5 Best Tips in Mobile Application Development to Always Remember

Introduction Mobile Application Development

Mobile Application Development is the creating of software apps to run specifically digital mobile devices like smartphones, laptops, palmtops, and tablets.

Mobile apps will never go out of style since the projected growth estimates for the mobile apps industry stands at globally. From mobile banking, money transfer, communication, business transactions, e-commerce, healthcare apps, business communication, mobile apps are providing the fastest answers and solutions to users and businesses. The increased demand in the mobile apps market has a global resonance. 

Today, mobile app development companies are all striving for relevance, competitiveness and providing the best app solutions that impact and change people’s way of life. Yet even before launching out to develop an app, several questions linger on. So, as a mobile app developer what are the best tips to remember in mobile app development? What are the 10 best tips that ensure your apps remain competitive and admired by most users as well as other developers?


Below we dissect the most important tips to keep at the back of your mind.

The Best Tips in To Keep in Mind in Mobile App Development

Have you answered these questions?

1. Strategic Market Assessment and Evaluation

A). Who are you making the app for and why?
B). Do you have a long term growth plan and perspective? 

C). Are you able to create an app that addresses and meets user expectations?

D). How much will it cost you to develop the app? 

E). Have you assessed your competitors to know their strengths and weaknesses?

The market assessment and evaluation provides crucial insights and analytics on the dynamics and constants at play in your app development endeavour. It also enables making decisive decisions on what to incorporate and what not to with sound data and information.

2. App Development Approach of Choice

Choosing the right mobile app development approach is critical as there are so many apps in the app stores and the market already. However, always remember the purpose of the app, development time and budget.

Native App Development: Deliver better user experience yet take longer development time and require skilled developers as mistakes are costly. Native apps are platform-specific, are costly to make and take a longer time in the development cycle but deliver a better user experience.

Web App Development: The apps are quick and cheaper to develop as they run on multiple platforms. They are developed primarily with HTML5, CSS and JavaScript code.

Cross-Platform or Hybrid App Development: This is a recent app development approach combining prebuilt native containers with on-the-fly web coding to deliver a hybrid app. the app developers augment web code with native language and create unique features and access native APIs not yet available with JavaScript.

3. Make Initial App Design with Analytics

With the app development approach solved go on to build and make an initial app design with several analytics tools. This turns an idea into a basic application with basic functions. An initial app design simplifies placing or pitching the idea to potential buyers who evaluate its marketability or relevance. It is possible to share the initial app design with app testers to know what needs further fixing, changes to make it a successful mobile app. integrate analytics to assess usage and access in the future.

4. Regular App Testing for Several Issues 

App testing of new mobile apps is well known to both expert and upcoming developers. Many tried and tested tools are used to check for app glitches in different operational situations. For some developers, the app testing process is done shortly before the app is released. Yet as a standard, regular app testing is more preferred as it ensures any glitches in the app are easily resolved at the earliest.

5. Launch App and Study Growth Metrics

Lancing an app needs a strategy: planning, promotion, schedule and control movement of releases to test and live situations. Systematic pre and post-launch strategy ensure the app works as expected in real market situations with all requirements.

Besides, it gives insight into the mobile app's credibility with user feedback and reviews. Metrics are integral to success and accurate metrics even much more so for further improvements and future updates. With global mobile app rising especially in the COVID-19 pandemic, metrics are vital with the best analytics tools.

Conclusion

Although 2020 is both an exciting and depressing year for many. COVID-19, global recession, earthquakes, floods, etc. yet demand for mobile apps is on an upward trend all thanks to an increased in virtual and remote technologies. Mobile app development is proving competitive, dynamic, and fast-evolving and requires a quicker adaptation to the latest trends.

All in all a great app is systematic coming together of the subject over matter. It must be the right app, for the right audience, in the right budget, and in cost to inspire relevance. For a mobile app developer, continuous search for the best Mobile Application Development tips, strategy and tactics help deliver the golden egg.

10 Key App Metrics Vital in Tracking Your Mobile App

key app metrics are performance standards or indicators of how responsive your app is doing post-launch. Mobile apps do face or encounter several challenges and performance appraisal or evaluation to understand the overall impact on the market.

