It's no secret that mobile app development is one of the most promising fields in the IT industry. The prevalence of smartphones and tablets in the modern world has pushed more clients to consider this marketing tool. But there are pitfalls.
It's not uncommon for clients to end up with a product different from what they initially expected. For example, an app may be developed with incomplete functionality or get lost among many others in the app stores. Such outcomes are often the result of mistakes made along the way. Let's talk about the most common ones and present options for either avoiding or at least fixing them.
Mistake #1: Inadequate Research of the Developer Studio’s Qualifications
Often, clients seeking a mobile development studio fall for the exaggerated enthusiasm of a sales manager, beautifully wrapped phrases about prospects, and seemingly democratic prices. Riding the wave of excitement from the first conversation, they sign a cooperation agreement. Ultimately, such shortsightedness leads to subsequent disappointment and a completely ambiguous (usually raw) application. Financial loss and wasted time are inevitable.
Ways to Avoid/Correct the Mistake
It's crucial not to ignore the fact that the primary mission of any manager is to sell a service or product. For this purpose, they may resort to dishonest methods, whether slightly adjusted deadlines and prices or outright lies. To neutralize such tactics, you should talk directly with the programmers who will be responsible for the project's creation. But it doesn't end there—here come the next steps:
- Conduct an analysis of the mobile development studio's portfolio. Approach this with maximum meticulousness, evenly distributing time to review the company's new and old projects. Pay special attention to works related to the area in which you want to create your app.
- It wouldn't hurt to download 2-3 apps developed by this studio. Evaluate their interface, functionality, and usability. Then, you can return to the app store to find user reviews, rankings, and download numbers.
- To be on the safe side, you can divide the project into several stages and entrust the execution of one of them to a particular studio. If the result satisfies you, it should be a reason to continue the collaboration.
Mistake #2: Unrealistic Timelines
Many clients tend to fall into despair due to the significant delay in project implementation. It's understandable since, quite often, mobile app development takes up to six months instead of the promised two months. However, rushing things is also a faux pas.
Ways to Avoid/Correct the Mistake
It's essential to accept the fact that a quality product always requires a lot of time. Speaking of mobile apps, their development timeline under favorable conditions is at least three months. Consequently, this timeline will increase with the appearance of objective and subjective factors. You should inquire about the developers' minimum and maximum development time and analyze the studio's portfolio to find information about the development time of similar apps. Only then should you make a decision.
Mistake #3: Irrational Budget Expectations
Most mobile development studio clients have an extremely vague idea of what elements are included in the final cost of creating an app. Simply put, the client allocates a specific amount without considering the possibility of additional expenses. There are many such expenses: bug fixes, releasing updates, improving functionality, and promoting in app stores.
Ways to Avoid/Correct the Mistake
Creating an app on a limited budget is a doomed business strategy. The salvation lies only in constructive communication, with properly formulated questions and clear answers from studio representatives. It would also be rational to keep a close eye on the development process.
Mistake #4: Stillborn Idea
Having an idea and having the means to implement it is not everything necessary to release a successful application. After all, its success is determined by its users and the profit it brings. Unfortunately, some apps are not destined to become popular because they are simply useless for a particular business sphere.
Ways to Avoid/Correct the Mistake
Before spending money on creating a mobile application, you should:
Conduct monitoring of competitor apps. If users do not use them, it means that their relevance is zero.
Perform an analysis of the needs and preferences of customers in the market segment you occupy.
Organize a survey among your customers about the need for a mobile app and its prospects for use.
Mistake #5: Illusions About the Mobile Application
There are two sides to this aspect. On the one hand, clients have overly vague ideas about what the developed mobile application will be like. On the other hand, there is complete ignorance of the importance of adhering to programming and design canons by clients, as well as disregarding the needs of its target audience, relying solely on their own opinion. The outcome in both cases is identical—disaster.
Ways to Avoid/Correct the Mistake
As a panacea, it is advisable to formulate a comprehensive list of requirements for the app and its functionality. In addition, it is worth closely interacting with the Project Manager and developers, considering their advice and heeding professional recommendations.