127 · Create a mobile app

• Here's the program
• What is an app?
• What are the steps to create an app?
  • 1. Find a profitable app idea
  • 2. Test and validate your app idea
  • 3. Create an app prototype
  • 4. Create the app
  • What are the best app creation platforms?
  • How can AI help you create your app?
  • How to find a developer to create your app
  • 5. Offer your app on the stores
  • 6. Promote your app
  • 7. Update your app and respond to support requests
• What are the most profitable business models for an app?
• How to monetize your app sustainably
• Tips and tricks
• Conclusion
• EcoTips
• Pros and Cons
• Information recap

What is an app?

Before diving into the core of the topic, it seems important to me to quickly explain what we’re talking about here. An application, more commonly called “app”, is a generic term used to describe software designed to perform specific tasks on various types of devices.

There are web applications, which run through a browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge), as well as applications for computers (MacOS, Windows, and Linux) and mobile devices (smartphones and tablets running Android or iOS). You likely use them daily, whether for work, managing your finances, playing games, or communicating with friends. In this article, we will mainly focus on mobile applications, but most of the advice provided here can also apply to the other platforms mentioned.

Unlike web applications, apps for computers and mobile devices need to be downloaded and installed before they can be used. Mobile apps can be downloaded from platforms like Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store for Android. Each app addresses a specific need, and it’s this utility that often determines its success. These applications are primarily developed using programming languages suited for iOS or Android environments, as these are the two most widely represented mobile operating systems in the global market.

What are the steps to create an app?

Let’s now look at the 7 steps that will guide you through the process of creating an application, from the initial idea to its launch on platforms.

1Find a profitable app idea

Finding a profitable app idea begins with a simple but fundamental approach. It involves identifying a real need. The most popular apps are often those that solve a concrete problem, make life easier for users, or address a frustration.

One way to identify potential app ideas is by paying attention to your environment and listening to the challenges or frustrations people face in their daily lives. What prevents them from accomplishing certain tasks easily? Which existing solutions are imperfect or inadequate? By answering these questions, you’re on the path to finding an app idea with potential.

But solving a problem is not the only way to find a good app idea. Sometimes it’s simply about addressing a desire or an emerging trend. For example, entertainment apps like mobile games or social media platforms tap into basic human desires for connection or relaxation.

Another approach is to observe booming industries and anticipate future user needs by creating an app that offers an innovative experience or improves an already popular product. You can also capitalize on technological trends like artificial intelligence or augmented reality to imagine apps that captivate the public and open new usage perspectives.

Once you’ve found your great idea, it’s essential to analyze the competition. Look at which apps similar to yours are already thriving and analyze what drives their success. If you find many competitors, it can be a positive indication that your idea holds value. However, don’t be discouraged if you don’t find many—this could signal an untapped opportunity rather than a lack of potential.

However, creating an identical product may not be the best option. In most cases, you’ll need to identify what can be improved or what you can do differently to attract new users. For example, you can improve an existing app by adding a specific feature or making the user experience smoother. The goal is to find a way to stand out in this market.

Train your brain to look for situations where an app could be useful, and jot down any ideas that come to mind. Then discuss them with friends to get objective feedback and identify the ones that seem most promising.

2Test and validate your app idea

Before diving into app creation, it’s crucial to first validate your idea. Even if you’re convinced you’ve found a brilliant idea, that doesn’t guarantee it will meet a market need or expectation.

Validating your idea helps confirm there’s a market for your product before you commit significant time and resources. It allows you to refine your concept based on real feedback, improving your chances of success. In short, testing your idea from the start will help you avoid costly mistakes and verify if potential users are willing to use (and eventually pay for) your app.

There are several ways to quickly validate your app idea. For example, you can use free survey tools available on social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter/X. These allow you to easily gather opinions and feedback from your community. If you have a website, use Google Forms to integrate a survey and collect feedback on your idea from your networks and visitors.

Another option is to create a landing page with services like Wix ou Carrd, where you present your app concept. You can then measure visitors’ interest based on sign-ups or interactions on the page.

If your project is more ambitious, you could even launch a crowdfunding campaign. This will allow you to raise funds to finance your app’s development, but more importantly, test market interest by measuring contributors’ engagement. Plus, it can help you build a community around your project even before its launch.

