The application creation industry is booming, with an increasing number of software design specialists choosing to focus on applications. While app design is a fantastic sector to get into, the fact is that it isn’t necessarily a cheap one.
Did you know that application development can cost a fortune? That’s right, despite the facts that software development costs are at an all time low compared to previous years, the cost of application creation can still be eye-wateringly high.
The good news is, however, that there are ways that software developers can cut costs and make savings, reducing their costs by almost half. Want to know the secret to reducing costs when launching an application for a computer, website or smart device? Yes – then read on, as all is about to be revealed.
Focus on ‘must-have’ features
Any software designer worth their salt knows that one of the best ways to reduce costs of the creation of a new program or application is to focus on ‘must-have’ features, as a pose to features that you want your software to have. Remember, you can always update the application with new features later on, but what matters now is that you get the piece designed and launched as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible. Obviously, you want to ensure that your design appeals to your target audience, which is where customer base research comes in handy. But that doesn’t mean pandering to every need of each customer; it means listening to the majority and incorporating the features that the highest number of people will find useful. Each feature costs money to create and implement, which is why limiting what you incorporate is vital when cutting costs.
Don’t forget to test
Software testing is a vital part of the development process and one that you do not want to skip if you are keen to cut costs. Testing your application design for bugs, glitches, and other issues before it launches is a vital part of reducing your spending. For every fix and every update that you have to make, it will cost you. That is why testing your software before launching it is so vital. One of the most effective methods of software testing for applications is time shift testing which is offered by specialists like Virtual Clock Time Machine. This software allows you to see how the application will function over time and can be used to determine where the errors and glitches may be, making them less likely to occur.
Build for one platform
For the initial version of your application, focus on one platform. It’s tempting to want to build an app that is compatible with a range of platforms, but this will just end up costing you more money. Unless your application’s purpose is communication for a range of smartphone devices, such as Viber or Whatsapp, then it’s worth launching your app on just one platform. Of all the platforms, iOS is probably the best option. Then, if your app is a success, you can branch out in the future with versions for Android devices.
There you have it, hacks for reducing the cost of designing and launching a piece of software for an application.