Launching a new platform is an exciting endeavor with endless opportunities. A successful launch will propel your company to new heights, providing improved brand visibility and potential partnership possibilities. Specifically, developing and releasing a mobile app project introduces different platforms for your customers.
You may be wondering, “What do I need to do to launch a successful mobile app?” While there are several steps to take, conducting in-depth market analysis must be of utmost priority.
This article will discuss why market analysis is important for mobile app projects and the benefits they provide.
Different Steps to Take Before Your Mobile App Launch
To begin, it is important to understand the methodology of mobile apps. Most individuals own smartphones, thus becoming the primary platform for social media services, business apps, and e-commerce. Therefore, understanding how mobile apps work and what makes them effective is essential. By doing so, you can better implement various strategies.
For example, many users prefer not to allow apps to have access to their microphone or camera. In turn, it may be helpful to ensure that your app is fully functional, despite these restrictions.
Once you acquire a base understanding of mobile apps, it is time to identify your needs and requirements. Specifically, what do you want your mobile app to be for? If you operate a media business, mobile apps are excellent for uploading edited, short-form content or easily-digestible blogs. Alternatively, product-based businesses can create mobile apps for e-commerce and quick shopping. Regardless of the type of business, clearly establishing the app’s purpose must be of utmost importance.
In addition, it may be helpful to think of key features to be included. This provides the foundation for app development as the platform can be built around and upon these key features. It is important to note that actualizing ideas may be difficult, especially with intensive tasks such as mobile app development. Therefore, partnering with a reputable web design company, like Graphem Solutions is an excellent way to turn vision into reality.
After initial planning is complete, pre-alpha app development can begin. This typically includes ensuring that the app is functional and users can complete tasks. Throughout this process, don’t be overwhelmed if you experience setbacks and bugs. These types of technical issues are common, also it’s better to fix these problems during initial stages of development.
Types of Development
App building involves different types of development: frontend and backend.
Frontend development is what the user sees and what they’re able to interact with. Depending on the platform, developers will use either Objective-C or Java.
Backend development is the server-side, typically involving data storage, app logic, and performance functionality.
Throughout this process, rigorous testing must be completed. In particular, if you are adding new features, then it is essential to ensure that they work and don’t interfere with other tasks.
Finally, you can begin mobile app rollout. For maximum visibility and reach, it is best to release your app on both iOS and Android.
How Market Analysis is Integral to Mobile App Development
Market analysis helps businesses understand their target audience, their interests, and preferred content styles. The primary purpose of app development must be audience engagement and retention. If users don’t enjoy using the platform, then they may be dissuaded from purchasing products or services. Market analysis prevents these issues by providing key insights, those of which can be implemented throughout app development.
During preliminary market analysis, specific questions must be asked and answered. Here are a few examples:
- Who is our target audience?
- What are their needs and how can we provide them?
- Are there any competitors, and if so, how can we separate ourselves from them?
Starting with the target audience, it is more than just identifying your primary customer base. Individuals tend to fall within certain demographics, particularly within specific age ranges. Depending on the audience, they may use their smartphone more frequently or prefer certain design and UI layouts. Another key component is location as it provides in-depth market demand, understanding of local trends, and region-based advertising opportunities.
After identifying your target audience, you must complete competitive research. In particular, it is important to understand if your competitors have mobile apps. If they do, then thoroughly evaluate the apps and its functionality. By doing so, you can better understand how to differentiate yourselves. For example, if you both offer similar products or services, then it may be helpful to ideate how your business can promote them more effectively.
In addition, confirm whether their app is paid or free. Most individuals aren’t willing to pay for mobile apps, so making your platform free is a great way to attract new users. To recoup lost revenue, you can place sponsored ads within your app. This is an easy and effective way to maintain a free app while also earning profit.
Types of Research
There are two types of mobile app research: primary and secondary.
Primary research is original data found from polls, research groups, and interviews. This is quite helpful as you are gaining personalized, first-hand data that no other competitor has access to. While this does require additional time, cost, and effort, the results are worthwhile.
Secondary research is based on pre-existing data, primarily from completed studies or publicly-accessible statistics. This type of research may be useful as it provides broader information, while remaining affordable. Depending on your time availability, secondary research can be your best option for accurate information.
What are the Short and Long-Term Benefits to Market Analysis?
From a short-term perspective, market analysis helps mitigate initial risks. Planning and developing a mobile app is a demanding endeavor, in particular, costing valuable resources like time and money. By conducting proper research, you can understand what type of app would be successful and who it would be for.
Initial market analysis provides the SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat) of your app. Strengths are what your business excels in and how you differ from your competitor. These may include useful features, market demands, and superior UI.
Weakness are issues to address throughout the development process. These could be technical or marketing concerns.
Opportunities are ways to grow and improve your app. This can involve investing in web design or implementing new features.Threats can be competitors or outside factors that harm your app. With professional assistance, you can properly address these issues.
Finally, market analysis also provides long-term benefits. Specifically, it helps ensure sustainability and continuous profit. Sustainability is a key component of mobile apps, as you regularly update and improve your software. Market analysis can assist with decision-making and long-term planning. This often results in improved and steady profits, whether that results from paid app purchases or integrated advertisements.
How Graphem Solutions Can Help
Graphem Solutions can significantly help your business by implementing various online strategies. Successful businesses operate on multiple verticals, and we believe we can help you achieve that.
In particular, we offer helpful services such as web design and development, e-commerce, and consultation. These can help you better understand and thrive in the digital space.
For more information, please contact us at 1-800-590-0175. We would love to hear from you!
