DIY Apps for your business

How to Build an App in Six Steps

This is how I went from an app idea to the App Store in four months, without knowing how to program or design:

Step 1 – The Idea
Think about what you would enjoy using, or tools that might help you achieve something. Consider the tools your phone has that you can utilise; camera, GPS, contacts, motion recognition and touch screen gestures.

Step 2 – Type of App, Business Model and Platform
Research and decide the type of app you will make – native, web or hybrid; the business model you will use – free, paid, freemium, ads or subscription; and the platforms you will build your app for, usually iOS or Android.

Step 3 – Wireframing
Wireframing is a design process to mock up every screen of your app in detail. Start with a pen and paper and write down a list of the key features your app will have, and what exactly do you want it to do? Once you build an idea of how you want you app to function, you can start drawing screen mock ups. You will need to mock up each and every screen that will exist for your app.

Step 4 – Finding a Designer and Developer
Find a designer and developer to help pull your app together. There are three broad options you have:
• Use a ‘no coding’ app builder – customize from templates, cheap, basic designs.
• Find your own developer and designer – find people you’re comfortable working with, set a fixed fee contract with a timeframe.
• Use an app building company – have the whole app built under one roof, can be expensive.
Assuming you want a little more than the ‘no coding’ template apps, an app building company is out of your budget, you’ll be looking to hire your own developer and designer. Search and advertise on sites like freelancer.com, or contact people directly if you like their examples of work.

Step 5 – Ready for Launch
Set up your website and social media pages, write your App Store description, create images of app screenshots, write up a press release and create a marketing plan.

Step 6 – Submission!
Have your developer submit to the App Store. It can take around 10 days for your submission to be processed. Congratulations, and good luck with your marketing campaign and app success!

Misty Gibbs
For the full and detailed series, visit: www.theapphome.com