What are the Key App Metrics?

Every app has performance-based standards it is evaluated upon to gauge its relative performance. Therefore, key app metrics (vital and important) are app performance benchmarks or standards to know whether the app meets the purpose it was developed for or not.

As we know Mobile App Development strives for progressive and dynamic innovation that never stops at past breakthroughs. It seeks new frontiers to challenge past achievement. Then how well is your mobile app performing in the market post-launch? Are there any critical areas to address or is it smooth sailing thus far? These are some of the basic and essential app engagement and profitability key metrics to find out about your app's performance.

Key App Metrics to Track Your Mobile App

1. Engagement Metric.

Engagement metric is applicable when users realize the actual value of your mobile app. Measuring the engagement actions of users brings into clear perspective the real value of your app to users. Engagement in user terms is responding or performing key engagement actions that show good user engagement. Knowing the success ratio of your mobile app is a key part of your business growth. It is always about the number of active app users who add business value daily. Engagement metric helps know user experience while on the app.

2. Retention Rate Metric

Although engagement is critical, retention goes a step further to measure and know the app retention rate, the number of users who have stayed on the app continuously. This essentially is the number of active users at any one time who have continued on a sustained basis used the app. Why is this so important? Though most apps have a set number of daily active users (DAU), a higher retention rate means sustained growth in the app users who keep coming back to the app for various reasons or uses. Retention rate calculation or measurement is a continuous process driven by the necessity to gauge growth on a sustained basis.

3. Churn Rate Metric

The churn metric is the total number of users who have stopped or quit using your app. The churn rate metric is quite important if the app leaving or quitting users are high-value users than low-value users. It is obvious app developers, as well as businesses, have an app demographic usage mapping that aspires to bring in the most profitable or valuable app usage demographic. High-value users mean repeated/consistent users whose app actions contribute to the productivity bottom line. Low-value users are users whose app usage actions don’t impact the productivity bottom lines. Nevertheless, losing new users implies lost opportunities and chances

4. Daily App Users and Monthly App Users Metric

User app download doesn't imply the use of the app. Daily App User reveals how valuable the app is to those who have installed it. It shows the number of times, averagely, a user open and engages with your app daily. A higher number of sessions is great especially for social media apps doesn't measure success accurately for other apps.

Monthly Active Users (MAU) metric works on the same parameters as the Daily Active Users (DAU) but a longer assessment period, precisely 30-days. Monthly Active Users reveals the retained number of users of your app over a month.

5. Installations, Uninstallations and Downloads Metric

The frequency of the app downloads to devices helps track app popularity among users. App downloads tracking is a key performance metric as the foundation. However, app downloads don’t indicate the completion of the apps setup process. That's why it is critical to follow the actual complete installations on the various devices that your users are using. Besides, it is often possible and common for a user to opt for uninstallation of your app for several reasons. But the catch is there is always no feedback or reason as to why they do so.

6. Session Interval and Length Metric

Sessions are a critical part of determining the key performance metrics of an app. Session length is length or duration of time a user spends on your app before turning closing it. In other words, the length of time given to each app session use. App sessions help earn extra revenue by knowing the best time to incentivize app users with a specific certain call to action (CTA). On the other hand session interval is the length of time between a user’s first session and the next one. This shows the regularity each user opens and uses your app. It also reveals to you whether the app is used regularly or not. These insights help explore and know what can boost user engagement.

7. App Crash Metrics

Apps can have crashes or timeouts due to several factors.  Tracking your app crashes per user is critical at it helps you trace various dynamics and usage patterns like names, methods, as well as the true numbers. It helps you to know the technical barriers affecting user experience. There are severe tools adaptable in tracking app crashes.

8. App Store Ratings Metric

App store ratings and reviews give a deeper insight into what your app promises and delivers. Users can tell of what they think of your app through reviews as well as the public. App stores deliver the best platforms to gauge as well as showcase varying user reviews. Poor ratings are dampeners in the app store rankings.

