The 5 biggest mobile app development myths

Being an emerging and profitable field, mobile app development is gaining traction at an unprecedented rate. As like any new business, there are some key factors that you should focus on in order to achieve success in this competitive industry. A lot of companies are keen to build an app for their business, but sometimes get confused by common myths related to the market. This post will clear up many of the myths that exist out there.

Myth #1: Mobile app development is costly and is meant for big businesses

Reality: Businesses of all sizes can take advantage of mobile app development

There is no such thing as a typical app, so it is hard to give any meaningful average cost. The cost of developing your app depends upon the type of app you would like to create. For instance, apps with basic functionality take less time to build and are less expensive. However, apps that are little more complex (e.g. gaming apps) and has to deal with data management systems may cost you more. Depending on the complexity, building an app requires efforts on designing, coding, testing, infrastructure, validation and project management.

Myth #2: There is too much competition, my app won’t stand out

Reality: There’s a lot of scope to make your app stand out in the crowd

Apple recently announced at its WWDC keynote that there are 650,000 apps — 225,000 specifically for the iPad — currently residing in the iOS App Store. In addition, thousands of apps are added everyday on the App Store. Remember, the industry is just getting started, and with little creativity and foresightedness one can easily make a mark in the overly crowded market. Some of the factors that can make an app stand out include: a great idea with an easy-to-use design and intuitive functionality. Given that you have seconds to catch the eye of a prospective consumer who is considering downloading your mobile application, you need to make them feel confident about downloading it.

You can learn more app launch tips here

Myth #3: Making an iPhone app is simple and fast

Reality: It depends on the kind of app you are developing

Building an iPhone app takes time and expertise, and unique mobile apps written to meet consumers’ specific needs take time. For instance, an app requiring intense graphics needs plenty of time for conceptualization and execution.

Myth #4: Once I have a mobile app developed, my job is done

Reality: Designing post-launch strategies is important

Those who are new in this business believe that apps sell themselves, as long as the app is of high quality. Well, in reality, it is partly true. A high-performing and revenue driving app needs a team that is creative and is putting a lot of effort into their distribution strategies. Failing to devise a post-launch marketing strategy is one of the major reasons that results in miserable number of downloads. There are a lot of tools available for mobile app marketing that companies can use to increase their presence within the App Store and their engagement with the target audience. Here are some of the examples: integrated campaigns, sharing across social media platforms, blogging, app-reviews, in-app campaigns, press release distribution, and video campaigns.

(Read: Still not making money with apps – Possible hurdles and solutions)

Myth #5: Only certain types of apps can taste success on the iTunes Store

Reality: Mobile users do not belong to just one category alone

The answer to this lies in the kind of approach you are adopting to develop and market your app. Although gaming, entertainment, utilities and social networking are some of the most popular categories at the App Store, users are actively downloading millions of apps from other categories too. What’s happening at the Top Grossing charts isn’t necessarily representative of what’s going on inside the rest of the App Store. You’ve heard the saying “There’s an app for that” — and there is!