Develop Low Cost Business Apps: A Guide

Contrary to popular opinion – app development(Business Apps) does not cost a lot as long as you are in the right direction and know the right resources to look for. Look around you and you will find many examples.

If you consider Airbnb or Uber, these companies have built a fortune through their apps – mobile apps are the main technology. To be at the forefront and gather the right consumers, you need an app. It will facilitate your business.

Also, there are more variations than you might think. Over the past decade, we have seen different platforms surpassing others and all sorts of technologies emerging. Be it AR apps or fintech apps or any of the hundreds of new genres.

To successfully launch an app in a cost-effective manner, you need to go through a detailed breakdown of the entire low-cost mobile app development process. In this guide, we cover everything.

Let’s start.

What The Future Looks Like

Believe what the numbers say. Statista researched that in the next few years, the total revenue generated by mobile apps will be around 613 billion dollars. And if we look at the audience you can potentially target, everyone, is hooked on their phones.

• An average American spends more than 4 hours on the internet on a daily basis and almost 90% of the time, it is on an app, according to eMarketer.
• On App Store, there are over 2.22 million apps right now and the number is projected to keep growing. Similarly, you can find 3.48 million apps on Google Play Store.
• And free apps outweigh everything else. More than 90% of apps on both stores are either free or include in-app purchases, as stated by Statista.
• Other research shows us that the global app development market is predicted to grow more than 25% by 2030.

Overall – the situation seems pretty bright. In this digital landscape, it is better to get ahead and partner up with the right digital transformation mobile app development company .

Creating a digital product takes time and a lot of resources. Make sure you are on the correct track.

Get an Overview of Development Costs – Use the App Cost Calculator

We understand that looking over Google, trying to find the right estimates, and matching it with your
budget can be an overwhelming process. We are here to help you out. Try our app cost development
calculator and get an accurate estimation.
We know that cost-efficiency is a priority. Once you input essential details of your upcoming project –
our technical team will go through your requirements and prepare an ideal solution for you.Figure out the app cost right now:

5 Methodologies: Create Low-Cost Business Apps

To create digital products that make an impact while making sure the budget stays in hand – every app development company has different strategies. The best way to look at development is to keep everyone’s perspective in mind and move accordingly.

Here are a few ideas that we have been implementing for quite some time now. Fair to say, it has been both productive and cost-efficient so far.

1. A Cloud Approach

Everything is moving to the cloud. Look at your phone, for instance. On a bigger scale, this is how businesses are transitioning now by saving on additional data costs. Cloud-based apps are currently dominating – creating a productive system in terms of workload and computing processes. On top of the low cost, a cloud approach has helped eCommerce businesses excel much more quickly.

Save on the equipment, reduce traffic costs, and create a productive workflow for your business. Despite the bumps along the way, IT companies have been a part of cloud migration for some time now.

2. Scrum Framework

How you manage your priorities sets up the entire workflow. A scrum framework is included in agile application development to set up a proper flow for project management – addressing actual problems in the long run. During a scrum – the internal team can communicate their queries and clear out any confusion.

The goal is to work more productively and drive efficient results. When a team is on the same path and everyone knows how their task will progress along – the final product is delivered more quickly and the entire process ends up being economical.

When it comes to developing a minimal viable product (MVP) – the app development team is often guided by the Scrum Master. Once feedback arrives – a series of scrum meetings can be taken to reevaluate performance.

3. Go For a Virtual Database

Once your company starts to scale up, you need to reorganize and evaluate your work scheme. Upgrade and manage all sorts of data through the internet. In the worst-case scenario, consumer data could be deleted if it’s stored on a series of computers or hardware. In terms of security – going virtual is a reliable option. A virtual database is usually designed for users as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) product.
Virtual databases like Zoho Creator or Knack have helped numerous businesses upscale over the years. The idea is to get rid of all the clutter and manage tasks in a quick and fun way. Manually going through different spreadsheets is a long and unreliable way to manage workload. Once the entire workplace is on the same page via a SaaS database, any query is instantly solved.

