M-commerce become increasingly lucrative as consumer behaviours have changed over time, and this market is set to grow at an exponential rate in the near-term.
The cumulative value of the m-commerce market reached $288.12 billion at the end of last year, with this number expected to peak at a staggering $693.36 billion in 2019. This growth has also underpinned expansion in the mobile app market, which will be worth $188.9 billion by the year 2020.
In fact, brands are increasingly looking to target customers through dedicated mobile apps in order to drive engagement and optimise sales conversions. Below, we’ll look at the key considerations when developing a mobile app and ask why they’re so important.
Marry App Functionality with the Needs of your Audience
12 Mobile App Design Fundamentals to Enhance User Experience
While you may have an initial idea for your app, this can easily become convoluted during the development process.
This can lead brands to create multi-purpose apps that feature a diverse (and occasionally conflicting) range of functions, rather than a streamlined product that aims to solve a specific consumer issue.
Not only do you need a strong focus to achieve this objective, but it’s also important that you develop a strong understanding of your target audience. Most importantly, you’ll need to understand the reasons why customers interact with your brand and the issues that they face, as this should inform every decision that you make during the design process.
This will also ensure that you develop the right income model, whether you charge for the use of your app or offer this free and include a number of tiered optional payments.
Focus Primarily on Android and iOS
Android vs. iOS App Development: A Comparison and Decision Guide [Infographic]
There are a number of operating systems available in the contemporary smartphone market, including established players such as BlackBerry, Windows and Palm.
These remain on the fringes of the marketplace, however, with Android and iOS continuing to dominate the space. This year, these two platforms control an estimated 80.32% of the UK market, and more than 31% of the global industry.
The dominance of these platforms will grow incrementally over time, so it’s important to develop your app with Android and iPhone devices in mind.
Of course, you may need to consider alternative operating systems when looking to enter the global market, but those with a British focus should strive to simplify their options where possible.
Copyright your Design and Trademarks
Everything You Need To Know To Legally Protect Your Mobile App
You should already have some trademark protection around your brand, but it’s also important that you copyright the design and name of your app while safeguarding any features that are patentable.
As a starting point, you should ensure that your freelancer development teams all sign NDAs (non-disclosure agreements), while also transferring all design rights over to the business when the project is completed.
At the same time, you’ll also need to trademark the app name and the logos that you use in conjunction with its design.
If you fail to take such precautions, there’s a chance that you may become trapped in ongoing conflicts with rival brands and development. This will incur significant costs, while also requiring you to spend a great deal of time interacting with a skilled litigation lawyer.
