Here at McNair Media, we have been working on app development for several years, and we would like to share our insights on the process of building a custom app for businesses and nonprofits. In this blog post, we will walk you through the essential steps and considerations involved in bringing your app idea to life.
Why Build an App?
From our experience, businesses and organizations choose to build apps for various reasons. Some common motivations include:
- Notifications
- Visibility and exposure
- Customer loyalty
- Offline access
- Streamlining internal processes
Planning is Key
Before diving into app development, thorough planning and organizational preparation are crucial. Our initial phase involves working with clients to refine their app idea and determine the appropriate distribution method. We also establish the necessary business requirements and technologies to be implemented.
Focus on Primary Goals, Then Expand
We recommend starting with a single goal to ensure a smooth and timely launch. This approach also helps determine the most suitable distribution method. Internal-use apps, for instance, do not require submission to app stores and can be distributed via Apple’s MDM technology or through an organization’s management account.
Alternative options like Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) can provide a cost-effective solution. PWAs don’t require submission to app stores and can be distributed through your organization’s management account or even shared via a link. Additionally, PWAs can be easily installed on devices, offering a seamless user experience without the constraints of traditional app stores.
A Solid Start is Essential
Minimizing issues like store rejections begins with comprehensive research, planning, and app prototyping. Any problems that arise during these stages may require additional planning and prototyping, potentially affecting the project’s timeline.
Planning then Prototyping
We believe in a solid research and planning process before moving on to prototyping, as it makes this phase more beneficial and efficient. A completed app prototype allows clients to experience an interactive and clickable proof of concept on their own devices.
When an App Comes to Life
After the planning and prototyping phases, we proceed with coding and internal testing (alpha build). Once we have completed our internal testing, we invite users from the client’s organization to provide feedback before the app’s public release.
Your App’s Destination influences Everything
The final destination of your app determines the steps we take after initial coding. For internal-use apps, testing and deployment are quicker. However, if you plan to submit your app to the App Store or Google Play, we conduct a more rigorous set of tests to ensure compliance with store guidelines. Our planning phase is designed to minimize common store rejections.
Let’s Talk! Schedule a Free App Consult
If you’re interested in building an app for your business or organization, we offer free consultations. Give us a call or click on the consult button to get started on your app development journey.
