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: loriblalonde@gmail.comBlog: 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?

Thanks! Merci!Twitter: @loriblalondeEmail: loriblalonde@gmail.comBlog: solola.ca

westerndevs.com@westerndevs