3Create an app prototype

Creating a prototype is an important step because it gives you a first look at what your app will be by allowing you to visualize key features and the user interface. This helps identify weaknesses, adjust features, and gather feedback before investing larger resources.

Several tools are available for quickly creating a prototype, even if you have no technical skills. Platforms like Figma or Sketch are popular for designing user interfaces and simulating the appearance of your future app.

If you want to create something more polished, you can develop a “minimum viable product” (MVP). An MVP is a simplified version of an app or product with just enough essential features to test the concept with real users and get feedback to iterate and improve quickly. Platforms like Bubble or GoodBerber offer no-code app creation tools that allow you to create a functional version with basic interactions. Perfect for a first presentation to investors or testers.

Once your prototype is completed, you need to collect user feedback. To do this, you can share it with a small group of target users or industry experts and observe how they interact with the app.

Platforms like UserTesting or Lookback help you organize test sessions and gather detailed feedback on usability, navigation, and overall interest in your concept. This feedback will help you fine-tune and improve your app before moving on to the final development stage, increasing your chances of success.

4Create the app

For basic and moderately advanced apps, it’s not necessary to know how to code. No-code app creation tools, which I’ll talk about shortly, allow you to develop functional apps with simple features. For example, if you want to create a task management app, a business directory, or even a small marketplace, these platforms give you the means to bring your project to life without touching a single line of code.

However, for more complex apps like advanced games or booking systems integrated with external services, it may be necessary to hire an experienced developer. Apps requiring specific integrations, high-performance optimization, or advanced features like artificial intelligence or complex data processing often exceed the capabilities of no-code platforms and call for a higher level of technical expertise.

What are the best app creation platforms?

Creating an app without coding has become accessible thanks to numerous so-called “no-code” development platforms. These solutions are to app creation what IKEA furniture is to furnishing: easy to assemble with minimal effort (except here, an Allen key won’t be of any use). Here are some of the best platforms available.

• Bubble is one of the most popular platforms for creating web applications. It allows you to design complex apps with databases, automated workflows, and advanced customization—all without writing a single line of code. Ideal for ambitious projects with advanced features.
• GoodBerber is a platform specialized in creating mobile applications, as well as Progressive Web Apps (web applications that provide a user experience similar to mobile apps). It offers a wide range of ready-to-use features, including content management tools, e-commerce capabilities, and communication tools.
• Adalo focuses on mobile app creation with a simple and intuitive user interface. It’s perfect for more basic apps like task management apps or small marketplaces. Adalo also offers options to publish directly to the App Store and Google Play.
• Glide allows you to turn Google Sheets into functional mobile apps. Simple to use, this platform is ideal for quickly creating apps, particularly internal tools or information management apps. Glide is perfect for lightweight and fast-to-deploy projects.
• Thunkable is another no-code platform that lets you create mobile apps for iOS and Android simultaneously. It offers a simple visual editor and integrations with numerous third-party services, making it flexible for medium-sized projects.
• Appgyver is a powerful tool designed to create visually complex apps without coding. It stands out for its numerous integration options and flexibility, making it suitable for projects requiring more advanced technical features.

Design is an important aspect of app creation. It must be visually pleasing, but above all intuitive and easy to use. These elements are essential to its success, which is why most design platforms offer predefined templates to help you design an interface that guarantees an optimal user experience (UX).

How can AI help you create your app?

Some of the app creation platforms I mentioned earlier have already integrated AI into their tools, making app design, development, and optimization easier. However, for those with some coding experience, AI provides an intriguing third option, enhancing development capabilities and efficiency. Since the advent of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Claude AI, or Gemini, the app creation process has become even more accessible and faster.

You can now ask AI to help you debug code, generate scripts, or optimize algorithms, saving valuable time and, above all, filling in some of your coding gaps. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned developer, AI can significantly simplify app creation by reducing technical obstacles while speeding up implementation.

