How to Create an App: A Comprehensive Guide for Non-Technical Users

Building a mobile app can feel overwhelming for non-technical entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Fortunately, you don't need to be a programmer to bring your app idea to life.

This guide will walk you through two paths to create a mobile app, covering everything from initial planning to post-launch growth. Whether you're starting from scratch or turning an existing website into a companion app, we'll break down each phase in simple terms.

Overview: MobiLoud's Mobile App Development Guide

Since 2013, we've helped build and launch thousands of apps. In doing so, we've learned all there is to know about building mobile apps, including common mistakes, the time and cost you can expect, and the best approach for different kinds of projects.

With that experience, we've put together a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to make an app.

Our guide will look at two main paths:

• Path 1: Building a Mobile App from Scratch – Ideal if you have a new app idea or a service that isn't already on a website. We'll cover ideation, design, development options (including no-code tools), testing, launch, and maintenance for a brand-new app.
• Path 2: Creating a Mobile App as a Website Companion – Perfect if you already have a website (like an ecommerce store, news site, or online community) and want a mobile app to enhance your reach. We'll discuss auditing your site's content, choosing between a Progressive Web App (PWA), hybrid app, or a custom native app, implementation details, and syncing your app with your website.

By the end of this guide, you'll have a clear roadmap to create a mobile app, tailored to your resources and needs.

Let's dive in.

Path 1: How to Build a Mobile App from Scratch

If you're starting with just an idea (not an existing website or platform), Path 1 will guide you through bringing that idea to reality.

This path is common for entrepreneurs building a new product or business via a mobile app.

Here's what the mobile app building process will look like:

Ideation & Planning Phase

Every successful app begins with careful planning. In this phase, you'll refine your idea, research the market, define your target users, plan your Minimum Viable Product (MVP), and consider how the app might generate value or revenue.

Here's what you need to cover:

Define the Problem and Solution

Clearly identify what problem your app solves. Ask: "What specific value does my app offer users?" Understand existing solutions and how your app improves upon them.

Market Research

Examine similar apps: downloads, active users, user reviews. Identify gaps your app could fill. Confirm real market demand (this ensures you're building something valuable).

Identify Target Users (User Personas)

Define who will use your app. Busy parents? Students? Professionals?

Create user personas (e.g., "Alice, 30, marketing manager seeking quick workouts"). Personas help align design and features with user needs.

Outline Core Features & MVP

Focus on an MVP, which should include only the essential features delivering core value. List desired features, prioritize them, and select only critical ones for launch.

Avoid feature creep by asking, "What does my app absolutely need to function?" This keeps development manageable in cost and timeline.

Monetization Strategy

Assuming your mobile app is a commercial project (designed to make money), decide your monetization model early:

• Free with Ads: Ad revenue, no user fees.
• Freemium: Basic features free; premium features via subscription or purchase.
• Paid App: Users pay upfront (less common today).
• In-App Purchases: Sell virtual or physical goods in the app.
• Subscription: Recurring fees for ongoing access.
• Indirect Monetization: Free app driving sales or leads to another business.

Choose based on app type and audience's willingness to pay.

Success Metrics & Goals

Define clear goals or KPIs, such as downloads, revenue, or user engagement. This clarifies your objectives and helps measure success (e.g., "Increase customer retention by 20% via app").

By the end of this phase, summarize your plan:

• App purpose
• Target users
• MVP
• Monetization plan

This outline will guide the rest of your project, and assist with clear communication with designers and developers.

Design Phase (UI/UX Design)

With a solid plan in hand, the next step is designing how your app will look and feel, in terms of the UI and UX.

UI (User Interface) design is about the visuals (layout, colors, typography, etc.), while UX (User Experience) design is about the usability and flow (making the app intuitive and pleasant to use).

As a non-designer, you can still create an effective design by following basic principles and using the right tools.

Here are five steps to designing a mobile app:

1. Sketch User Flows and Wireframes

Start with basic wireframes; simple sketches mapping your app's screens and navigation.

Focus on logical user flows, like "User opens app → Home screen → Menu → Profile."

Tools such as Balsamiq, Moqups, or Wireframe.cc are great for non-designers, helping you clarify structure without visual distractions.

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2. Mobile UX Best Practices

While designing, keep some core UX principles in mind:

• Simplicity: Each screen should have one clear purpose. Avoid clutter; use clear labels and intuitive icons.
• Consistency: Maintain uniform colors, fonts, and button styles. This makes the app intuitive and cohesive.
• Navigation: Choose clear navigation patterns; tab bars for simple apps, hamburger menus for complex ones. Ensure key functions are easy to find.
• Accessibility: Use readable fonts (14sp+), high color contrast, and large tap targets (~7mm). Accessibility broadens your audience and helps comply with regulations.

3. Visual Design (UI)

Refine wireframes into polished designs:

• Use Templates: UI kits (Google Material Design, Apple Human Interface Guidelines) save time and ensure professional results.
• Design Tools: Tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch let you create detailed screens. Figma is beginner-friendly and offers free community resources. For simpler solutions, Canva or Visily offer easy drag-and-drop interfaces.
• Mobile-First Approach: Design initially for smartphone screens (5.5"-6"). Tablet layouts can follow once the primary phone layout is solid.

