If you are considering starting an app development company, you need the right strategies and tactics to succeed. Otherwise, you could end up wasting money, time, and resources while your competitors take up more market share.

However, this is easier said than done.

The app development marketplace has changed rapidly over the years. Shifting technologies, consumer demands, and global realities have evolved. 

To position yourself for massive success as an app development company, you will have to utilise the right tools.

So, in this article, we will discuss five powerful and proven ways to make sure your app development company starts off on the right foot. Without further ado, let’s get started!

Your Development Cycle

For every app, there is a specific development cycle. Whether you build something for finance companies,  or for home improvement, even a game, you need to construct an efficient code-base. 

Of course, this doesn’t happen overnight.

Your desired code-base (and technologies like JavaScript, Java, HTML, CSS, etc.) should all factor into your decision when defining your development cycle. For instance, using Java may make your app run faster, but it could take longer to deliver your product to the market.

Ask yourself how quickly you need to develop and launch your app. Then, plan a schedule and development cycle that allows you to build an MVP (Minimal Viable Product). 

From here, you can get feedback from customers and continue to test until you reach the point of a fully functioning app that is bringing in a sufficient amount of revenue.

The Technology You Will Use

Let’s take a look at different app technologies you should consider when starting a company. The technology you choose will determine the speed and the detail with which you develop your app.

Java

This language is “closer to the source” of the code that computers and smartphones run on.  That means that the code doesn’t need to be interpreted as many times. As such, if you use Java, your app will run faster. However, it can be more difficult to find developers, and the app-building process can take longer because of the complexity of the codebase.

JavaScript 

This is the most popular programming language for web apps. At times, it can be slow when running on native machines like phones or tablets because it must go through several interpretations to achieve one objective. However, faster deployment is a huge advantage that you should consider — beating your competition to the punch can gain you market share.

HTML

HTML is what tells web browsers what information your app contains. Because most apps these days connect to the web (or exist solely online), HTML is essential in most app development. You should hire people with these skills if you want Google and other search engines to show your app to searchers.

CSS 

CSS dictates how your app looks. It tells devices what should happen when someone clicks a button, and it also helps your app be responsive to different device types and sizes.

Frameworks

There are frameworks that combine different web languages. In fact, they are almost like a new language of their own. The downside is that they can take some time to get past the learning curve. However, once you know how to use them, you can develop apps more quickly. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each of these options before you make your choice.

Your Niche

Without the right market fit, you risk wasting time and money only to find out that your product isn’t worth what you think it is. The niche you choose is essential. 

Here are some markets to look at:

  • FinTech: Financial service companies and banks are enormous markets, but they demand excellence and zero errors in their code.
  • Consumer Entertainment: There are endless ways to create games and entertainment apps. They are often free or low cost, allowing you to collect information and use advertising as your revenue model.
  • Transportation: Uber is the premier example of a transportation app. However, emerging markets in other parts of the world may still lack proper apps like this — consider thinking outside of the box.

Think about the value your product can offer and how it fits into the demands of a particular market.

Funding Options

More funding options exist than ever before. Therefore, you need to think carefully about how you will acquire the capital to build your app:

  • Traditional Venture Capital: Going through certified investors will help you raise money in large amounts, but it can also take longer. Consider if getting to market quicker or raising more capital is your priority.
  • Crowdfunding: On IndieGoGo, GoFundMe, and more, a few dollars here and there from a large number of consumers can get you the funds needed to build your app quickly.
  • Friends and Family: You can always ask those who know you best to help you in the beginning. If necessary, offer a piece of equity or loan with interest to provide some financial incentive as well.

Your choice of funding will depend on your priorities.

Hiring the Right People

Your team is the lifeblood of your app development company. But finding the right people can be a challenge. 

There are a lot of resumes and potential candidates to sift through. And with online job sites, you are competing with a lot of other companies at the same time — it’s no walk in the park. You should have a hiring process laid out when you take on developers so that you avoid just winging it. 

At a minimum, decide the salary you are willing to offer. Next, understand the specific skills that are in demand and required for the types of apps you need. With the right process in place, you will be able to successfully interview developers and bring the ones who best fit your company’s needs on board. 

If you don’t properly vet them, however, you could end up going through the whole process again.

When it comes to starting an app development company, you need to use the best tactics and strategies, whose effectiveness has been proven to work time and time again. An app company involves many moving parts: payroll, emerging technologies, efficiency reviews, hiring, funding, and more.

By following the guide above, you can implement the right technologies and strategies when planning to start your app company. That way, you can launch strongly and bring in extra revenue that boosts your bottom line and increases your chances to sustain your company in a tumultuous industry.