4. Choose MVP

Industry experts claim that a minimum viable product (MVP) is a better choice right now and every startup or small business should settle for an MVP rather than going for conventional app development. To sum it up – an MVP requires fewer resources and less time, and yet it is able to function well.

Simplify the process and make it easier for yourself and your consumers. During the initial stages, release the app with core features that define your business. You can always experiment later. An MVP is cost-effective and opens room for better growth.

For a product to succeed – take note of the feedback and the suggestions you get. Once an MVP is out there – you can improve on the potential bugs more quickly. Spending a few months on both development and release phases for an MVP will assure a long-term sustainable model for the final product.

Check what our founding partner and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Asim Rais Siddiqui, has to say about MVPs:

5. DevOps Setting

DevOps is an approach that integrates two parts of the IT spectrum together – development and operations. The aim is to improve efficiency and create a better collaboration environment. When it comes to working in a cost-effective manner, resource allocation plays a key role.

Real-time collaboration between different teams through a DevOps approach leads to quicker progression in terms of development and operation phases. Adopt a DevOps strategy at the right moment and capitalize on the opportunity right now. Once DevOps is integrated as part of the bigger picture – you can expect the following results to take place:

1. Better resource allocation
2. Better integration of code
3. Continuous testing
4. Changes and deployment underway

To thrive quickly, you need to be innovative and maintain quality standards at the same time. DevOps allows you to do both simultaneously. Create digital products that go above expectations. It is only possible after continuous testing phases
and feedback interpretations.

5 Ways You Can Decrease App Development Cost

Apart from the methodologies, you decide to adapt, the way you look at app development and govern
the entire process will determine the cost. The approach you take from the very start will reflect your
business practices and scalability of the app.
Here is a step-by-step walkthrough. Read ahead to find out.

1. Research

A lot of businesses fail to understand what their user wants and end up on the wrong side of things. Research shows us that consumers are very particular about they would like to see in an app. The features and the UX/UI design you decide to adapt will reflect your brand and the vision you are trying to depict.

It is important to look from an outside perspective and go over different questions.

1. Whom am I targeting? What kind of demographics?
2. How would my app help consumers have better access to my business?
3. What kind of features will be useful? What are my competitors doing?
4. Is my idea scalable? Would consumer retention be easy?

Once you do enough market research and reflect on what you are trying to do and what is the best possible way to go ahead, we recommend you collaborate with a mobile app development company. Let them create a cross-functional environment where the right team of experts could take your insights into consideration and create an app that outperforms everything else.

Read more: How to Create a Mobile App Business Plan (A Comprehensive Guide)

2. Choose a mobile platform (iOS/Android)

Once you have gone through the market research stage and know where the audience is – picking a platform for your mobile app is the next step. When you try to decide between the two popular operating systems – consider the following points in mind:

1. The market share is different
2. Different programming languages
3. Separate SDKs
4. Distinct development tools

Contrary to popular opinion – when it comes to development – there isn’t a major difference between Android and iOS in terms of cost. Different paths but the end goal is the same now. The cost app no longer exists.

Now, if you need to create an app that is optimized for both platforms – the cost could add up as you will need to collaborate with separate teams. One for each system.

Flutter could step in here and be the perfect solution. A cross-platform software development kit that enables developers to initiate projects that work on both Android and iOS. Flutter is powered by Google and even a fully assembled app built on Flutter costs 30% less than usual.

3. Consider app prototypes

More often than not – businesses proceed with an idea on paper and when the final digital product takes form – it ends up not being up to the mark. Now, when you initiate changes, the entire workflow gets disturbed. Plus, it will lead to unexpected expenses. Consider an app prototype for a moment now. A blueprint of the sort.

