Strategies For Effective Project Management In Mobile App Development

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Project management is fundamental to the successful completion of any mobile app. But it’s a deeply involved process that requires careful planning, plenty of meetings with stakeholders, and constant collaboration. While there are several ways to approach project management, we’ve prepared this handy guide to help you focus on the most effective strategies. 

Why Project Management Is Crucial For Your Mobile App Projects?

Developing mobile apps consists of a series of laborious and complex tasks. To uninitiated developers, the opposite may seem true, considering the vast quantity of apps that hit the app stores daily. Yet, few of these apps make a dent in the marketplace due to a lack of project management planning. 

Successful mobile apps are seldom created on impulse or by solo hobbyists and freelance developers. Instead, they’re the products of visionary appreneurs who partner with talented app development studios like NS804. Quite often, other stakeholders like app publishers, businesses, and marketing teams will also contribute. Keeping all these entities on the same page is excruciatingly challenging — but necessary for the success of any app project.

That’s where project management planning comes in. It helps all stakeholders involved in your project understand its core concept, how much it will cost, and how long it will take until completion. Furthermore, the plan will detail all goals, expectations, resources, tools, and methodologies necessary for the project. 

Depending on the scope and needs of your project, the plan may include additional details. In all cases, it’s best to hash out a project management plan that is as detailed as possible. It’s also wise to detail a contingency plan or offer alternative solutions for project bottlenecks or missed milestones. Ultimately, the primary goals of project management are to deliver a completed project and reduce the risks associated with app development. 

 

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What Does Project Management Entail?

Project management includes all the details and specifications required to complete an app project. A common misunderstanding involves the ideation process of app development. Some team leaders will integrate this process into their planning, while others leave it out. So, which method is the correct one? Usually, it’s best to leave out the ideation process since this happens long before a development team will tackle the project. 

A good example is the appreneur who comes up with an app idea and commences with basic ideation on a handkerchief or piece of paper. Then, the appreneur approaches a development studio to discuss this idea, gain additional insight, and for further brainstorming. 

The studio will offer guidance and create a wireframe to flesh out the appreneur’s ideas. At this point, the appreneur and the studio’s development team have a basic understanding of what the app will look like. If necessary, the appreneur will greenlight the creation of a prototype for a better replication of the finished product. 

Once the appreneur is satisfied with the wireframe or prototype, it’s time to approve or abandon the project. If the appreneur decides to forge ahead, project management planning will take center stage. During this stage, the appreneur, the project lead, the designers, the development team, the marketing team, and any other stakeholders will commence a series of meetings.

Ideally, most initial meetings will occur face-to-face at the development studio’s physical premises. NS804 makes this easy as we have offices in Richmond, VA, Charlotte, NC, and Denver, CO. But we also make it easy for clients to stay in the loop via our Slack channels and to peruse the project management plan via Trello. 

Is Project Management Necessary For Mobile Game Development?

It’s essential to conduct project management planning before you start making your mobile game. Developing modern mobile games is hard, so it’s foolhardy to tackle such projects without a carefully conceived plan from day one. You must also prepare a game design document (GDD) that will contain the following:

  • A summary of your mobile game: This section includes details of the core concept, genre, target audience, and overall scope of your game. 
  • Gameplay details: In this section, you will describe all the objectives and challenges players will face. 
  • Core game mechanics: Describe all the physics, rules, and player interactions within your core game loop. 
  • Worldbuilding: This section will include information about your game’s characters, story elements, levels, and locales. 
  • Game assets: Describe the types of graphics, music, and sound effects that you will include in your game.  
  • Game development tooling: Include details about the game engine, graphic design software, and 3D modeling tools you will use during development. 

Set Realistic Milestones For All Stakeholders

One of the first and most essential steps of your project management plan is to set milestones. Ensure that all these milestones are realistic and that all stakeholders are on board. Conducting face-to-face meetings early on is a great way to confirm which tasks each stakeholder will handle during the development of your app. At times, it won’t be possible for everyone to meet physically, so you will have to rely on video conferencing. 

Verify that all stakeholders understand every phase of your plan and the timeframe of each milestone. You may use Trello, to-do lists, or spreadsheets to keep everyone on the same page. Regularly check to see that all stakeholders are meeting milestones, and message or email those that fall behind. If any team member isn’t meeting their obligations, remove them from the team and replace them with someone who will fulfill your plan.

Carefully Plan The Resources For Your Project

How you manage your resources will make or break your project. But what constitutes these resources, to begin with? These resources may include key team members, specific skills, hardware, software, and tooling. Additionally, include any cloud services, testing, and app deployment services you will use for your project. 

But be sure to assess only the resources you will use for this specific project and not for other projects you’re working on in tandem. You want to be as accurate and detailed as possible when you assess all the resources you will include in your plan. And that’s crucial because it will impact your project’s cost analysis. Many stakeholders, particularly investors, will eventually want a cost breakdown. 

Furthermore, conduct several meetings with the most experienced members of your team to pinpoint the most suitable resources for your project. Don’t assume that certain staff members or tools that proved effective in a previous project will also serve your upcoming project. Instead, be willing to switch things up based on deep and detailed analysis of similar projects, current development trends, and the current state of the app marketplace. 

Consult Your Team Lead To Set The Timeline

Ideally, you should have a team lead — but if you don’t — you must assume this role instead. But leading an app development project is challenging, so we recommend you work with a competent studio if you can fit this into your budget. 

Whether you decide to work with a team lead, hire a studio, or go solo, you must set a timeline. That’s because you don’t want your project to consume all your time and eventually burn through all your funding. 

But if you haven’t developed apps before, you may find it hard to determine an accurate timeline. More often than not, you’ll probably be way off in your timeline if you don’t consult a professional. Sure, you may watch several YouTube videos and read blog posts about app development, but nothing beats working with someone with hands-on experience. 

Your timeline must align with all your set milestones and be realistic and trackable. Also, consider all scenarios that will cause delays, such as staff members taking sick leave, holidays, internet outages, funding issues, API updates, backend integrations, troubleshooting, etc. 

Above all, hold all stakeholders accountable for meeting milestones on time. Stick to a weekly or bi-weekly routine to check everyone is committed to your project management plan.

Detail Usage Of All Communication Channels

Even the most rock-solid project management plan will fail without properly implemented communication channels. That’s because all stakeholders must communicate regularly during each stage of the development process. Any communication bottlenecks will delay or derail your app’s progress and even lead to a catastrophic outcome. 

To avoid all this, you must set up all the communication and feedback channels you’ll use during development and outline these in your plan. The good news is that there are many excellent paid and free communications services available, as follows: 

  • Chanty
  • ChatWork
  • Discord
  • Google Chat
  • Messenger
  • Microsoft Teams
  • NuovoTeam PTT
  • Trello
  • Troop Messenger
  • Slack
  • WhatsApp Business
  • Wrike

Some of these services also have integrated project management features. Take the time to assess the most suitable communications services for your app project. You may want to opt for an all-in-one solution to simplify your workflow. Alternatively, you may need more advanced or specific features, so you may need to rely on several disparate services.

Set And Follow Guidelines  

Project management relies heavily on team members following specific guidelines. You must decide on these early on and cover them in detail in your plan. These guidelines will cover multiple issues, like how your team will handle communications, app testing, and quality assurance (QA). 

Draw up guidelines that will facilitate a smooth app development process but also deliver a quality product. And ensure that you post these guidelines in all the places where team members will see them. Consider posting communications guidelines and etiquette rules in all your communications channels. 

Due to the complexity involved with testing, bug tracking, and app deployment, prepare documentation that covers all these aspects in detail. If there’s significant information that you need to cover, then consider creating several eBooks or PDFs. These will include guidelines and best practices that the relevant team members must follow. Most communications tools allow you to upload and distribute these files to reach the right people. 

You may decide to automate your testing process, especially if your team’s headcount is low. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t set guidelines for such a use case. That’s because setting up automated tests is an involved process that requires troubleshooting. Once set up correctly, automated tests will run flawlessly and scale to meet project scope.

 

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Choose A Project Management Methodology For Your App

Eventually, you’ll decide on a project management methodology that best suits the developments of your app. There are five commonly used methodologies, so you must pick one listed below: 

Agile

Agile project management is one of the most common methodologies used by developers. It’s popular due to its flexibility since project tasks consist of shorter phases. Thus, teams focus on completing projects on time and within budget while allowing for bug fixes and changes at every stage of development.

Scrum

Scrum follows Agile’s principles with an emphasis on short team meetings held daily. There’s also a greater emphasis on assigning tasks to specific team members and completing tasks in order. Therefore, it’s a good choice for teams that require clearly defined roles and responsibilities.  

Extreme Programming (XP)

XP is yet another methodology firmly within the Agile camp. It’s aimed at experienced software developers who value simplicity and good communication pipelines. Do keep in mind that XP is unsuitable for new developers or teams that struggle with transparency. 

Kanban

Kanban relies on to-do lists, columns, and cards to visually present project tasks and completion. Popular platforms like Trello are based entirely on Kanban, so it’s easy to onboard and expose team members to this methodology. Kanban is a good choice for teams that must roll out bug fixes, patches, and updates regularly. 

Waterfall

Waterfall project management is the simplest but also the most inflexible method here. Teams complete tasks according to a pre-defined and ordered sequence that flows downwards, hence its name. Therefore, it’s only suitable for teams that will follow a rigid plan with no possibility of implementing changes at a later stage. 

In Conclusion

App development is often challenging, complex, and risky. But you can reduce all these factors significantly by implementing the right project management strategies for your app project. Contact NS804 today to learn how we’ll help you complete your app on time and budget! 

Mobile App Development 101: 13 Steps to Take

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Mobile apps are growing by leaps and bounds, forcing entrepreneurs and enterprises to adopt new solutions in digital commerce. From communication, customer response, online payments, online ordering, and online shopping, mobile apps provide unlimited capabilities to enterprises.

