Building an app from Scratch

Increasing use of the mobile phone over a desktop is in the trend over the past few years. People have shifted their focus on building mobile apps as they help to engage more people. In today’s highly competitive environment, the company that focuses on engaging customers survives.

The work of building an app from Scratch requires expertise and it is needed to ensure that the work is carried out by the help of a team of experts. You can make it yourself if you are good at it and the other way is to outsource it by giving the work to a mobile app developer or a company that does it.

There are several keynotes to take care of to make your project successful. A brief stepped down approach to it is presented as follows:

1. Objectives and Goals:

 

The first thing that you need to do is make sure of the list of things or goals your application is going to achieve. The idea should be concrete as the deletion of code later can cause huge losses.

In case you have a particular objective for your app clear then the question should arise in your mind that how the app is going to make it happen. Once it is properly defined, it becomes easier to proceed towards the much finer details.

2. Defining the scope:

 

The functionality of the app is discussed in this step; the initial features of the app are decided in this step. This can be done by engaging the team towards getting answers to the basic questions.

It includes questions like how the user guide sections that contain FAQs and chat bots are going to work, how will the products be displayed to the customers, how can a user share the information to other social media, how is it going to be productive to the user and so on.

3. Checking on Competitors:

 

The good thing is that you can check on the customer experience provided by the competitor apps, you can offer the user a better interface and experience in case you want to get your share in the market.

The thing is that you need to work hard analyzing the work of the competitors and make sure you do not lack any feature that they are providing.

4. Skeleton Wire framing:

 

The flow and navigation between various features of the application are laid down. It is generally a visual guide that helps define each of the goals and also help in understanding the use cases. 

5. Testing the Wireframe:

 

The verification of the flow is a must requirement. The thing is that a wireframe testing on time can cut the huge costs of rewriting of code. It helps the team to know whether the user will get any sort of hindrance in the experience in the currently accepted methodology.

6. Revision and Retesting:

 

Feedbacks are taken into account that is generated by the testers in the initial wireframe testing. After eliminating and making all the revisions suggested another testing is made to find glitches in the updated wire framing. It might lead to another round of revisions and testing until it finally satisfies the criteria.

7. Deciding the procedure for development:

 

The requirements of the application like the technologies to be used and the team to be prescribed, the platform to be used are all decided in this phase. It happens just before the actual development begins. This consideration largely depends on the skill sets of the team and the requirements of the product and the goals required to be achieved.

Sometimes, the budget for development decides the path taken for development. The apps built on native platforms are more secure and stable, but they cost much more than their hybrid counterparts.

Different methodologies and OS are required to make the app available to both the Apple store and the Google Play Store if they are made using a native framework, however, there are hybrid frameworks that can help develop the app for both using the same code. Hybrid frameworks are often avoided for good applications because they have their own limitations.

8. Starting the Development:

 

The actual how to build an app from scratch happens here, the display of the app is enhanced by using some template. The team of developers and designers both work together to build an app that achieves all the proposed goals. The most important part of it is the development of the home screen and navigation of the app so that it turned out to be user-friendly.

9. Testing of the app:

 

Learn mobile app development from scratch it is a most crucial step in the development comes is testing the app is not deployed for general users until it is tested completely. This testing happens in phases.

• Alpha Phase:

The functions are developed such that it can work out the minimum basic operations. Testing these help out in knowing how the app is going to perform. The functions are tested in this phase.

• Beta Phase:

The basic app is generated and is made available to a limited set of users. The app performs all of the operations but is currently contaminated with bugs and glitches. Most of them are removed in this phase by testing user acceptance and app usability through user data.

• Final Phase:

After the app is made available to all the users, testing is done to confirm that all the operations of the app work properly in all of the devices, this is done b collecting user data and detecting anonymous reports from users.

10. Launching the app and later up gradations:

 

The work of development of app does not end with launching the final product on the app stores. For your app to grab a market share it needs regular improvising and up gradations according to the requirements of the users.

