Looking back on the last few years, you’ll notice how technology has reached incredible new heights. Every business, startup, or enterprise level is going digital through mobile apps. The credit goes to the latest tech advancements. Don’t just take our word for it—there are over 3.5 million apps on Google Play and around 2.5 million on the Apple Store. These numbers show how massive the app market really is.
And why not? Look around. Whether on a bus, train, or even during a walk in the park, people are glued to their smartphones. They spend most of their time on apps, whether for utility or entertainment. This has created a growing demand for more mobile apps. But there’s often confusion about how to launch a mobile app in Dubai, UAE. Some say it’s a breeze, while others find it a headache. To clarify things, we’ll discuss the key stages of launching a fully functioning app.
9 Steps To Launch An App in Dubai
If you’re wondering, “How do you launch an app?” you’re in the right place. We’ll walk you through the 9 most crucial steps needed for any app, whether small or complex, to succeed in this competitive market. These steps are key to ensuring your app not only launches smoothly but also stands out and thrives.
1- Idea Validation & Market Research:
Before launching a mobile app, the first step is thorough market research. Start by exploring the Play Store and App Store to see which types of apps are trending. Look for apps with a high number of downloads and positive reviews. Pay attention to what users like and dislike about these apps and how often they use them.
This research is essential because not all apps that get downloaded are used frequently. You likely have many apps installed on your phone but only regularly use a few, the reason is simple those who get more of your attention have a connection with you in any way. So, you must create an app that not only gets downloaded but also keeps users engaged.
2- Clarity On Your Goal:
After completing your market research, it’s time to clearly define your app’s goal. Start by thinking about the significant impact you want your app to make. Decide on the category that best fits your app, like entertainment, education, business, art & design, or any other. Your goal should also address whether your app solves a potential problem, adds comfort to daily tasks, or entertains users. Consider how much you can spend to reach your goal and set clear objectives for what the app should achieve, by when, and how much revenue it will generate.
3- Target Audience:
Even if you have your app goals sorted, you can’t target everyone. You need to identify your target audience. This is crucial for app success. Knowing your audience helps you figure out what features are important, how competitors’ apps work, and what processes your app should automate.
You can conduct market surveys or hire a marketing consultant to understand your audience. It’s also important to know your business model—whether you’re targeting B2B or B2C. Each has different demands for a new mobile app launch. Some apps are made for users, while others are designed to help businesses with tasks like administration and human resources. Understanding these differences will guide your app’s development.
4- App’s Features and Functionality:
After you’re done with market research and Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) identification, you must have a clear idea of the essential features of your app. Focus on the core features for the initial launch. It’s easy to get carried away with extra or advanced features, but for the soft launch or MVP stage, stick to the basics.
Once you’ve identified these must-have features, launch your app with them. Then, gather user feedback to guide future updates. This way, you can add more advanced features based on what users actually want.
Forward-thinking app development companies in Dubai, UAE ensure their apps are designed for easy upgrades. This flexibility allows for seamless improvements as user needs evolve.
5- Design User Journey:
User journey is one of the most important factors for the success of your app, it can literally make or break any mobile application. You need to think about how intuitive the app will be. How will users behave within the app? For example, how will they log in, view a catalog, place an order, or make a purchase?
Navigations throughout the app are key. Users should be able to move through the app easily and find what they need without confusion. To make the app as user-friendly as possible, you should list all the requirements that define its functionality.
Consider the steps a user needs to take to make the most out of the app. This might include creating an account, setting up their profile, and adding information. Users may also need to upload a profile picture, connect payment gateways (if needed), make purchases, and track their activities.
By mapping out these steps, you can see the entire path a user takes as they move between screens and interact with different elements. This helps you design an app that not only looks good but also works seamlessly for the users.
6- Choosing The Right Technology:
When clients usually come to tech consultants with queries like how to launch a mobile app in Dubai, they don’t even know the right technology for their app. It’s important to consider what devices your target audience might use. Even if you know they prefer Android or iOS, or maybe both, along with the web, you need to select the technology stack that best fits your app’s category.
Native apps are built using specific programming languages designed for each platform, like Android or iOS. The advantage is that native apps offer enhanced features with seamless, high-end functionalities. Native development is relatively more expensive since you need to code separately for different OS, but the selection of technology totally depends on your app’s goal and scope.
Cross-platform apps? They use a single codebase that works across multiple platforms like Android and iOS simultaneously, giving the same look and feel on every device. It’s a more cost-effective approach, but it comes with its limitations. While most features behave natively, you can’t always achieve the exact same functionalities as with native apps.