Why Invest in a Custom Mobile App?

Beyond communication, customer service, and online payments, here’s why you should invest in a custom mobile app:

  • Security. Nowadays, customers are showing an inclination to online shopping, warranting the protection of their data, including personally identifying information and financial data. Doing this requires a secure solution to store and protect your consumers’ data.
  • Accessibility. Mobile apps are accessible because they’re available 24/7. Everyone owns a smartphone, making mobile apps the go-to option when shopping, paying, or conducting online transactions.
  • Customer service. Mobile apps are a great way to bolster your customer service, ensuring you connect and respond to your customers’ needs anytime and anywhere.
  • Competition. Customers are using mobile apps to shop and pay for services. This means that lacking a mobile app solution denies you countless opportunities to enterprises with one. In addition, enterprises with mobile apps stand to attract and retain more customers than those without.
  • SEO. Your mobile app improves your SEO rankings, leading to your brand’s growth and discoverability in platforms such as Bing, Google Ads, and Yahoo.

The above benefits underscore the importance of an app in the contemporary business landscape. Although developing a custom mobile app remains a priority to many enterprises, very few businesses know how to approach the mobile app development exercise.

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13 Steps to Developing a Custom Mobile App

In this article, I will walk you through the thirteen steps to take to develop your first mobile app.

1. Idea formulation

The first step to developing any meaningful app starts with a simple idea. This idea is sparked by a need. When faced with problems, we create solutions. Your mobile app development must start with a simple idea that will gradually develop into a fully-fledged solution to an existing problem. This idea will be your app idea, it will help you envision the type of app you want to develop, its features, and associated benefits.

2. Competitive market research

The second step to developing your app is doing extensive market research. The market research must focus on knowing your competitors, understanding your market positioning, knowing your competitors’ products and services; and what makes them unique. Competitive market research helps you identify positioning factors; these are factors that will set you apart from the competition. It’s only by knowing what your competitors have that you can build a competitive positioning.

3. Define your app features

When developing your mobile app, understand that fast and light apps are significant for a wide range of devices – smartphones, laptops, tablets, and even wearables. Fast apps refer to apps with a higher response rate while light apps refer to simple, lean apps that do not contain a whole load of features.

When defining your features, it’s important to pay attention to the following aspects:

  • Define the core features of all the competing apps
  • What are the specific features unique to each of the competing apps?
  • What features are missing from other apps?
  • Are there any specific features users find unique or exciting?

Answering these questions will help you pinpoint the specific features your app should have.

4. Create a wireframe for your app

A wireframe refers to the general strategy, layout, or plan your app will follow. From an app’s conception to its completion, the wireframe defines the strategy that will be followed. It’s a way of laying down your thoughts, feelings, and attitudes towards your app. It’s a way of communicating the specific feelings or values your app will convey.

To create a wireframe for your app, follow the following steps;

  • Configure a mobile frame. Choose a mobile frame with the features you’re planning to incorporate into your app. As a natural inclination, the structure should prevent you from packing too many features in a single screen.
  • Employ design patterns. Remember the primary priority in UX user design is familiarity. Users are likely to draw on previous interactions with a new product when they notice a recognizable user interface.
  • Scalability. Verify scalability by asking whether an iPhone 15 will display your app well. Scalability is the ability of your app to adapt to different screen types and screen orientations without losing its quality.
  • Develop a minimum viable product. A minimum viable product is a prototype of the actual product. It helps you test and evaluate your app’s product features before investing in the final product.

The wireframe helps you define technical specifications, including key functionalities and tools your apps will capture to deliver that superior user experience.

5. Choose the right platform and technologies

Two main factors will determine which platform to select – your target audience and your budget. Each operating system has its unique set of advantages and disadvantages you must consider when selecting.

  • For instance, building for iOS is a great choice if you’re looking for a platform with a broader appeal. However, iOS is more expensive than other platforms.
  • Android has over 2 billion users making it the most widely used operating system in the world. Creating for Android will give you better visibility and allow you to target a larger audience.

Selecting the right platform will save you money and allow you to target the right audience.

6. Developing the minimum viable product (MVP)

Now it’s time to start building your app immediately after you understand your target audience. When designing, consider a few key features:

  • Functionality: Check whether your app has all the key features and functionalities listed in the description, including social media functions, in-app purchases, and other features accessible through the website.
  • Speed: Your app’s user experience starts here. Ensure your app is as quickly as possible. You’ll lose 60% of your customers if your app takes more than 3 seconds to load.
  • User experience design: All software must have outstanding designs. However, having a beautiful app is not enough, your app’s user experience is critical. Your users must feel empowered to use your app. Make navigation easy, set clear graphics, appealing features, and an intuitive design.

The minimum viable product will help you identify specific features your app must capture.

7. Include animations and visual components

What distinguishes your app from the competition are the visual elements and animations. The visual graphics that appear in your app are the visual components. The movement and alteration of these visuals is what is called animations. You must include a few components in your app to make it stand out from the competition.

Some of the components to include are:

  • Branding: Your app must communicate your company’s identity. Ensure the imagery and theme of your app matches your brand’s identity and the color of your website.
  • Navigation: Your navigation should be simple, intuitive, and easy to use. Your users must locate what they’re seeking and finish their jobs without issues.
  • Social media: It must contain a social media interface to enable users to share their experiences with friends and followers on social media. If your app has a social component, ensure it has all the integrations required for different social media channels.

Incorporating these features will ensure your app stands out in a pool of apps.

8. App testing

App testing is the process used to examine an app’s usability, consistency, and accuracy. Please ensure to test your app before going live. Apps optimized for popular mobile OS configurations function better, allowing for a smoother user experience across different platforms.

Follow the following stages to test your app:

  • Documentation testing: This step of mobile app development starts with screen design, navigational components, and other crucial elements of an app. Before the app design begins, this step allows developers to correct any inconsistencies in the overall design, layout, and component selection.
  • Functional analysis: Functional analysis helps you test how your mobile app responds to the market standards. Keep the following components in mind when conducting functional analysis.
  • Usability evaluation: This evaluation step examines whether the user interface aligns with the industry standards. Usability testing allows comfortable browsing, ensuring your app users seamlessly use the app without any navigation issues.
  • Security examination: This step of testing examines whether your app’s security conforms to the security standards set by authorized bodies. It examines your app’s stance towards user privacy and security.
  • Certification testing: Certification testing examines whether your app conforms to industry standards, terms of use, licenses, and agreements. It also looks at whether the app adheres to all technical specifications of stores like Google Play, Windows, and App Store.

Testing allows you to map technical features and other specifications before launching the final product.

9. Deploy the beta version online

Every version can attract early adopters. Deploying the beta version allows your app to be discovered, which is a crucial step in making your app popular. Early adopters offer a wealth of insightful commentary on the advantages and disadvantages of your app. This allows you to make progressive changes and improvements based on user feedback.

10. App launch

After correcting any anomalies in the beta version, you can proceed to officially launch your app. In your app launch, target potential consumers, partners, and potential stakeholder groups (media, government, and private sector). Once you’ve launched your app, it’s time to debut it in the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store, depending on the operating system you selected for your app.

11. Marketing Plan

Your app won’t be discovered unless it’s advertised and marketed to the relevant audiences and through the right platforms and channels. After the app launch, you can proceed to put together a small team of talented marketers, social media influencers, and advertisers. Design a marketing plan carefully detailing your marketing objectives, user goals, and overall adoption tactics. Remember to partner with influencers or celebrities to create visibility and attract new users.

Your marketing plan must incorporate the following steps:

  • Start with market research to understand similar apps in your market and their features.
  • Proceed to the target audience, identifying their needs, motivations, values, and user preferences.
  • Identify relevant market strategies, identifying approaches likely to work.
  • Set realistic and measurable goals and objectives, measuring your app’s performance and overall adoption and usability.
  • Select specific media channels and identify specific tactics, identifying which approaches are likely to work and which ones are likely to fail.
  • Set a budget and a realistic plan. The budget must incorporate the expenses for different marketing activities.
  • Collect metrics, including user behaviors, adoption trends, and feedback.
  • Develop a content plan and schedule, identifying which content you’ll post on specific days.

The marketing plan allows your prospective users and target market to discover your app, providing you with much-needed visibility, adoption, and retention.

 

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12. Constant improvements

After you’ve vigorously marketed the app to different audiences and platforms, now it’s time for constant improvements. The app development lifecycle allows for gradual, progressive improvements in the app’s overall design and functionality. Incorporate improvements, ensuring you scale your app depending on new improvements or new feedback in the market.

13. App maintenance

You must constantly check your app for bugs and outdated versions of product features. For instance, you may want to deploy a remote team of experts to assess and evaluate your apps. App maintenance prevents unprecedented attacks, enhancing your safety and that of your users. App maintenance helps you identify improvement opportunities while acting as a security safeguard against unprecedented cyber threats.

NS804 – Simplifying Your Mobile App Development

NS804 offers custom-built apps for enterprises of different sizes and industries. Whether you’re in hospitality, government, retail, manufacturing, or finance, we provide custom-built mobile app solutions.

Our expertise spans both iOS and Android with proficiency in different operating systems. We provide efficient, trusted, and transparent mobile app development solutions tailored to your needs.

In addition, our services cover both an app calculator and a minimum viable product, allowing you to accurately estimate how much it will cost and how precisely your app will function or perform before you invest in it.

Contact us today for custom-built Android and iOS apps.

7 App Store Optimization Strategies To Improve ASO

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When you reach the point of marketing your mobile application, you must apply the correct app store optimization strategies. These strategies help drive traffic and installs within the App Store and Google Play. While app store optimization (ASO) can never replace paid user acquisition (UA), you should use both for optimal results. However, we’ll focus on ASO for now, as there’s much to cover relating to this topic in this guide. 

