Have you ever wondered how apps like TikTok, Candy Crush Saga , and Duolingo got started?
All these apps now have millions of users hooked. The truth is that all successful apps started as an idea. A very simple one.
TikTok started as a platform for creating and watching dance reels. Candy Crush Saga was just about matching candies. Similarly, Duolingo started as an app that helps you learn a different language in a game way. Nothing too complex!
Basically, the point being that all successful apps start with one problem and an idea to resolve it. They don’t have any fancy tech or large teams. But creating an app and sustaining it in this saturated app market are two different things. The second part is the tricky one.
The good news? You don’t have to do it alone!
What are the Steps of Making an App?
Creating an app is an extensive process which involves research, design, development, testing, and more. It’s not something you can achieve overnight. And for the non-tech people, this process can seem confusing and overwhelming.
With the right team of devs by your side, you can turn your simple ideas into working apps. Be it your customers, internal teams or for your start-up.
In this guide, we will walk you through 12 simple steps on how to create a mobile app. No heavy tech jargon, no coding. Just simple and beginner-friendly way of creating a new app. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Start With a Great App Idea
As mentioned before, every app begins with one simple idea. So think about what problem your app is solving or what it can help users do better. A strong and consistent app idea makes the process easier.
- Focus on solving a real-world problem
- Make sure the idea is clear and specific
- Think about how your app is different from others
A helpful tip: Great apps solve a small problem really well. Start simple!
Step 2: Research the Competition
Do you want to develop an app? If you have come this far reading the blog, you probably are interested in building an app. But before diving deep into the creation process of your app idea, see if something similar already exists. See the top apps of your app category to analyze what works and what doesn’t work. This will help you create something better and even more useful.
- Search the App Store and Google Play
- Read competitor reviews to find user pain points
- Find out what features users love or complain about
Doing research now saves you time and helps avoid repeating others’ mistakes.
Step 3: List Your App’s Key Features
Now, it’s time to plan out your app’s main features. Focus on the things your app must have in order to be useful. Avoid trying to build too much in version one.
- Decide what users need most (e.g., login, search, save)
- List extra features to add later (e.g., dark mode, voice commands)
- Make your app simple, fast, and easy to use
Remember: Less is more when you’re just starting out.
Step 4: Create a Rough Design (Mockup)
A mockup is basically a rough drawing of what your app will look like. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to show how users will move through your app. This helps your devs or team understand your vision clearly.
- Use pen and paper or free tools like Figma or Balsamiq
- Map out each screen and what buttons go where
- Think about user flow (how someone goes from A to B)
Sketching your app is the first real step toward building it.
Step 5: Plan for Security
This step is often ignored while building an app. But it’s a very important one if your app involves the personal data of its users. You’ll need to protect things like passwords, credit card info, or messages. Even if it’s just a simple app, strong security is what builds trust in your users for your app.
- Use encryption to protect user data
- Make sure logins are secure (e.g., strong passwords or 2 Factor Authentication)
- Don’t forget to update your app to fix any security bugs
A secure app keeps users safe. It also keeps them coming back.
Step 6: Choose How to Build The App
Now, you decide how you are building an app. If you are a tech person, you can code it yourself. But if you are a non-tech person, the best move is to partner with a mobile dev company.
- Hire an experienced team to handle design, coding, and testing
- Save time and avoid technical headaches
- Get expert help to build your app the right way from day one
This will give you a clearer and polished app. FYI, there’s no single right way to create an app. It all comes down to your goals and how much help you need along the way.
Step 7: Test the App on Different Devices
Before the big launch, test your app to make sure it works as planned. You can try it on different mobile phones to see how it works. This step will help you catch and fix the bugs before it is launched for all.
- Check on both iOS and Android if possible
- Look at screen sizes, speed, and broken links
- Test both design and functionality
The more you test your app, the smoother your launch is likely to go.
Step 8: Get Feedback From Real People
Ask real people to use your app. Ask your friends and team to try your app and share their brutal thoughts on the app. This will help you identify any confusing parts, missing features, or bugs. Feedback from people outside your team is very important, as it is likely to resemble the real thoughts of your potential users.
- Ask friends, coworkers, or small test groups
- Watch how they use the app—don’t just rely on their words
- Use their feedback to make small changes
Feedback from people outside your team is very important, as it is likely to resemble the real thoughts of your potential users!
Step 9: Publish the App to the App Store
Now that your app creation process is almost done, it is time to launch your app. You’ll need to follow specific steps to get your app into the App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play (for Android). Each platform has its own rules and approval process.
- Create a developer account for Apple or Google
- Write an app description and upload screenshots
- Choose the right category and pricing (free or paid)
Indeed, launching your app is a very exciting process. Make sure it’s polished, easy to use, and navigate.
Step 10: Market Your App
Even the best apps won’t get noticed without promotion. After you have created a potentially successful app, your next step must be to make people aware of your app. A great marketing plan will help you bring more users and better results.
- Share on social media (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn)
- Use App Store Optimization (ASO) to help people find it
- Create a landing page for your application that has info and facilitates downloads
Marketing doesn’t need to be expensive, such as paid ads in-between games. You just have to be consistent and be present where your intended audience is.
Step 11: Keep Updating and Improving
When you are building an app, creating a new app itself is not the goal. Making an app is not a one-time job. It requires consistent necessary changes and improvements. You have to new features, fix bugs, and make updates based on user needs.
- Release small updates regularly
- Fix issues quickly when users report them
- Keep up with Android/iOS updates
A well-maintained app is what keeps the users happy and helps it grow.
Step 12: Build the Right Team
Behind every app’s success is a strong team. Whether it’s the devs, designers, marketers, or testers, each person is playing an important role in making the app user-friendly and helping it grow. You can try managing everything yourself, but working with an experienced web dev team often leads to better results faster.
- Developers take care of coding, testing, and tech updates
- Designers make sure the app looks clean and feels easy to use
- Marketers help promote the app and reach your ideal audience
Having the right team makes the whole app journey smoother and less overwhelming.
Still Thinking About Creating a New App?
Truth be told, creating an app is time-consuming. It also requires a lot of planning and the right team. So, whether you are thinking of building a mobile game app for toddlers, a simple tool for businesses, or a fully-featured fintech app for the public, it’s not always easy. But it’s definitely doable if you follow the right steps and work with people who understand your simple idea better than you do. The app process may seem quite lengthy, but it’s one we’ve walked many times with clients just like you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to create mobile applications?
You can create a mobile app by following a step-by-step process. Start with an idea, research the market, plan the features, design the screens, and then develop and test the app. You can do it yourself or work with a mobile app development company to help you through it.
How hard is it to make an app?
It depends on how complex the app is. Simple apps, such as a game like Flappy Bird can be built with no-code tools, but advanced apps like fintech apps take more time, planning, and technical skills. Having a good team makes the process easier.
How to design an app?
You can start by sketching your app’s screens and user flow on paper or using tools like Figma. Just make the design clean, simple, and easy to use. Think about the user experience on different devices and screen sizes.
How to create an app from scratch?
To build an app from scratch, you’ll need to define your idea, list core features, design the layout, and develop it using coding or no-code tools. Testing and feedback are also key before launch. A clear plan makes each step easier.
Is it hard to create an app?
It can feel hard at first, especially if you’re new to it. But with the right tools, steps, and guidance, anyone can do it. Working with experienced developers can save time and reduce stress.
I want to create an app, where do I start?
You can start by writing down your idea and what problem your app will solve. Think about who it’s for and what features it needs. Then follow a clear process or talk to an app development team to help guide you.