4. Iterate and Get Feedback

Share designs with others for feedback. Test prototypes with real users to uncover and fix usability issues early.

5. Leverage Design Experts (Optional)

If budget permits, hiring freelance UI/UX designers (Upwork, Fiverr) or using platforms like 99designs can elevate your design.

Remember, effective app design prioritizes clear, intuitive usability over aesthetics alone.

Development Options for Non-Coders

Once your app’s design is set, the next step is development.

Even if you don't have any technical skills, there are several practical options to allow you bring your app idea and design to life, from putting together a development team to using a rapid app development tool.

1. No-Code App Builders

No-code platforms use visual drag-and-drop interfaces, ideal for straightforward apps and MVPs.

Popular choices include:

• Bubble: Flexible, powerful web and mobile web apps (from ~$29/month).
• Adalo: Mobile-focused, simple apps and prototypes (~$45/month).
• AppGyver: Strong logic capabilities, free for basic usage.
• Glide: Quickly turns Google Sheets into mobile apps.
• Thunkable: Visual blocks-based tool for native apps.

Pros:

• Quick and cost-effective development.
• Minimal tech maintenance.
• Deployment often simplified or automated.

Cons:

• Limited to predefined components; less flexibility for advanced features.
• Performance may lag for complex apps.
• Platform dependency risks (price changes, platform closures).

Tips: Start from templates, configure data, design screens visually, and use built-in logic tools. Expect a small learning curve but benefit from extensive tutorials and community support.

2. Pre-Built App Templates

Another option is to start from a template specific to your type of app:

You'll purchase existing app code (e.g., from CodeCanyon, ~$50-$300) and hire developers for customization.

Pros: Less coding needed; saves significant time.

Cons: Requires developer assistance for customization and maintenance. End result will likely be lower quality, less unique.

3. Hiring Developers

The other choice is to hire freelancers, a mobile app development company, build an in-house development team or partner with a technical co-founder.

• Freelancers: Cost-effective ($20-$100/hour); find on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr.
• Development Agencies: Full-service, comprehensive support (costs can range from $10k-$250k depending on complexity).
• Tech Partners: Equity-based arrangement, ideal for startups needing long-term commitment.

Using cross-platform frameworks (e.g., React Native, Flutter) can reduce cost and development time significantly.

Tips: Clearly define your app requirements to receive accurate estimates. Evaluate candidates through past work, testimonials, and initial trial tasks.

Cost & Decision Factors

Choosing between no-code tools and hiring developers largely depends on the budget, desired timeframe, your technical skills, and the complexity and type of app you want to build.

Budget

No-code solutions typically cost around $12-$60 monthly, totaling a few hundred dollars annually.

Custom development, on the other hand, involves significant upfront costs (often tens of thousands of dollars) plus ongoing expenses for updates and maintenance.

If budget constraints are tight, starting with no-code can be highly cost-effective. Many businesses initially use no-code to validate their concept and/or build an MVP, and switch to custom coding only after achieving growth and stability.

Time to Market

No-code platforms can accelerate your app's launch significantly, often reducing development from months to just weeks.

The custom app development process typically takes longer, often 4-6 months for a fully functional MVP.

If quick market entry is crucial due to immediate business opportunities or competition, no-code or hybrid development approaches can provide a significant advantage.

Technical Ability

If you're comfortable learning and managing tech tools, no-code platforms can provide substantial control and flexibility.

However, if managing technology feels overwhelming or detracts from other critical business activities, hiring developers can free up your time, allowing you to focus on strategic business growth.

Scalability & Flexibility

Consider your long-term goals and potential scalability needs. While no-code platforms have improved greatly, they still have limitations - especially if your app needs advanced computations, custom integrations, or handling millions of users simultaneously.

Complex features like augmented reality or sophisticated algorithms typically require custom development.

Conversely, no-code solutions often suffice for simpler, content-driven, or ecommerce apps, particularly if these platforms continuously enhance their capabilities.

Hybrid Approach

You don't need to exclusively commit to one method. Many businesses first use no-code to quickly and affordably validate their idea.

After gaining traction and generating revenue, they reinvest in professional custom development to refine functionality and enhance user experience.

Alternatively, using a no-code prototype as a specification for developers can reduce misunderstandings, save costs, and streamline the development process.

Testing & Quality Assurance (QA)

The game isn't over once you've got a working version of your app.

Testing your app thoroughly ensures reliability and a positive user experience. Proper QA helps prevent launching a buggy app that can lead to negative reviews and frustrated users.

Here's what to consider as part of the testing process:

1. Test on Real Devices

Use actual devices, not just simulators, as behaviors can differ. Include various screen sizes (small and large phones, tablets), operating systems (iOS and Android), and different OS versions (older and newer).

Ensure layouts, interactions, and visual elements appear correctly in both portrait and landscape orientations.