If you’ve released an app before, you likely have some experience with ASO. Or you hired an app marketing team to handle ASO for you instead. But if your experience with ASO is limited or non-existent, you may wonder how it works in 2023. Or ponder if the app store optimization strategies that worked several years ago still work today.

The good news is that many strategies from a decade ago still have their place in 2023. Any prior ASO knowledge and experience you’ve acquired will not go to waste. But the same old, same old — doesn’t work either! For example, many ASO experts focussed primarily on keywords to gain in-store traffic about a decade ago. But nowadays, experts also optimize screenshots, analyze user reviews, and look at the user journey holistically. 

Of course, that’s a lot of additional work and complexity added to the mix. As a busy appreneur or business leader, you may find all this daunting or beyond scope. If that’s the case, we’d always recommend that you work with an experienced studio like NS804 to handle ASO for you. But if you wish to tackle ASO in-house, check out the tips below. 

 

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1. What You Need To Know About ASO

ASO shares many similarities with search engine optimization (SEO) for indexing and accessing content efficiently. A similar philosophy exists for increasing visibility for a website as it does for a mobile app. Furthermore, the biggest search engine, Google, also owns Google Play — and most users have witnessed similarities in both. 

But how does this all impact your app store optimization strategies? As part of your app marketing campaign, your key performance indicators (KPIs) will not align with your SEO KPIs. But they must align with the following ASO ranking indicators:

  • App quality: The higher the quality of your app, the higher it will rank by the store algorithm. 
  • Uniqueness: Fresh ideas pay off, as app stores often reward unique apps with a higher ranking or a featured app placement. 
  • Scalability: The ability of your brand and app to scale to user demand will impact app ranking positively. 
  • Traffic: If your app proves popular, the algorithm acknowledges this and will ensure that more users see your app. Paid traffic will further boost your app’s ranking and won’t negatively impact your organic traffic. 
  • Categories: Your app can rank higher for specific categories or if it enters the top charts. 
  • Downloads: The higher your downloads, the better your app’s ASO ranking.
  • Ratings and reviews: When users leave ratings and reviews, it helps increase your app’s keyword rankings. Positive ratings and reviews also convince other users to try out your app. 

2. Do Research Before Formulating App Store Optimization Strategies

All your app store optimization strategies will be for naught if you don’t research the market beforehand. After all, you need to know which apps succeed and fail in today’s app marketplace. But that’s not all, as you must uncover what strategies successful competitors use for ASO purposes. Since this guide is not about formulating an app idea but app store optimization strategies, we’ll focus exclusively on the latter.

While this seems dubious, spying on competitors will help inform your app store optimization strategies. But if you avoid this path, your rivals won’t have any issues spying on the most successful apps, including yours. 

Thus, it’s pointless to reflect on the ethical ramifications of spying on competitors when it’s a common practice in the industry. Besides, we’re not referring to corporate espionage or anything illegal but a way to gain valuable insights by doing the following: 

  • Spot competitor weaknesses: Read the user reviews of competing apps and compile a list of all their pain points.
  • Discover the keywords of the top apps: Pinpoint the keywords that make successful competing apps appear during searches. 
  • Identify the keywords that drive maximum downloads: Determine whether branded or generic keywords lead to more downloads.
  • Check out competing app metadata: Keep a close eye on how often a competitor rolls out updates and metadata changes to determine their ASO strategy. 
  • Use the correct tools to analyze competitor ASO: Try free and paid tools from vendors, such as App Radar, AppTweak, and ASOMobile.

3. Use Search Ads To Improve Your ASO

In 2016, Apple introduced its advertising platform — Search Ads. It’s a paid platform renowned for its sheer power in targeting various app markets. App marketers, in particular, love Search Ads and have made it their go-to tool for advertising purposes. So, there’s little reason not to integrate it into your arsenal of tools that will work with your app store optimization strategies. 

But what does Search Ads do so well to make it essential? While Search Ads is a paid tool, it helps save app developers and marketers money. After conducting keyword research, you’ll likely have a long list of keywords you plan to use. But that’s counterproductive, as not all these keywords will drive a reasonable amount of traffic to your app. 

Therefore, you need to reduce that list of keywords to only those that will bring favorable results. That’s where Search Ads comes in, as it will help you pinpoint the keywords relevant to your app and its target market. You’ll quickly pare down your keywords, reducing ad spend and increasing the possibility of successful searches.

4. Prioritize Visual Quality Within Your App Store Optimization Strategies

Whether developing a mobile game or a non-gaming app, you must make it visually appealing. This makes your app more marketable and gives users more reason to leave favorable ratings and reviews. And all this helps with ASO in several ways that we’ll discuss in greater detail.

An app with high-quality visuals will please your users and provide you with plenty of assets for ASO and marketing purposes. Start by taking high-resolution screenshots and record clips for previews and instructional videos. If you wish to add any branding to your screenshots or edit them, consider working with an experienced graphic designer. Likewise, consider hiring a professional video editor to make all your videos slick and impactful. 

Look at ways to optimize your screenshots and videos for the App Store and Google Play. Ensure you arrange the screenshots to convey a coherent story about your app’s usefulness and core features. 

If your app is exclusively text-based, you may want to spruce things up with graphics that flow harmonically from screenshot to screenshot. Moreover, this may enhance the story-telling component of your app’s presentation and ASO, which will help draw user interest.

While these screenshots are crucial, your video preview must never take a back seat as it’s equally important. Create a 30-second clip that hooks the viewer within the first 10 seconds. This early part of the video must highlight the core capability of your app and later reveal two or three of its prominent features. 

Don’t forget to prepare a visually striking but comprehensible app icon. Ideally, work with a graphic designer who understands ASO, the app market, and your brand identity.

5. Focus On Localization At An Early Stage

Never draft your app store optimization strategies just before you launch your app. Instead, outline your ASO and localization during the planning stage of your app. It’s crucial to have clarity regarding the territories where you will launch your app initially.  

For example, if you target English-speaking territories from the get-go, you’ll limit your localization strictly to English. You may also limit your initial release to the App Store due to the higher adoption of iOS devices in these territories. Once your app achieves a reasonable amount of traction, you can target other markets.

You may decide to target Android devices that are predominant in developing economies. But if you’ve made provisions for additional localizations when hashing out your app store optimization strategies, you can move forward with the necessary translations. Most likely, you have budgeted for all your localization costs and decided on the localization team and testing process. 

Localizing your app to all target markets is worthwhile because it will enhance its visibility. Furthermore, it increases user trust, engagement, and conversions. Targeting multiple markets will inevitably expand the reach of your app and bolster its profitability with the right monetization strategies.

 

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6. Update Your App Page Regularly

One of the biggest mistakes you could make is to leave your app product page as is, even after a successful app launch. And even though you’ll spend many hours optimizing your page for your launch — that’s not enough. That’s because app marketplaces are very dynamic in order to respond to user demands and market trends. These marketplaces are also very seasonal, meaning that holidays help drive additional demand. 

It’s common for the app stores to run special offers during Black Friday, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc. So, you’ll need to update your keywords, screenshots, and icons to optimize your page for these holidays. And even though holiday-specific keywords don’t gain significant traction, they will still bring some traffic. 

But the real reason to put in extra effort during holiday seasons is to align your app page with app store seasonality. Users often have more leisure time during holidays to discover interesting apps and great deals.

Thus, these users are browsing the app stores with intent and have certain expectations that your app page must meet. If they’re browsing during Christmas, ensure that your app’s description, promo text, screenshots, video preview, and icons convey that quintessential Christmassy feeling. 

But be forewarned, your app’s category will play a crucial role in whether or not it gets a high number of downloads during the holiday season. For example, a travel app won’t do so well during Christmas, as most users spend time at home with few travel plans. However, a gift idea app will be in high demand during Christmas since most users will seek unique gift ideas.

7. A/B Test During The Entire Lifecycle Of Your App 

You’ll never truly know the effectiveness of your app store optimization strategies without testing them out. The best way to do this is with A/B testing during every phase of your app’s lifecycle. Your first A/B test will focus on finding the keywords that drive the most traffic. Then, subsequent A/B tests will focus on your app’s conversion funnel and how your strategies impact the user journey. 

You should also A/B test each time you change your description, promo text, icon, keywords, screenshots, and video preview. But you can also do A/B tests when entering new markets, during seasonal promotions, or when introducing new features. 

But how long should you run A/B tests to gain significant analyzable data? Run A/B tests as long as possible, but never less than seven days if you have time and budget constraints. Furthermore, run separate A/B tests for the App Store and Google Play. You’ll find that results differ widely between these two platforms due to considerable differences in user behavior and traffic. 

If you have a severely restricted budget, it’s better to pick one app store to launch and A/B test initially. You can also use your chosen store’s native A/B test tools to test and tweak your app’s page. Gradual improvements to the app page will improve your ASO. 

In Conclusion

Your app store optimization strategies are crucial to the overall success of your app. The app stores have matured, so finding the applicable keywords and making a few tweaks to your app page isn’t enough to drive traffic consistently. 

Every aspect of your app page will impact ASO, so you can’t ignore minute details. But if all this seems too much or too complex, consider working with an expert. Contact NS804 today to learn how we’ll help you boost your ASO and meet your KPIs.

Android Mobile App Development Questions, Answered

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Android app development is the process of developing applications designed to run exclusively on Android devices – smartphones, tablets, laptops, computers, and smart TVs. Android operating system, developed by Google in 2008, is the most widely used OS globally, making it crucial for developers, tech enthusiasts, and business owners. Since its release in 2008, the Android operating system has received worldwide acclaim powering millions of devices across the world.

Android mobile app development involves writing code from scratch using reputable programming languages such as Kotlin and Java, designing attractive interfaces, managing data handling and retrieval, integrating various applications and APIs, and ensuring overall app performance and efficiency. The success of Android applications can be attributed to factors such as the availability of many devices at various price points and an open-source nature that encourages innovation.

This article explores some questions on Android mobile app development and their answers. In this post, we will look at various aspects of Android mobile app development, including architectural patterns, choice of programming language, testing, network, design considerations, and data management.