Negative reviews and ratings are not helpful either for your app. That is why collecting user feedback in the testing phase to know what's faulty as well as optimizing the UI and UX are critical. Staying in direct touch with users helps in collecting valuable feedback that helps refine your app.

9. Cost Per Acquisition (CPA) Metric

Cost per acquisition helps analyze how much is to be spent to get active or paying users. Acquisition cost includes many parameters like ads expenditure, public relations, customer support, legal requirements, technology costs like support architecture and infrastructure, etc. With this in place, it is possible to calculate the cost per acquisition by the division of the total cost of a campaign by the number of acquisitions made.

10. Lifetime Value (LTV) Metric

What does your mobile app present you and your users in terms of lifetime value app usage? Lifetime value (LTV) metric is the total revenue earned from a user before stopping using your app. This app metric takes into account the cost per acquisition. Therefore, if the cost of acquisition is higher than the lifetime value of each user, the app incurs a loss.  The most productive approach to increase the LTV of each user is through knowing the exact your target audience' needs. Positive and responsive customer services help create a great user experience.

Summary

For a Mobile App Development company or business, these key mobile app metrics can help to build an informed and data-based business decision whether the app is a success or not.

Security Issues App Developers Must Know While Developing A Mobile App

App security issues are the potential issues or occurrences that may undermine optimum app performance. These potential glitches/errors may access or enter critical app parts thereby crippling the app's potential. App security issues are potential issues or occurrences that may undermine optimum app performance. These potential glitches/errors may access or enter critical app parts thereby crippling the potential of the app.

As we know app development is seeing several changes in the innovation and applications sense. Today, there is practically an app for everything and all tasks under the sun. This push for complete automation through widespread app usage means the development of app solutions with the capacity to change the way things are done. These apps undergo several stages and processes to become the redefining mediums shaping the world of innovation and technology. However, these processes also come the potential exposure to risks that may undermine the app developments processes. So what are security issues that app developers must know to ensure the apps are completely glitch/error-free and establish critical minimum standards of app development and performance excellence?

Top Security Issues Mobile App Developers MustKeep in Mind Always

There are always security issues with regard to mobile app development that override others. Below we dissect what the mobile apps developers will always key into for secure mobile apps.

Mobile App DatabaseEncryption

Data whether on database information systems or apps are subject to high risks varying from hacking, theft, exposure unauthorized access, breach, etc. Data is either private or public depending on the applications it is developed for. But data developed for business purposes or private application and use are the sole property of owner and access is limited except by permission of the owner. It constitutes a legal or criminal offence to illegally access it or try to without the permission of the rightful owner. Data encryption is one way to guard and secure this vital property online. Data encryption turns data into a vague format that is hard to understand for anyone else except for the recipient who has the data decryption key. Data encryption makes it more secure, much safer and also limits unauthorized access to the only intended recipients. Data encryption is a critical part of app development a lot of data is transmitted through the features of the app.

Types of DatabaseEncryption

Standard Authorized Mobile App APIs

There are standard app development processes to help guarantee their credibility and originality. Standard authorized APIs follow strict guidelines as the code is securely developed. APIs give an important purview and detailed progressive build-up step by step of the app's code. Although authorization information caches can still be vulnerable through attempted authentication database systems hacking, authorized APIs highly secure app code. Moreover, centralized authorization for accessing API's adds extra security in mobile apps.

Mobile App Authentication and Verification

Mobile app standard authentication and verification assures on several fronts concerning mobile app security and safety. Authentication and verification are proofs of standard access or permission control adapted to get to the apps service database. This is a highly secured with multi-stage encryption to ensure maximum security protocol. Access permission controls include steps like encrypted logins, complex passwords, encrypted security key etc. which are concurrently adapted to let recognized users while blocking unauthorized access. An expert mobile app developer understands the value and quality of using concurrently standard authentication and verification at all times as it guarantees safe app use and access. Modern mobile apps adapt several unique access mechanisms whether alphanumeric or biometric access that changes regular intervals. This means access credentials revised continuously for maximum mobile app security. 

