How to Reduce App Development Costs Without Compromising Quality?
There is a growing need to reduce your business costs, which calls for automated tasks, best-fit resource-work allocation, and technologies that can support your requirements. The remote collaboration combined with high-tech automation needs calls for best-in-class software solutions that can help the processes and enhance agility.
We live in a remote-first world that wants every little detail to be accessible, available, and scalable. If you need data, you should get it on the go. Businesses that wish to collaborate should be able to do so without worrying about geographies.
Software solutions can help boost the overall productivity of your workforce while lowering costs. It can help you reduce the burden on your resources and help them accomplish the work faster. It allows you to get an edge over your competition.
However, a decent custom software solution comes at a cost. If you strive to achieve a feature-driven solution, you might spend a lot of money. However, you don’t need to spend money at all times to get the desired results. You can always keep the costs low at the start and then scale your application to meet your requirements.
Thousands of apps are added on the Play Store and App Store on a daily basis but only the well-performing apps sustain in this competitive market. Let's have a look at some of the statistics below to get more insights about mobile apps and their usage patterns.
- According to CleverTap, 39% of users uninstall the app because it's not visually appealing and boring to use.
- 28% uninstall the apps due to unnecessary ads and notifications.
- 20% uninstall the apps due to a lack of storage issues.
- 11 % removes the app from mobile due to a lack of user experience and technical glitches.
Also if we look for category-wise apps, according to Statista research, 65% of users uninstall the dating apps on Android, and 52% of users uninstall the gaming apps. In contrast, there is a 30% uninstall rate for the travel category and 31% for news and magazines.
Developing engaging, full-functional, and high-quality apps can cost a lot of investment, time, and effort to sustain in this competitive app market. Before we jump to the section that discusses low-cost mobile app development, we must understand what impacts the price.
What Impacts Application Development Cost?
We are all aware that developing an app solution, testing it, and deploying it to the concerned platform can cost money. Imagine delivering a capable app solution for your business. You need to invest in the idea, plan, deployment, license, and maintenance of the mobile app. We will take you through how you can decide the total cost of a mobile app solution before we help you with ideas to reduce the same.
#1. App Complexity
If the application solution is highly complex, you will need to add more features and functionality. To make up for the advanced needs of your application, you may need to use the device components and functions that can help augment the software solution.
Every feature or component that you add increases the development cost. This means your developer will spend that amount of time coding, debugging the code, and deploying it to the cloud infrastructure.
In the case of simple Apps, the total number of hours, resources, and overall programming time go down. The cost of development is directly proportional to the complexity of the software.
#2. UI/UX Design
Investing in UI/UX design can also increase the development cost and cause you to spend a little more on the software solution. It is not just about the interface or the placement of things; it is an entire strategy focusing on the customer’s usage and consumption patterns.
You might need a UI/UX designer, a strategist, and someone who can test the final product before production. Apart from the resource cost, you will need to add the big bucks you will be spending on customization to your overall cost.
#3. Platform
Depending on the type of application you plan to develop, you must choose the platform. For example, if you plan on developing an application that all kinds of customers can use, you might want to develop it for multiple platforms.
An Uber clone cannot be developed for a single platform. Similarly, if you think the audience is specifically iPhone customers, you might want to develop for the specific platform.
Depending on the platform, you will need to choose aspects like database, middleware, and apps that can be integrated. This will add to the overall cost of developing a business app solution.
#4. Experience
The app you plan to develop might require a highly experienced developer. Say you need advanced specifications in your application, then you might need a specialist. For database management with MongoDB, you may need someone with experience operating with the particular database.
If you require a senior or specialist engineer for your app programming, the cost of the resource automatically goes up. It will increase the app development cost. If the app is basic and feature-driven, a regular developer can work and deliver it. Your fee for the resource will be nominal in this case.
#5. Development Approach
Your app development cost also depends on whether you choose to go with multi-platform or native app development. The native app programming approach can be expensive if you go for both platforms individually.
However, you can choose to release the app on both platforms using the cross-platform approach and save some money. When working on a tight budget with the need to release your app across multiple platforms, choose a cross-platform approach. However, if you want to ensure an iOS-first programming or need to use the native components extensively, go with the native approach.
#6. Timeline
If you have a short timeline to complete the app programming and launch it to the markets, you might need more resources and better infrastructure. The number of hours that go into development may be higher, which results in a higher app cost.
However, if you can release an MVP and keep building on it, you can reduce the app cost. The timelines for app release impact the overall cost.
