home Solution Mobile applications. Thousands of mobile applications are developed daily Means mobile application

Mobile applications. Thousands of mobile applications are developed daily Means mobile application

In fact, to realize this idea is not as difficult and not as expensive as it might seem at first glance. You just need to have a good enough idea of what exactly you expect from a mobile application and determine how to achieve your goals.

Do you enjoy developing mobile applications for a business, blog, product or service, or are you just looking for a new source of income? Thinking about how to implement it and calculate future costs? In fact, to realize this idea is not as difficult and not as expensive as it might seem at first glance. You just need to have a good idea of what exactly you expect from an application for a mobile phone or tablet and determine in what ways to achieve your goals.

PREPARATORY STAGE

Before you create a mobile application, you should decide on the following points:

Do I have a specific vision of what the finished product will be and what its functionality will be?
What tasks is the program designed to solve and what will be the benefit for a particular user?
What platforms will it work on? software(iOS, Android, Windows phone)?
Will daily monitoring of its functioning be required?
How much am I willing to spend?
Will I create the application myself or will I turn to professional developers.

Also keep in mind that to create mobile programs for a business, such as a cafe, pizzeria or fitness club, should be taken especially seriously. After all, the presence of such a modern tool in a company is a serious image factor that will contribute to greater customer loyalty to the brand and a significant increase in the number of repeat visits.

WAYS AND COST OF CREATING AN APP

There are two ways to create applications for mobile devices. The first involves the independent formation of programs for electronic devices based on Android or IOS according to a template type using special website builders. The second way, more expensive, but as a result allowing you to get serious and functional products, is to seek help from individuals or companies involved in writing software. The second option is suitable when it comes to creating serious software products with specific characteristics that go beyond the ready-made kits available on website builders. It should also be taken into account that professional development for iOS or Android requires significant expenses. What is the cost of creating an application for Android and IOS platforms on Russian market? The price range is quite wide - from several hundred to tens of thousands of dollars - it all depends on the type of software and its functionality. However, such serious investments are more than paid off in the long run. When planning the final cost, it is also worth considering the costs of placing a new product in the AppStore and Android Market. If you are limited by a small budget and you do not have time at all, then you can try to design an application for electronic devices yourself. You don't need to be a programmer to do this. Read on to find out how easy it is to do so.

HOW TO CREATE A FREE APP

To date, there are enough domestic and foreign platforms available on the network that allow you to independently construct an application for a ready-made type for free. The website builders host hundreds of ready-made applications, sorted into various categories: small business, education, entertainment, sports, blogs, and the like. On such resources, programs with a standard and limited set of functions are created for free. Restrictions apply to the number of installs and views of your application, the number of positions in the catalog, the ability to publish in stores, the availability of a payment acceptance system, the presence of third-party advertising, and the ability to refine the functionality to suit your needs. To remove restrictions on sites, you can choose a specific package with a fixed monthly fee, the amount of which is determined depending on the number of options enabled. Examples of site-constructors of shareware mobile applications for Android, iPhone, iPad.

Appsgeyser.com (appsgeyser.ru - Russian version).

And now let's look at how a mobile application is developed in a few minutes using the ibuildapp site as an example. We chose this platform because it is very simple and straightforward to use. By the way, the iBuidApp resource also has Russian version, which makes it even easier to use the constructor. Before starting work, register on the site. Next, on the main page, click the “Create” tab and select the template that suits us.

CHOOSE A TEMPLATE AND CATEGORY

This site offers enough big choice standard options, which can be found in the catalog of categories in the left menu of the site page. For example, we chose the category “Photography” and the template “Photo Studio”. After choosing the design and the corresponding category, we start editing the menu items.