2. Create a Test Checklist

Approach testing systematically with a clear checklist:

• Confirm each screen loads without crashing.
• Verify all buttons, forms, and links function correctly.
• Test edge cases: long inputs, special characters, empty required fields.
• Evaluate performance: slow loading, animations lagging.
• Test data handling: scenarios with no data, typical data, and extensive data.
• Check offline behavior: ensure your app handles no network gracefully.
• Observe user experience issues: unclear labels, confusing steps.

Gather feedback from friends, colleagues, or potential users to identify usability issues you might have overlooked.

3. Beta Testing

Consider structured beta testing before the full launch:

• iOS (TestFlight): Apple’s platform allows up to 10,000 beta testers. You'll need to upload a beta build for testers who provide feedback.
• Android (Google Play): Offers closed testing tracks or open beta via Google Play Developer Console. Easy to manage testers through email invitations or public links.

Encourage beta testers to report bugs or suggestions clearly through forms, emails, or in-app feedback mechanisms. Limit beta groups to 20–50 users initially for manageable, actionable feedback, and fix critical issues identified during this phase before your official launch.

Launch & Distribution

Once your app is working, and thoroughly tested for bugs and usability issues, it's ready to launch.

This phase is about preparing your app for release, submitting it to the app stores (for native apps), and optimizing your app listing so that users can discover and download it.

Here's what to account for:

1. Developer Accounts Setup

• Apple (iOS): Enroll in the Apple Developer Program ($99/year). Approval usually takes a few days.
• Google Play (Android): Create a Google Play Developer account (one-time $25 fee).

2. Prepare App Store Assets (ASO)

• App Name: Clear, descriptive, unique (Apple ~30 chars, Google Play ~50 chars).
• Icon: Simple, recognizable (required sizes, e.g., Apple 1024x1024 px).
• Screenshots/Videos: High-quality, highlighting key features. Apple requires at least 4 screenshots per device type; Google requires 2 minimum. Optional short app preview videos recommended.
• Description: Engaging, clearly describes core functionality. Include keywords naturally (Google) or separately (Apple).
• Category & Tags: Choose relevant category; Google allows additional tags.
• Privacy & Compliance: Complete content rating questionnaires; provide a privacy policy URL.

3. App Store Submission

• Apple: Submit via App Store Connect, review typically takes 1–3 days. Address any feedback or rejection promptly.
• Google Play: Upload via Google Play Console, usually approved within 24 hours.

4. App Store Optimization & Marketing Prep

• Choose keyword-rich titles and compelling descriptions.
• Utilize short and promotional texts effectively.
• Consider localization for international audiences.

Read more: The Practical Guide to App Store Optimization

5. Pre-Launch Marketing

• Generate pre-launch buzz via social media, email lists, and announcements.
• Prepare launch-day communications highlighting key user benefits.

6. Release & Monitor

• Verify live listings and functionality after release.
• Monitor initial user feedback and crash reports; respond quickly with fixes if needed.

7. App Promotion & User Acquisition

• Announce broadly across other channels (website, email, SMS) with easy links or QR codes.
• Prompt satisfied users for reviews and ratings.
• Consider targeted advertising (e.g., Facebook or Google ads).
• Explore app-review blogs or local media coverage.

8. Ongoing ASO Optimization

• Regularly review search terms, adjust keywords and descriptions.
• Monitor competitors for ASO trends.

Understand that launching is just the beginning. Continuous optimization and marketing drive long-term success.

For a detailed walk through launching your mobile app, check out our full mobile app launch guide.

Path 2: How to Make a Mobile App (When You Already Have a Website)

This path is for those with established websites - such as ecommerce stores, news sites, online communities, marketplaces, or SaaS applications - build a complementary mobile app for their website.

Instead of starting from scratch, you'll leverage your current website's content, user base, and functionality.

By taking a web to app approach, you'll save a lot of time and cost on the initial build, as well as cutting ongoing costs and complexity.

Assessment Phase: Audit Your Website and Define the App's Purpose

Before diving into any app-building for your website, step back and evaluate what your mobile app should achieve and how it will integrate with your existing web ecosystem.

Audit Your Website's Content and Features

Make a list of all the key features and sections of your website:

• What content do you provide? (e.g., blog articles, product listings, user profiles, forums, etc.)
• What user interactions exist? (e.g., user login, commenting, purchasing, posting content, etc.)
• What integrations or systems does your website use? (e.g., payment gateways, maps, analytics, advertising networks, etc.)

This audit helps you identify which parts of the site need to be present or work in the app.

For instance, if you run a news site with an email newsletter signup form and a comments section, you'll note those as elements to consider in the app (how will users sign up for newsletter in-app? Will commenting be possible in-app?).

Define Your App’s Purpose

Consider what extra value the app can deliver:

• Convenience & Speed: One-tap access, smoother experience
• Personalized Experience: Persistent login, saved preferences
• Push Notifications: Direct communication to boost engagement
• Offline Access: Content caching for offline usability
• Device Features: Camera, GPS, biometrics
• Brand Loyalty: Enhances credibility, repeated user engagement

Clearly state your app’s primary user benefit, e.g.:

“Our app simplifies product browsing and purchasing with faster checkout and push notifications for new arrivals.”

