Most Common Myths & Mistakes In Mobile App Development That You Must Avoid

By Author: Nathan Smith
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The mobile app market is growing at a CAGR of 13%, and the enhanced ubiquity of smartphones will keep fuelling the demand for more apps in the coming time. Meanwhile, hundreds and thousands of app development agencies came into existence, claiming to deliver the best app using the best technologies. This adds to the confusion and complexities for businesses to choose the right agency to meet their specific digital requirements. Consequently, several myths still exist and make it more complex for businesses to approach mobile app development conveniently.

This post debunks some major myths and highlights common mistakes to avoid before you start your project.

Table of Contents
Let’s Clarify Some Myths
• Myth No. 1. Good Aesthetics Corresponds to a High Success Rate
• Myth No. 2. App Success Depends on More Features and Functionalities
• Myth No. 3. App Development is Cheaper than Web Development
• Myth No. 4. Mobile Apps can be Quickly Converted from One OS to Another
• Myth No. 5. Only Native Apps Provide Better Experience

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Mobile ...
... App Development

• Not Validating the Product Idea
• Focusing on Providing Native-like Experience for Both Platforms
• Adding Too Many Features & Functionalities
• Obstinacy for Perfection
• Not Aligning the Marketing Strategies with Development

Endnote

Let’s Clarify Some Myths

Myth No. 1. Good Aesthetics Corresponds to a High Success Rate

It is undeniably true that UI/UX plays a vital role in engaging the user, but it’s not the only factor determining your mobile application's success. Amidst all the hype, it is common to be quickly drawn away from your end goal – to offer an enjoyable yet productive app experience. In other words, your goal should be to solve your audience's problem and not create a gorgeous but useless application.

Myth No. 2. App Success Depends on More Features and Functionalities

Features and functionality play an important role in the success of a mobile app. However, that doesn’t mean you should stuff your application with many unnecessary features. Instead, you should try to understand your customer’s pain points and add only those features that are perfectly aligned with their requirements. Always remember that an app with a complex flow and multi-functionality won’t gain traction and retain users. On the other hand, an application with a simple, easy, and user-friendly interface will be successful.

Myth No. 3. App Development is Cheaper than Web Development

Just because mobile devices are smaller in size doesn't mean that an app development company will charge you pennies for the development of a mobile app. Mobile application development is as complex as website or software development.

The amount of money charged by a company depends on several factors, including
• Platforms compatibility (Android, iOS, Windows Phone, or all at once)
• The complexity of the interface design
• The number of features
• Back End (also known as the server part)

Besides this, app development companies have to pay the developers, analysts, designers, and testers. So, it is a common myth that mobile app development is cheaper than web development.

Myth No. 4. Mobile Apps can be Quickly Converted from One OS to Another

The client might think that preparing a mobile application for another OS is just a matter of re-writing the application code, and any app development company that offers hybrid app development services can do it quickly and easily. However, in reality, it is not an automated process; the app developers must take care of the coding from scratch. Also, the overwhelming part of re-writing the application code is neither cheap nor fast.

Myth No. 5. Only Native Apps Provide Better Experience

Mobile apps are available in different flavors: native, hybrid, cross-platform, and progressive web apps. Your selection must be based on the type of audience you will target and your business requirements. You must analyze when and for what purpose the user will need your app. For instance, a customer looking for a retail store will never want to download the app, register for it, and then look for further information. Instance access to information is the point here. Hence, by choosing expert mobile app developers and a robust tech stack, you can efficiently deliver the perfect user experience through a hybrid app.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Mobile App Development

To ensure desired results from an app, you must avoid some common mistakes that most businesses make.

Not Validating the Product Idea

This is the most critical aspect before starting the project and, unfortunately, the most ignored one too. You must research thoroughly before implementing your app idea. Be as specific with the details as you can and categorize your target audience based on their social status, lifestyle, interests, and professional life. Once you gather all relevant information regarding your audience, figure out which key problems your app can solve. Derive your unique value proposition based on the research and use smart UX research tools to get comprehensive guidance.

Focusing on Providing a Native-like Experience for Both Platforms

Depending on the type of app you want to develop (hybrid, cross-platform or native), you should avoid focusing on all platforms at once. Figure out which users (Android or iOS) are your primary target and focus on them first. Even if you have chosen a technology like Flutter, try to figure out the differences in the app design for both platforms.

Adding Too Many Features & Functionalities

Another common mistake that most businesses make is adding too many features and functionalities to their apps. Before you decide on must-have features for your app, be specific about the app’s usability, cost, expertise, and target audience. Remember, too many unnecessary features may ruin your app’s credibility, and your forte may fade.

Obstinacy for Perfection

There is nothing wrong with striving for perfection, but when developing a mobile app, you need to adopt a flexible approach. This is something that holds back people from launching an app on time. Mobile app development is not a one-time investment. You must constantly invest in updating and matching changing consumer behaviors. Hence, rather than focusing on absolute perfection, launch an MVP version and provide updates depending on the feedback.

Not Aligning the Marketing Strategies with Development

No matter how wonderful an app you create and launch, there’s no point when there’s no one aware of it. Hence, you must align your marketing campaigns with the development process. Doing so will ensure generating enough leads at the launch and making the most out of people’s eagerness.

Endnote

Implementing these critical insights will undoubtedly help you leverage the maximum outcome from your mobile app development project. Just believe in your product idea and instincts and follow a professional approach with the required assiduousness. Research-planning-follow-ups; be mindful of these three critical aspects and never take any aspect lightly. All your hard work and investments will pay off for sure.

Nathan Smith is an experienced web and app developer, currently working with TechnoScore- a leading software development company. As a technology enthusiast, he is passionate about sharing his web and application development knowledge through his articles. Nathan keeps himself up-to-date with all the latest trends, innovations, and disruptions happening in and around the IT industry. He is also keen on sharing his ideas and understanding of the innovations in the IT domain with individuals and entrepreneurs interested in the trade.