Mobile app marketing is a cornerstone of business growth because the consumer segment across the platform is ever-growing. People prefer handheld devices to buy products and explore brands on the go. After all, nothing matches the ease of checking them while commuting or shopping.
Business owners cannot risk overlooking this segment, even more as a startup in a competitive landscape. You may not even get off the mark if customers cannot spot your brand in mobile searches.
But startups often skimp on mobile app development due to a shortage of funds. However, failing to invest in it can risk your survival in the long run.
So you must empower your venture with an app to keep pace with competitors and build visibility and trust. The good thing is that you can do it regardless of your budget constraints.
Here are a few tips to achieve the goal without breaking the bank.
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Know what your product should look like
The first step is to understand your requirements and what your products should look like. Not having a clear view can lead to a waste of time, money, and effort.
Conversely, knowing the app features enables you to convey your needs to your development team effectively. They can get started with the development process sooner than later if they are on the same page.
Consider your objective, whether you want to build an app for product launch, brand awareness, or audience engagement with gamification.
It helps you decide its features and navigation flow. Moreover, you can take a selective approach to cut the redundant ones and stick only with the essentials.
Stick with your target audience
The best piece of advice for startups looking for mobile development is to stick with their target audience. It narrows down the app coverage, which is better if money is a constraint for you. Identify the platform they frequent and invest in a platform-specific app, such as for Android or iOS.
Extensive market research puts you in a good place in this context. You need not spend a fortune on research. Just cover this aspect during the initial research, and you are good to go.
Of course, you can move to other platforms as your target audience and budget grow. But starting with a single platform can surely save you big money.
Think MVP
Taking the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach is another way to save money for startup mobile apps. An MVP has only the essential features, so it is simple and costs less than a product with bells and whistles. You can define the basics your target audiences seek and build from there.
The idea is to ensure they can pick the essentials, such as knowing your brand, browsing your catalog, placing orders, and paying securely.
Since the feature list is small, the development process is quick and simple. So it will likely not press your shoestring budget too hard. You may always add more features later, but starting small spells hefty savings.
Outsource development
Hiring a development team can affect your startup budget, so it may not be the best option. App developers are expensive because talent is scarce, so bringing them on board is often out of question for startups. But you need not give up on the idea altogether.
The good thing is that you can outsource mobile development services to develop it at a fraction of the cost. You can save even more by outsourcing them from an off-shore provider. Check development partners in locations like LATAM because top tech talent is affordable in these countries.
Also, ensure that your partner knows your requirements thoroughly and builds accordingly. They may even suggest some cost-saving options for you.
Opt for an intuitive design
Developing an app on a small budget is a good start for a new business, but you cannot take success for granted. The competition is booming, and user expectations are sky-high.
However, a simple product with an intuitive design is in a better place when it comes to user expectations. A common user prefers simple interfaces that go with the flow instead of overwhelming them with complex navigational paths.
Users tend to explore such apps longer, which translates into better chances of conversion and retention in the long run. An intuitive design offers a mix of seamless navigation and easy-to-locate CTA buttons, so ensure your app has both.
Factor in maintenance costs
Startup entrepreneurs are money-conscious, so they spend every dollar wisely. But things can get tricky with mobile app development. Most business owners take a set-and-forget approach to development. But things are different in the real world because glitches and problems may surface at any time.
Moreover, your app may require an upgrade or additional features to keep pace with changing trends. Think beyond the development stage because app maintenance costs are equally crucial. Not planning for them can pinch your startup budget, so you must factor them in from the outset.
Discuss the potential maintenance issues and costs with your development team. Setting aside funds for them keeps you in a comfortable place.
Mobile app development is a necessity for startups like any other established business. But it need not be a painful investment that hurts their small budget.
You can build it with minimal funds and ensure seamless running without spending a fortune. Follow these tips to cover all fronts and get an incredible product to create an impressive mobile presence.
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