Web apps are ideal for web-based applications, loading web pages on mobile devices. When a request is sent to the web server, a separate web page loads into the app.
Hybrid apps combine several technologies at once. Some functions are implemented natively, others are cross-platform, and some screens are loaded into the web view, offering a mix of benefits from each approach.
7- App Design and Development:
Once your app’s wireframe is ready, it moves to the design team. They start by mapping out the screens, graphic elements, and a detailed prototype that covers different use cases. The UI UX designer then creates both static and interactive prototypes. This will help you understand how your app screens and features look and behave.
When the design is complete, the app development team begins writing code to bring the app to life. They implement the intended behavior and connect the app logic to the back end. During this stage, designers check if developers have accurately implemented the app’s visuals. They ensure the right colors, styles, aspect ratios, and other details are in place.
8- Testing and Beta Release:
Before launching an app, it’s crucial to test it thoroughly. It’s almost impossible to launch an app without any bugs. That’s where app testing comes in.
App testing typically happens in three stages:
- Usability testing
- A/B testing
- Refinement of the app based on results.
For usability testing, a dedicated group of people use your app and share their thoughts on its design, functionality, and what they think about it. While A/B testing involves creating two versions of the same app and monitoring which one performs better these versions may include two different sets of designs and even functionalities. This helps make data-driven decisions. After gathering feedback and data, you refine and iterate on the design or functionality.
Once your app has passed these tests, it’s important to release a beta version prior to the actual launch. The goal of this beta version is to identify and fix any last-minute issues weeks before the final launch.
9- App Publication:
Publishing your app is the final step, whether you stumbled on this article with the query for how to launch an app on iOS or Android. Your ultimate goal is to get your app on the dedicated app store.
To stand out and compete, you need to prepare all the necessary information for publishing. This includes compiling different versions of your app, which is crucial for App Store Optimization (ASO).
For effective ASO, make sure to focus on key elements like:
- App Name: Choose a catchy and relevant name.
- Description: Write a clear and engaging description of what your app does.
- Keywords: Use keywords that people might search for.
- Screenshots: Upload high-quality images showing your app in action.
- App Icon: Design an appealing icon that stands out.
- Category: Select the right category for your app.
These steps help your app get noticed and succeed in a competitive market.
The Scoop?
We’re experiencing the peak of technological revolutions, pushing more and more businesses and individuals to fast-track their growth with mobile applications. Still launching an app can be confusing. So, today, we discussed the 9 key steps to help your app to be launched successfully.
If you follow these steps properly, then you can turn your idea into a digital product and make it stand out in a crowded market. If you need help at any stage, don’t hesitate to reach out to mobile app development company in Dubai who can guide you through the process and make sure your app launches smoothly.
FAQs
1. What’s the most important step while launching an app?
In order to launch a successful app, you need to take out through market research. This should always be your priority to know what’s in demand and what needs to be improved by checking reviews online. This helps you understand what your app needs to succeed and stand out from the competition.
2. How do I set clear goals for my app?
After researching, define what you want your app to achieve. Decide on the app’s category, like entertainment or education. Jot down how your app is going to solve any potential problem or add value. Budgeting is also important, make sure to have a clear budget and objectives and how much revenue you hope to generate with the app.
3. What does it take to launch an Android app?
Follow these steps for a successful Android app:
- Plan and develop an app that solves any potential problem for the user to fulfill their desire.
- Make sure that your app meets all Android’s guidelines and works well on intended Android devices.
- Use Android’s testing tools to find and fix any issues.
- Sign up on the Google Play Console.
- Do a proper ASO for the app’s name, and description, and upload high-quality screenshots.
- Upload the app to the Google Play Store and provide the necessary information.
- After approval, your app will be available on Google Play. Keep an eye on feedback and update as needed.
4. How to launch an app on iOS?
To launch an app on iOS, follow these steps:
- Make sure it meets Apple’s App Store guidelines.
- Use Apple’s testing tools like TestFlight.
- Sign up for the Apple Developer Program.
- Include a name, description, screenshots, and other details.
- Upload your app through Xcode or App Store Connect.
- Apple will review your app. Once approved, it will be available on the App Store. Monitor feedback and update your app as needed.
5. How do I prepare for the app’s publication?
To publish your app, prepare all necessary materials for the app store. This includes a perfect ASO (App Store Optimization). Choose the right keywords and category to help your app get noticed. Make sure everything is ready to make your app stand out in a crowded market.