CONTENT EDITING

The administrative panel of the designer opens up wide possibilities for editing menu items. You can change the background, add a logo, customize the navigation of the main and bottom menus on the screen electronic device, edit the contents of internal pages. By the way, on the right side of the screen you can see how the changes will look on the screen of the electronic device. The constructor also allows you to test your application on a tablet or smartphone. Also, the finished program can be published in the Appstore or in Google Play, however this feature is only available for paid versions. The site offers 3 paid packages worth 490 rubles, 2400 rubles, 3700 rubles. per month.

PAID PACKAGES

If you are not satisfied appearance templates available on the site, you can create your own design by clicking on account the "My Templates" tab. The capabilities of an individual constructor are quite limited, they allow you to endow the software product with only the most necessary elements.
Now it's your turn to start creating applications and install it on your smartphone. Try it, it's easy enough!

“Chief editor of the GetGoodRank blog, web analyst, blogger.
I prefer mobile apps, they seem to be more secure than websites. I actively use banking applications, I prefer not to access accounts from a browser"

GetGoodRank continues its research into brand accessibility on mobile devices. One way to introduce a company target audience is a mobile application. In this review, we will try to determine what is more profitable for the brand: a mobile site or a mobile application.

Insights from IAB's "App Gap" study

Mobile users spend 88% of their time in apps and only 12% of their time in browsers.
Only 18% of users say they prefer a mobile app over a mobile site.
54% of users use the browser and search to satisfy information requests, while shopping (22%), watching videos (about 33%), accessing online banking (40%) prefer applications.
64% of users say apps are better than websites. 42% of users, on the contrary, consider websites to be more convenient than apps.
49% of users avoid mobile apps due to additional usage fees.
19% of users prefer apps because they work without an active internet connection.
19% of users say that many sites do not look good on mobile devices.
26% of users abandon mobile applications in favor of websites due to lack of free memory on the device.

Acquainted with full version report is possible.

Mobile Sites vs Mobile Apps

Interface

Mobile sites offer a traditional interface, while applications - as close as possible to the standard operating system application interfaces. This is easier for users to understand.

On the other hand, operating systems set their own standards, which will have to be followed when creating an application.

Performance

Mobile sites load slower than apps. We have shown the results of how loading time affects the mood of users.

Active users are ready to wait for the site to load no more6 seconds.

The response of the application also affects the interaction. If the application loads slowly, the user will delete it without hesitation.

Updates, bug fixes

It is easier to fix errors on the site or update the resource. updated version becomes immediately available to the user, while error correction is possible only in next version applications. To do this, the user must update the application himself (notifications are used). However, it is almost impossible to influence, let alone force the user to update.

Mobile device integration

The mobile site remains in the browser while the app accesses most of the smartphone/tablet features required.

Internet connection

The site is available to the user only if there is an active Internet connection, and the application can cache data and update libraries when an Internet connection appears. At the same time, the content and functionality remain available to the user without an Internet connection. Internet speed thus does not affect the user experience.

Fragmentation

The site is created for all mobile platforms. At the same time, correct cross-browser layout and optimization for various screens are important.

For different mobile platforms you will need different versions applications.

Human resources

Find a smart team to create, optimize, promote and technical support site is easier than experienced mobile application developers who will take into account when creating the requirements of mobile operating systems, the specifics of the target audience, competition in the segment.

Websites are cheaper, apps are more expensive.

Publication

The site is hosted on a server, registered in search engines and immediately becomes available to users via a link.

Applications outside mobile markets (AppStore, Google Play) do not inspire confidence. Therefore, they must be placed there. Markets act as a kind of "guarantor" of the quality of applications, but for this they impose significant restrictions on paid functions. Approval of placing an application on the market is a laborious and lengthy process.

Competition

The competition of sites in the search is high, thousands of sites from the search results are available to the user at the same time.

The competition among mobile applications is not yet so high. By choosing an application in the market and installing it on the device, the user is restricted from other similar services, which significantly increases the likelihood of an in-app purchase. However, it should be borne in mind that the application market is actively growing. The competition is growing with it.

Audience Reach

The coverage of users by mobile sites is much larger due to the presence of the site in the search, search engine optimization, accessibility from any type of device. Search engine algorithms are more familiar to webmasters than app store ranking formulas.