Identify Integration and Sync Needs

Determine how the app will synchronize with your website:

• User Accounts: Ensure users log in with existing credentials and access synchronized data (order history, saved items).
• Content Management: New website content must seamlessly appear in the app via APIs or webviews.
• Transactions and Updates: Decide which user actions (comments, purchases, form submissions) the app will support.
• Third-Party Systems: Identify complex integrations (e.g., payment gateways like Stripe, forum tools like Disqus) and plan appropriate solutions (native SDKs, webviews).

Assess Your Mobile Web Analytics

Check the mobile usage stats on your website.

Are a lot of your users already coming from mobile browsers? How is their engagement compared to desktop users?

If mobile web users have lower conversion or engagement, an app could aim to improve that (for example, maybe mobile web cart abandonment is high on your store – an app with saved login and Apple Pay/Google Pay could improve mobile checkout rates, and abandoned cart push notifications can recover revenue from those who slip through).

Also, see which pages or features mobile users access most – those should be front-and-center in the app.

Prioritize App Features

Not all website features are necessary in an app. Focus on essential mobile user tasks:

• News apps: Articles, search, bookmarks (omit less critical pages like careers).
• Ecommerce apps: Product catalog, search, cart, order tracking (exclude admin dashboards).
• Community forums: Threads, messaging (skip complex admin settings).

Prioritize clearly to deliver a focused, streamlined mobile experience.

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By the end of the assessment phase, you should have:

• A clear statement of what your app will offer and why it's beneficial to users (compared to or in addition to your mobile website).
• A list of website features/data that need to be integrated into the app.
• An understanding of the technical landscape (user accounts, content sync, etc.) you'll need to support.

This groundwork ensures that when you move to the next steps, you won't inadvertently leave out something critical or build something misaligned with your site's value.

You're ensuring the app is an extension of your existing business/site and not a completely separate silo.

Strategic Options: PWA, Hybrid, or Native Wrapper?

When turning a website into a mobile app, choose among three main strategies: Progressive Web Apps (PWA), Hybrid/Webview Wrapper apps, or Native apps integrated with your site's backend.

Your decision should consider goals, budget, and user experience.

Option A: Progressive Web App (PWA)

A PWA enhances your website with app-like features accessed through browsers. Users install it via "Add to Home Screen," enabling offline use and push notifications. Crucially, however, a PWA is not a "real" mobile app - just a cheaper and faster alternative.

Pros:

• Single, unified website codebase.
• Cross-platform compatibility (browsers on iOS, Android, desktop).
• Instant updates without app store delays.
• Cost-effective, no app store fees or separate maintenance.
• Discoverable via web searches.

Cons:

• Limited presence and trust compared to app stores.
• Restricted access to certain native features (e.g., advanced sensors, Bluetooth).
• Performance can lag for intensive apps.
• Some iOS limitations persist despite improvements (push notifications require manual home screen addition).

Best for: Quick, cost-effective improvements to mobile experience, particularly for content-heavy sites needing broad accessibility.

Option B: Hybrid Apps / Webview Wrappers

Hybrid apps place your existing website inside a native app shell, combining web technologies with native components like navigation and push notifications.

This is a real mobile app. Users can download it from the app stores, it can send push notifications, and modern web to app tools like MobiLoud let you create a mobile app that's virtually indistinguishable from a custom native app.

Pros:

• Quick deployment and minimal UI redevelopment.
• Full reuse of existing web content and plugins.
• Native app store presence (App Store, Google Play Store).
• Access to native features (push notifications, camera).
• Lower ongoing maintenance costs (updates reflected instantly from website).

Cons:

• Dependent on website performance.
• App Store guidelines may require additional native enhancements.
• UI/UX may need adjustments for optimal mobile experience.
• Occasional platform updates and maintenance of app binaries.

Best for: Businesses with a mobile web experience that already works well, wanting to make a mobile app for their store, without extensive redevelopment or large ongoing expense.

Option C: Native App with API Integration

This option is basically Path 1 (building an app from scratch) but using your existing website's backend/database.

Instead of showing web content in a webview, you recreate the UI natively for iOS and/or Android and pull data from your website via APIs. You might use your website platform's API (e.g. Shopify's storefront API), or build custom API endpoints.

Pros:

• Optimal performance and native user experience.
• Flexible design tailored specifically for mobile interactions.
• Robust offline capabilities.
• Full compliance with App Store guidelines.
• Better monetization integration (in-app purchases).

Cons:

• High development cost and time.
• Continuous effort required for feature parity with your website.
• Extensive API and backend integration work.
• Slowest to market compared to PWA and Hybrid.

Best for: Businesses aiming for the highest-quality user experience and distinct differentiation, with adequate resources for long-term maintenance and development.

Recommended Approach

To convert a website into a mobile app, the hybrid/webview approach of MobiLoud is the best option.