Mobile App Third-Party Library Code

Mobile app code is the foundation upon which the entire app functionality and performance is determined. From the reliability of the app, enhanced security protocols, UI design fundamentals and complete application features. The code is, therefore, the heart, brain and mind of the app that makes it able to do all the tasks with seeming ease. But often, third-party library codes are open-source codes meaning easy to access and with fewer security features and measures. Mobile app security is critical at all development levels and stages. Third-party library code should be tested to repeatedly to assure of its all-round safety and reliability. App developers are tasked with making sure at every stage and process of mobile app development whenever using third party library, to test the codes reliability, stability, and application fundamentals. Stronger app code security is a technology and innovation recipe that enhances the overall appeal of the app.  

Mobile App Built-in Tamper Alerts

Mobile App Built-in Tamper Alerts are instant red alert warnings of attempted use or access to app code security protocol. These red alert warnings may come in the shape of wrong use of access keys or direct hack attempts. Tamper alert tools immediately recognize and respond to unauthorized access from any source. Unauthorized access attempt to the app code database is detected through a built-in alert mechanism.  

Mobile App Cryptography

What is Cryptography? It is the conversions of plain text into unintelligible patterns that make it hard to understand with a reverse pattern. 

Mobile app security enhancement by a mobile app development company using cryptography makes it a maze of unintelligible words, symbols and other adaptable actions that secure the app security further. Mobile app security access key securing is important for successful app encryption. Mobile app code keys may appear hard to get to yet modern hackers, are always evolving. So total app security needs extra reinforcement in code and access credential check to guarantee complete app security. 

Types of Mobile App Cryptography

1.Secret Key:This is an encryption key system in which the sender and receiver of a message share a single, common access key used to encrypt and decrypt the message.

2.Public Key:This is an encryption format where keys are issued in pairs. When one key encrypts, only the other second can decrypt. In public-key cryptography users usually create matching key pairs, and make one public while keeping the other secret.

3.Hash Function:Mobile app cryptography with a hash value, message digest or checksum value for a specific data object. Cryptography hash function is adapted in information security to calculate data integrity, authenticate control plus other security measures. The cryptography hash security function work by producing a checksum value of a data object. If the data is found modified, the checksum value changes.

4.Mobile App Digital Signature: This is a mathematical technique adapted to validate the authenticity and integrity of a message, software, or digital document.

5. Mobile App File Encryption Software: This is a program primarily built to guard the contents of computer files using algorithms and adjoining keys.

Mobile App Sessions Control

Mobile App Sessions are continuous adaptations of mobile apps on numerous devices. Mobile app sessions change with the device used or adapted. A case in point is the comparison between smartphones and desktops where duration on smartphones is longer than on desktops.

Mobile apps today have automatic device identification technology. Besides, tokens are extra ways to ensure data safety and certified user login durations. Tokens stop any time which enhances mobile app security like remote data erase or log off. Without access credentials, this means login is impossible except by authorized user. 

App Testing Rhythm

App testing rhythm is the regularity the app's features and performance parameters are subject to standard tests. In the app development process, there are many app security issues to critically examine that may affect the mobile app in the long term. Repeated test rhythms are essential in establishing app flaws on a variety of test situations using highly reliable app testing methods.

App testing techniques and methodologies are always updated through the latest trends in mobile app security. These methods apply diverse approaches like penetration testing, security emulators and security patches which are critical in pointing out app security flaws/errors.

Critical Types of Mobile App Testing

1. Functional Testing

2. Performance Testing

3. Interrupt Testing

4. Memory Leakage/Loss Testing

5. Usability Testing

6.Installation Testing

7. Operational Testing

8. Security Testing

Summary

All app developers make apps intended to perform and deliver the purpose for their development without error. Yet, there are or will always come times when apps security is tested or exposed. The process of mobile app development is stretched and therefore exposed to potential flaws even after testing. App security means guaranteeing secure apps for the end-user at all times. There is a premium attached to secure mobile apps as users find it easier to download and interact using such apps as their data and privacy is regarded as a serious factor in the apps.

What Mobile Application Development Trends Will Redefine 2020?

Its obvious mobile application development is a progressive trend that sees new frontiers and technology breakthroughs every day. With the emergence of several devices so does the appeal and demand for apps to run and make these devices more smart and adaptable for different technology requirements. Across the healthcare, entertainment, communication, administration, management, education etc. mobile app development is forever in demand and trend.