#7. Maintenance and Support
It is not enough to build an app; you need to work on ensuring it is constantly working. Reducing downtime and enhancing the support system are essential aspects of your application. Maintenance and support can cost you a dime and add to the overall cost of the application.
An eCommerce mobile app, for example, requires complete management and maintenance. You need to be constantly involved with the application upgrade and development. You are adding new features, pushing out functionality, sending out alerts, and much more are part of the maintenance deal.
How To Reduce App Development Costs?
If you are juggling with the how to reduce app/software development costs question then we have identified the top reasons that your cost can go up. Let's look at ways to reduce app development costs so that your app falls well within the defined budget.
#1. Efficient Planning
The first step to any app development project is planning. Right from choosing the number of resources to phases of design and programming, you will need to make plans for everything.
The planning or preparation phase is when you divide the whole coding into phases. You would release a basic app with a few features in a month. You would add the AI feature to make the app intelligent in the next stage. When you divide it into phases, you can reuse the developers, reduce the development time, take a quicker approach, and lower the costs.
Efficient planning is key to reducing the cost of developing a mobile app for your business.
#2. Choosing the Right Stack
When you choose the appropriate technology stack, you are already working on reducing the overall development time and cost. The stack comes with the front-end and back-end technologies and tools and frameworks needed for your business app.
With the right tech stack, you can minimize risks, optimize the development processes, enhance the tasks, and automate the development aspects. It will help you work with standard coding practices while keeping the resources at an optimal count.
#3. Use More Open-Source Tools
Using open-source technologies and tools comes as a savior when it comes to low-cost mobile app development. We understand it's not completely possible to rely on open-source but you can make the most out of it and reduce the app development cost up to 30 to 50%.
You can easily find a diverse range of open-source services according to your platform and project needs. Some useful examples of mobile app development are Firebase, Sentry, Bugsnag, and many more.
#4. MVP
Start with a minimum viable product before you scale it to the next level. Let's understand how this will help reduce the costs.
When you have developed the idea, you are not sure if it will work and for which platform. You may be working on both platforms, but only one platform user uses the application.
The MVP will test the waters for your idea, understand the most-suited platform for development, and help release the solution.
As a result, you will save the expense you are likely to make when releasing the application for both platforms. Similarly, you will keep up with your business's engagement and revenue needs.
#5. Test the App Thoroughly (follow test driven method)
Go for test-driven development to reduce the cost and repetition of the testing cycle. Here you need to make specific test cases for all required and test it in sequence accordingly. This will help to spot the issue with the development and you can easily improve the mistakes at the beginning stage without worrying during launch.
#6. Choose the Right Approach- Outsource or In-House
This is an important consideration when planning your app development. It will also help reduce the cost if you plan and consider the approach right at the beginning Outsourcing or In-House or Freelance.
If you have the team and infrastructure in-house, you can choose a hybrid. This way, you can speed up the development process as a part is being developed by the offshore programming company while working on the other half.
Suppose you are planning a multi-platform native app development. In that case, you might want to outsource the part you have no command of. for example, if your in-house team is adept with iOS, outsource Android app development.
#7. Reuse Components and Code As Much As You Can
Always keep a backup of all projects in one place in your system. There can be chances when you will need to develop the same feature you developed for other projects in the past. If you have previous code, you can easily reuse some of its code and components to develop the new feature faster.
This will help in reducing unnecessary code and help you to reduce development time.
#8. Find a Reliable Outsourcing Partner
There can be a situation when you need to handle multiple projects and meet tight deadlines. In this situation, maintaining the consistent quality of the app can be tough. You can hire app developers per hour who fulfill your requirements well or go for an affordable outsourcing partner with proper research.
Choose an app developers company who have proven track records and experience in projects similar to yours.
#9. Standardize Process and Set Priorities
Time is precious whether it's a small project or a big one. Always set priorities before starting work. Give high priority to important projects that need to be completed before the deadline. When you have your goal clear and priorities set, it will reduce the rework and unexpected mistakes.
A well-planned project helps to deliver high-quality work and maintain an accurate budget.
#10. Use Automation for Smart Work
Today's generation wants fast work with quick results, gone are the days when people used to struggle with manual work. Prefer smart work over hard work, explore good automation tools and technologies that can contribute to your app-making and speed up your development, and save cost. Many free services do a wonderful job of handling App development tasks and saving money too.
#11. Code Modularization
Code modularization means breaking codes into small modules and libraries, this is one of the effective techniques to reduce the cost of app development because you can easily understand code modules by breaking them and using them wisely at various places when needed.
