7 things you need to know about building mobile apps in 2016

The market for mobile apps keeps growing infinitely like a hydra on steroids. The use of mobile devices is limitless. For every use the mobile has been put to, there must be an app. Each original app spawns hundreds if not thousands of copycat apps. Interestingly, apps get downloaded with such an astonishing frequency that even rookie developers get their 15 seconds of fame. But what does it take to be a top app development service?

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Choose the niche

The market for your app will be as frequent as the need for its functionality. If you developed an app to predict tomorrow, you would become an instant multi-billionaire from the need to know the unknown by all humans. Sadly, it will not happen so you are stuck with financial, spiritual and social needs. The apps for the following needs have shown the greatest sales over the years;

• Mobile money transfer
• Banking
• Social networking
• Dating
• Games

Choose one of these fields, be creative with your app and watch money grow on trees.

Choose the platform

The app market has been largely influenced and indeed exploded with the advent of Google’s Android platform. This is not to say one can ignore other platforms like Apple and Windows, but in App development, Android has become the 500 pound Gorilla. To succeed In the App market, going with Android seems to be the smartest choice.

Ensure multi-functionality

The number of device manufacturers that are choosing the Android platform is also expanding each year. The platform’s claim to fame was given a shot in the arm by huge Asian manufacturers who chose to go with it. Notably, Samsung has overtaken Apple as the leading manufacturer of smart phones. LG, Huawei and Sony are the other heavyweight brands behind the platform. The number of brands and models from these manufacturers are in their thousands meaning billions of devices. Your apps should be compatible with these devices. If, for example, you develop an app on Android 5.2, ensure all devices coming from these manufacturers carrying Android 5.2 can run it.

Ease of use

The many hidden functions of mobile devices are maddening enough without the average user having to bother themselves with a complex app. Make your app simple but powerful. The functions that are mostly required should be prioritized. For example if you are developing a mobile money app, prioritize sending and receiving instead of currency exchange rates. Learn from desktop software developers who have perfected beta testing to gauge the performance and reception of software by users.

Watch the costs

Developing a mobile app is just like any other business venture. You will have to incur production costs. Luckily, there are some tools available for Android app development professionals. These tools are for example Pega 7, KONY and Sybase Unwired Platform. Lower costs mean lower prices for your apps. In the crowded app market, you cannot afford to look costly and above reach. Indeed, you will find that many of your competitors are offering their apps free with other revenue streams planned for.

Sound monetisation strategy

Charity is alright but unless you are in the not-for-profit field, you have developed your app to make that extra coin. Monetization of mobile apps is very tricky as the competing versions often appear in the hundreds if not thousands. Formulate a strategy that will not unhinge the customer in future. Learn from big apps like Twitter which have failed to translate numbers into money. These apps were initially free but with monetization, users feel uncomfortable with cluttered features and adverts.

Constant improvement

Just like the hardware technology for mobile devices, the apps keep getting better and more powerful. Ensure your apps keep up with the Android platform. There is little sense in offering an app for Android 4.2 while version 5.2 is in the market. Keeping up with the Android platform also means you are able to capture new customers who are buying devices for the first time.