Top 10 Myths of Mobile App Development: Debunked!

There are a lot of misconceptions in the mobile app development world. To separate fact from fiction, we've debunked the 10 most common myths about app development.

As the mobile app market matures and more businesses look to create or enhance their mobile presence, the need for qualified mobile app developers increases.

However, the industry is plagued by myths and misinformation. This can lead to companies making uninformed decisions about their app development, which can often result in time and money wasted.

So let's explore 10 of the most common mobile app development myths and explain why they are wrong.

Myth 1: Apps Are Cheaper to Build Than Websites

While apps may seem less intricate than websites, the same skills – coding, UI/UX, graphic design – apply.

Just like websites, apps require several programming languages like HTML and CSS. Plus frameworks, integrations, front-end and back-end tools, and more.

To build a well-functioning app, you need to work with developers who have tech stack specialization.

Tech stacks are the specific technologies used to build websites and apps. The experience your app deserves is valuable. Function and design are the first things customers see so it pays to do it right.

Myth 2: Converting Cross-Platform is Simple

There are several platforms to choose from – Windows, Mac, Android, iOS. Before building, it’s important to choose the right platform for your audience. Because once you’ve started building, it’s nearly impossible to copy+paste that framework onto another platform without major clean up.

What ends up happening is building completely on one platform, launching, then having to restart the whole process on another platform. Goodbye time and money.

If you need to build on multiple platforms, start with a cross-platform development tool. With one main code, the tool allows you to build on multiple platforms.

Plus, instead of launching asynchronously, your app can go live across multiple platforms at the same time.

Myth 3: You Must Build For All Operating Systems

You don’t have to build for all operating systems. Instead, do audience research first. Find out where your target market lives – do they use Apple or Android primarily? What do they primarily use mobile for — shopping, researching, or other? Knowing this information before building will save you time and money.

Why? If you’re targeting a global market, it’s important to build an app that can be used on multiple platforms. However, if you’re targeting a specific country or region, it might make more sense to build for a specific operating system. Businesses need to be what their consumers want and companies are making mobile development a key priority to reach consumers.

Myth 4: You Only Need to Build Natively

When you’re designing a mobile app, you might be tempted to design it for native use. However, you should also consider building a cross-platform mobile application. Cross-platform mobile apps are those that can be used on more than one type of mobile device. They’re created using software that allows developers to write code once and have it run on multiple platforms.

There are several reasons why you should consider building a cross-platform app.

When you build a cross-platform app, you’re not restricted to a single platform or market. You can release your app on several different platforms and reach a much wider audience. Building a cross-platform app also allows you to reuse code and saves you time and money.

By building a cross-platform app, you make it easier for your users to switch between devices. Your app will look and feel the same on all devices, which will give your users a better experience. Cross-platform apps are also more likely to be downloaded than apps that are only available on one platform.

Some businesses may be wondering if they should build a cross-platform app. Here’s why you should consider it:

• Increased Reach: When you build a cross-platform app, you’re not limiting your audience to a single platform. Your app will be available on all major platforms, giving you a much wider reach.

• Increased Engagement: A cross-platform app will be used by more people, and that means more opportunities for engagement. If you have a strong app with high engagement rates, that will reflect positively on your brand.

Myth 5: Apps Market Themselves

Advertising is the key to getting your app the attention it deserves. You have to find the right people to market your app to and create a campaign that will reach them

There are many different ways to advertise your app, and the most effective way will vary depending on your app and your target audience.

One of the best ways to market an app is through social media. Platforms like LinkedIn offer great opportunities to target users based on their interests and demographics. You can use paid advertising options on these platforms to reach consumers.

And don't forget about search engine marketing (SEM). Engines like Google have a variety of ad formats to reach people at all stages of the buying cycle.

You can even retarget people who visited your site but didn't purchase yet. And just like social media advertising, you can target by demographics, affinity, location, and more

This makes it possible to target a very specific audience, which can increase your chances of getting more downloads.

Myth 6: Features Are The Main Selling Point

When you're designing your app, it's easy to get caught up in the features. After all, they're what make your app unique, right? Not necessarily.

In today's saturated app market, it's not the features that set your app apart from the rest. It's how those features help users solve their problems that will make them want to download your app.

Your app's design should be focused on making users' lives easier, not just showcasing its features. Keep the focus on the user and how your app can help them. By doing this, you’ll create an app that is both easy to use and visually appealing.

Myth 7: Apps Should Be Built In-House

More and more businesses are turning to app development companies to help them with their mobile needs.

For many projects, it's more efficient to outsource app development. Building an app in-house can be expensive and time-consuming. It can also be difficult to find the right developers with the necessary skills.

Outsourcing app development, on the other hand, can be a cost-effective and efficient way to get your app built quickly and without any hassle.

There are a number of mobile app development companies that help businesses with all facets of app development, from design and user experience to backend development and marketing.

By working with a mobile app development company, businesses can be sure that they are getting a high-quality app that's tailored to their specific needs.

Myth 8: Only Build Apps for Smartphones

In order to make an app, you need to develop one for smartphones, right? Not necessarily. Apps can be for any number of devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and even smart TVs.

There are plenty of opportunities to create unique and innovative apps that don’t require a smartphone. As of January 2022, 4.95 billion people around the world use the internet and about two-thirds of internet users go online via laptops and desktops. And that number is only going to grow. So don’t be afraid to explore different app development platforms.

There are several other platforms you should consider. Here are three of them:

1. Wearable devices: The global wearable technology market size is expected to reach USD 118.16 billion by 2028.

2. Virtual Reality: The global Virtual Reality (VR) market size is projected to reach USD 26860 million by 2027.

3. Augmented Reality: The global AR market is expected to reach USD 340.16 billion by 2028.

Myth 9: Development Takes Years to Finish

It's a common misconception that app development takes years to finish. The truth is, with the right team and the right process in place, you can have a high-quality app ready to launch in just a few months.

And remember, you don't need a fully-fledged idea before reaching out to a development company. A good team will work with you to bring the vision to life.

They'll help you answer questions like:

• What are you trying to achieve?

• What need does your app fill?

• Who is your audience?

• What does the competitive space look like?

• How can you successfully go to market?

From there, the process of creating an app follows this order.

• Validate the idea to make sure there is a market for it

• Create a prototype and do user testing

• Develop the app

• Launch the app

• Market and promote the app

With the right dev team, you'll have an MVP ready to go in no time.

Myth 10: Launching is The Final Step

Many app developers and entrepreneurs believe that simply launching their app is enough. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. In order to ensure your app’s success, you need to put in the time and effort to market it correctly.

There are a variety of marketing strategies you can use to promote your app and generate downloads. But you've got to understand your audience and what will appeal to them.

What are their demographics, psychographics, and affinities? Where do they shop? What social media platforms do they use? Answers to questions like these will help you build a better campaign.

And don't forget! It's important to track your marketing efforts and analyze the data to see what's working and what isn't.

Building a mobile application is a team effort. Make sure your team has got your back.

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If you’ve got an idea, our team is behind you. By the way, we offer a host of services from marketing to IT staffing to grow your app even further. So let’s get started together.