How to find a developer to create your app

If your app requires complex features or specific integrations, it may be necessary to hire a professional developer to ensure everything functions smoothly and meets your needs. Fortunately, you can find competent developers, often at affordable prices, through freelance platforms. Here are some of the best platforms for finding a freelance developer:

• On Fiverr, you can find developers for all types of projects at varying prices. It’s an ideal platform if you’re looking to outsource small tasks or specific elements of your app development.
• UpWork is one of the most well-known platforms for hiring freelancers. It allows you to find developers with various levels of experience, from beginners to experts, to work on more complex and long-term projects.
• PeoplePerHour is a good alternative for finding developers specializing in mobile development. You can easily post an ad with your specifications and receive detailed proposals.
• Toptal specializes in top-tier talent, with hand-picked developers. This platform is ideal if you need a highly experienced developer for projects requiring advanced expertise.

5Offer your app on the stores

Once your app is developed, all that’s left is to make it available on platforms where users can download it. This process, although relatively simple, requires following some key steps and meeting the criteria of each store.

Google Play

To offer your app on the Google Play Store, you first need to create a Google developer account, which involves a one-time registration fee. Then you need to generate an APK file (file format for Android) and follow the submission process. Google typically reviews apps quickly, allowing for rapid deployment. Be sure to include a detailed description, screenshots, and ensure your app complies with Google’s security and data privacy guidelines.

App Store

On the App Store, the process is a bit stricter. You’ll first need to sign up for the Apple developer program, which involves annual fees. Then you’ll submit your IPA file (format for iOS) via Xcode. Apple conducts a thorough review of each app to ensure it meets their strict requirements in terms of quality, security, and performance. The validation process can take several days, or even a week, depending on your app’s complexity.

Note that many creation platforms, as well as some specialized freelancers, include the publication of your application in their services. This means you won’t have to handle it yourself.

6Promote your app

Launching an app is great, but without a good marketing strategy, it risks going unnoticed in an already crowded market. Fortunately, it’s possible to generate visibility without blowing up your budget by using effective and accessible tactics for everyone.

Start by working on your app’s SEO. Optimizing your App Store and Google Play Store page, often called ASO (App Store Optimization), is essential. Use relevant keywords in your app’s title and description, and make sure the screenshots and presentation video are attractive.

Social media marketing is an excellent way to reach a large audience without spending much money. Create dedicated accounts for your app on major platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn) and share engaging content. The idea is to build a community even before the launch. Regularly post updates, teasers, and demos of your app to spark interest.

Specialized groups and forums in your field are also strategic places to talk about your app and capture a target audience. Answer specific questions and, more broadly, engage with other users to create a connection with them.

Collaborating with influencers is another effective tactic. Identify influencers in your niche who might be interested in your app and offer to let them test it in exchange for public feedback. These partnerships can quickly boost downloads, as their followers tend to trust their recommendations. Be sure to choose partners whose audience matches your target to maximize impact.

Finally, consider launching a small-budget targeted ad campaign. Use advertising tools offered by Google Ads or Facebook Ads to target specific users based on demographic or behavioral criteria. This type of campaign allows you to start with a small budget while getting measurable results, as you can adjust spending based on ad performance.

7Update your app and respond to support requests

Once your app is launched, your work doesn’t stop there. You need to regularly update it. This may not be the most exciting part of the job, but app updates are a bit like cleaning: no one wants to do it, but everyone is happy once it’s done.

These updates not only fix bugs or patch security vulnerabilities but are also an opportunity to improve the user experience by adding new features or optimizing performance. And it’s also a way to show your users that you’re still invested in the project.

To ensure your app remains competitive, listen to user feedback. Their comments and reviews, whether positive or negative, will provide valuable insights into improvements to make. Don’t hesitate to roll out updates that meet their needs and fix the problems they encounter. An app that regularly evolves shows your commitment to users and helps build their loyalty.

At the same time, it’s essential to offer fast and effective support. Respond to questions or technical issues promptly, whether via support tickets, emails, or social media. You can also integrate a FAQ section or a chatbot on your website or directly in your app to address the most frequent questions.

What are the most profitable business models for an app?

Choosing the right business model is a key factor in ensuring your app’s profitability. Several options exist, each with advantages depending on your audience and product. .

