Seven custom app development myths – debunked

Consumers are increasingly adopting smartphones as a primary choice for browsing, shopping and researching. Many businesses are realizing that they need to provide what their customers want. In this regard, mobile app development has become a top priority to reach target customers.

 

Companies that want to work towards a long term mobile app strategy must create a framework that will support efficient app development. However, there are some persistent mobile app development myths that could stop you from getting into the right track.

 

Fortunately, these are just myths and the reality is something else. It is important to discover the true potential of mobile app development. After careful analysis and speaking to various industry enthusiasts, I have listed seven custom app development myths and debunked them for better understanding.

 

1. Custom apps takes more time to build

It is a common belief that custom app development takes more than 6 months. The amount of time required to build a business app depends on the requirements of the company. Some companies need multiple apps to serve different units and hence it takes time to build such apps. However, the right mobile app development platform can cut-down the development time to half. The developers can re-use the code and backend services to speed up app development.

 

There are a variety of factors involved in building a great mobile app. Ideally, it takes 3 months to build initial version of an app. But, apps with more features and advanced functionality will take more than 6 months to build.

 

2. It is always easy to build the first version mobile app

The initial version of mobile app takes weeks, months and even years to reach your expectations. However, a lot of people believe that it is always easy to build the first version of mobile app. Mobile app developers need to give considerable amount of time to build the first version, especially if they are building a unique app. Hurrying up might result in a poor quality app, which may not even be accepted by app stores.

 

It is also rumored that every coding must be done in the first version itself. However, app developers believe in developing Minimum Viable Product (MVP) where businesses can compete with their rivals and develop the best app.

 

3. Custom apps are not supported by IT

There are different types of apps in different categories such as – gaming, shopping, music, entertainment, travel etc. There is a myth that custom apps come in a different category and are not supported by IT. There are lots of apps that are categorized as long tail apps and are scattered over the organization. Though these apps are driven by business team, they are supported by IT team too.

 

Long tail apps are always flourished by IT teams, where the IT leaders bring them under control. There are a few advanced app development platforms that allow centralized control by IT department and eases the task of building business apps.

 

4. Users use custom apps occasionally, once downloaded

There is a misconception that users’ use the app regularly once it is downloaded and the success rate of app depends on the number of downloads. However, the truth is that the number of downloads can’t determine the success rate of the app. If the user is using your app at least 3-4 times a week, it means your app is doing well.

 

It is must for companies to go with mobile app marketing along with development, as these both strategies make the app successful. You can get better insights after launching the app, as more and more users interact with the app features. You can analyze how users are converted into potential customers and improve the app accordingly.

 

 

5. iOS app development and Android app development are same

Android and iOS are two different platforms with different standards and guidelines. There is a myth that app developed in one platform can be supported by other platform. However, the truth is that mobile apps should be developed separately for both the platforms – which is quite difficult.

 

To overcome this issue, app developers should either choose hybrid app development or have great command over both the OS. Platforms such as React Native and Ionic allow developers to write codes for both the platforms. But, if you want to take complete advantage of each OS, you should consider native app development.

 

6. The more are the features, the better is your app

There is a misconception that the success rate of mobile app depends on the number of features it has. The truth is that no one likes the app that is complex to understand. Adding multiple features in the app doesn’t make it better. Moreover, it kills the interest of the user — especially if he/she is struggling to use the app.

 

The functionalities of the app should clearly define the purpose and should give the users a clear idea of your business. The features of the mobile app should be finalized after considering the technical feasibility.

 

7. App is visible to users as soon as it is submitted to the store

Mobile apps are not noticeable by the users as soon as they are submitted to the app store. They are not visible to the potential users if app owners fail to promote it effectively. You need to use a variety of mobile marketing strategies and ASO techniques to rank your app high on App Store. This can be done by using right keywords, description and screenshots of your mobile app.

 

The pricing of app plays a very important role in determining its success rate. It is estimated that more than 90% of the apps in App Store are free in different stores. You can increase user engagement by making the app free. A mobile app won’t be promoted on its own. You must promote your app by using different promotional tactics such as – blogs, journal, social media etc.

 

Conclusion

App developers should take due care during the process of app development, regardless of the baseless myths. In case of any such news, app developers should conduct through analysis. With all negative myths and intentions, it is better to wait for the opportunity to come along.

 

Debunking the above myths, I would like to clarify that developing a mobile app is not a daunting task. The life cycle of mobile app development depends on the size of the app. Moreover, it should be promoted through effective channels to reach target audience. Creating a custom mobile app is not as expensive as people think. It’s just a matter of investing at the right place in the right time.

 

Mobile app development is something that every business owner should know about. It is essential to know about the myths, challenges and opportunities before developing a great app. You will see a positive impact on your business by going mobile, if you get your app right at the first time itself.