 

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By examining these concepts, readers will obtain valuable insights, empowering them to build robust, efficient, and feature-rich Android applications.

1. What’s the most frequently used programming language for Android applications?

The answer is Java. However, Kotlin has gained popularity and is now the most preferred language over Java. Developers prefer Kotlin to Java for a wide range of reasons: Kotlin is intuitive to use, easy to learn, and Kotlin code is considered safer and more concise than Java.

2. Do I need to learn Java to develop Android applications?

While Java used to be the primary programming language for Android applications, it is no longer an option. Kotlin is more modern, concise, and accurate, and is preferred for modern projects. However, understanding Java can still be beneficial, especially when you encounter legacy codes or libraries written by Java.

3. What’s the advantage of Kotlin over Java?

Understanding the nuance discrepancies between Java and Kotlin is crucial to making an informed decision about your programming language.

Here are the key advantages of Kotlin:

  • Concise syntax. Kotlin’s expressive syntax allows developers to write more concise code, reducing the chances of introducing errors.
  • Null safety. Kotlin type system introduces null safety, reducing the possibility of null pointer exceptions, a common source of bugs.
  • Interoperability. Kotlin can integrate or interoperate with Java, allowing developers to leverage Java-based libraries and legacy codes.
  • Readability. Kotlin’s type inference and expressive nature make the code maintainable and readable.

4. What is Android Studio, and do I need it in Android app development?

Android Studio is the official integrated development environment (IDE). By integrated development environment, it provides the tools, resources, and machinery required to simplify your code. The Android Studio has diverse programming languages, APIs, and other tools needed for beginners to excel.

5. What’s Google Android SDK?

A Google Android SDK is a toolset for developers to write codes in Android-enabled devices. The SDK contains a graphical interface that acts as an Android-driven handheld environment, allowing developers to test and debug their codes.

6. What are the main components of the Android architecture?

The main components of the Android architecture include:

  • Android applications
  • Android framework
  • Libraries
  • Linux Kernel

7. What are the minimum system requirements for Android app development?

To run Android Studio and design Android apps, you need a powerful computer with 8GB RAM, a recent operating system (Windows, Linux, MacOS), a quad-core CPU, and the relevant tools and technologies.

8. What is the Android API level, and why is it important to consider?

The Android API level refers to the version of the Android operating system that your app targets or supports. When developing an app, you will need to narrow down on special versions of Android available out there. We should consider the Android API level because different versions have different capabilities and features. Selecting the right API level ensures your device operates on as many Android devices as possible while taking advantage of new app features.

9. What’s the difference between fragments and activities?

Activities are represented as a single screen with a user interface. Fragments, on the other hand, are modular components within an activity that can be reused or combined in different activities and are especially useful for multi-pane and adaptable layouts.

10. How can I test my app on multiple devices?

The Android Studio provides tools, including an emulator, for simulating various Android devices. In addition, you can use normal Android devices by setting ‘developer mode’ and USB debugging them. You can connect the Android devices on your computer, and test or debug your app.

11. How can I publish my app in the Google Play store?

To publish your app in Google Play, you will first need to set up a development account. Then you will check your app’s store listings and graphics, set up your distribution options, and show compliance with Google Play Store’s policies. Once your app is ready, you can submit it to the Google Console and upload it for review.

12. Can you develop Android applications on platforms other than Windows, Linux, and MacOS?

Yes, you can use cloud-based environments and virtual machines to develop Android-based applications on environments not supported by Android Studio. However, the app’s experience and performance may vary. That’s why it’s advisable to create applications with supported operating systems.

13. How do you select the appropriate architecture pattern in Android app development?

Selecting an appropriate architecture pattern is crucial for maintaining a well-structured codebase. The common types of architectural patterns include:

  • Model-View-Controller (MVC). The model-view presenter is the oldest and most straightforward. It structures data into three main components: view (user interface), model (business and data logic), and controller, which mediates between the model and the view.
  • Model-View-Presenter (MVP). The model view presenter amplifies the performance of the model-view-controller by adding a component known as a ‘presenter’ that acts as an intermediary between the model and the view. The presenter handles user input and updates the view on a need-to-need basis.
  • Model-View-View-Model (MVVM). The model-view-view-model (MVVM) further simplifies the separation of concerns, introducing a view model that holds the application state and business logic, thus separating it from the view.

The choice of architectural pattern depends on the project’s complexity, the team’s expertise, and the app’s long-term maintainability.

14. How do I ensure my app handles multiple screen sizes and resolutions?

In the diverse Android ecosystem, supporting multiple resolutions and screen sizes is important in ensuring a consistent user experience across different devices. To ensure apps handle multiple screen sizes and resolutions, developers can implement the following strategies:

  • Responsive layouts. Use modern layouts (GridLayout, LinearLayout, Relative Layout) to ensure that screen sizes adjust to screens of various sizes and resolutions.
  • Density Independent Pixels (dp). Use density pixels as a unit for defining dimensions instead of pixels. Selecting dp ensures that elements scale appropriately across different screen densities.
  • Resource directories. Ensure you provide alternative resources like layouts and images in separate folders for different screen size densities and resolutions.
  • Vector graphics. Use scalable vector graphics (SVG) for images and icons as they can scale without losing quality.

15. How do I ensure that my app supports older versions?

Supporting older versions is crucial to ensure that you reach a broader audience.

Here’s how you can ensure that your newly developed Android app works even in older versions of the Android operating system.

  • Set the minimum SDK version. You should specify the minimum SDK version your app supports in the AndroidManifest.XML file.
  • Compatibility libraries. Use AndroidX libraries that offer backward compatibility in case of newer features.
  • Feature detection. Use the Build.VERSION.SDK_INT constant to detect a device’s API levels and apply the appropriate code paths.
  • Test. Test on various devices with varying Android versions to identify and fix compatibility issues.

It’s crucial to ensure that your app can access a broader audience by extending support for older versions of the Android operating system.

 

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16. What are the basic components of an Android app?

Android apps are built with basic components such as activities, content providers, services, and broadcast receivers. Activities represent the user interface. Services represent background tasks. broadcast receivers respond to system-wide announcements and content providers manage data-sharing between the app and different endpoint devices – smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs.

17. What’s an Android Emulator?

Android emulator is a tool by Android Studio simulating Android devices. Through this simulation, it allows the developer to test an app with different configurations and Android versions.

18. How can I optimize my app for better performance?

Performance optimization is crucial for a good user experience. Some tips include: minimizing network requests, efficient data structures, optimizing images, and using background threads for heavy, time-consuming tasks. Most importantly, it’s advisable to properly manage memory to prevent memory leaks.

19. How can I make my app more compatible with other devices?

Use the latest SDK version and select the minimum API target level. Test your app on different virtual devices with varying hardware specifications and different screen sizes.

20. Can you develop IOS apps using Kotlin or Android Studio?

No, Android Studio is exclusively designed for Android mobile applications. If you want to develop IOS mobile apps, you will need Apple’s development tools like Objective-C and XCode.

21. What are some popular libraries and frameworks in Android App Development?

Some popular libraries for Android app development include OkHttp for networking, Hilt for dependency injection, Room for database management, and Gson for parsing. However, it’s important to remember Android app development is an evolving frontier, therefore, it’s advisable to remain updated with the latest trends and technologies.

22. How do you select the best Android app developer?

Selecting the best Android developer depends on several factors such as cost, expertise, and reputation. Most developers offer a defined budget for mobile app development but this cost may differ depending on the diversity of features, operating environments (Android or IOS), and the complexity of the project.

Here’s how you select the best Android developer:

  • Define project requirements. Define the scope of your project, highlighting app features, app capabilities, operating requirements, and security considerations.
  •  Check experience and portfolio. Look for developers with a proven track record of developing superior mobile applications. Review their portfolio to see the quality and range of their work.
  • Technical expertise. Ensure that your expert or developer has sufficient technical expertise in areas like Java, and Kotlin, and understands Android SDK and other development toolkits and libraries.
  • Reviews and references. Request reviews from previous clients and check their portfolios for any reference materials. Online ratings and reviews on platforms such as LinkedIn or Upwork can provide valuable insight into the developer’s expertise.

Finding the right developer depends on project requirements and overall expectations as a client.

23. How do I know if I am ready for an Android app?

Whether running a small business or managing a large corporation, having an Android app is the best way to simplify those monotonous, mundane tasks such as invoicing, communicating, marketing, branding, and personnel management. An Android app streamlines tasks, enhancing the efficiency, scalability, and productivity of operations.

So, if you’re struggling with managing employees, managing your brand, or growing your revenue streams, it’s high time to consider an Android mobile app. An Android mobile app can provide valuable insights needed to reinforce your decision-making in areas like sales, marketing, advertising, and outreach. And if you’re experiencing HR planning and management issues, an HR app can do the job.

Turbocharge Your Digital Presence with Android App Development

NS804 empowers individuals and enterprises to do more with the power of a mobile app. With a robust, efficient, and feature-rich application, you can reach more customers, communicate with a broader audience, and build lasting brand partnerships and customer relationships.

Most importantly, we allow NS804 customers to experience our MVP product, allowing them to know what solutions they are getting by investing in our digital solutions.

Contact NS804 for superior Android app development solutions.

What is Rapid Application Deployment?

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Today’s digital landscape is ever-changing, and with innovation and speed being at the forefront of most digital developments, organizations are seeking innovative ways to boost their software development and deployment processes. The ever-changing digital landscape has seen software developers being more creative in accelerating their software and deployment processes. One area that has gained significant traction in propelling organizations to be steadfast in application development is rapid application deployment.

Essentially, rapid application deployment refers to a set of processes, practices, and techniques intended to increase the speed at which applications are designed, developed, tested, and deployed in marketplaces. Rapid application development harnesses proven techniques and sure-fire practices to propel the software development processes, from conception to completion.