• The freemium model is one of the most common. It offers a free version of the app with basic features while providing paid options to unlock advanced features. It’s a great way to attract a broad audience while monetizing the most engaged users.
• Subscriptions, on the other hand, generate recurring revenue, especially for apps that provide continuous content or services (such as fitness or streaming apps).
• In-app purchases are ideal for games and apps offering additional elements or services that users can buy on demand, like special features or exclusive content. It’s like putting a tray of pastries in front of your users: the more enticing they look, the more likely you are to sell them.

The key to maximizing your revenue without losing users is to strike the right balance in your monetization strategy. For freemium, offer enough free features to attract and retain users, but make your premium options appealing enough to encourage purchases. In the case of subscriptions, consider different tiers to offer more flexibility.

As for in-app purchases, don’t overdo it, especially in games, to avoid user frustration. Ensure that progression in the app remains smooth even for non-paying users while making the paid options irresistible for those who want more.

Here’s an overview of the different business models used by mobile app creators. Source

How to monetize your app sustainably

The secret to monetizing your app sustainably lies in the ability to maintain a steady flow of revenue while keeping users engaged. This requires a thoughtful strategy based on optimizing the user experience and analyzing data to continuously refine your efforts.

One of the first levers is user retention. The more active and engaged your users are, the more likely they are to spend money via subscriptions, in-app purchases, or premium options. To improve retention, you need to integrate attractive features that encourage users to return regularly, like personalized notifications, rewards, or exclusive content.

At the same time, responsive customer service and regular updates to enhance the user experience are essential for boosting satisfaction and keeping users active. Finally, offering limited-time promotions or discounts can encourage users to upgrade to paid options while boosting your revenue.

User data tracking is another crucial element as it helps understand how users interact with your app and adjust your strategy accordingly. By analyzing key indicators like retention rate, usage frequency, purchase behaviors, or abandonment points, you can identify your app’s strengths and areas that need improvement.

This information also helps refine your monetization strategy by identifying the best opportunities to introduce premium offers or adjust prices. Moreover, user data allows for personalized experiences based on individual preferences, increasing the chances of conversion and long-term retention.

Tips and tricks

Creating and launching an app is a complex process that requires more than just good ideas and technical skills. Here are some practical tips to help you maximize your chances of success while staying innovative and efficient.

• Test your app on multiple devices: Don’t limit yourself to testing your app on just one phone model. Try testing it on different types of devices and screen sizes (smartphones and tablets) to ensure the user experience is optimal, no matter the device used.
• Offer an engaging onboarding: The first interaction users have with your app is crucial. Create an interactive and simple onboarding process that quickly shows the value of your app without overwhelming users with information. Use short tutorials and clear visuals to guide your users.
• Create a beta testing program: Launch a beta version before the official release of your app to get valuable feedback. Invite your most loyal users to test new features in advance, which will strengthen their engagement and help you fine-tune details before the big launch.
• Simplify updates: Make updates as easy as possible for users. Frequent but light updates are better perceived than massive, rare changes that can disrupt the user experience. Announce them via notifications to inform users of new features or bug fixes.
• Use smart notifications: Push notifications can be useful, but if they are too frequent, they risk annoying your users. Send personalized notifications based on the user’s habits and preferences. For example, if a user uses your app at a specific time of day, send a notification related to that usage to maximize its impact.
• Integrate real-time user feedback: Add a feature that allows users to provide feedback directly from the app. This will help you quickly detect any bugs and respond effectively to feedback. Quick communication shows that you’re listening and care about continually improving your app.
• Analyze user journeys: Use analytics tools to track user journeys within your app. Identifying the stages where they drop off can provide crucial insights for improving ergonomics and optimizing the user experience.

Conclusion

Creating a profitable app requires thoughtful planning, a well-defined strategy, and methodical execution. From generating a solid idea by identifying a real need to validating that idea with accessible tools, to choosing the right business model and a tailored marketing strategy, this article has covered the main steps to turn your concept into a success.

To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to stay tuned to user feedback and implement a scalable strategy. Whether you choose a no-code platform or collaborate with professional developers, the real secret lies in perseverance and the ability to adapt your decisions based on market insights. Before becoming the next Mark Zuckerberg, you’ll need to start with a strong coffee and a healthy dose of hard work!

What do you think about the idea of creating an app? Do you already have an idea in mind? Why are you still hesitating? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments.