Have a Disruptive App Idea? Now, What Next?
The digital world’s most successful mobile Apps all have one thing in common – they’re disruptive. Often people mistake “digital disruption” for a negative thing when really, it’s quite the opposite. Digital disruption is the change that occurs when new digital ideas and systems emerge. In other words, a disruptive App is one that “changes the game.”
Take the music streaming service, Spotify, for example. It changed the way that we purchase and listen to music. In doing so, it challenged its competitor, iTunes, who was one of the biggest App music providers before Spotify’s rise. In fact, Spotify became so much of a threat that Apple launched another music service, Apple Music, in 2015, in an attempt to keep up, a subscription-based music streaming overthrew digital downloads.
Another example is Shazam, which has now integrated with Snapchat. Shazam identifies songs (song titles and artists) based on a quick “audio fingerprint.” It solves that frustrating problem people have when they hear a song they love but don’t know the name of it or how to search for it – a very simple, yet very convenient idea. The idea is so simple that I bet we’re all wishing we came up with it ourselves! Before Shazam’s popularity, there wasn’t anything like this on the market.
Disruptive Apps are exciting, and there’s no doubt they have the potential to make some serious profits (Spotify is valued at AU$11.3 billion). Not to mention their many benefits. Apps are popular because they can be used anywhere, at any time. They also play a significant role in communicating messages directly to consumers because a mobile phone is one of the most personal types of technology (people carry their phones with them at all times).
With that being said, you’re here because you’ve got a great mobile App idea that could be a real game changer and hopefully, the next big thing! So, what’s next?
1. Research and plan
Firstly, you simply need to determine whether your idea is a good idea. Most successful App creators think of a number of ideas. Your first idea may not be your strongest. Give your idea some time to see if it grows.
It’s very important to do your research before you start thinking ahead of yourself. Some people find it helpful to jot down their initial thoughts and create a mini-plan, then do some research, and then revise their plan and make alterations.
Here’s a basic outline of what to research:
I. Will people find this App useful? What problem is it trying to solve and why? What will it do for people? You’ll notice that every disruptive App fills a void in the market, even if it’s a very niche one. Realistically speaking, are people going to find the need to download your App?
II. Who is the App targeted towards? Determine your exact demographics including gender, age, and location. Then ask yourself again, do these types of people need the App?
III. How will the App make money? There are three possible ways an App can generate revenue. The first is to make consumers pay for a download. Note that this is sometimes damaging, as it could turn people off from downloading it. The second is to encourage in-App purchases, like Spotify’s premium service, and like most free gaming Apps if you need extra lives or tokens. For some Apps, this is a safer option, as it allows consumers to test the App and believe that they, therefore, made a purchase on their terms. The third is to make the App free to consumers, but rely on advertisements for revenue.
IV. Is a similar App already on the market? If there is and it’s successful, then there’s no point in moving forward – revise one of your other ideas. If there is but it isn’t successful, figure out why not. Perhaps it wasn’t marketed well. Or perhaps it wasn’t developed well, is full of glitches and isn’t user-friendly. Read the reviews and figure out how to make your App better.
2. Develop it
The burning question is, should you build the App in-house or outsource? You may think DIY will save you a buck, but it’s likely to have the opposite effect. For most people, the answer is simple. Most people don’t even know where to begin designing and building an App – and we don’t blame you, it’s complex stuff. You have your idea on paper, but you’re likely to need professionals to actually implement it on a mobile phone.
Find yourself a trusted App developer, with a record of successful mobile Apps, to ensure it’s developed to the highest of standards and meets every requirement. Spending a little bit extra to outsource, is much more likely to pay off in the end. That’s because some mobile App developers, such as VIS®, offer both App development and App marketing, meaning your App won’t be left without leads. It’s reassuring to know that you’ll have support even after your App is developed.
3. Test it and gain support
It’s smart to create a prototype and test it on the market (Android, Apple iOS or both), before going any further. Rather than putting every feature on the App straight away, include just the basics that address the main purpose of the App. This is your chance to gain user feedback and make improvements.
This is also your chance to Approach and attract companies to fill your advertisement spots if that’s how you’ve decided to generate revenue. Your advertisement spots should be filled with things that are relevant to your target demographic. This benefits both you and the company or product in the advertisement.
For example, you’ll notice that game Apps generally advertise similar games that the consumer may be interested.
4. Market it
There are over 3.8 million Apps on the market, so it’s become a very competitive place. This simply means that your work isn’t just done as soon as the App has been developed. Creating an App is a continuous job.
Digital marketing is the most effective way to market a digitally based product. After all, that’s where your target market is. Your mobile App developer/marketer will ensure that your App is a results-driven success by creating conversion-friendly marketing strategies, to convert leads into buyers.
5. Measure its success
Product feedback is an important element in your business. Receiving feedback and revising your App is a continuous process. Your customers will determine whether the App will be a trend and generate profits for your business. In other words, they will determine whether it really is a disruptive game changer.
The most successful ideas and enterprises are those that are constantly being revised, improved and evolving. This is especially important for mobile Apps, as they will be the occasional glitch as technology rapidly develops. You may notice your phone is constantly asking you to update your Apps. It’s essential to identify and fix issues promptly. Your customer reviews are important and to consider the improvements or further developments.
So, let us help you turn your disruptive App idea into a reality!
At VIS®, we develop high-quality mobile Apps for both Android and Apple iOS. We promise our full and ongoing support along the way.
Take a look at one of the recent disruptive Apps developed by VIS® – LOFO – the global App for lost and found items.
If you have a disruptive App idea, let’s build it into a reality!
Also Check out Blog: Impact of Innovation and Digital Disruption
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