The application, as well as the site, must be optimized and promoted in the market search. Applications for different platforms are promoted in different markets, which, accordingly, doubles the costs. If the application is designed for only one mobile platform, then this significantly reduces the reach of the target audience.

Cost to market (other than development)

For the site, it is limited to paying for a domain name and hosting. A license is required to run the mobile application App Store, Google Play Store.

Availability

The site is available to all users without click restrictions. And the application is available only to those who have agreed to the terms of use (inaccurate, suspicious wording, requesting access to device functions and personal data can scare the user away).

Usage

The mobile site is always available, and you need to download and install to use the app.

Search

Users tend to ask questions search engines than contacting app markets to find solutions. Users turn to markets for specific solutions (a certain messenger - Whatsapp, Viber, a music player, a social network application - Facebook, Instragram).

Sharing

This is only possible in the browser Google versions play:

Support

On a mobile site, it is easy to fix errors immediately after they are discovered (this helps to prevent negative feedback from users). Easy to control user experience: all data is displayed in Yandex.Metrica and Google Analytics).

In a mobile application, it is difficult to control the user experience (for example, due to offline use), and errors can only be fixed by updating the application.

When is a site more justified?

There are situations when the mobile version of the site is considered a more appropriate solution:

the main task of the site is to inform the consumer about the brand, product, service, but not sale
the company's budget does not allow to support different applications for different mobile platforms, or both solutions (website + application)

Instead of conclusions

The mobile version of the site is the most rational solution. Installing applications is limited by the memory of the mobile device. Using the site does not involve additional resources.

The presence of a mobile application does not exclude the need for a mobile version of the site.

A mobile application becomes a rational solution in case of low competition (if competitive brands are represented exclusively by mobile sites).

Development, testing, launch and promotion of a mobile application is a long and laborious process, it is more expedient to initially adapt the site for mobile devices so as not to lose mobile traffic.

A study of the US mobile user market shows that users are more likely to click on ads on mobile sites than in apps:

App-centric users consider simplicity, no pay-per-use, functioning without an internet connection, and the amount of storage the app will take up.

Tells how different website layouts differ, which one is better to choose and when you should pay attention to a mobile application as a separate channel of communication with customers.

The share of mobile users is growing every year. Per Last year it increased by 12.5% (according to RIF + CIB 2016) and is about 20-30% of Runet users (according to Vedomosti). Finding information on the way to work or leaving a request while standing in line for morning coffee has long been a common process. Customers are accustomed to mobility. Is it possible to call your site mobile-friendly?

Every leader of a modern company is faced with the problem of choice mobile solution for business. Is responsive layout enough, do you need a mobile version of the site or even a mobile application? Is there a demand for -applications, how to choose an operating system and do you need it?

Let's try to figure it out.

Responsive and adaptive website versions

Both layouts serve to make the site more comfortable for access from mobile devices. The differences lie in the technique of adjusting to devices.

Responsive design (from English responsive - responsive, flexible) smoothly adjusts to the width of the device, while adaptive (from English adaptive - adjustable) focuses on the main points. In other words, the site responsive design changes view only for critical differences in width, and responsive even for small changes in parameters.

Benefits of these versions:

Ease of reading on various mobile devices;
Low startup costs - no need to create a separate site;
Corresponds to the ranking policy.

Flaws:

Presentation of the full amount of information - the content is not adapted to the needs of mobile users;
Deteriorating user experience with a PC - focused on ease of viewing with mobile screen, often looks bad on desktop screens.

Mobile version of the site

A truncated version of the main site, which contains only the information that is opened with mobile devices. Often a subdomain is used by adding m. or mobile. in the site URL.

Advantages:

Fast loading of pages, as the information is significantly reduced;
Ease of editing: the mobile version is separated from the main site;
Convenient navigation, as the needs of the user are taken into account;
Interactive features that enhance the user experience. For example, using geolocation to find the nearest office of your company.

