How to Break into Mobile App Development and Start Your Own Business
Everyone loves downloading apps. But what most people don’t know is that these little experiences offer big revenue. Consumer spending per device is on the rise, with total expenditure to estimated to reach $156.5 billion by 2022.
As smartphones get faster and the barrier between tablet and laptop continues to shrink, the app market will only continue to grow. As a result, businesses are going to need apps.
Who better to create them than you?
Keep reading to learn how to start an app development business — even if you’re not an expert coder.
Create Developer Accounts
Anyone can become an app designer. All they need to do is enroll in development programs.
The good news is that signing up for an account with Apple or Google is easy and only takes a few minutes. The bad news is that you’ll need to pay upfront.
Even with the upfront costs, both companies charge reasonable fees. For year-long access to Apple’s development resources, you’ll pay $99. Meanwhile, Google charges a one-time fee of $25.
Note that there are some strings attached in both cases. Namely, both companies will take a 30% cut of an app’s profits.
Still, it’s almost impossible to distribute an app without either storefront, so it’s best to plan for these costs upfront.
Find The Right Software
As we mentioned in the intro, you don’t have to be a computer whiz to code an app. However, you’ll at least need a basic understanding of a few programming languages so you can properly use app building software.
Brush up on your C#, Java, and Python. If you’re comfortable working with these three languages, you shouldn’t have a problem generating apps for your customers.
Thankfully you won’t have to code everything by hand. With the help of app dev software, you can design and code an app in as little as a few weeks.
Apple’s Xcode, for example, is designed to be a welcoming introduction to app development. Buildfire is another great App Creator and codes both iOS and Android apps.
Experiment with different software and find the right fit for your business.
Create Your First App
The app market is hyper-competitive. To win over new clients, you’ll need to demonstrate a finished product.
What better way to show off your skills than with an app of your own?
Use your new software to create an app for your business.
Use it as an extension of your website. Include your contact information as well as a list of your services.
Take your time and refine your app. Make sure it’s fun, engaging, and interesting.
This is something you’re going to show off to clients. It needs to serve as a fair representation of your skills as a developer, even if you need a Scrum Explainer to get started.
Once you’re satisfied with your work, publish it on the App Store and Google Play store. Congratulations, you’re an app designer!
How to Start an App Development Business
This tutorial should give you all the tips you need to know to get started. Once you’re comfortable, start marketing your app development services.
Be proud of yourself. Many people talk about learning how to start an app business, but few follow through. By reading this article, you’re already ahead of the curve.
To give yourself a competitive edge, learn from common mistakes. Check out our guide to common app user complaints and learn from others’ mistakes.