This blog post explores the concept of rapid application deployment to provide business stakeholders, development teams, and potential clients with insights needed to adopt and master rapid application deployment. Adopting these practices and principles will help organizations upscale their application development while enjoying quality software solutions.

 

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Understanding Rapid Application Deployment

Rapid application development is a streamlined approach to software development. Rapid application development emphasizes speed and responsiveness. Development teams who leverage rapid application deployment will be more adaptable to disruptive technological trends. Likewise, they’re better suited to providing quality software solutions to their clients and end users. Therefore, by adopting the principles and practices of rapid application development, you stand to provide scalable, adaptable, and flexible software solutions while remaining within the boundaries of budget and timeline.

Key Features of Rapid Application Deployment

  • Speed. Rapid application deployment provides faster and more timely software solutions. This concept ensures that development teams reduce time-to-market timeframes, enabling businesses to respond faster to market opportunities.
  • Scalability. The rapid application deployment framework embraces an agile mindset. It fosters adaptability and flexibility. Agile principles such as customer collaboration and continuous improvement are central to rapid application deployment.
  • Iterative development. Rapid application deployment takes advantage of iteration. It divides tasks into smaller but more manageable increments. A large and complex configuration or programming task can be segmented into smaller workloads less prone to risk and more cost-efficient.
  • Continuous integration and deployments. Continuous integration and deployment cannot be disentangled from the entire concept of rapid application development. Continuous integration ensures the continuous integration of codes into a shared repository. Continuously integrating code changes to a shared repository prevents recurring mistakes or errors in codes and enhances the quality and adaptability of software development processes. On the other hand, continuous deployment refers to automating the deployment process so that software updates are deployed rapidly and more reliably.

Evolution and Significance of Rapid Application Development

Rapid application development has emerged as a response to key changes to the software development environment. Traditional processes and approaches like the waterfall model resulted in lengthy development processes and late launch dates. Rapid application deployment has emerged as a solution to overcome the demand for faster software deployment.

 

The Benefits of Rapid Application Deployment

Rapid application deployment holds several benefits in the software development environment.

1. Market responsiveness

Companies must constantly evolve and adapt to shifting consumer and market demand in today’s competitive market landscape. Customers need innovative solutions that are paired with cost-cutting measures. Markets demand more responsiveness, agility, and scalability. Rapid application deployment enables organizations to be more agile in their technology uptake. Companies leveraging this concept are more innovative and adaptive, providing less-to-market time for new software solutions.

2. Iterative improvement

Iterative improvement creates room for collecting feedback, validating, assumptions, and integrating suggestions into consequent parts of the project. In software development, feedback must be taken into consideration for quality and reliable outcomes. Interactive improvement leads to continuous learning and adaptability to evolving requirements. Development teams who adopt rapid application development can continuously integrate improvements into their processes. This eventually leads to quality and reliable software solutions.

3. Risk mitigation

The rapid application deployment approach takes into account the risk-mitigation factor. RAD approach continuously tests applications early enough to identify and mitigate unprecedented risks. Early and continuous testing ensures that errors are detected and mitigated early on in the development lifecycle. One technology used in risk mitigation is predictive maintenance. In predictive maintenance, detection bots are used to detect errors in every development cycle, providing insight into small technical issues before escalating to costly problems later on.

4. Enhanced collaboration

Rapid application deployment encourages cross-functional teams to deliberate on issues. Most importantly, this approach is anchored on frequent communication, ensuring that stakeholders can clearly define their project expectations. Frequent communication and cross-functional teams yield the integration required to develop applications that respond to existing problems. In addition, this collaboration leads to a shared understanding of project goals, facilitating knowledge-sharing in different stakeholder groups.

5. Customer-centricity

Rapid application deployment is feedback-driven, placing a central emphasis on customer satisfaction. Its iterative approach to design, development, and testing ensures that feedback is collected and shared. This iterative approach further prevents errors or mistakes from reaching the consequent stages of the project, leading to quality and reliable project outcomes. By integrating customer feedback, software development teams can build reliable software that responds to the needs of markets and customers.

Steps for Successful Rapid Application Deployment

1. Project planning and gathering requirements

A successful first-step approach for rapid application deployment is conducting project planning. The first step of conducting the project planning is defining your project goals.

  • Define your project goals. You must set out your project goals and objectives. Clearly defining your vision and goals helps you to align your development efforts with defined business goals. For instance, if you want to increase your client base by 30% in two years, your application deployment must guarantee this outcome.
  •  Identify your project requirements. You must meet with different stakeholders to identify any prevailing requirements. Prioritize all requirements based on their value and feasibility. Your plan must focus on core functionality and project outcomes in early iterations.

Successful project planning ensures that the consequent stages of the project proceed as planned.

2. Iterative development and release management

The rapid application deployment uses iterative development. This type of deployment delivers iterative deployment cycles. Each cycle leads to a deployable and manageable software increment. This process involves the following two steps.

  • Breaking down the development into smaller sprints. Typically, break down the project into smaller, manageable cycles that run between two to four weeks. Each iteration involves developing a testable and almost deployable software increment.
  • Prioritizing features and release plan. This step involves collaborating with stakeholders to comprehensively understand the project. Reiterate goals and project expectations. Reiteration ensures that the application or software developed meets the client’s needs.

Iterative development provides room for collaboration and information-sharing. This ensures that the project meets the needs of both the developers and the clients.

3. Test automation and continuous testing

Test automation ensures that any deployable increments are tested for quality outcomes. Each code that’s continuously integrated must be tested before deployment. Test automation is critical in rapid application deployment because it provides timely and accurate feedback on software quality.

Test automation involves the following two steps;

  • Identifying test cases. This step involves identifying test cases for automation. Test cases involve selecting areas that are critical for validating the security, performance, and functionality of an application. After identifying areas critical for a software’s performance and functionality, you can automate the test of these areas in a repeatable manner.
  • Deploy continuous testing. Now it’s time to implement continuous testing. Three types of tests must be deployed regularly to ensure that errors and mistakes in codes and executable or deployable increments are detected early in the software lifecycle development stages. These tests include automated tests, acceptance tests, and integration tests.

Test automation ensures reliable and accurate reporting of software quality, ensuring that teams proceed with information on the development lifecycle.

4. Continuous monitoring

Feedback loops and continuous monitoring are important in ensuring customer satisfaction, reliability, and performance of the application. Achieving continuous monitoring and feedback loops involves the following steps.

  • Application monitoring. Development teams use applications that track and evaluate key performance indicators. Monitoring tools are used to track KPIs such as response time, resource utilization, and error rates. Monitoring tools collect user feedback, identify improvement areas, and prioritize developments.
  •  Integrating feedback into development cycles. Collaboration with stakeholders helps to gather feedback. This feedback is injected into the development pipeline, ensuring that every iterative cycle captures the intended needs of customers and clients alike. In addition, this iterative feedback is shared in the development pipeline to ensure continuous improvement.

Providing continuous monitoring is a critical element of rapid application development. Continuously monitoring ensures that every deployable increment meets and exceeds the needs of the application development project.

Challenges of Rapid Application Deployment

Although rapid application deployment provides numerous benefits, there are various challenges that you must overcome to ensure successful implementation. Overcoming these glaring challenges is critical to meeting the needs of reliability, flexibility, and quality related to rapid application deployment.

1. Managing technical debt

Technical debt refers to the costs or losses incurred while taking suboptimal solutions in software development. Technical debt can impair future development. So, it’s crucial to take measures to mitigate technical debt. Some of the steps taken to manage technical debts include;

  • Regular refactoring. Regular refactoring is allocating sufficient time and resources to a code to improve its structure. This approach helps reduce technical debt, by ensuring that the code base is always clean and adaptable.
  • Prioritize technical debt reduction. Integrate efforts to reduce technical debt at every development lifecycle. Integrate efforts, systems, and processes that detect and mitigate costly risks. In addition, reconcile differences between new feature development and technical debt to ensure that you do not create more but less-likable features against the backdrop of rising debt.

Debt must be mitigated because it represents a risk to future application development.

2. Ensuring quality assurance

Ensuring quality assurance is important in application deployment because the design speed must not inhibit the quality of the end output. In rapid application deployment, experts believe that all steps, although proceeding at a significant pace, must take into account quality requisites. Deployable software increments churned at every iterative cycle must respond to quality requirements set out in that specific developmental cycle or stage. There is a wide range of strategies set to ensure quality assurance.

  • Automated testing. This step involves implementing a comprehensive suite of deployable tests. These tests may include end-to-end tests, integration tests, and unit tests. Automated testing ensures quick and reliable feedback, thus providing opportunities to improve the correctness and stability of an application.
  • Code reviews. Continuous code reviews detect, mitigate, and manage costly errors emanating from flawed code integrations and code deployments. By emphasizing code reviews, organizations can identify potential technical problems early in the development cycle. Peer reviews in code design and deployment ensure adherence to coding stands. Code reviews further help to catch bugs and promote knowledge sharing among peer groups.

Quality assurance is an instrumental challenge in rapid application deployment. Luckily, mitigation steps set to ensure the successful implementation of RAD provide immense solutions.

3. Security considerations

Rapid application deployment doesn’t overlook the vulnerability of attacks. Applications are one of the most targeted platforms, with hackers and attackers looking to exploit vulnerabilities. If financial software is infiltrated by unauthorized users; they will steal millions of credit card numbers. And using bots and iterative software, criminals can match credit card numbers with other user credentials like names, SSNs, and street addresses to gain access to protected information.

  •  Incorporating security practices. The first step taken to ensure maximum security is adherence to coding standards. Vulnerability testing is also incorporated early in the development stages to identify loopholes.
  • Secure deployment practices. The developer must follow established code standards, code configurations, and encryption of sensitive data. Following these secure protocols in code development and design enhances application security, increasing customer trust.

Development teams must provide secure applications prioritizing the customer’s safety, accountability, and security.

