so you want to be a mobile app developer
TRANSCRIPT
So You Want To Be A Mobile App Developer?
Lori Lalonde, ObjectSharp ConsultingXamarin MVP & Certified Mobile DeveloperMicrosoft MVP – Windows Platform DevWestern Devs Member (@westerndevs)
CTTDNUG
Me, Myself and I
Twitter: @loriblalondeEmail: [email protected]: solola.caWeb: westerndevs.com
“I have this great idea for an app!”
“I’m gonna be rich!”
Considerations before you start development…
Initial Startup Costs
Shared App Logic in C#
Business – sole proprietorship or incorporation?
Developer accounts
Equipment – development machine, devices
Licenses – development frameworks, graphics design, stock images
Some Reasons to Incorporate
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Need financing
Risk of potential liability issues
Tax credits for business expenses
Participate in government funding programs
http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/page/2740/
Developer Accounts
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Apple Google Play Windows
$99 USD / yearIndividual
$25 USD (one time)
$19 USD (one time)Individual
$299 USD / yearEnterprise
--- $99 USD (one time)Enterprise
Invest in Devices
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Have at least one low end test device for each supported platform
Use simulators for rapid application development
Use to test app performance, behaviours, touch capabilities, and appearance
Protect Your Investment
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Select a hosted version control system
The Importance of an Appealing UI
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Clean, simple UI design
Select a color scheme
https://www.materialpalette.com/
Use stock images / mobile app templates
If possible, partner with a graphic designer
“This is starting to sound like a lot of work.”
The Planning Phase…
Define the App’s Intent
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Main function / purpose of the app?
Target market?
Supported languages?
Choose a Monetization Strategy
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Paid
Freemium
In-App Purchases
In-App advertising
Analytics or bust?
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Analytics enable you to track:
Application usage
User demographics
Crash reports
Fabric.io Dashboard
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Visual Studio Application Insights
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If your application…
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Collects personal information, including images, location tracking, device Id
Uses 3rd party services, such as analytics, in-app advertising, etc.
Will be published to a public app store
… you must include a privacy policy
How to Obtain a Privacy Policy for Your App
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Use an online privacy policy generator:
iubenda.com/en/mobile
termsfeed.com/privacy-policy/generator/
Hire a privacy consulting firm
Hire a lawyer
“Can I get started on my app now?”
When the app is ready for release…
“What now?”
The Importance of Beta Testers
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Searching for beta testers: betafamily.com
Deploying to beta testers: hockeyapp.net
Master the Art of Marketing
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Reach out to technical blogs
Make use of social media
Tailor marketing to your target audience
bit.ly/AmazonPitchPerfectBook
User Feedback and Support
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Setup social media accounts
Include a support email link in app
Setup an online portal to enable feedback and support (UserVoice, Fresh Desk)
Schedule Maintenance Releases
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Address critical bugs
Opportunity to include popular feature requests
Updates appear as notifications, reminding users about your app
“I’m ready to get started!”
Questions?