At last, we hope that all this information helps you out in making a good application. Keep in mind what you have learned from this reading and start working from the first step. It is easier said than done, so keep in mind all the factors that are going to affect your project and make sure it goes as planned.

Internet Startups - Opportunities, Challenges, and Scale

This is the age of technology is at its peak here and internet startups are probably the best way to earn money online. Moreover, the startup environment has matured over the years, and being an entrepreneur you can grab several opportunities. But, one part about online startups is that you need to be extremely careful about a few factors which we are about to discuss in the latter part of this article.

Technology mixed with a unique startup idea can bring you great success. Although, you need to be careful about the opportunities, challenges, and scale for any startup. This would define its success or failure among its competitors.

What are the Factors to Keep in Mind for an Internet Startup?

If done properly then the below-mentioned factors can get you all the success you need to acquire from the web. Important factors while making the right choice for your business to rise on the internet are-

1. Do your competitive research
2. Accumulate a target audience
3. Check the market condition for your product or service
4. Solutions to challenges that you might face
5. Online Platform/Platforms to promote your business

Your Business could be the next ‘Big Hit Online’ if you put your dedication into setting things right in the first place.

How Can an Internet Startup run at the same pace as Online Trends?

Did you know that you do not require much knowledge to run an online business? However, you do require skills, a good way to meet the online needs and match the new internet trends. A vibrant website and good content are the first things that will bring a customer to your site. The choice of the customer, however, may depend on varying factors.

Moving ahead, there is still a huge population of people who believe that Online business lack longevity.

Theoretically speaking, it is believed that the popularity of the internet is such a boon that it is never-ending. So, it is logical enough to put your mind in building a business online. And, for inspiration, you can look at companies who shone through their ideas of online business and marketing

TOP 5 SUCCESSFUL ONLINE BUSINESSES TO DRAW INSPIRATION

It's been quite some time since the internet hit us with its goodness and advantages. And, of course, if you have a startup idea or a cool app idea then looking back at some of the top online business today can give you the required boost.

Let’s take a glance at the list of online businesses that tops our list-

1. TABOOLA

A business founded in the year 2007 has found its right place today. Taboola has managed a god revenue run rate of approximately $250 million, crazy, right?

But, the most impressive part is that Taboola only has 120 employees and still works for high-profile clients such as-

1. BBC
2. Boston Globe
3. USA Today

If you have an idea for a content marketing platform, themTaboola is the place to check out for additional inspiration.

     2. KALTURA

Established in the year 2006, the online company allows content owners and publishers to publish their content, manage and even monetize. Today this company has raised over 25 million dollars, and even teaches online entrepreneurs to handle niches and master them for a successful future.

Have the same idea? Go Kaltura !

3. IMGUR

This online image sharing and a popular hosting community have proven to be one of the best at its work today. Now even Alan Schaaf (The Founder of Imgur) wouldn’t have been sure that his idea would be such a hit at that time. Although we do not know which factor raised such success for Schaaf. But, if you are too into such an idea then go and see what may have worked for Imgur.

So, who knows, your idea may be a hit too?

4. VOXY

Have you ever thought that how Voxy happens to stand out so well among thousands of other language learning apps? Well, uniqueness has its touch towards reaching success. With this theory in mind, Voxy has created small practical lessons which are highly implemented in real lives.

And, you will be surprised to know that Voxy has earned more than USD 15 million by just funding.

5. SHOEDAZZLE

Heard of Kim Kardashian? Well, what an obvious question? Of Course, you have. So, shoedazzle comes from the partnership of Brian S. Lee, M.J Eng, Robert Shapiro, and the diva Kim Kardashian.

This online styling platform helps women discover their styles by choosing from a wide variety of shoes, apparels, and accessories. One thing to learn from Shoedazzle is that despite their ups and downs hey never gave up on their goal to reach success. Today, this e-commerce platform is reaching heights at its best.