4. Continuous monitoring

Continuous monitoring and collecting feedback are critical for ensuring scalable and quality applications. Strategies deployed for effective monitoring and collecting of customer feedback include:

  • Application performance monitoring. The development teams deploy application performance monitoring tools and techniques to track an application’s real-time performance. Application tools report critical metrics on performance like response rate, overall responsiveness, functionality, application, and usability. Application
    performance monitoring helps monitor indicators such as error rates, response time, and resource use. These measures monitor and solve performance bottlenecks.
  • Engagement and user feedback. You must actively solicit user feedback using surveys, direct communication channels, and user testing. In your user engagement journey, prioritize user behavior, preferences, and pain points. Analyzing these trends is crucial in making important decisions about future improvements.

Continuous monitoring is critical for determining what works and what doesn’t. Evaluating feedback provides room for information-sharing, leading to informed decision-making across every stage of the development cycle.

 

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The Outcomes of Successfully Adopting Rapid Application Deployment

Although expensive and time-consuming in some quotas, rapid application deployment provides numerous benefits to enterprises and marketplaces.

  • Reduced time-to-market. Traditional development methods were time-consuming. Rapid application development provides a cohesive model with proven techniques to escalate an application’s development and deployment. Escalating the development process reduces the time-to-market, allowing customers and enterprises to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
  • Customer satisfaction. Customers are satisfied when the products and services meet their immediate needs. To meet your customers’ varied satisfaction levels, you must understand the perceived usefulness of your product. An application’s ‘perceived usefulness’ refers to the collective value of the product. Rapid application deployment provides quality assurance, developing products that meet and exceed expectations.
  • Efficiency and collaboration. Rapid application deployment leverages collaborations among stakeholders. Development teams, customers, and respondents all participate in different iterative stages. Each stage carries the collective feedback of every stakeholder. Iterative development helps deliver a holistic perspective and version of software to everyone.
  • Flexibility and adaptability. Rapid application development underscores the values of flexibility and adaptability. A large and immensely complex project disintegrates into smaller, more manageable deliverables. Each deliverable can be quantified, tested, and even deployed independently. Thus, the end outcome of rapid application deployment is a flexible and adaptable application that can respond, configure and detect changes based on changing user needs and demands.

Ensuring that you leverage the capabilities of rapid application deployment will ensure that you take advantage of emerging changes in the technology landscape.

NS804 – Scaling Heights With Rapid Application Deployment

NS804 works with a multidisciplinary team of professionals to deliver actionable software solutions. NS804 software solutions are scalable, adaptable, secure, and quality. The company has leveraged rapid application development mechanisms to accelerate application design, development, and deployment.

So, whether you’re a medium-sized e-commerce enterprise seeking rapid software solutions, or a large hospice seeking leverage in emerging e-health technologies, we are here to power your dream. We help all enterprises, small and large, simple or complex, reach the apex of transformative technology.

Reach out to NS804 for quality and reliable solutions in rapid application development.

Why You Should Outsource App Development

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Mobile apps have defined the future of business. Their ability to connect consumers and mobile users with prospective businesses and remote accessibility makes mobile apps a new frontier in virtually every industry – banking, retail, e-commerce, and manufacturing.

According to documented statistics, mobile apps are expected to generate over $900 billion in revenues in 2023 alone. Additional statistics show that the Apple App Store has over 1.5 million apps for download. This shows that a majority of enterprises and organizations have widely adopted mobile app capabilities. This is not to mention an additional statistic that shows that 20% of millennials open mobile apps over 50 times in a single day.

Despite the growing popularity of mobile apps and their revamped adoption by populations across different age groups and races, enterprises are struggling to leap into this new frontier. The high cost of mobile app development and the expertise required to develop a functional and relevant app all represent critical barriers to mobile app development.

 

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Key Reasons to Outsource Your Mobile App Development

In this article, we discuss key reasons you should outsource your mobile app development.

1. Access to expertise

Although it may appear convenient and flexible to hire an internal team to work on your app, you’re likely to miss out on the expertise when you do so. Outsourcing your mobile app development gives you access to a unique level of expertise. Outsourced teams and groups of developers are conversant with recent tech trends and they’re likely to bring their expertise to your project. In addition, hiring an internal team means that they do not keep up with recent tech trends and this will impair your mobile app development project as far as expertise and market relevance are concerned.

2. Latest tools and technologies

Did you know that Django and Kotlin are the latest programming languages when developing IOS projects? Well, you’re unlikely to know this if you deal with an internal team of ‘experts’. Working with a reputable and renowned developer gives you access to the latest tools and technologies. It allows you to tap into the latest technology when developing your app. So, whether you’re dealing with an Android app for a small enterprise or an IOS app for a large organization, outsourcing gives you access to the latest tools and technologies.

3. Flexibility

Outsourcing your mobile app development project comes with unique flexibility. That’s because when outsourcing, you delegate this task to an external party, which gives you the ability to work on your core business without interruption. Moreover, you get to focus on the bottom line without having to deal with the intricate nuances of designing and developing the app yourself. Outsourced mobile app development teams take the burden off your shoulders, relieving you of the stress and time required to develop the app yourself.

4. Fast project completion time

Did you know that developing an app can take months depending on the size and scale of your business operations? Well, imagine developing something you have little or no experience with. This can be time-consuming and strenuous at best, denying you the freedom to focus on more business-oriented activities. For instance, if you’re a marketing agency or an advertising company, you may find yourself dealing with design and development instead of focusing on your core business. However, outsourcing mobile app development gives you external expertise much needed to ensure that the project is finished on time.

5. Risk mitigation

Another benefit of outsourcing that’s often overlooked is risk mitigation. While risk is inherent in any business regardless of industry, hiring or outsourcing developers gives you some mitigation in case things do not work out as planned. Outsourced developers are responsible for any unforeseen risks. The outsourced team will work and re-work the design until you’re comfortable that things are perfectly okay. In addition, outsourced teams first work on a minimum viable product MVP before proceeding to the actual design and development work. The MVP is a prototype of the actual product, which gives you an overview of the entire project before completion. This, in turn, helps you to mitigate risk.

 

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6. Cost-effectiveness

Hiring an internal team to handle the project design, development, deployment, and maintenance can be costly. This is because you’ll not only have to deal with the salaries and remunerations of the hired staff, but also the cost of the technology, tools, software, and computers required to do so. More often, you’ll have to deal with costs of risk and failure should the plan go as unintended. However, having an outsourced team gives you cost-effectiveness to your project, because the team will work closely with you on an agreed budget. This saves you the cost of failure, it saves you the cost of the technology that goes into the project and helps you to focus on the bigger picture.

7. Efficiency

Efficiency deals with the qualities of effectiveness, planning, regulation, and orderliness. When designing and developing an app, you need a team that’s experienced in doing that. Outsourced teams work on multiple projects, therefore, they have the proficiency and excellence of developing functional and efficient apps. Efficiency further addresses the amount of useful work that goes into a project against the total resources injected into the project. Outsourced teams work on proven budgets and timelines. They are therefore efficient in what they do. However, hiring a team to deal with such an insurmountable task may lead to inefficiencies, especially when your company or business has other core responsibilities.

8. Optimized support

Did you know that the support of an outsourced team comes with the benefit of continuous improvement? Your company not only has the support of ensuring that the app is updated but there’s also always a team ready to assist with any issues or concerns that may arise during the implementation phase. Most importantly, you get to enjoy constant upgrades, maintenance, and repairs that may be needed during the operational phase of the app. Outsourced teams provide this level of optimized support, ensuring that your app functions even during difficult times. These are times when many users are leveraging the app at go.

9. Tested and proven work

Outsourcing teams come with personnel who’ve written many applications. Outsourcing gives you the leverage of working with experienced and competent personnel. These personnel can identify glitches and can always thrive for perfection. In addition, they know when your app is likely to stall or be hacked by malicious software. On the other hand, handling the development yourself by hiring an internal team denies you tested and proven skills, making you vulnerable to unforeseen circumstances like malicious attempts.

10. Customer satisfaction

There’s no denying that achieving high levels of customer satisfaction is highly important in today’s customer-centric environment. Businesses are always striving to be customer-centric in efforts to achieve high levels of customer retention. Three main factors drive customer satisfaction: cost, quality, and completion time. Outsourcing your app development project will help you achieve these three metrics. First, you save on costs, you achieve desired levels of quality, and finally, your project gets completed on a scheduled timeline. Overall, this helps with customer satisfaction and loyalty.

11. Regulatory compliance

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a framework that addresses laws and policies that protect consumer data. Personally-identifiable information such as names, addresses, social security numbers, and credit card information must be protected at all costs. Your app must be in a position to protect against consumer information.

Outsourcing trusted teams to develop your app ensures that you get qualified personnel who are conversant with overlapping laws and policies in cybersecurity and data protection. Your business will not have to suffer in the event of a data breach because this task is outsourced and delegated. Your enterprise will not take responsibility or be culpable for data breaches and unlawful access to unauthorized information by third parties.

12. Competitive positioning

Mobile app developers have developed apps for multiple enterprises and organizations. They know what sets you apart from the competition. Their vast knowledge of different market dynamics and their expansive outlook on different industries means they know what should set you apart from the competition. And because you’re building an app for competitive positioning, it makes perfect sense to rely on experts, people who understand the market. However, hiring people to do the development for you denies you the competitive market insight required to develop a competitive app.

13. Scalability

Assuming that you develop an app in 2023 and your consumer base grows by 40% in three or four years, will your app manage to accommodate this additional user base? Well, not. However, outsourcing your mobile app development efforts gives your app scalability much needed to capture an additional user base. That’s because outsourced app developers can scale your app up and down depending on changes in your computing needs. Outsourcing allows you to access new technologies such as the cloud which can be scaled up and down depending on changes in a business’s computing requirements.

