Article written and submitted by Gloria Martinez, email info@womanled.org
Developing an app for your business is a great way to tune into the wants and needs of your customer base, but it’s important to take your time and do it right. Many apps begin as strong ideas but lose something in the execution, making things like beta testing and User Acceptance Testing essential parts of the process. While this can help you work out kinks in the design, it’s also the best way to ensure that your app meets your goals. Presented by Connected Circuits, here are a few tips on how you can avoid common development mistakes when you’re ready to create your own app.
Recruit the best talent
As with any important project, it’s crucial to start by finding the best talent for the job. The right app designer will keep both your needs and a user-friendly element in mind as they create your app, ensuring that the end result is consistent when used across multiple products and devices. These days, finding mobile app designers is easier than ever with job boards that give you access to experienced designers. You can read reviews of their work, see pricing, and compare timeframes for a finished product.
When you hire someone to handle the job, make sure you understand how to properly pay for their services. If you haven’t done so already, you need to set up your payroll system. There are many time tracking apps that allow your employees to access schedules and team management information. What’s more, these apps allow you to access this info from mobile devices.
Have a clear vision
When you don’t have a clear vision for a project, the end result will likely be difficult for your customers to understand and use. Define your goals from the very beginning — not only is this essential for your own success, but also for the success of your designer. Do market research to find out what other businesses are doing with their apps, and think about what you could bring to the table that’s different. Who is your target customer? Be realistic when it comes to your reasons for developing an app, asking yourself whether there truly is a need for it or if you’re simply trying to keep up with the times.
Offer plenty of reasons to come back
Not only does your app need to be necessary, but it also needs to offer your customers the features they want while providing meaningful analytics and other benefits for you. Many users these days are fickle when it comes to tech and don’t have much patience for apps that lag, have nothing special to offer, or are full of bugs, so you may only have a minute or so of user experience before they give up and try something else. Blow them away with easy-to-use design and features that will make their lives easier, such as swift, secure payment options and reminders for sales, events, and billing. When they can see the benefits right away, they’ll be more likely to return and keep using the service.
Keep it simple
While the app should have everything your customer wants and needs, it shouldn’t be complicated. Your business app should stay simple in design and execution, making it easy for even inexperienced users to interact with. Think about the most important elements of the app and make those the star attraction, stripping down extras to streamline. In beta testing, users should be able to quickly figure out how to navigate the app to find what they’re looking for. Keep in mind that you’ll want to have a backup plan in place before your product goes into beta testing so that small changes can easily be made. Remember, as well, that the beta testing process requires some planning in order to receive the most accurate feedback.
Developing an app for your business takes time and lots of thoughtful planning, and it also requires quite a bit of research. Make sure your goals have a realistic timeline, as this will prevent unnecessary stress on both you and your designer. With the right moves, you can create a successful app that benefits both you and your customers.
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