Flaws:

Support costs for two sites. To keep the mobile version up to date, you need to duplicate all updates from the main site.
different site structures. If the client is used to navigating the site, it may be difficult to search on the mobile version.
An additional subdomain is especially inconvenient when sharing information. For example, if you sent a link to an interesting group to a colleague from your smartphone. When switching from a computer, you will be taken to the "stretched" mobile version pages. A trifle, but unpleasant.

Mobile version of VKontakte on desktop

Mobile app

A specially developed application for mobile operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows), independent of the company's website. It is a common misconception that developing your own application will ensure the competitiveness of the company. This is not entirely true: the application itself will not do the work for you, but if used correctly, this tool has high potential.

Situations when to develop an application not worth it:

For posting information. Users are accustomed to turning to search engines for information. Customers will install the app only if they provide a special useful features.
For status. Competitor apps are no reason to develop your own. Analyze if competitors' applications are in demand. Understand what attracts users - clear navigation, offline mode, payment by credit card?
To dramatically increase the number of customers.Realize that simply hosting a mobile application is not enough for success. To attract new customers, the application must be in the "popular" section or carry a high value. For example, the application from Tinkoff Bank allows you to make transfers from any cards without interest. Make regular customers happier - they will not only become loyal, but also tell all their friends.

To make the mobile application relevant to customers, you first need to find out their needs:

Track the actions of customers performed using gadgets;
Determine after which page users leave the site;
Find out the causes of the "abandoned" cart;
Learn the virtues of successful applications.

Use the application as an additional tool with unique features that your site is not capable of:

Secure payment by bank card;
Premium features;
Elements of additional reality and gamification;
Integration with CRM;
Bonus program for registered users;
Recognition of QR codes;
Online consultation of a specialist, etc.

Advantages:

Nice interface for mobile devices;
Work speed;
Ability to add interactive features;
Increasing customer loyalty;
Improving brand awareness.

Flaws:

High development cost;
Application store rules and restrictions;
Application development time.

The best strategy for developing a B2B application is to build it with . The large number of iPhone business users, as well as Apple's support for market development through the B2B App Store, justify the choice of operating system.

Summarize

Responsive site version- inexpensive and no frills. A great option for the site to be accessible from mobile devices and not lose positions in search engines. Relevant for small businesses with a main income that is not tied to online sales.

Mobile version of the site– speed, ease of navigation. A stripped-down version of the site, providing up-to-date functionality for access from gadgets. Cheaper than a mobile app, but consider the costs of maintaining two sites and . Suitable for companies with average earnings via the Internet, whose customers regularly visit the site and use additional features.

Mobile app– modern and efficient. A site-independent platform with unique interactive features. Recommended for medium and large companies that are ready to invest in developing brand awareness and increasing the level of loyalty of existing customers.

It is impossible to give an unambiguous answer which of the methods of interaction will suit you best. Experiment and communicate with clients - they will tell you what you are missing.

How and why to create a mobile application. A mobile application is not only a tool for communication, receiving necessary information or a way of spending leisure time, but it is also an opportunity to earn money, maintain an image, and conduct effective activities. With minimal investment or completely free, you can create mobile applications that meet the needs of consumers, and, in fact, are your own mobile browser, which opens only your website.

Idea

The birth of any product begins with the idea of creating it. The creator puts into the basis of the idea what he is most familiar with. Think about your interests and hobbies. If you travel a lot or visit various public places in your city, why not create an app based on this knowledge? calorie counting apps, sports apps create if you are familiar with dietetics or sports. If you have always been interested in astrology, you can create a sky map app.

Mobile applications are gaining momentum every day and according to some forecasts, they can completely replace Internet browsers and sites.

Try to think outside the box and come up with an idea that has no competitors, or, conversely, analyze similar ideas and create an application that would be better, more convenient and more useful for users.