And so what latest cutting edge technology Mobile Application Development trends twill redefines 2020? And what significant imperative in the app development realm should the mobile apps developers and app users brace to see dominate the app development space in 2020? Here we look at the potential mobile app development technologies for the new age.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence has no doubt registered in the hearts and minds of several developers and technology users. But what new trends do mobile application development have to offer in 2020? Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents significantly high realms in cutting edge technology breakthrough today. Integration of AI in emerging mobile app development trends today has not only made the apps smarter but has also contributed to the time-saving, reduced effort and lesser costs for any mobile app development company. Artificial Intelligence (AI) bridges time, finance & accounting, customer service, healthcare sector, and other businesses by the integration of AI into native apps.

Chatbots

Machine intelligence expanded and multiplied with peculiar cognitive ability is a new exciting trend especially for service providers. When intelligent machines can interact with humans by giving a constructive contribution to human existence this makes life a lot easier and fun. Chatbots come in several forms and equipped to do different tasks. Chatbots are so integral to customer service delivery even beyond the moral working hours as they can be programmed to act as customer service agents.

Internet of Things (IoT)

Internet of Things has already displayed some amazing things and smartness of how technology can be and get. Internet of Things (IoT) has found relative resonance in mobile application development in recent years.

Internet of Things (IoT) is a stand-alone industry in itself as it evolves. IoT has developed app mechanism to control equipment either via smart technology (cognitive or immersive) or via remote sensor controls or apps. That is why app developers ensure IoT friendly or adaptable apps.

Cloud -Computing Mobile Apps

Adapting cloud-based technologies in mobile application development is a great breakthrough technologically. Integration of the cloud is app development is a progressive frontier for building reliable and secure apps. Integration of cloud technology in app development avails several benefits.

Cloud computing integration helps mobile apps to store a large amount of data efficiently and carry out complex tasks. Cloud-computing increases apps reliability, speed, processing power and security of the apps and enables it to deal with huge data amounts.

Augmented Reality and Artificial Reality (AR & VR)

Whereas we have expounded and extrapolated the world of  AI, there would be no VR without AR in the emerging mobile app development trends. And it is almost impossible to imagine these three without close cooperation or mention of one and not the other. 

Mobile app development has already adapted these 3 technologies in creating amazing apps especially gaming apps with astounding effects and entertainment value giving users amazing user experience. Most of these apps are already revolutionizing mobile app development trends. Besides gaming and entertainment apps, AR and VR are finding great adaptability in emerging marketing & advertising AR healthcare AR, education AR, traffic AR, security AR, manufacturing AR, administration and management AR etc.

Wearable Devices

Wearables are not a brand new phenomenon they have been in use for a few years ranging from smartwatches, fitness bands, health trackers etc. Wearables have significantly reshaped and in many ways redefined how humans interact with each other and with smart devices.

Wearable devices are evolving to an independent cloud-based app functionality which gives them increased usage and adaptability.

Mobile Wallets and Payments

Mobile wallets are essentially paying channels that use mobile app payments online. No doubt e-commerce is here to stay. Ever since e-commerce took centre stage mobile wallets have gained global prominence and dominance.

Growth and expansion in e-commerce and online banking have added to the tremendous non-stop expansion in online payment options available for the users. Global tech giants Microsoft, Apple, Google etc. have endorsed them as customers have increasingly shifted to e-commerce and m-commerce.

Summary

Modern App Development Services have evolved to include the latest cutting edge trending technologies that redefine and reshape app development. And with all these cutting edge mobile app development trends, every year is a great opportunity to explore and implement the ever-fascinating world of app development. It’s obvious these new mobile application development trends present diverse benefits as well as limitations. 

10 Pluses for A Business Possessing A Mobile App

Mobile applications have become the new normal in technology services globally.
With proliferation of mobile services and the impact that apps have come to
signify there is no doubt mobile have a firm foothold not only in private individual
lives but also in corporate and business organizations. In how they communicate,
stay in touch with customers, pass vital information, gauge the market analytics
and above all build strong relationships with their customers that keep them in
primary recall positions when making buying decisions.

