Mobile First Development: Expectation vs. Reality

Now more than ever, CXO’s and business owners are looking towards mobile first development for their digital products and services. Mobile app development in particular has risen in popularity since the start of 2020, as the demand for mobile continues to rise. 

Whilst building a mobile application might sound like the best route to market, it isn’t necessarily the right route for you. To grow your business and allow your digital solutions to adapt and change as needed, let’s take a look at the reality behind mobile first development and what you as the project owner can expect. 

Cost 

Expectation: I’m not building an app with extensive features, so the cost will be fairly inexpensive. 

Reality: How much does it actually cost to build an app, is a question we are faced with time and time again. Regardless of how simple or complex the mobile application itself will end up being, the cost of building a mobile application is dependent on many factors. Our app cost calculator will give you an initial indication on the budget you require. Alongside the cost of the build, you will also need to discuss with your team additional budgets set aside for app management. 

Time

Expectation: I already know what I need, so the build shouldn’t take longer than a few weeks. 

Reality: The complexity of your project will help you decipher the timescales, provided what you have in mind is the correct solution. Before discussing the technical specifications and development, work with an experienced team to refine, clarify and define what you are trying to create. Once your budget has been approved, taking time in this initial discovery phase will ensure a successful route to market as you begin to develop your idea from theorisation to actualisation. 

Technology

Expectation: I have a great mobile-friendly website, I’ll just replicate that concept into our mobile application.

Reality: Just because a website is mobile-responsive, it does not automatically give you the correct framework on which to build your mobile application. Whilst mobile websites can provide a great user experience, the functionality of a mobile application is very different. Once you have agreed the foundations of what your mobile app aims to solve, you need to work alongside experts to determine the correct technology stack to build your digital product. What language should be used? Native or cross-platform? Are you looking to integrate with any other legacy systems? How do you choose the right server? 

Building a mobile app is more than just building the application. Mobile applications aren’t meant to be built on trends, they should be based on needs. If you want to build an app that can successfully grow and sustain a long lifeline, you need to create a robust ecosystem. 

Going live

Expectation: My mobile application is complete and all that’s left is to add it onto the App/Play store. 

Reality: Don’t always assume that your mobile application will be accepted by either the App or Play store. Each has a set of criteria that needs to be met, problems can occur last minute and apps can get rejected, even when you think you’ve done everything right. You need to be prepared for unconditional circumstances. Your app needs to pass all necessary requirements such as meeting privacy and data guidelines, be bug free, all legal requirements are met etc. 

Success! 

Expectation: The mobile application is live and users will see it and be downloading right away

Reality: There are millions of mobile applications out in the world at this moment in time. It is completely unrealistic to assume that once your mobile application is live, users will automatically flock to it. Once they download your app, it doesn’t mean they will continue to use it. There are many factors that need to be assessed and acted upon to make sure your mobile app is a success. 

You need to optimise your app store experience. Ensure you have the correct marketing strategies in place and all the information is correct such as screenshots, product descriptions, keywords and everything else. It’s also worth noting optimising your store experience does not replace digital marketing, that’s a whole other ball game. Analytics will allow you to track and follow behaviours and in order for your digital product to grow and thrive in what is becoming a saturated market, you will need to use your data to continually review and improve your application. 

There are many misconceptions surrounding mobile app development. This article highlights a few of the most common questions that we come across when speaking to project owners. Of course, we understand that you want to create the best possible app, and our job as software development experts is to enable you to not just create, but to grow, develop and maintain a successful mobile application.

Want to learn more? Click here to read our guide on how to create, launch and maintain a successful mobile app.