Mobile App Developers: Developing a great app that everyone wants can be highly profitable. However, that’s only true if you know what you’re doing. The fact is, hiring an app developer can be very expensive. If hiring a professional developer is too costly, you can learn to code and build apps yourself. There are a few different ways to create your apps, ranging from super-simple to complex.
The development experts at Digital Authority Partners have passed along a few tips to help beginning app developers get started.
App development sounds intimidating, but it’s just like anything else; you need to put in the time to study and practice. You may fail at first, but sooner than you might expect, you’ll be building apps with the best.
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Decide on Your Goals
You may be a small business owner that can’t afford to hire an app developer. Or, maybe you want to start your own app company or work as a freelancer.
There are hundreds of thousands of apps on the Apple and Google Play stores. So, be prepared for some competition. However, most of those won’t be in your category, and many more don’t function and are uninstalled. So, you do have a reasonable chance of success.
Within the app development world, there are Android and iOS apps and web apps that work in a user’s browser. If you’re serious about a career as a developer, you’ll likely need to learn all three.
If you want to earn a passive income from your apps, keep in mind most apps are free. So, unless an app is unique and valuable, most people won’t pay for one. That means you’ll need to think of a way to monetize your apps. And, the Google Play and Apple terms and conditions place some limitations on that.
Becoming a freelance app builder means that you’ll make money by charging your clients. In this case, you’ll also need to learn something about marketing.
Small business owners who want an app as an extension of a website could opt for simply framing their website with an in-app browser. Otherwise, an American developer generally charges around $150 per hour. But, of course, you can hire a developer from India for much less.
Learn to Code for a Career Change
If you want to become an app developer, learning to code is what you’ll need to do. Fortunately, learning to code does not require a university degree. Instead, you can take community college classes or teach yourself using online tools. Also, you can sign up for online classes instructing on all aspects of app development.
But, before you commit to teaching yourself how to code, consider the concept of a minimum viable product. It goes like this; rather than asking if you can build an app, ask yourself if you should. You could spend months working on what you think is the next big app, only for it to languish in the app store. You can’t afford to waste your time building apps no one wants.
Learning marketing techniques and following trends go hand-in-hand with the concept a minimum viable product. You need to assess the market for a possible niche, and you need to market your apps, even free ones.
Using App Builders
Online app builders are perfect for small business owners who want to turn their website into an app. App builders are also a way for freelancers who don’t like to code to make money still.
App builders are online websites that use templates to design simple apps. They may charge a one-time fee, but there is a monthly subscription most of the time. Having an account with an online app builder allows you to update your apps as required by Google and Apple quickly.
Some app builders have an option to add Google AdMob so that you can earn a little bit of extra money on ads.
You’ll typically find templates for all types of businesses, ranging from restaurants, real estate, music, and non-profits. No matter what you need an app for, you’ll likely find an appropriate template. Once you’ve chosen a template, you’ll then insert the URL for your website. That’s it.
A lazy “developer” could also use an online app builder to build simple apps for their clients without actually coding anything.
Learn to Code and Use an App Builder
Would-be mobile app developers can get the best of both worlds by learning to code for complex, unique apps and using an app builder for simple apps. As a result, you can quickly knock out simple, low-cost apps, freeing up time to do more complex work.
Therefore, you’ll be able to offer small business owners an affordable option that doesn’t take much time or effort on your part. Simultaneously, you’ll be able to charge other clients much more for unique, one-of-a-kind apps.
Don’t Forget Plug-ins
WordPress plug-ins are another type of app that has real possibilities. Many website owners want to add functionality to their WordPress site, and plug-ins are the answer.
However, like apps, most plug-ins are free. But, if you have a great, highly functional plug-in, many website owners are willing to pay for a premium version. Usually, you can purchase premium plug-ins on a subscription basis.
Conclusion
Becoming an app developer takes work and dedication. Like anything else, success won’t happen overnight. In addition to coding, you’ll also need to learn about marketing and have a good sense of what people want.
Today, nearly everyone has their mobile device close at hand, and some even sleep with them. That means there is a substantial global market hungry for new apps. As a result, there’s an enormous opportunity to turn a profit as an app developer.
If you’re serious about becoming an app developer, learn how to code. Fortunately, you won’t have to get a university degree to do this. Instead, you can take classes at a community college or learn to code online.
If you’re a small business owner that needs a simple app, app builders are perfect. Choose a template, add the features you need, and in a few clicks, you’ll have an app. While professional app development is significant, app builders are the way to go if you can’t afford it.