MobiLoud's comprehensive, streamlined solution is the best mix of speed, affordability, and robust app functionality without extensive overhead.

If your website already runs well and looks good on mobile, MobiLoud can get you an end result on the same level as fully native development, for less than 5% of the time and cost.

Why MobiLoud?

MobiLoud efficiently converts your website into high-quality native apps (iOS and Android) using your existing content and tech stack.

It leverages your current website for the app, allowing seamless continuity between your site and the app.

With MobiLoud, you get:

• ‍Rapid Deployment: Apps are typically launched within weeks, significantly faster than custom native development.
• Cost Efficiency: Substantially lower costs compared to fully custom app builds, often saving hundreds of thousands in development expenses.
• Minimal Overhead: No separate app management required; content updates on your website are instantly reflected in the app.
• Complete Feature Integration: Full utilization of your site's existing features, plugins, and technology stack without additional integration work or API limitations.
• Expert Support: MobiLoud manages complex tasks, including native feature integration (like push notifications), app customization, and app store submissions, greatly reducing the risk of rejection and ensuring a smooth approval process.

Ideal Use Cases for MobiLoud:

• Content-rich sites (blogs, news, magazines)
• Ecommerce stores (Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, as well as sites on any other platform - including custom ecommerce sites)
• Online marketplaces
• Mobile-friendly SaaS apps
• Online communities and forums

MobiLoud provides the optimal balance of speed, cost-effectiveness, and quality, making it the ideal solution for businesses aiming to rapidly establish a professional and feature-rich mobile app presence without the heavy investment and complexity of fully custom development.

Ready to see what your website will look like as an app? Get a free preview now - all you need is your website's URL.

Implementation Guide: From CMS to Mobile App

Here's a simplified guide for implementing your mobile app strategy, focusing on common platforms and synchronization between your website and app.

1. Implementing a Progressive Web App (PWA)

Essential Steps:

• Enable HTTPS: Ensure your site uses HTTPS as it's mandatory for PWAs.
• Web App Manifest: Add a manifest.json file defining your app’s name, icons, colors, and launch settings. Plugins (e.g., Super Progressive Web Apps for WordPress) simplify this.
• Service Worker: Implement JavaScript for caching assets to enable offline usage. Use plugins (WordPress) or libraries like Workbox for easy setup.
• Testing: Use Chrome DevTools to verify your manifest, service worker, and offline functionality. Test adding to homescreen manually on Android (Chrome) and iOS (Safari).
• Push Notifications: Integrate a push service (e.g., OneSignal) for web push notifications. Setup is straightforward on Android but more complex on iOS.
• Promoting Your PWA: Encourage installation via banners or prompts for mobile visitors, improving user retention and engagement.

2. Creating a Hybrid/App (Website-to-App) with MobiLoud:

If you go this route, almost all of the implementation steps are done by the MobiLoud team.

Here's a streamlined overview of what's involved:

Set up and configure mobile app:

• Add custom mobile navigation UI.
• Customize app (if applicable) by selecting specific pages for inclusion.
• Brand your app (loading screen, header colors, etc.).
• Integrate push notifications.
• Adjust external link handling (e.g., open external links in an in-app browser).

Working with the MobiLoud Team

• Collaborate closely on requirements and app customization.
• Provide necessary app store credentials or invite their team as users on App Store Connect.
• Review and test app previews provided by the MobiLoud team on your own mobile device.

DIY Approach (Optional)

It's possible to do a hybrid/webview approach without a service provider, using your own in-house devs (or hired freelancers).

If implementing yourself (e.g., with a tool like Cordova/Capacitor):

• Set up Cordova with appropriate plugins (webview, push notifications).
• Inject custom CSS to hide redundant website elements in-app.
• Include expected mobile app behaviors (e.g., pull-to-refresh).
• Prepare for technical complexity and maintenance overhead.

Testing & Publishing

Test thoroughly:

• Check login persistence, navigation flow, and overall UX.
• Suppress unnecessary modals/pop-ups (e.g., cookie banners).

Submit to app stores:

• Include demo credentials if login is required for review.
• Ensure a privacy policy URL is provided.
• Clearly explain push notification permissions to users for better opt-in rates.

3. Building a Native App

If you're building a fully native app integrated with your website, the process is similar to what we laid out earlier in the first section.

The main thing you need to consider (other than the framework of the app itself) is how user accounts and data from your website are synced and authorized across platforms.

A few things to understand:

• Native apps typically require API-based authentication (OAuth, JWT).
• Webview apps maintain login sessions within the app context but do not share cookies with mobile browsers.
• Social logins (Google/Facebook) offer convenient cross-platform login.

You'll need an API to connect website and app. APIs enable secure operations such as retrieving content, user-specific data, and ecommerce transactions. A stable and secure API is crucial to ensure a seamless user experience for both web and app users.

Some web platforms (e.g. Shopify, WordPress) have their own APIs already set up that you can tap into; otherwise, your development team will need to build custom endpoints.

You'll also want to set up a system to sync content across web and mobile app (so one platform isn't constantly lagging behind the other).