Avoiding Risks and Optimizing Your Outsourcing Success

It’s important to know that although outsourcing provides a unique set of advantages and benefits, it presents inherent risks with often intricate nuances. For instance, outsourcing does not give you control of the development process. In addition, there’s little engagement with the development team. Time-zone differences and communication challenges can also impair the mobile app development process. However, despite these nuances, you can navigate these challenges with the following tips.

Here’s how to avoid risk and optimize your outsourcing success.

  • Geography. It’s advisable to select an outsourcing company located in your home country. If you’ll hire abroad, ensure the company doesn’t have crises or political instabilities like war. And if you’d like to meet the team in person, it’s advisable that you select an outsourcing company that you can access when you want.
  • Market. It’s further advisable to select an outsourcing company that has been in the market for a long time. A well-established company will always give you expertise and experience. And if you want to outsource your development to a new team of developers, ensure they have quality standards that match yours.
  • Documentation. It’s important to ensure that your code documentation is accurate and code quality is at the top. If in doubt, it’s advisable to hire an outsourced developer to review your code. Remember that successful project implementation depends wholly on accurate documentation. This means you may want to be extra vigilant when hiring an outsourcing team.
  • Copyright. You must protect your project by adding intellectual copyright and non-disclosure agreement (NDA) clauses. Remember that hiring an unreliable and unauthentic outsourcing team can cost you significantly, especially if your app is etched on creativity, innovation, and ingenuity. So, protecting your unique creation starts by signing a contract with an outsourced team. Otherwise, you may end up incurring thousands or millions in lawsuits after the theft of your unique idea – and ultimately the failure of your innovative business.
  • Updates. It’s important that you agree on a communication timeline. Your outsourced team must agree on when updates must be given. And once you’ve scheduled your project, you can agree on when to visit the outsourced team to track your progress. Requesting constant communication and updates is a great way of fast-tracking your project and ensuring that the outsourced team delivers as expected.
  • Quality. Learn more about the developer’s development process and quality assurance. You may also want to look at how they address risks and threats throughout the development process. Your mobile app developer must assure you how best they will address unforeseen threats.

NS804 – Your Trusted App Development Partner

NS804 provides quality and reliable app development services. As your outsourced partner, we value your privacy and are accountable at every step of the development process. With experience in IOS app design, Android design, and hybrid design, we can assure you of quality and reliable services.

So, whether you’re a small enterprise seeking a new entry-level app or a large organization seeking a secure app, you can always count on our expertise. In addition, NS804 provides a minimum viable product, allowing you to review the quality of the end product long before we kick off the project.

Contact NS804 for tested-and-proven mobile app development services.

 

Mobile App Development Partnerships: Finding Partners in Richmond, VA

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Developing a mobile app is one of the most complex duties for businesses nowadays. Unfortunately, most enterprises going digital lack the development knowledge required to design, develop and launch a successful mobile app.

Here’s why mobile app development partnerships come in handy. Mobile app development partnerships allow you to outsource some or all development efforts to an expert.

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By outsourcing, you enjoy the following sets of benefits.

1. Cost-savings

Hiring an offshore mobile app development partner can significantly reduce app development costs. Remember that designing a mobile app in-house requires hiring professional designers and app developers, providing them with the resources (computing and technical resources), and covering ongoing operational costs to develop your app. However, outsourcing app development partners ensure that you transfer these development costs to a third-party provider who handles the development process from inception to completion.

2. Skilled workforce

Outsourcing your mobile app development allows you to access skilled experts who may not be available in your local area. Remember that talent is diversified, meaning that it is not concentrated in a particular local area. Outsourcing development experts or partners enables you to access developers and partners with expertise in multiple programming languages and technologies. So, if you’re in any area with development companies or experts and want excellent development skills, partnerships will help you leverage these skills.

3. Focus on core competencies

Mobile app development partnerships allow businesses to focus on their core competencies and leave the development bit to experts. For instance, if you’re a large retail store, you can focus on procurement, supply, and distribution of your products instead of focusing your attention and time searching for an expert team of developers. Similarly, if you’re a construction or real estate firm, you can focus on dealing with permit expediters, developers, and property valuers instead of hiring and recruiting an app development team. So, mobile app development partners enable you to focus on the bottom line while benefiting from an excellent app.

4. Faster time-to-market

Outsourcing your mobile app development efforts gives you a faster time to market. An outsourced app development team has vast experience developing mobile apps for different clients. Therefore, they will develop your app faster than an in-house team. In addition, an outsourced partner has experience with multiple programming languages and multiple technologies. So, such a provider is unlikely to struggle with new app trends and will inform you on the best mechanisms to design and launch your app.

5. Scalability

Outsourcing your app development efforts allows you to scale your business operations up and down depending on changing market needs. By working with an app development partner, you can outline and explain to them your needs, and they’ll incorporate these concerns in their app development efforts. Unfortunately, working with an in-house team that doesn’t understand your market needs will see your app fail to attract the desired clientele. You will struggle to scale your business with changing market and industry needs working with inexperienced developers.

6. Access to cutting-edge technology

As seen above, outsourced partners have in-depth knowledge of the latest app development languages such as Swift, Kotlin, and Rust. In addition, outsourced partners have vast experience with the latest technologies. They’re likely to help you incorporate these technologies into your business operations. For instance, technologies such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, virtual and augmented reality, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence are up-and-coming. Working with outsourced app partners will help you incorporate these overlapping technologies into your business.

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NS804 – Trailblazers in Mobile App Development, Richmond, VA

So, if you’re looking for partners in Richmond, VA; then you’re in the right place.

At NS804, we help enterprises looking for app development partners in Richmond, VA, find the best. We’re experienced in iOS, Android, and hybrid app development, and we can help you and your enterprise transcend beyond any app development challenge or difficulty.

Contact NS804 for time-to-value, cutting-edge mobile app development solutions.

 

Charlotte, VA Mobile App Trends to Know

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One proven fact about mobile apps is that they’re more popular than websites. The growth in smartphone ownership coupled with an uptick in internet penetration rates means that people today use mobile apps to access shopping platforms and do many other things like issuing payments, comparing prices, and contrasting where and when to shop.

Apps, in addition to their popularity, have an interactive and intuitive design. Interactive app designs are more popular and easy to use – and people tend to avoid apps and websites with complicated designs.

Statistics estimate that the average user has approximately 80 apps on their mobile devices. Ads continue to be the most popular source of revenue for mobile apps, making mobile apps a frontier in today’s digital world.

Here are common mobile app trends businesses and consumers must know

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1. Interconnected internet of things (IoT)

IoT is a dawning reality for most mobile applications. Sources estimate that the global internet of things will reach $320 billion by 2023. $226 billion of this estimate will come from mobile apps, signaling a new wake for mobile app adopters – enterprises, institutions, and markets at large.

According to Statista, the revenue associated with technologies that use IIoT will eclipse $1.5 trillion by 2025, highlighting the importance of IIoT integration in mobile apps.

Therefore, as mobile apps become a new frontier and with the projected growth in this market, it makes perfect sense for mobile app developers to integrate the interconnected internet of things in their creations, mobile apps included.

2. Apps for foldable devices

While it feels like a long time ago, foldable devices dominated the mobile app market in the last few decades. From Samsung to Nokia, foldable mobile phones have remained a strong force in the mobile market.

In 2019, mobile phone developers appeared to steer towards this traditional trend in mobile design. For instance, Samsung launched the Samsung Galaxy Fold, Huawei surprised us with the Huawei Mate, and Motorola was not left behind with its newest invention – Motorola Razr.

The difference between today’s foldable devices and what we experienced two decades ago is that the former fold to increase and decrease the screen size based on user preferences.

From a mobile app development perspective, content creators and resellers must account for this new development when designing and upgrading apps for foldable devices.

3. 5G technology

The dawn of the 5G technology will have a lasting impact on mobile app trends. For retailers, resellers, and content creators, the emergence of 5G technology will dictate how apps are developed, their speed, and their reaction to user touches.

Looking at the uptake of 5G technology, we realize a surprising trend. In 2019, there were 3.7 million 5 G-supported smartphone devices. This figure rose to almost 1030 supported devices in 2023.

5G technology means a lot for mobile app development.

First and foremost, mobile app developers must design with speed and latency in mind. For instance, 5G technology promises ten times more speed and almost a similar decrease in latency.

Depending on the network operator, 5G technology will be 100 times faster than 4G. The development and infusion of 5G by mobile operators mean that mobile app designers must incorporate more features without worrying much about the app’s functionality and overall performance.

4. Cloud computing

The emergence of cloud computing promises a lot for mobile app developers. The growth in cloud services is supported by three leading platforms – Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure.

The cloud provides enhanced storage, allowing apps and processors to process and store information quickly. The emergence and growth of cloud platforms further imply that developers will need to incorporate this new frontier in their developments.

Cloud computing will benefit apps in the following ways:

  • Accessibility. Easy accessibility of mobile apps and mobile app features anywhere and anytime.
  • Flexibility. Cloud will enable app users and developers to easily get rid of any software and any hardware.
  • Security. Cloud computing provides apps with centralized security, meaning that app users do not have to worry about data privacy.
  • Performance. Apps can perform more effectively because the cloud provides a superior user experience and better performance.
  • Continuity. Cloud computing allows for business continuity because the cloud secures business-critical information, allowing it to be accessed even during a disaster or calamity.
  • Cost. Cloud provides cost savings because you only have to pay for a designated subscription and increase this subscription depending on changes or adjustments in your storage and processing needs.

Cloud facilitates quick application development and provides instant business insights to consumers and enterprises seeking to leverage their business data to make informed, data-driven business decisions.#

5. AI and ML

The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning has been on the rise in recent years, and this trend will rise in 2024. What artificial intelligence and machine learning do is that they enable mobile apps to understand human behavior. AI and ML provide better user experiences like enhanced user preference and personalized experiences.

6. Metaverse-like experiences

The notion of the metaverse as a world integrating different user experiences has gained traction in the last few years. In 2023, we will see the growth and uptake of metaverse-like experiences in individual apps.