Inspired enough?

What are the Perks of Running an Online Business?

Some of the many benefits of running a business online are mentioned below here-

1. You receive great flexibility hence enabling improved client services
2. No paper wastage ( Counts as a point to the environment)
3. Save a huge amount of bucks
4. You have complete global access which allows to you stay active on your business 24/7 and 365 days.
5. Operate your business from anywhere across the world
6. Get products and services delivered faster
7. Learn more with newer online trends and increase your professionalism.

Businesses online allow you what no other platform does. Anyways, let's learn more about creating a business online

Future Opportunities for an Online Business

In the online field, businesses are constantly changing based on online tools available and constantly evolving online trends. \

Before you start, it would be great to look at its future opportunities.

1. If you follow your Passion you are certain to succeed.
2. Uncover your opportunities with the help of keywords
3. Go ahead and build a captivating brand
4. Fill loopholes for any opportunity gap.
5. Follow trends faster
6. Make use of your experience and expertise.
7. Solve any customer problem at the earliest
8. Take customer feedback seriously.

These are the things that will certainly help you move forward in your internet startup.

What are the top challenges in an online business? Ways to Fight them Back

No matter how viable the internet is, you will still face issues and challenges that may create hurdle in the journey of your online business success.

Here is a list of challenges that often internet startups face in the initial ground. If you overcome them, then you are good to go in the longer run.  

1. Difficulty in Finding Skill Sets

Founders don't need to know about the latest trends in technology, understand tools or the technology related to it. The founders of internet startups do need skill sets that will help raise the business to a whole new level. People who have experience and out of the box thinking capability can create a name with big startups businesses.

1. The mindset for the Product or Services

Most often customers are least bothered about the technology that you use. They are more focused on seeing the product or service and its benefits for them. So, choosing your target audience appropriately can help Also, pay special attention to their needs and feedback.  

1. Continuous Learning

Every once in a few months you see something new popping out over the web. So, it is good to stay prepared for such times when a new OS upgrade, development framework or SMAC update hits you.

1. Preferred Channel -

Have you thought about which channel would you choose to promote your product? If not then this is the research, research and see which choice of the channel can bring you the best results.

1. Security and Privacy Maintenance

Internet startups can not possibly think of risking what the built, over bad cyber instances. You really need to secure your data, devices, only workplaces and also your customer’s valuable information.

Scale for Internet Startups

Honestly, scaling up a newly created internet startup is not all rainbows and candies.

Here are some of the questions that you need to ask yourself before going for a scale-up.

1. Do you currently have positive cash flow?
2. Is there a future demand for your product?
3. Do you have a skilled team?
4. Are you using a trustworthy technology?
5. Do you see your startup successful in clear vision?

If the answer to all the above-mentioned questions is yes. Then, go for scaling. Also, do not simply jump into scaling without knowing future possibilities.

The conclusion to Internet Startups 

If you have a great idea in mind for an internet startup then go ahead and executive it. However, be aware of its drawbacks. You need to have the ability to fight the challenges off and go for scaling. And, do not forget to keep up with the ever-changing trends of the internet. Learn more, Be More.

Let you internet startup be a success. Create a vision and utilize the power of technology at its best.

Mobile & Web App Development - Stages

Mobile & Web App Development - Stages

Thousands of apps are released every day, capturing the right market is the key. The forecast for the year 2020 says that global mobile app revenue is going to reach around $200 billion. Since about a third of the traffic received is through mobile phones, it is good to start catching the business through mobile phones. Thus the real question that arises is how you can make your app reach milestones.