More so, according to latest studies businesses with mobile apps tend to have an
upper hand in crafting strong placement in the SERPs as well as build noteworthy
and trustworthy credibility with customers. Since Application Development has
emerged a strong foundation to building a lasting digital footprint. So what are
the 10 most positive pluses that aid businesses with apps? And what are the best
gains that these businesses would witness in the course of doing their business?
We analyze the most positive reasons for businesses to possess a mobile app.

Biggest Pluses and Gains for Business Having A Mobile App

1. Enhanced Business Communication

Mobile apps enhance, elevate and technically provide a sound communication
tool or platform for businesses to not only communicate but also develop sound
means to harness their modes of staying in touch with customers. Mobile apps
being

2. Diversify and Increase Business Revenue Streams

Mobile apps help to diversify and expand business revenues. Mobile apps help in
the generation of more revenue for the online business. Some mobile apps are
paid; whereas others are free to download. Others require on-time pay to
enhance their features while others charge the first time subscription and others
are free for the first time but require payment to access services next time
around. Either these income generation streams bolster business revenue
streams.

3. Builds Strong Online Presence/Visibility

One of the best ways for businesses to easily gain over their competitors is having
an own mobile app. Besides launching the business’ identity and setting it on a
further pedestal businesses with mobile apps acquire unique primacy and
visibility online. Their presence easily yields more prospects and gains them
higher placement in the SERPs.

4. Deeper Business to Customer (B2C) Relations

Whether B2B or B2C, bonds are essential especially strong reliable ones. Mobiles
apps help build a stronger bond with the customers. Businesses always endeavour
to educate, inform their customers on anything pertaining to their products or
services innovatively. Mobile apps are an easy route and pathway to make an
instant connection with customers. This creates trust and fosters long term
relations with the customers. When businesses gain customer trust hey can easily
sell their services and products. This is because of mutual commitment. Mobile
apps help businesses to project the right image to their customers all the time.

5. Faster Mobile Business Protocols

What does this mean and what are the potential and great gains out of it? Most
customer services today are increasingly digital and availed online. Globally, the
digital age is in high-powered mode with faster and smart feature mobile phones
used for almost all needs accessed via mobile apps.

Whether it is a product purchase, or sell to potential customers mobile apps
simplify the tasks. Mobile apps avail business lucrative ways for both businesses
and customers to sell and purchase their items in the comfort of one's home or
office. This business mobility means a two-way benefit to customers and
businesses.

6. Craft Reliable B2B Relations

A mobile does not only benefit the customer but rather also helps the business to
craft or build reliable and dependable Business to business relations. Mobile apps
will ensure the business is well known and understood for what it deals in and its
refined competitive values in the market. Mobile apps are the fastest ways to
learn and draw a credible business standing of any business visa avis its
competitors and worth.

7. Anytime and Direct Market Access

Whereas some offline businesses can operate at designated times and periods
mobile apps grant business anytime and direct market access. This means post
normal working hours mobile extend the operational working curve to anytime
access aided by several smart technologies, cognitive and immersive
technologies.

8. Safe and Higher Encryption

Safety and security in doing business online is a paramount necessity. Because
businesses invest a lot not just in the apps but also into all their credibility,

9. Enhanced Online Customer Security

Mobile apps are mandated to go through a stringent approval system prior to
acceptance in the mobile app stores. Since there are several mobile apps availing
different services this gives assurance to customers that their critical private data
is secure,, heir smartphone's aren’t exposed to malicious code viruses in case of
downloading business mobile apps from the app stores.

10. Secure Business Management Protocols

Business operates in highly secure and robustly safe environments to ensure their
continued operations. Mobile apps are created to avail specific business
management tasks, simplify routines and enhance efficiency at the highest levels.

Summary:

Mobile apps help businesses develop self-sustainability. A functional mobile app is
an outstanding achievement that yields benefits both in business and professional
realm. Therefore, for any mobile app development company in Canada mobile
apps help to build trust, create visibility, and enhance online business prominence
while propagating a business brand across industry verticals.