You could implement real-time updates through AJAX, periodic refreshes, or WebSocket connections for dynamic content.

Beta Testing & Soft Launch

Before launching, thoroughly test your app internally via TestFlight (iOS) or Google closed testing (Android).

Verify essential features such as login, transactions, and push notifications. Check edge cases, especially simultaneous web and app actions, ensuring smooth server-side synchronization.

Rolling Out and Cross-Promotion

Here are a few tips for once you start to onboard users:

Website Promotion:

• Use smart banners (iOS meta tag, Android equivalents) to promote app installations.
• Email existing users highlighting app benefits and provide incentives (e.g., discounts).

Cross-Platform Linking:

• Include deep links to specific website pages from the app if necessary for advanced functionalities.

Syncing User Accounts

If you've already got users set up on your website, it's vital to ensure seamless synchronization for users active on both platforms.

Examples include logins on an ecommerce site, or an account on a forum or social media site.

Here are some technical tips for managing this:

• Server-side management typically ensures consistent states across web and app.
• Confirm synchronization of user interactions (e.g., message status, profile updates).
• If using offline modes, implement robust synchronization mechanisms to prevent data discrepancies. Webview wrappers naturally handle live synchronization, minimizing this concern.

Performance Monitoring

Regularly track and optimize app performance:

• Monitor app store crash logs and promptly address any issues.
• Keep an eye on web performance, as it directly impacts app responsiveness.
• Analyze app-specific user behaviors and interactions through analytics tools to guide optimizations.

Summary: Converting a Website to an App

Creating an app for your website is largely about integrating, not reinventing.

Use the ecosystem you already have (CMS, database, etc.) and connect it to mobile delivery channels (either via a direct wrapper or via APIs for a native app). There will be some configuration and adjustments to optimize the experience, but you won't be duplicating your core business logic, which is the biggest win.

This approach drastically reduces development and maintenance overhead compared to building separate systems.

With a companion app in place, you'll manage your content, products, and users mostly as you always have on your website/CMS. The app becomes another presentation layer, one that can improve engagement and convenience for your mobile audience.

Business Considerations

A mobile app is not just a technical project. It's a business.

Here's how to think about the business side of your app.

Cost Analysis and Budgeting for Your Mobile App

Creating and running a mobile app involves various costs. It's crucial to budget properly so you're not caught off-guard by expenses.

Let's break down potential costs and how to manage them:

1. Upfront Development Costs:

This is the money spent to actually build the app (or configure it, in the case of no-code). It can vary wildly:

No-Code/DIY Platforms

These might range from free (for very limited versions) to maybe $30-$100 per month for a decent plan.

Some no-code tools also have one-time fees or addon costs for certain features. For instance, a platform might charge $50/month for the app builder itself, plus $20 extra if you need more database rows, etc.

Overall, no-code is the most budget-friendly upfront. You might spend a few hundred dollars and your own time - but the key factor to consider is the value of your (or your team's) time.

Often, "saving" money with a DIY platform might actually be costing you more, because of the extra time spent compiling and managing your mobile app.

Service-Based App Builders (like MobiLoud)

App builders with a service-based approach use a subscription model as well, typically a little higher than a DIY platform (which make sense because of the extra value you get from the service element).

MobiLoud's pricing is around $299-$999 per month depending on plan, plus a one-time setup fee (typically $1,500).

So in the first year, you might spend a few thousand dollars. It's more expensive than the base cost of a no-code app development platform - but with little to no time spent from you or your team (and with fewer platform-based limitations).

Compared to custom dev, it's significantly more affordable.

Custom Development Cost (Freelancers or Agencies)

A simple app, custom-built, could be $5k-$15k, mid complexity $30k-$50k, and complex ones $100k+. Agencies might charge more (because they provide full service including project management, QA, etc.).

An average range for a business-oriented app is $20k-$100k, so it's a serious investment. However, you get a tailored product.

For most small businesses with limited budgets, this is often too high unless the app is absolutely central to their revenue.

Certain features may add cost. E.g., adding a payment system might incur extra dev hours or require paying for a payments SDK, implementing augmented reality or custom animations might bump cost.

Always ask for cost breakdowns by feature to decide what's essential.

2. Ongoing Maintenance Costs:

Apps aren't a one-and-done expense.

Plan for continuous costs such as:

