We can’t live without our smartphones. Most of us are so addicted to our devices that we check it several times a day.
In fact, a study shows that an average user spends over five hours a day on mobile devices. Research also confirms that more than 77% of Americans now own a smartphone, which is integral in both their professional and personal lives.
Different mobile apps have further enhanced the use of smartphones. iOS is one of the most popular platforms for app development.
Business owners all over the world see iOS applications as a profitable resource to grow their business. And gaining an understanding of its technical aspects can help accelerate their businesses in the right direction.
However, navigating the compelling world of iOS application is not an easy task. Besides coding, the app development process requires an understanding of app store guidelines and expectations of consumers.
This article provides some tips to help entrepreneurs learn some of the most basic but crucial elements of iOS app development. Without an understanding of these, your app may fail to garner the traction you expected.
1.Define your target market/audience
As a business owner, you need to understand who your target audience is before developing an iOS app. As we are all well aware, there are more than 2 million apps in the App Store database.
The many apps available for download serve several purposes. They can be used by business owners, shoppers, for leisurely activities, promotions and much more.
In other words, when consumers want to fulfill a need, they have a vast variety of high-quality apps to choose from. If your specific app is not offering them something of real value that caters to their needs, it is unlikely that they will use your app.
Take the example of a lemonade vendor. Would he set up his stall on a cold, winter morning? Definitely not. Same goes for the app you are developing.
If you are building an app with a princess theme, it would be wise to concentrate your marketing efforts towards young girls between the ages of 8-12 who often download games on their smart devices.
If your app focuses on teaching young children between the ages of 3-6, you can target young mothers in their mid-20s, and 30’s who’ll likely download it for their children.
There are many ways to identify your target audience. Try conducting surveys, join online forums, or use software such as Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, and YouTube statistics to ensure your success. Sadly, 90% of all startups fail because the owners did not focus on research.
2.Focus on security
While mobile phones are vulnerable to security breaches, Apple devices have proved to be more resilient and secure than Androids.
In fact, 97% of mobile malware is found on Android. Apple never compromises on security and develops features that guarantee high-end encryption such as fingerprint screening and Face ID.
Given the popularity of iOS as the most secure platform in the market, it is essential you’re your app is developed using the best security practices. This is particularly important if you’re creating apps for the financial sector.
To ensure top-notch security in apps, business owners should test each app before deployment and use strong data protection methods to ensure user safety and maintain company reputation.
3.Adhere to Apple’s guidelines
Like other mobile platforms, Apple’s iOS has strict guidelines for apps it receives for publication. For example, iOS devices don’t have a back button, and any app that you send for approval should be developed keeping this aspect in mind.
Since iOS devices have varying screen sizes, it is vital that app the layout is flexible, so users don’t have any problems using it with different screens.
Simply put, make sure you read the guidelines carefully before sending an app for approval. Also, remember that repeated submissions of similar apps can result in permanent disqualification from the App Store which can lead to great losses in terms of finances and time.
To review the submission guidelines of the iOS store, visit iOS Human Interface Guidelines, the Apple Watch Human Interface Guidelines and the App Store Review Guidelines.
4.Test app before launch
Did you know that customers find 44% of the defects in a mobile app? Moreover, they are likely to uninstall an app within three days if they are not satisfied with the experience. According to Gartner, only 1% of mobile apps manage to see financial success.
Let’s face it; if you are not going to take out the time to test your app, ultimately it will get in the hands of consumers who will decide its fate.
To ensure that users love your app and use it frequently, make sure you test it thoroughly for defects, security glitches, crashes, and bugs. Taking out the time to check your app for vulnerability will not only satisfy end users but also increase your credibility as an app developer/ business owner.
5.Consider the price
While free apps may always look good to the consumer, it wouldn’t be as fruitful for you. Before releasing an app, consider the investment that went into its development.
Moreover, your decision should depend on the purpose of your app. For example, if you have created an app for games, chats or music, then perhaps you can charge a nominal fee from the user to upgrade to a premium version with additional features.
On the other hand, an e-commerce app can be free of cost. In most cases, the investment will be recovered within a year or two as more and more consumers start making purchases via the app.
For a simple app, most consumers expect to pay up to 99 cents while more complex apps may charge around $4.99.
The highest price allowed by the App Store is $999.99. And we know that one app – BarMax CA, a prep course for the California bar exam is listed at that price.
Conclusion
We spend more time on our mobile phones than we do on our desktop devices. Having an incredible mobile app further enhances its use.
A reliable iOS app can prove to be the best business decision for you. But of course, a defected app can ruin your reputation. There are lots of other things you can do to when developing an app for your business, but the above tips are certainly the most useful.
So go ahead, implement them in your practice and take your business to new heights.
AUTHOR BIO
Alycia Gordan is a freelance writer who loves to read and write articles on healthcare technology, fitness, and lifestyle. She is a tech junkie and divides her time between travel and writing. You can find her on Twitter: @meetalycia