The growth and uptick in metaverse-like experiences will see mobile app users moving between different app experiences and accessing a wide range of services from a single platform.

Major meta players like Roblox, Microsoft, Facebook, and Decentraland are all working towards reimagining mobile apps that offer a virtual world where users can interact, collaborate, share, create, and participate in activities.

7. Integration of gamification

The lines between mobile apps and games are blurred – and soon, we will see the emergence of gamification in mobile apps. The gamification of apps in non-gaming fields like health and fitness, education, and productivity will provide users with immersive and engaging experiences.

The essence of gamification in apps is pretty simple, it’s geared to engage and motivate users, thus helping them accomplish goals by awarding virtual points or virtual awards.

For instance, a health and fitness app can use gamification to encourage users to participate in competitions and earn points when they accomplish a specific target. Gamification will ultimately shape how mobile apps are used and perceived by users.

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NS804 – Supporting Charlotte’s Digital Transformation

Charlotte County in south-central Virginia is a small town with a potential for economic growth. Business parks cover this local township, highlighting its potential for local and regional economic growth.

Charlotte’s rural culture signifies a favorable tax structure and lower land rates. So, if you intend to start a business in Charlotte, VA, you’re in the right place.

At NS804, we provide superior solutions in mobile app development in Charlotte, VA. So, if you’re running a business or planning to start one, you can always rely on our expertise to stir your journey.

Charlotte’s rural culture presents a digital opportunity for entrepreneurs willing to adopt digital solutions. Our mobile app development solutions allow you to access your target customers, whether inside Charlotte County or in its vicinity.

Reach us today for superior mobile app development solutions – whether you’re looking for IOS apps, Android apps, or hybrid apps.

Not Getting the Mobile App Support You Need? 4 Reasons to Find a New Partner

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Choosing a mobile app development partner is a like choosing a business or life partner. You will need their support well after the initial launch of your mobile app. Companies that have internal product development teams have it a bit easier because they can add talent to the team whenever necessary. However, when working with an external development team, you must do proper due diligence to establish whether you can work with them over the long haul.

If you are currently facing frustrations with your developer, there are numerous reasons why you might want to work with a different partner. You can use these reasons as a checklist when shopping for a new development team.

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Familiarity with Current Technologies and Best Practices

When choosing a new development partner, establish whether they are familiar with or already employing technologies considered standard in building mobile apps similar to yours. In fact, it would be prudent to engage the services of a consultant to determine which development languages and frameworks the developer should be proficient in.

Further, the development team should employ industry best practices when building the project. For instance, documentation is quite important when writing code. This ensures easier maintenance of your app even if an internal product team takes over from the external team.

Working Methods and Communication

Culture clash is a major point of concern whenever you are picking a development partner for a long-haul project. Are your working methods compatible with yours? It’s best to work with a development company that has a proper team where members have clear-cut roles. They should also be willing to provide a liaison person for the duration of your partnership. A team is always better than one developer. With the former, continuity is somewhat assured even when a team member exits the company.

Further, you should insist that all communication is properly documented. It should be clear from the onset how often update meetings should take place to avoid grey areas on important issues.

Experience Building Mobile Apps

The value of experience when picking a company to entrust with a mobile app development project cannot be overstated. Experienced companies can give better approximations of the human resources, time, and cost of projects. They are also more aware of possible pitfalls and take action to prevent the project from stalling. When committing significant resources towards the development of a mobile app, you will be more at ease entrusting the project to a team that has handled similar projects successfully in the past.

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Business Understanding

Whereas the technical competence is the most important factor in deciding on a mobile app development partner, business understanding is equally important. The potential partner should be able to see how the mobile app contributes to your company’s bottom line. They should see features from a customer’s point of view. Conversations about what features to prioritize or even the minimum viable product for a new project should be anchored on giving the most value possible to customers.

If you are seeking world-class mobile app development services, reach out to us at NS804. We are a world-class mobile app development company with experience in delivering business apps to hundreds of businesses. For more information on what we do and our working methods, schedule a call with us here.

Android vs. iOS: Choosing The Right Mobile App Strategy

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Every development lead must comprehend the pros and cons of the most popular mobile platforms. Therefore, it’s common to engage in lengthy and strenuous deliberations regarding the age-old Android vs. iOS debate. And yes, this may sound passé considering how firmly established both platforms have become and how often the fanboys on both camps have had to eat humble pie. 

But we’re not talking about fanboyism here, as that’s detrimental for any app developer. After all, the best app developers and publishers don’t pick favorites but focus on tangible results. And there’s no point in favoring Android over iOS, or vice versa, in an era when both platforms satisfy billions of users globally. 

Therefore, the wisest option is to target both platforms if that fits the budget and capabilities of the development team. But we do want to stress that it’s crucial to implement a different strategy for each platform. And that’s because Android and iOS each serve specific markets and demographics better than others. 

For example, Android is the mobile gaming heavyweight and has a far larger global audience. Thus, it makes good business sense for game developers to focus their efforts more on Android vs. iOS in most cases. These efforts could involve the game assets, code, testing, marketing, and ad campaigns. 

On the flip side, iOS users love apps that enhance their photos or help them edit videos. That makes sense, considering that iOS devices are known for their excellent cameras and are used extensively by content creators and social media influencers. Understanding these differences allows every development lead to stay on top of the Android vs. iOS discussion and even steer it toward a fruitful direction.

But What Is A Mobile App Strategy?

A mobile app strategy encompasses the early planning stages, development phase, marketing efforts, and release. Ultimately, it serves as a roadmap for bringing your app to fruition. Without a mobile app strategy, your team will have scattered goals and priorities, and your project will fail.

And this is a problem because too many small indie developers treat mobile app development as a feel-good endeavor. They watch several YouTube videos, then read some articles and Reddit posts, which convince them that app development is fun. 

And while app development is indeed fun, professional studios always focus on delivering results. That means the fun and excitement of app development take a back seat to work within the parameters of a carefully conceived plan instead. Clients who partner with studios such as NS804 expect high-quality apps that meet their requirements. Therefore, there’s no room for aimless “what if” scenarios or raw experimentation, which indie and freelance developers may embrace.

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Android vs. iOS: A Mobile App Strategy That Applies To Both

As we mentioned earlier, you’ll likely target both Android and iOS platforms for your apps. Therefore, when you start putting together your mobile app strategy, you’ll have to consider the following for both platforms: 

  • Research the marketplace to determine whether other apps already solve this problem. And if they do, can you implement a feature that innovates or improves on what existing competing apps offer users? If you cannot forge ahead with a better alternative, reconsider your app idea before entering a market with an oversupply of similar apps.
  • Conduct a SWOT analysis to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats your app business will likely face.
  • Draw up user profiles of the types of users who will likely embrace your app. Consider several demographic examples about these users, such as their age, sex, location, occupation, education, salary, and interests.
  • Define the capabilities of your app in detail, even if some of these don’t make it into the end product. Also, create a wireframe to prototype the user interface (UI) to show all stakeholders involved in the project.
  • Document all the data accessibility and management systems you’ll use for your app. And don’t forget to design your privacy and security protocols early on. Moreover, be sure your team’s up to speed with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) if you’re releasing your app in Europe.

Android vs. iOS: When Your Mobile App Strategy Will Differ

The primary areas that impact your mobile app strategy for each platform relate to the app stores, marketing, monetization, and tech stacks. Let’s take a more detailed look at these factors below:

  • App stores: The App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) are where most users will download their apps. But given Android’s more open philosophy and a wider variety of device manufacturers, there are way more stores to download Android apps. However, all these stores have their own app store optimization (ASO) requirements and user expectations that developers and publishers must meet. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work, but a different strategy for each app store leads to success.
  • Marketing: Brand positioning, public relations (PR), outreach programs, pre-launch promotions, sales offers, and even post-release strategies will impact the success or failure of your app. Also, ensure you tailor your marketing messaging specifically for Android and iOS users and your app’s potential user demographics.
  • Monetization: iOS attracts more affluent users, and they’re more likely to spend money on apps than their Android counterparts. Therefore, an iOS app can make money with in-app purchases, subscriptions, or even as a paid app. But an Android app will likely generate more income via advertisements. So, a completely different monetization strategy for each platform will work best.
  • Tech stacks: Apple provides its proprietary Xcode integrated development environment (IDE), the Swift programming language, and platform-specific application programming interfaces (APIs). And Google offers its Android Studio IDE & App Tools and the Kotlin programming language. Developers should use these two tech stacks, especially if they develop native apps for each platform.

Additional Mobile App Strategy Considerations

It’s not uncommon for app developers to utilize cross-platform tools and other handy tools that aid productivity. For example, a developer may use the Visual Studio IDE, the C# programming language, and Xamarin for cross-platform development. And such a tool allows the developer to focus on a single codebase while enjoying the benefits of native performance. 

But what would this do for the mobile app strategy? It would simplify it somewhat, as the developer won’t have to deal with the complexities and costs of maintaining two codebases. But the developer should still consider a contingency plan in case Xamarin is sunset during development or any similar scenario, even if it seems unlikely.  

Another factor that will seriously impact productivity and development costs is cloud infrastructure. It may save company resources to use a cloud-based testing service to run unit tests, especially for a startup. And even a more established developer may benefit from additional security and scalability offered by a good cloud service. 

Understanding the pros and cons and associated costs of all tooling ahead of time is a huge boon. But it’s equally important to document all these within the mobile app strategy from the get-go. Furthermore, it’s essential to detail when Android and iOS strategies will be similar or different.

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The Bottom Line

The days of getting into heated Android vs. iOS debates should hopefully be over. But that doesn’t mean that the development lead should ignore the core differences between these two platforms. In fact, it’s essential to understand these differences intimately and draft a mobile app strategy that works flawlessly for Android and iOS specifically. Contact NS804 today to learn how we’ll help you craft a strategy to bring your best app ideas to the market!