To create a mobile app, you need motivation. And for motivation, you need an original project, expertise, time, and all the good reasons.
We have found at least 5 reasons that can motivate you to create an app:
- Improve Brand visibility and reputation
- Offer specific features to customers
- Generate interaction with what the business needs
- Utilize the global reach of mobile devices to scale your product
- Improve the speed and quality of interaction of your users
In this edition
We will explore each step to make a mobile application from scratch. Whether users want an app to complement a website, improve business reach, or have a great app idea, after reading this edition, you will be able to make a fully functional mobile application.
Also, you will get an easy guide for beginners on how to start developing an app for the first time.
Follow these 7 easy steps to build your app:
- Define the app idea on paper
- Choose between a Native app or a PWA (Progressive Web App)
- Select the right development method for the app
- Create your app with a no-code app builder
- Test your app on iOS and Android devices
- Submit and publish your app in the stores
- Improve and update your app continuously
1. Get your app idea on paper
According to research in 2020, 218 billion mobile apps were downloaded, and in 2022, it reached 258 billion. That shows the high demand for mobile applications and the competitiveness of the market.
Set the goals for your app
Study your target market and define a concept for your app. Ask yourself:
- What is your target audience?
- Which features are more usable, and how will users engage with your app?
- Are there similar apps in the market?
- Who are your competitors? Get design inspiration.
- Will you monetize your app?
Plan your app design
Create a mockup and remember — design is key. Users decide whether to stay or leave your app within 500 milliseconds. If they stay, they decide within 5–10 seconds whether to continue using it.
Visual complexity and prototypicality are crucial. Avoid overloaded layouts. Stick to clean and familiar design patterns.
App design includes:
- UI (User Interface): Icons, colours, fonts, logos, backgrounds
- UX (User Experience): Navigation, responsiveness, load time, and functionalities
Sketching wireframes
This helps you focus on key parts of your app before working with visuals. Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
User Interface Design (UI)
This determines whether users stay or leave. The UI must be simple and intuitive. Ensure that touch elements are at least 44px square (as per Apple guidelines).
User Experience Design (UX)
Focus on the time it takes to reach the goal, how easy it is to use the app, loading time, and how users feel using it.
Apply the 3-click rule
Users should be able to find any feature or content within three clicks. This doesn’t mean sticking strictly to three clicks, but simplifying the user journey as much as possible.
2. Build a Native App or a PWA based on your needs
Native Apps
- Native mobile apps are developed for specific devices (Android or iOS)
- They provide high performance and deeper access to device resources
- Cover over 80% of mobile traffic
- Require platform-specific languages like Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android
Progressive Web Apps (PWA)
- A PWA is a web app that offers an app-like experience
- Works across platforms without needing app store distribution
- Great for reaching users on both desktop and mobile using one codebase
3. Choose the Best Way to Make Your App
1. Build It Yourself
- Requires coding knowledge: Swift, Objective-C, Java, or Kotlin
- Offers complete control but is time-consuming
- Great for tech-savvy individuals or learners
2. Hire an Agency or Freelancer
- Ideal for professional, custom-built apps
- Requires a higher budget
- The easiest way to achieve a polished product without technical effort
3. Use an App Builder (No-Code)
- No coding required
- Perfect for small businesses and startups
4. Build Your App with a No-Code App Builder
Design
- Choose colors, header style, navigation, app icon, and splash screen
- Match the app with your brand’s theme
- The Home page is crucial – make it simple and highlight top features
Add Your Content
- Add text, images, videos, forms, maps, and more
- You can upload content manually or connect with RSS feeds, or social accounts
- Keep navigation simple
Add Features (Add-Ons)
- For shopping: Add loyalty cards or coupons
- For teams: Add chat or community features
- For communication: Use push notifications
Custom Plugins & API Access
- You can expand features using plugins or connect with external tools via APIs
5. Test Your App on iOS and Android
Before going live, ensure:
- Fast loading
- No bugs or crashes
- Works in poor network conditions
- Looks good on all screen sizes
- Easy navigation
Get feedback from testers.
Useful Testing Tools
- TestFlight (for iOS)
6. Submit and Publish Your App
Create Developer Accounts
- Apple Developer Program: $99/year
- Google Play Developer: $25 one-time fee
Note: iOS apps must match the developer account name
Apple App Store
- Prepare app icon, screenshots, description
- Submit your app for Apple’s review (may take a few days)
- Follow Apple’s guidelines strictly
Google Play Store
- Fill in app details and upload the APK file
- Google reviews are generally faster
- Follow policies to avoid removal
For PWA (Progressive Web App)
- No need to publish in app stores
- Host on a website and link with a domain
- Quick and simple setup
Tip: Buy your domain for a professional appearance.
7. Keep Improving Your App
An app is never truly finished. Continue to:
- Add fresh content regularly
- Launch new features
- Listen to user feedback
- Monitor analytics to see what’s working
Update and Notify
- Inform users of new features via push notifications or banners
- Major changes may require resubmitting to app stores
- PWA updates can be done instantly without approval
Let’s Build, Launch, Grow
Whether you build it yourself, hire a developer, or use an app builder—remember:
The real magic begins after the launch.
Keep improving your app, engage your users, and grow continuously.
Need help? Let Escade Technologies guide your mobile app journey from idea to store!
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