An app prototype is a presentable version of an app that is interactive but lacks the functionality of an actual app. The UX/UI design plays an essential role here and the design team you collaborate with will initiate the project – looking after navigational elements, visuals, and the entire communication flow. And you can do so much more when you have a prototype ready to showcase. To go beyond different
stages of funding and get the right attention from venture capitalists, a ready-to-display app prototype will definitely help.

4. Prioritize features and functions

The cost of the app will be defined by the features you decide to include. To get an app that does not lack any functions yet remains cost-effective, you need to prioritize things. Take consumer research into perspective and see how you can provide a solution that stays relevant to your users and matches market standards. Here is an overview of the cost as per feature (estimated):

5. Outsourced development

More than the development cost – when you factor in the team you will work with and how the entire workflow will take place over a series of months – you have two options to choose from. Outsourcing a project or going for in-house development.

In-house development makes sense at first as you will be in direct contact with the development team and would be directly aware of the impact being created on the business side of things. We agree that having autonomy over the project is a plus point but think of the bigger picture.

You will need a set of teams who would understand your idea and align with the vision you are trying to ignite. This is a long process and could go past a “few months.” Finding the right people, recruiting them and going through a number of formalities will delay the development process.

Now. Let’s consider outsourced development and see what the potential outcome could be. Firstly, you will get instant services as everything is already there. You need to call and let them know what your project entails. It’s much easier. Tekrevol has dedicated offices in most parts of the world. We are gradually expanding our presence and are already situated in North America and the MENA region. Tekrevol is currently listed as one of the top digital transformation companies on DesignRush and Clutch.

4 Tools That Will Help You Out

Apart from the techniques and the direction you follow, here is an additional recommendation. The set of tools you use throughout the journey will also play a major role in determining the final cost of the app. Other than the conventional way, consider these options as well (no coding required):

1. Appy Pie

AppyPie is a no-code app development toolkit that aims to simplify the process and make it accessible to more people. The app builder is designed to be an easy solution for everyone. Once you get started, there is a 3-step walkthrough and you will have an app template ready.
Whether you want to go for an Android app development or an iOS app development, there is an option. Plus, with the help of AppyPie – you can convert your website to an app. Enter the URL and start right away. When it comes to customization, AppyPie allows users to select from a wide range of app choices.

2. Bizness Apps

Bizness Apps helps upcoming businesses scale up quickly by getting an app ready in minutes. With the help of a simple drag-and-drop app builder, you can create an app according to your business requirements. Bizness Apps enables consumers to create a solution that comes packed with the features they desire.

Integrate specific functions and tools that are essential to your company and based on user feedback – improve along the way as well. The goal is to create a mobile experience that works for the people. And Bizness Apps makes things easier.

3. Mobincube

Mobincube is a leading name in the development game and is creatively aligned with the trends today. Create an app of any kind by choosing from a dozen templates – business, educational, entertainment, healthcare, and so much more. Add features on the way and incorporate different brand elements.

So far, Mobincube has helped thousands of businesses create apps that are known for their features and overall UX/UI design. Mobincube has always been free to use and there is no limitation attached. Create as many apps as you want, upgrade the app, anything.

4. AppMachine

AppMachine focuses on app development from every perspective. The design. The features. Everything. You can choose from 30+ building blocks to make the app more interactive and immersive. Google Analytics is integrated as a part of AppMachine. Later on, you can keep track of the performance through a clear dashboard.

The additional point is that – through AppMachine – you can also get into an entirely new industry and be a part of their Reseller Program. Create apps and extend them to other businesses. Become an app provider and be part of a bigger ecosystem.

What Tekrevol Can Do

We suggest you get in the game right now and explore the potentials you can possibly reach by going forward with the right strategy and flawless execution. It is difficult to stand out. Your project could be the next leading product. We have seen underdog stories everywhere. It’s an ever-changing environment. The way we look at apps and how far digital transformation is coming along – there is innovation all around us.

At Tekrevol, we look at ideas and envision a future where your product fits perfectly in the grand scheme of things. You can take a look at our projects and individual case studies. See for yourself.