Mobile Application Development:
Start Strong to Finish Stronger

Mobile apps are hot right now. And with good reason: they can be a masterful tool to engage and connect with your audience and grow your business in a way that works for everyone.

But when you’re just entering the world of mobile application development, it can all feel a bit overwhelming. How can you be sure your idea is good enough? How should you go about building it? What will it take to really get your app off the ground and pick up the steam you hope and dream about? Do you need the help of a mobile application development agency? And what about professional mobile application maintenance services to keep your app going strong?

Well, those are all great questions. And you’re in the right place to find answers. Let’s take a deeper dive into what I’ll call our “Mobile Application Development Service 101 Crash Course.”

I could go on for hours, but I’ll keep it tight and go over key considerations, including:

What mobile apps are and how they differ from web apps
The different types of mobile apps
The pros and cons of building a mobile app
A high-level overview of the mobile app development process
How to find the right mobile application development service to help build your golden app (and why it should be Dazlab!)

What is a mobile application?

A mobile application, also simply called an app, is a software program designed specifically for use on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. These apps are tailored to play on the unique features of mobile platforms, which lets users take advantage of a full range of functionalities, from productivity tools to entertainment to social networking. If you can dream it, there’s probably an app for it (or will be, if you have anything to say about it!).

Here’s just a small glimpse of what mobile applications can be used for:

Social networking
Entertainment
Camera and photography
E-commerce
Utilities
Business and productivity
Health, fitness, and nutrition

Finance
Travel and navigation
Education
News and information
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)
Productivity

And that’s just the beginning! It really is the Wild West out there, in a sort of magical and intimidating way.

Mobile applications vs. web applications

Some people use the terms mobile app and web app interchangeably, but there are some key differences, namely in the functionality and deployment.

A mobile application is a standalone software that’s installed on a user’s device, offering optimized performance and access to device-specific features. On the other hand, web applications operate within a web browser, allowing users to access them through the internet.

While mobile apps excel in performance and offline capabilities, web apps boast cross-platform compatibility and easy updates. The choice between them depends on several different considerations, like project requirements, user experience goals, development costs, and the need for specific device features.

If you’re foggy on where you fit in on this spectrum, consider linking up with an expert mobile application development agency (ahem, like Dazlab!). We’ll be able to walk you through your options and weigh them against your needs.

Types of mobile applications

There are a few key types of mobile applications with different development approaches and cycles. It’s important to know which one you want before development starts so you can make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Your mobile app development company can help with this, if that’s the route you decide to go.

Native

Native mobile applications are specifically designed and developed for a specific operating system, like iOS or Android. Native apps offer high performance and seamless integration with the unique features of the devices they’re built for, like platform-specific tools and languages. At the end of the day, this means a tailored and optimized experience for your users.

Hybrid

Hybrid mobile applications combine elements of both native and web development. They’re built using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, then encapsulated within something fancy called a “native container.” This container makes it so that the code can be reused across multiple platforms, which ultimately streamlines development efforts and reduces costs.

Cross-platform

Cross-platform mobile applications are designed to run on various operating systems with a single codebase. Frameworks like React Native and Flutter help create apps that keep a native look and feel while maximizing the efficiency of the code. This approach can be ideal if you’re trying to reach a broad user base swiftly and with less development.

Progressive web app (PWA)

Technically a progressive web app (PWA) is a type of web application, but I think it deserves a shout out here too. (If you want to learn all about this type of app, check out our dedicated web application development page here.)

PWAs offer a unique approach: they deliver a native-app-like experience through a web browser. They take advantage of modern web capabilities to offer features like offline functionality, push notifications, and responsive design. PWAs can be accessed through a URL, which eliminates the need for installation through an app store.

Pros and cons of building a mobile app

As with anything in life, mobile apps come with both advantages and disadvantages, which is why our mobile development agency doesn’t say these apps are right for everyone. It’s important to evaluate these ups and downs as you consider whether or not mobile application development is the right move for your unique business needs.

Pros of mobile app development

Enhanced performance:

If you’re going native, these apps are optimized for specific platforms, which means they can use the full range of device capabilities. This means superior performance compared to web apps, especially in terms of speed and responsiveness.

Access to device features:

Native mobile apps can fully leverage device-specific features, like cameras, GPS, accelerometers, and sensors. This means you can create more sophisticated and feature-rich applications, making the user experience sexier and more seamless.

App store visibility:

Publishing on app stores boosts your visibility, making it easier for users to discover and download your app. App store platforms like Apple App Store and Google Play are centralized marketplaces, making marketing and distribution smooth like butter.