Application types

Mobile and web browsers are used by almost every consumer mobile traffic. These are all kinds of maps, navigation, games, online photo processing services, libraries, storage places for information, news, music players, video viewers and much more. . A program designed for use in mobile phone or smartphone is paid or free, and is also divided into types, depending on the tasks to be solved:

entertainment (multimedia) applications - any video and audio file players, programs for viewing images, reading books, games;
communication - responsible for the communication of the user, his contacts, social networks, SMS messages;
navigation - applications that work with geographic coordinates, With GPS system;
applied - all kinds of calculators, organizers, notebooks;
reference - encyclopedias, dictionaries;
business applications that allow you to organize work, recruit employees, develop strategies, increase profits;
educational programs.

Monetization Options

If you are not Euroset or Megafon, not the AliExpress Internet portal, then you may want to make money by creating your application. The easiest way is to create paid app. But here you need to ask yourself a few questions:

What is your offer, what benefit does it bring to people?
What advantages does it have over its competitors?
How many downloads do competitors have?

Only by first correctly counting the number of users who are able to be interested in your application, you can roughly calculate how much you can earn.

Other monetization options:

in-app purchases;
advertising in the application;
sponsorship and offers;

Development

You have an idea, but no experience in programming, then the following options are for you:

the AppBooker website will give you a list of popular developers, taking into account your budget and needs;
apps4all.ru - here good list domestic developers;
most cheap option is to apply to the freelance exchange.

The cheapest does not mean bad, but it means more risky: you can make a great application, but you can also get an unscrupulous employee.

Development cost

The cost of developing an application depends on its type, varies greatly from the wishes of the customer and can be from 2.5 thousand to 10 million rubles. Most Expensive Applications, as a rule, are further bestsellers for long periods.

To find out the approximate cost of developing your application, you can go to howmuchtomakeanpp.com. Feel free to divide the resulting price by 3 and find out the cost Russian manufacturers. You can see examples of completed applications and their cost at crew.co.

How to create an application for free?

If you have at least minimal programming skills, then online mobile app builders will help you. In them, pay attention to the system for which the mobile application is being written, for example, for the iPhone or Nokia Corporation, Android, Java. The most popular system is Android. The algorithm for creating a mobile application is similar to the algorithm for creating websites. But keep in mind right away that if you want to create something unique in the highest degree, then your development will require either money or a serious investment of time.

How much can you earn?

If you approach the development of your application in the right way: study the popular offers on the market, create a product that will be interesting to the general public, use applications for different operating systems, you can earn about $100,000 per month.

A study conducted by Giga OM Pro showed that almost half of the mobile app developers they surveyed earn no more than $200 per month. ? First of all, decide what you will invest in the project: time or money.

If you are afraid to trust the developers, do not want to depend on them and pay too much for supporting and updating the program, then create the application yourself.

By using online designers it is really possible to make workable high-quality mobile applications. In the future, they should be advertised, published on Google Play and the AppStore. App purchases generate 25% less revenue than in-app purchases, according to Apple research, but 30% more than in-app advertising and other ways to make money.

This essay provides an overview of the arguments given in various articles for deciding which platform to choose when developing projects for mobile devices. At the end, an attempt is made to draw up a schematic final algorithm for choosing a platform.

Definitions

There are two directions of technical implementation of projects for mobile devices: mobile web site and mobile application.

A mobile web site is a specialized site adapted for viewing and functioning on mobile device. The site may include interactive components using JavaScript, HTML5, new browser APIs. In this case, such an implementation is called a web application. Further, to avoid confusion, any option that works inside the browser of a mobile device will be called a website.

A mobile application is a specially developed application for a specific mobile platform (iOS, Android, Windows Phone). Typically, an application is developed in the language high level and compiled into native OS code, which gives maximum performance.

There is a third option - a mobile application that includes a browser component. In this case, the part of the mobile application is most often used for navigation and integration with the OS, and the web component is used to display content. Ordinary users often cannot distinguish this option from a native mobile application.

Arguments