11 Common Mistakes Mobile App Developers Make
- by Riya Asthana
Everybody doesn’t carry perfection. App developers and mobile app resellers also come on this list. They make some mistakes that can cost you time or money, and both these errors are frustrating.
As a developer, you can avoid silly mistakes and learn from your earlier mistakes. 99% of the mistakes which you made on the daily basis, can be easily avoided.
Before starting a new development project, you should check the below-mentioned mobile app mistakes that will help you a lot. It will give you less frustration and increase the possibility of building a successful app.
1.Neglecting Research and Expected Diligence
People do not want to do proper research before starting the app development, they just dive in and start creating. The developers always get excited when they get a new project. But, they have to control their enthusiasm and conduct their due diligence before proceeding.
You should always take the extra time to find the best platform and solution for app development as it will save you from frustration. Never rush for the decision because your one mistake can make or break the success of your project. There are several ways to build an app:
- Coding
- Use of an app creator without coding
- Agency hiring
- Working with a freelancer
- Become a white label reseller
There are different sub-options in every option such as small local agencies, large international agencies, and everything in between. You have to take time to find the perfect solution for app development as per your requirements.
Before selecting a development company, you should read customer feedback and case studies. You can also subscribe to their newsletter, request a consultation, and try a demo or free trial.
2. Poor Budget Management
The common mistake which is done by a developer is exceeding the budget. A few reasons for this common mistake are:
- Improper budget estimate.
- Inappropriate planning for all project components.
- Unexpected expenses.
You should have at least a little bit of idea that how much you have to spend on your app development. Use tools like a mobile app cost calculator which gives you an accurate estimate. With the starting phase of development, you have to plan for other phases too. Keep the extra budget also in the plan so, that you can spend on unexpected expenditures.
You should plan the special features from the initial stage of budgeting. Check out the latest mobile app development trends so that you get knowledge of evolving technology.
3. Not Creating an MVP
As an app developer, you should never enter into the final build. Use an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) that will help you to test the app and assess its performance. In the MVP stage of development, the app will include essential features.
Another common app mistake, MVP is not an experiment for your app. If you’re creating an HR mobile app to enhance employee efficiencies then, a social media app isn’t a possible MVP.
Rather than this, you should focus on the core components of the app. For instance, build individual employee log-in credentials, send push notifications for announcements, and more.
4. Poor UI/UX Build
Sometimes while developing an app, the developers get so lost in development that they forget about the objective of an app. Ignoring the user interface of an app can cost you a heavy amount. As per the report, most of the users uninstall the app because of a poor UI/UX design. You can check a few popular apps in this competitive market to make it more clear.
Every app should have simple navigation, a search function, and a home menu that can be easily accessible from any screen. Sometimes, the developer’s design as they want but, that is the wrong way. The user will get frustrated if the design is not in a proper format.
Make the UI your priority, otherwise, you will gain a lot of unhappy app users.
5. Failing to Test Properly
To have a successful mobile app, you have to do testing properly. It is an ongoing process and needs to be done throughout the development process. This will help you to improve the user experience, also, it will help you to rid of bugs or any other problem in the app.
Earlier, the developers don’t use to do testing but, now a majority of developers test their apps. That is solving a lot of issues in the development stage. But, there are still many problems that restrict the testing process.
To solve the most common testing mistakes and barriers, you have to follow the below-mentioned tips and best practices:
- Describe your testing process and its procedure.
- Dedicated in-house testing team.
- Work with both in-house and outsourced mobile app testing experts.
- Use the right tools and equipment to encourage the testing.
- Plan time for testing.
6. Building For Too Many Platforms
If you build a traditional native mobile app, for an iOS and Android app then it will double your budget. Both projects will be handled as two separate development experiences. It’s better to work on one platform while building a native app.
You can build for iOS and Android simultaneously by using an app builder. This will help you to reduce your development costs and timeline. It will give you access to create an app without writing a single line of code.
7. Poor Communication During Development
Another mistake that is done by the developers is a lack of communication during the development process. Effective communication is the most important point to keep in mind. You can avoid this by prioritizing communication from the beginning.
You should keep your colleagues, development team, and other team member updated with all the progress or ideas which you are going to develop. Clear communication in all the phases will help you a lot.
If you are planning to be a white label and resell app, then you should have the best communication skill. It will help you to make or break the success of your mobile app reseller business.
Plan a meeting depending on the project size of the app development project. Have daily, weekly, or bi-weekly meetings with everyone. Better to have a quick status update from each member of the team.
8. Going Overboard With Features and Functions
Nowadays, apps are having all the features and functions that you imagine for. But, it doesn’t mean that your app should include all the app features and functions. You have to just think about the main features that your app needs.
When you add a lot of features then it gives a lot of loads to the app. Also, it rais the budget whenever you add a new feature. It can also make your app more sensitive to bugs, errors, and crashes. Impact the size of your app too.
If adding a new feature will not add any value to the app, then better to leave that. So, better to focus on the features which are more needed to boost the app.
9. Partnering With the Wrong Development Team
Many good app ideas fail just because the company gets the wrong developer. It will become an expensive mistake for you. Also, people hire the wrong development team because they charge less. The company tries to save money by outsourcing development or a freelancer. But, a few freelancers are like they stop responding, do not follow the schedule, or deliver an app that is not as per the expectations.
10. Not Preparing For Updates
Never think that when the app launches the app development process also ends. But, it is not like this as no app is perfect, it needs regular improvements.
As per the report, around 30% of apps get an update at least once a month. Over 80% of apps get updated after every six months. You should plan all these updates from the starting. The updates are much needed which will help you to improve the user experience, remove bugs, and more.
Select an app builder that offers you full-service and maintenance after the completion of app building.
If you are a reseller, then you have to keep all the apps updated for your clients. You can generate income for a long time after the app launch by offering updates and additional support services to the clients.
11. Mirroring Your Mobile Website
You should always create a mobile-friendly website. After knowing that the mobile apps convert higher than the mobile web, then the client will show more interest in creating an app for the business. Never make the app a clone of your website.
The apps perform better than mobile sites as the app offers more features and functions that a mobile website can not do. Therefore, mirroring the app after the mobile site is wasting of resources. The users expect that the app should make the work of customers easy and provide enhanced value.
The app can have similarities same as your websites like the color scheme, theme, and brand image. Besides all this, the app should give a different user experience.
Everybody doesn’t carry perfection. App developers and mobile app resellers also come on this list. They make some mistakes that…