• Hosting and Server Costs: If your app's usage grows, you might need to upgrade your website/server hosting to handle increased traffic from app users. Basic hosting might be $20/mo, but a high-traffic app could push you to $100+/mo plans or even dedicated servers (if you have tens of thousands of users).
• No-Code/Service Subscription: If you used a platform or service, the subscription is ongoing. Ensure you factor the annual cost. E.g., $50/mo is $600/year. Over 3 years, $1,800. It can still be far less than paying a dev team, but it's recurring.
• Developer Retainer or Updates: If you hired out development, you should budget about 15-25% of the initial cost per year for updates and maintenance. For example, if development cost $50k, plan $7.5k–$12.5k per year on maintenance. This would cover tasks like OS updates, small feature tweaks, server maintenance, and bug fixes. Some years you may spend less, but one major OS update can require a few weeks of developer work.
• App Store Fees: Apple has that $99/year account fee. Google's $25 is one-time. These are necessary costs, but negligible in the overall scope of your project. If you plan to use any paid app store promotions or ads, that's extra (optional).
• Third-party Services: Do you use any paid APIs or SDKs? For instance, maybe you integrate a maps API that charges after X free usage, or a push notification service that costs money at scale, or an analytics tool with a premium plan. Many have free tiers for small usage, but keep an eye as you grow.
• Marketing: This isn't maintenance of the app itself, but maintaining an app audience often requires marketing spend (Facebook ads, etc.). We'll count that separately in ROI, but don't forget it in overall app budget if needed.
• Unexpected fixes: Bug fixes are part of maintenance, but note that a bug discovered post-launch might require immediate attention. If you don't have an internal dev, you may need to hire one ad-hoc. It's good to have a contingency fund (maybe 10% of project cost) set aside for emergency fixes or quick improvements based on user feedback.

3. Hidden and Indirect Costs:

Some costs aren't obvious line items, but you should consider them:

• Your Time: If you as the owner are spending time testing, inputting content, handling app-specific customer support, that is a resource cost. It might replace some website tasks, but initially it might be additional work. If you have staff, maybe someone will have a partial role as "app community manager" or such.
• Opportunity Cost: Money spent on app dev is money not spent elsewhere in your business. But conversely, an app can open new revenue streams. Weigh the potential return (more on ROI next).
• User Acquisition Cost (CAC): If you choose to do paid campaigns to get app users, that's a cost per user. For example, if an install via advertising costs $2 and those users do X in sales, is it worth it? Keep an eye on this once you do marketing.
• App Store Commission: If you sell digital goods or subscriptions through the app and use Apple/Google in-app purchases, they take ~15-30%. For physical goods or services, they don't take a cut, but consider that if your monetization is subscription-based (like a premium content subscription via iOS app, Apple will take their share). This is not a direct cost you pay out of pocket, but it's revenue you don't get to keep. Factor it into pricing. (E.g., maybe price to account for that if needed, or direct users to pay on web if allowed – careful with Apple's rules on that).

4. Budgeting Tools & Techniques:

With any software project (particularly one as complex as a mobile app), costs can easily spiral if you're not careful.

Here are some tips to help keep the cost of your app under control:

• Create a simple spreadsheet listing all expected costs: one-time (dev, setup fees) and recurring (monthly subs, yearly fees). This will give you a yearly budget view.
• Incorporate optimistic and pessimistic scenarios. E.g., if usage doubles, server costs might double – include that scenario to see if you'd still be profitable.
• Track expenses as you go. It's easy to forget a service you signed up for – keep a list of all subscriptions related to the app.
• Use ROI framework (next section) to justify costs: for instance, if maintaining the app costs $5k/year, what amount of revenue or savings will make it worthwhile? Set targets (like "We need at least 500 more orders via the app per year to cover costs").
• Consider phased investment: You don't have to implement everything at once. If budget is tight, launch with core features, and add less critical ones in a later update when perhaps the app is already bringing some income. This iterative approach prevents over-investing upfront. (Basically an agile approach to budgeting – spend a bit, validate, then decide next spend).
• Look for cost-saving opportunities: e.g., use open-source libraries instead of paid components, negotiate with freelancers for a fixed package, use community-driven support resources for troubleshooting to avoid hiring for every small issue, etc. Also, if you do web and app together, sometimes you can kill two birds with one stone (e.g., redesign the website and app with the same new style in one project, possibly cheaper than separate efforts).

How to Track ROI From Your Mobile App

An app is an investment. Over time, you want a return either via direct revenue or indirect benefits.

To measure ROI, use the basic ROI formula: ROI (%) = (Net Profit from App (Gain - Cost)) / Cost × 100.

For example, if you spend $10,000 on the app in a year and it brings $15,000 of profit (maybe via sales or cost savings), that's (15k-10k)/10k = 0.5, i.e., 50% ROI – meaning you got 1.5x return.

You want a positive ROI within a reasonable time frame (commonly, businesses look for ROI within 1-3 years on tech investments).

To get the clearest idea of the ROI of your app, you need to quantify your gains.

Gains can be:

• ‍Revenue Gains: more sales, new customers, higher conversion rates, the ability to sell ads or premium features on the app.‍
• Customer Lifetime Value increase: If the app increases how often customers purchase or engage, they might stay customers longer or spend more (thus increasing LTV).‍
• Cost Savings: Maybe the app reduces support costs (customers can self-serve easier than calling support). Or if it improves efficiency (e.g., if it's an internal app, it might cut labor hours; not our focus here as we avoided internal tools).‍
• Intangible or Strategic ROI: some ROI is harder to put numbers on immediately—like improved brand loyalty, better data collection on user behavior, or staying competitive because your competitors have apps (which might protect future revenue). You can acknowledge these, but focus on what you can measure for actual ROI calculation.

