In 2021,
That’s where custom mobile app development comes into the picture.
A custom application is a powerful instrument for every business out there. Through a custom mobile app, a business not just gains an identity, but uplifts itself as a whole. As long as the app is engaging & fulfilling what the target audience needs, the chances for the app to succeed are fair.
In this article, I’ll throw light on how to create custom apps, some trends related to it, industries utilizing custom app development, the development process, and some benefits.
Why Do Businesses Need Custom Application Development?
“Hey Google, why should I acquire custom app development services?”
“According to Statista, here I have found some figures for you.”
There are 301.65 million mobile phone users across the United States, and the number is continuously growing.
It is roughly estimated that 83% of the population of the United States will have access to smartphones within the next 2 years!
Such vital statistical projections are encouraging enough for numerous brands to turn digital. For brands to gain recognition & compete in the market, it becomes mandatory to acquire custom app development services.
These custom app development services address exclusive business requirements, and goals, resolve business obstacles and enhance productivity by offering a seamless user experience.
Custom apps have different trends that rule the industry. Ahead, I’ll highlight three trends for you.
Enterprise Mobile Apps
Enterprise mobile apps are custom apps designed for businesses operating at an enterprise level. With the help of custom mobile app solutions, many businesses can optimize complex errands, streamline business procedures, enhance interpersonal communication, and boost RoI.
On-Demand Apps
All online food delivery apps and cab services are used worldwide & they assure a seamless experience for users. Such apps have encouraged businesses to establish a strong position in the competitive market.
Cross-Platform Apps
Developing cross-platform apps has proved to be beneficial for businesses. Sharks like Instagram, Facebook, Ali Baba, and more have already tasted success through cross-platform app development.
Custom Apps Vs. Off-The-Shelf Apps
I’ll tell you why custom app solutions are better than shelf solutions.
Smooth Connection
Custom apps, or bespoke apps, are created exclusively for establishing a connection with the existing database of software. Off-the-shelf apps cannot be integrated into the existing program because programs do not match.
Customization
Although there is software for customizing, apps can be customized to a certain extent. Business needs can be addressed by using a custom app like incorporating whatever colors, features, graphics, etc., your business really needs.
Peculiar User Experience
Uniqueness distinguishes a custom app from the digital crowd. This element can be found only in custom apps. Flexibility in design and other options like tweaking graphics can be tailored per business requirements.
For example, a healthcare app with an exclusive UI UX design feature for color blinds would be a unique idea. This would help color blinds in identifying different colored buttons with no text.
Security
Every company prefers a long-lasting professional bond with its clients. This can be made possible by assuring the maximum level of safety of the app. Safeguarding the confidential details of the user cannot be risked and hence, custom app programmers integrate safety features like two-step verification.
Securing the app is a great option to win over the trust of clients and curb security risks. These parameters are equally important for different types of custom apps. Let’s know more about different types of custom apps.
Types of Custom Apps
Below, I’ve described the types of custom apps that are widely chosen by startups and established businesses alike.
Native Apps
Native apps are platform-specific apps i.e they are developed either for android or iOS. Usually, businesses select native apps based on their target audience. What’s special about native apps? Let’s find out.
Native apps assure a streamlined user experience because they are easy to use & fast. The sustainable architecture of native apps makes them perform efficiently for a long time. Adding further, the in-built features of native apps, like GPS and camera movement, are icing on the cake.
The tech stack for native apps is different for android and iOS. Custom app development requires a lot of time & dedication.
For native Android apps, the programming languages are Kotlin and Java. The programming kit includes Android SDK and Android Studio.
For native iOS apps, Swift and Objective-C are the programming languages. The toolkit includes iOS SDK and Apple Xcode.
Hybrid Apps
Hybrid apps are apps that can be run on different platforms with the same code. Being a blend of native and web solutions, they have capabilities like those of cross-platform apps.
Hybrid apps have HTML, Java, and CSS as prime programming languages with frameworks comprising Apache Cordova and Ionic.
Cross-Platform Apps
Cross-platform apps, as the name suggests, are apps that are created for different operating systems. Most businesses today have their custom apps for business created under this category for reaching their target audience.
Cross-platform apps have the same code and hence, they are easy to maintain in case of a glitch.
The tech stack for cross-platform apps includes React and Dart as programming languages. Such apps run on the JavaScript framework.
Industries Utilizing Custom App Development Services
Over the years, many industries have benefitted from custom apps. Here’s a quick look at some major industries that are making the best use of custom mobile app development.
Healthcare
The healthcare industry is a large sector with systematic functioning. For making their processes efficient, majorly interaction between doctors & patients, e-prescriptions, and more, are evident for this industry to maximize the use of custom healthcare apps.
Banking & Finance
Countless transactions within seconds require instant services. Since banks are operating globally, the slightest interruption can cause a huge loss. Hence, this is avoided by focussing on custom banking solution apps.
Ecommerce Industry
The e-commerce sector is ever-evolving as there’s always room for something new. Since e-commerce apps majorly operate through mobiles, getting more conversions is a tough nut to break. Here comes the need for custom e-commerce apps into the picture that helps the brand to reach its target audience & gain conversions.
Education Industry
Post pandemic, remote learning became indispensable for all. It advocated for remote learning that allowed access to top-quality education at least expense. Although there are many e-learning apps, there’s enough room for more e-learning apps.
Custom Mobile App Development Phases
The app development process is a salient stage for every custom app out there. The development phase includes various stages that are vital before releasing the final app. The development roadmap has been described below:
Set Target Audience
Custom apps should be developed keeping in mind the target audience and their age group. Focus on what they’re expecting from a new custom app which includes mandatory inclusions and exclusions.
Once you’ve set the target audience, choose those social media platforms that make it easier to interact with potential users. Facebook & WhatsApp have been amazing options for interacting with potential customers.
Budget Planning
Unavoidable. You cannot miss out on planning the budget for the custom app. Even after planning the budget, entrepreneurs tend to miss out on some vital points like inclusions in the admin panel, app maintenance, and regular testing. Setting up a separate budget for these is essential.
Build an MVP
Investing with minimal resources in a custom app helps in entering the market faster. The core aim of developing an MVP is to release the app & accumulate feedback from users. Further integrations can be made by addressing what users seek forward.
An MVP can be created by considering factors like:
- Setting up continuous delivery
- Creating a pleasing design
- Integrating the right tech stack
Choose Distribution Model
Choosing a distribution model for custom apps is a necessary element. Custom apps are business-centric apps for individuals and businesses. Hence, by deciding on the right distribution model, these apps can be made available either from Google Play Store/App Store or available for download from a private server.
Custom App Development Benefits
There are many benefits a business gets after acquiring a custom app. The following is a list of some benefits you get:
- Projectable - Custom apps are projectable because they store the entire data in a single place. Since the data is accessible at any time, it becomes easier to track the progress in real-time.
- Secure - Security is higher in custom apps in comparison to generic apps. A custom app has more features for a better user experience and hence, they demand security for debarring foreign invasions like hacking.
-
Scalable - Scalability is never a hassle in custom apps because it works to support the core functionality of the business. There are hardly any chances for a business to discontinue the app.
Custom App Mobile Development - Key Takeaways
From the business perspective, a custom mobile app means scalability, security, and profit. Such apps take users and businesses one step closer to their respective purposes. Adding further, such an app can convert possible prospects into real customers.
Many businesses are turning to custom mobile app development for sustaining in the competitive market. The decision of getting a custom app created would definitely give an upper hand in evaluating the success of the business.