Offline functionality:

Depending on the type of build, mobile apps can store data locally on the device, so that users can access certain features or content even when they’re offline. This is a huge advantage over web apps, as your users won’t suffer from internet connectivity issues.

Cons of mobile application development

Platform-specific development:

If you’re building a native app, it will require separate development for each platform, like iOS and Android. This requires more development time and more money. If you have a good development team, you can tackle this on your own. Otherwise, you’ll need to look to mobile application development agencies for help.

Maintaining multiple codebases also requires additional resources for things like updates and bug fixes. (Of course, you can alleviate some of these woes by going hybrid or cross-platform.) Here again, you may need to hire out for mobile application maintenance services.

Approval processes:

Submitting an app to app stores involves a review and approval process, which can be time-consuming. Any delays in approval can impact your app’s release schedule and, unfortunately, lead to missed opportunities.

Limited cross-platform compatibility:

If you’re going native, you’ll find that native mobile apps’ cross-platform compatibility is limited. Separate versions need to be built for iOS and Android, potentially excluding users on less dominant platforms. (Again, you can make life easier in this regard by going hybrid or cross-platform.)

User acquisition challenges:

While app stores provide a nice boost in visibility, they also host tons and tons of competing apps. Standing out and snagging users can be challenging, which means you’ll need to up your marketing and promotion game.

The mobile app development process in a nutshell

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Idea generation

Every great app begins with a simple idea. Picture this: You’re at a coffee shop, and it strikes you — why isn’t there an app to order and pay ahead, skipping the line? That’s how it starts. You spot a daily hassle and think, “Hey, I can fix this with an app?”

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Strategy and understanding competition

Next, we look at who’s already playing in this space. Are there similar apps? What do people say about them? It’s like taking a walk in your competitor’s shoes to see what hurdles they’ve faced and what makes them popular or not.

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Monetization

Want to monetize your app? There are many ways to do this: Maybe users pay a small fee to download, or they get premium features at a cost. You’ll want to align your strategy with what your users are likely to embrace.

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Getting the word out

Now, how do you get people buzzing about your app? It’s not just about building something great; it’s about telling the right people in the right way. For some apps, especially those meant for businesses or internal use, heavy marketing might not be needed.

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The MVP and first step

Here, you’ll map out where you’re headed. What’s the essential version of your app that should be launched first? This MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is your first step into the market. As people start using it, their feedback guides you on what to add or tweak next.

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Designing the user experience

This step is all about how users interact with your app. You’ll want to sketch out each screen, plan the layout, and think about how one screen leads to the next.

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Creating the visuals

Here’s where you choose the colors, fonts, and button styles. It’s like picking out the right outfit for your app—one that looks good and feels great to use.

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Choosing the right tools

Hybrid or native? You’ll need to decide. Hybrid apps save costs and work across platforms. Native apps offer top-notch performance for each platform. You can look to advanced frameworks like Flutter and React Native, offering a balance between cost and quality.

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Finding a home for your app

Your app needs a reliable place to live. You’ll want to carefully choose the right hosting solution. Cloud platforms like AWS offer flexibility and scalability, ensuring your app performs well and remains responsive as it grows.

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Building the app

This part of the development process is characterized by:
Front-End: This is the part users see and interact with. Like the dashboard of a car, it needs to be intuitive and user-friendly.
Back-End: The powerhouse of your app. It’s all the tech stuff—servers, databases—that make sure your app runs smoothly and securely.

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Deployment

After development, you’ll want to rigorously test the app to iron out any issues. Then, it’s launch time where you’ll get your app on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

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Monitoring and updates

After launch, you’ll want to watch how your app’s doing. Look for any crashes, user feedback, and ways to make it better.

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Continuous improvement

The digital environment is always changing, and so should your app. You’ll want to keep refining and adding to your app, making sure it stays relevant and loved by its users.
That’s the journey of app development in a nutshell—from a lightbulb moment to a live app in users’ hands.

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How to find the right mobile application development service for the job

There are many mobile application development agencies who will be happy to bring your app to life. How do you choose the best one? You want a partner that understands your vision, has the resources to execute it well, and respects the confidentiality of your idea.

Here’s a breakdown of what to consider in choosing the best mobile app development service provider.

Project evaluation

Make sure the mobile app development company gets what you’re trying to achieve. They should grasp your goals and offer technology solutions that match your plan to go digital.

