paid advertising can cost up to $35K.  But savvy strategy including word of mouth marketing, referrals. Even third-party review sites can help you in gaining exposure.

It is highly likely that even if your app is successful, you will have to fix a bug here and there. So further development should be part of your start-up budget. Don’t forget the pesky fees, accounting, and legal costs.

Now that you have some directions on how to come up with your budget. In the end, there is a “one size fits all” advice. No matter who you chose, and no matter how tight your budget is. The price should never be your sole consideration. Because paying $250,000 instead of $500,000 isn’t saving money. If the final product is a failure – it is merely throwing money into the wind.

Why Gomeeki?

In a growing business where competition is abundant and demand is volatile, working with an experienced app development company like Gomeeki is ultimately your safest bet that your budget will be a smart investment and not a gamble. 

Brands We’ve Worked With

The post App Development Cost : The Definitive Guide [2019] appeared first on Gomeeki.