What cost to build an app? How to build an app? Well, it comes in stages. It always starts with someone’s brilliant idea, and then research. Here we are to help you out in guiding through the different stages of app development. The 8 key steps involved in the process are stated as follows:

1.   Getting the idea & Goals:

You need to have a real detailed strategy for your business to work. Everything about the idea and goals of the applications should be clear especially in startup ideas. Any necessary changes can be made later. The mobile app you develop should come handy to the users. The idea should be feasible and it should also be able to solve some genuine problems of the target audience as only then people will get to download the app. There are so many cool app ideas in case you need to search for one, all you need to do is have a look and select according to your goals.

2.   Performing research:

The mobile application market is full of apps, thus it is always good to analyze of your competitors work, establish ideas according to the needs that the competitors are not able to sustain so that you can fill into the gap, completing objectives in a timeline. You can scout the app stores for similar applications. You may also get good startup ideas while conducting this research.

3.   Infrastructure:

After conducting research, you need to choose from the various technologies available in the market. You need to have proper knowledge of the tools you are going to use, if you don’t, and then you need the team that does. This is the point when your question changes from “What is to be made?” to “How are we making it?”

4.   Designing and Wire framing:

First thing you need to do is pen down the idea of your application. Try out with explaining your concept to your coworkers or other people and see if they get it. After establishing the feasibility of your product, sorting out the scope and requirements, and making a clear target of a list of features that your app is going to provide, all you need to do is to start experimenting with these things.

Designing includes visualizing the layout of the screen, i.e., placement of buttons, banners, icons, and other elements. The primary objectives are needed to be maintained as the user should not get lost while using the application. Moreover, it focuses on building unique UI without compromising any sort of experience for users. Experimenting with UI sometimes help in making it more feasible for users.

5.   Development in phases:

Developers prefer to build the app from scratch; some platforms offer to make prototypes easily to begin the work. So, before deploying the app on app stores, mobile app development consists of multiple phases.

●     Alpha Phase:

In the alpha phase, only the core functionality is addressed. The app can barely perform tasks and have plenty of bugs and glitches. However, this phase gives a rough idea as to how the app is going to look and perform.

●     Beta Phase:

During the beta phase, the majority of the functions are developed, the app needs testing so that the remaining fixes can be identified. At this stage, the app is released out to specific users to carry out further testing of the product.

●     Release Phase:

After several rounds of testing, the app is finally released. Almost every bug is fixed from the developer point of view the customers can now use the service.

6.   Testing in Phases:

Testing is one of the never-ending processes, no matter how much you do it, you can never ensure it is fail proof. The aim should be to make it seamless; something that worked well in beta phase might not work that well in the release phase. In startup ideas, the app should be made by taking care of mobile app development security. So, there are various steps of tests that are conducted to ensure quality.

●     Testing Functions:

All functions of the app should work properly as if they don’t then the objective of the app is itself not met.

●     Testing Performance:

The app should perform tasks in the least possible response time.

●     Testing Usability:

Navigation through the app should be easy for any new user so that they do not get confused.

●     Testing specifically for a device:

Trying app in various screen sizes and different OS helps to ensure the feasibility of the app. You can prefer using some tools, as well as hands-on testing.

●     Testing User Acceptance:

Getting feedback from beta testers can help you know the acceptance of your app.

7.   Launching Product:

All the efforts, time, energy, and hard work payout when you launch your app. The primary goal now is to get it downloaded by a good amount of users. Along with the organic reach, you need to boost up your app downloads by using your social media platforms.

It is good to have a website for your app apart from having it only on the play store and the app store, the link to the website can be linked with the description on app stores. You can invite selected people to pre-launch beta testing and provide them with good service. This might help out in ensuring a good amount of downloads once it is released.

8.   Post-Launch:

After the successful app launch, you can’t just sit. You need to do post-launch monitoring, market analysis, build updates for your app. Along with this, you need to check out reviews, fix problems faced by customers. Doing this, help you in making your product better.

Conclusion:

It is not rocket science to develop and run a mobile application these days. Making it successful is one of the big things. It requires proper pre-planning, beta testing, deployment and regular maintenance. Increasing sales becomes easier with the help of these applications. We hope that your application works out well.