Protecting your idea

It’s vital to keep your app idea under wraps until it’s developed. Insist on a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with the company. This step protects your idea while allowing you to share details freely.

Checking expertise

The mobile development agency’s skill set is crucial. They should be able to deliver the app features you want. Ask about their approach to features, their experience with cross-platform development, and the technologies they use.

Portfolio review

A company’s portfolio tells a lot about their experience and quality. Check out the apps they’ve previously developed. Download and use these apps to get a feel for their user interface and functionality.

Communication and involvement

Choose a company that values your input in the app development process. Ask about their communication practices, the level of client involvement they expect, and how they handle updates and iterations.

Timeline clarity

Get a clear picture of how long the project will take. Ask about the agency’s current workload and the number of resources they’ll dedicate to your project. Clear timelines help avoid unexpected delays.

Design focus

An app isn’t just about functionality—its design and user experience are equally important. Ask mobile app development company candidates about their approach to app design. Request to see examples of their work.

Post-launch support

Find out about development companies’ policies for app store submission and post-launch support. Look for someone who offers mobile application maintenance services to include support for updates, bug fixes, and the addition of new features as needed.

Pricing transparency

Last but not least, talk about pricing. It should align with your budget and the scope of your project. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best when it comes to quality and reliability.

Choosing the right mobile app development service is about finding a balance between expertise, cost, communication, and support. Take your time, do your research, and pick a partner that aligns with your business goals and values.

Why choose Dazlab for mobile application development?

At Dazlab, we take a unique approach to mobile app development services. We focus on understanding your business, the market, and your customers’ needs. This approach helps us create mobile apps that are impactful and tailored to your audience.

An expert team

Our core team? They’re pros. They’ve been in this field for years, and they work like a well-oiled machine.

Fast-track to the market

We value your time. We’re all about getting your app out there, fast and flawlessly. We won’t over-engineer your app, delaying your project and charging you for more than you need.

Personalized Service

We’re not some big company that will woo you, then assign you to a second-tier program manager. We’re big enough to offer all the features, but not so big that we can’t interface personally with you at every step to make sure you’re getting just what you need and can afford.

Performance you can measure

We’re not just talk. We track, we measure, and we show you the value we bring.

Quality that’s affordable

Great service doesn’t have to break the bank. We deliver top-tier work at prices that make sense.

A decade of dominance

We’ve been doing this for over 10 years. We know the industry inside out, and our solutions reflect that expertise.

Advanced tech

Our in-house IT team is always on the cutting edge. We use the latest and greatest to keep your app ahead of the curve.

Our service spectrum

Engaging experiences: We don’t just design apps. We design experiences. Think sleek, user-friendly, and engaging.
Robust development: From start-ups to big players, we develop apps that resonate with your audience.
Integration and modernization: Need your app to play nice with your existing systems? Or a facelift for your old app? We’ve got you.

Our philosophy

Open and honest: We keep things transparent. With every decision and every step, you’re in the loop.
Partnership at its core: We’re in this together. Your challenges are ours. We adapt, solve, and succeed with you.
Smart solutions: Why reinvent the wheel? We find tools that work, saving time and hassle. If it doesn’t exist, we build it.
Simplicity is key: We break down the complex. Our process, tools, and interactions are famously straightforward.
Creative problem solving: Expect out-of-the-box solutions that hit the mark every time.

Don’t underestimate the power of the right mobile application development agency

Maybe your head is spinning right now. Or maybe all this content was just a reiteration of all the basics you already know. Regardless, it all comes down to the development process.

Have you done your due diligence to validate the mobile app idea in the first place? Do you know the core features and functionalities to build out first, so you can test them in the market before building out the big dog version with all the bells and whistles? Do you have a strong, research-based, long-term growth strategy to make sure you can keep the momentum after your initial launch?

And most importantly: do you have the right mobile application development agency to fill in all the gaps in your knowledge and power you to the win?

Dazlab can help you with all of the above. Bring us your vision for your mobile app, and we’ll make it a reality for a reasonable rate and with minimal hassle for you.

What Our Clients Are Saying

“Dazlab was a great sounding board for our idea. They understood exactly what we were building and then delivered a product beyond all technical expectations.”

— Phill Kells, Founder at Tangilla

“The difference between our first app and the professional product we have now is unrecognizable. We now have a product that I’m not only proud of but that our customers are happy to use”

— Brad Prestidge, Chiropractor
BSc, MChiro, DACNB Macquarie University

Mobile Application Development: Start Strong to Finish Stronger