After launch, track key financial metrics:

• Sales via app vs web.
• Number of new customers acquired through app marketing vs other channels.
• Engagement metrics that correlate to revenue (like if a user uses the app 3x a week, how much do they spend vs a web-only user? For instance, Starbucks found that app users transacted more frequently).
• If your app has monetization (ads, subscription), track that revenue separately.
• Many companies consider an app a success not just in raw dollars but in strategic positioning (like staying relevant to mobile-first consumers). So, consider ROI not purely short-term profit but also long-term customer retention and growth.

One of the key benefits of MobiLoud is that we don't just hand you an app and let you run with it. We actively help you get a positive ROI from your app, with guidance on acquisition and engagement strategy. To learn more about our process, and how we can help you launch the perfect mobile app, get a free consultation now.

Timeline Considerations (How Long Does it Take to Create a Mobile App?)

Understanding how long it takes to build your mobile app is critical for effective planning, budgeting, and aligning expectations.

Here's a concise overview of typical timelines for different development approaches:

Quick Launch (No-Code / Webview App Solutions)

• Setup & Configuration: 1-2 weeks (initial setup, CMS plugin integration, and basic app customization).
• Testing & Feedback: 1-2 weeks (internal testing, resolving initial issues, and refining user experience).
• App Store Submission: Approximately 1 week (including app store review process - Google Play: 1-2 days; Apple App Store: 1-3 days, potentially longer if revisions are needed).
• Total Timeframe: 4-6 weeks from initiation to app store launch, assuming content and assets are ready.

Key insight: many no-code app builders claim to allow you to build an app in minutes. While technically this may be true, if you're building a serious app, aimed at driving serious business results, it will likely take a lot longer to compile and publish an app you're happy with (especially if they provide minimal support).

Custom or Semi-Custom (Freelancer or Agency)

• Planning & Design: 2-4 weeks (defining requirements, wireframing, and UI/UX design).
• Development: 4-12 weeks, depending on app complexity (core functionality, integrations, API development).
• Testing & Iteration: 2-4 weeks (QA testing, bug fixing, user feedback, iterative improvements).
• Submission & Launch: 1-2 weeks (preparing app store assets, submitting for review, and addressing feedback).
• Total Timeframe: Typically 3-6 months for a well-managed project with moderate complexity.

Native Custom App (Full Development)

• Comprehensive Planning: 4-6 weeks (detailed feature specification, user research, and design).
• Full Development: 12-24 weeks (separate native coding for iOS/Android, backend and API development).
• Thorough Testing: 4-6 weeks (extensive QA, device compatibility checks, and performance optimizations).
• Launch & Approval: 1-2 weeks (final refinements, store submission, and approval processes).
• Total Timeframe: Approximately 6-9 months for a fully custom native solution, longer if complexity increases.

Key insight: Cross-platform apps may take less time to launch; but will not cut development time in half, as some believe.

Recommendations for Timeline Management

Here are some tips to limit timeline creep, and get your app onto users' mobile devices in less time.

• Clearly define your app’s core functionality (MVP) to avoid feature creep and delays.
• Allow buffer time in your schedule for unexpected issues or app store revisions.
• Consider a phased rollout: quickly launch core features initially, then add enhancements based on user feedback.
• Maintain consistent communication with your development team or service provider to minimize misunderstandings and streamline progress.

By setting realistic timeline expectations aligned with your chosen development path, you ensure smoother project execution and better strategic alignment with your business objectives.

Conclusion: Bringing Your Mobile App to Life

Creating a mobile app may seem daunting at first, but with the right approach, it's absolutely achievable for non-technical entrepreneurs and small business owners.

With more than half of all internet traffic now coming on mobile, and several trillion hours spent on mobile apps each year, it's a great time to launch your app.

Whether you choose to build a mobile app from scratch, or build on your existing website, today's tools and services make app development more accessible than ever.

If your business already has a website, there's no need for extra cost and complexity rebuilding what you already have.

MobiLoud is the fastest and most effective way to launch mobile apps for iOS & Android.

Instead of rebuilding your site or managing a second platform, MobiLoud takes your existing website and turns it into a powerful, fully branded mobile app.

You’ll get all the benefits of having a mobile app (home screen presence, App Store visibility, and push notifications) without the cost, complexity, or duplication of effort that come with custom mobile app development or DIY app builders.

What sets MobiLoud apart:

• Fully managed, done-for-you service: We handle the entire process, from setup and customization to app store approval and post-launch growth.
• No need to rebuild your site: Your current tech stack, features, and plugins all carry over into the app.
• Launch in under 30 days: Our proven process gets you live fast, with expert QA and store submission support included.
• Proven ROI: Customers see results like 3x more visits per user, 15% higher average order value, and 7x higher customer lifetime value.
• Strategic support that drives results: We go beyond launch with ongoing push notification management, analytics consulting, and marketing support to ensure your app delivers real business outcomes.

Trusted by leading brands like Jack & Jones, buybuy BABY, John Varvatos, and many more, MobiLoud is the partner of choice for businesses that want an app that works - and delivers real business results (without the operational overhead).

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