This prevents the need for hiring other team members because by using code modularization, a developer can handle the task by themselves with easy code understanding.
#12. Quality Assurance Techniques
Quality work is above everything when you consistently maintain good quality code throughout the app building, you can stay relaxed about quality assurance and this will prevent expensive errors in the future.
This will also help to reduce resource dependencies and the need to invest in fewer resources because high-quality apps will fulfill customer expectations and meet the changing market demands.
#13. Post-launch Plans
As a reputed app development company in USA and India, your job is not done yet after completing the app, users will need you after the launch too. You should always be available for users for future help and support. Plan the app update on a timely basis.
It includes testing the app whether it's working fine, checking reviews on the app store what issues users are facing, and making the necessary updates that solve user issues.
Answer the questions related to support, maintenance, upgrade, and addition of new features. All this would help you unleash the potential of the application in post-launch.
Consider the Hidden Costs of App Development
App development requires constant improvement and there can be fluctuation in cost too if it needs any premium update or maintenance. That’s why you must also consider hidden creation costs to be prepared in the future. Below are some of the factors that can add up as an unexpected cost.
#1. Third-Party Integrations And Other Services
If you are building any specific feature for an app, it might require third-party integrations or any API integration to work. Some API and third-party integrations may charge licensing and usage fees and might need customization. Consider this on a first note to avoid future disappointments.
#2. Ongoing Maintenance
Ongoing maintenance is a part of the app whether it's built high-quality or not. Always include maintenance in the budget of app building because you never know the future bug of the app and what it might require to fix. Always play on the safe side by considering app migration costs and plan an effective budget so that you don't end up spending more money than your planned budget.
#3. App Testing
Your app will need several resources and tools for testing so never underestimate the quality assurance of the app. Even a small issue can require hours of rework, effort, time, and money. Obviously no one would want this, always go through the list of tools or services of quality assurance and testing to get a cost idea of that.
#4. Legal Compliance
Adhering to app store guidelines is also a part of the app cost. It includes industry standards, data privacy, and various other legal considerations.
#5. App Marketing
To monetize the app, you will need to do app marketing to get your app notices across the wide range of user base. So while planning the app budget, always consider the app marketing cost and plan how will target audience and what techniques and resources it will need.
Conclusion
Mobile app development cost depends on the type of app, the features you plan to include, and the platform for which you are developing the application. If you are sure of all these aspects, you can plan the budget accordingly. However, if your app development costs exceeds the permissible budget, you can start with a smaller version and scale it.
You can also opt for reusable components, step-wise programming, MVP approach, and standard programmingprocesses to keep the budget in mind.
At Expert App Devs, we cater to all budget requirements. We connect with you, talk to you about your idea, and validate and see how to best fit your requirements in the budget you have. We have solutions for all needs and budget types. We deliver usable solutions that drive experiences and downloads without compromising on quality.
Connect with our team using the Contact Us form and tell us your requirements. Our team will get back to you within the stipulated time to help you with your business app solution.
Faqs
#1. How Long It Takes To Develop A High-Quality App?
The time for developing a high-quality app depends on many factors such as platform, app ideas and goals, team size, expertise and skills of developers, and many more. Generally, a simple app with basic functionality can be developed within 3 to 6 months. However, the time must be extended in the case of medium to highly complex apps.
#2. How Do You Make Sure The App Quality While Development?
We use robust testing techniques, unit testing, integration, and user acceptance testing. Our expert team reviews code regularly and uses the best practices in coding and design, moreover, we also gather user feedback from beta testers as well as real-users to study the issues and fix them as soon as possible.
#3. What Are The Important Factors Of App User Experience?
User experience is a crucial part of the app that impacts mobile app design cost, there are many important factors of user experience such as user-friendly designs, seamless navigation, fast loading times, and consistent performance. Other than this, you can improve the app's UX by gathering meaningful feedback and prioritizing user needs.
#4. What Should I Consider While Choosing The App Development Team?
There are many factors to keep in mind for choosing the best app developers, that is experience, portfolio, technical skills, communication, budget, references to understand their past work, and many more. It also depends on your requirements and the type of app you seek to develop.
#5. What Are The Effective Ways To Reduce The App-Making Cost?
Making a good systematic plan is the key to reducing the mobile app development cost. Below are some of the pro tips to save money on app building and reduce development time.
- Reuse code as much as you can and avoid writing custom codes.
- Set priorities and make detailed specifications of the app.
- Use open-source tools and other services.
- Always hire experienced developers and work more towards quality assurance and testing.