How Much Does It Cost to Build an App?

The most basic question every client have is ‘How Much to Make an App?’. The cost of building an app depends on multiple features. To address the most basic question, we are hereby providing a comprehensive guide which according to our experience in the industry elaborates each factor and the cost that each factor influence.

The major factor that affects the mobile app development cost estimate or breakdown are:-

Let’s dive in deep and explore each of the factors individually to get better understanding how these factors influence the cost of app development.

1. Type of app

There are several kinds of technologies available with their own set of features and they fall in different price ranges. To mention individually, we have the option to get the app developed in native, hybrid/cross-platform, or progressive web apps.

a) Native mobile app

In brief, these apps are coded in the language of the platform for which they are designed. Basically, for iOS, swift is used and for Android, Java is used.

Pros:

– Apps are relatively faster and reliable.

– Apps have access to phone’s features like address book and camera.

Cons:

– Relatively expensive in comparison to other alternatives.

b) Cross-platform apps/ Hybrid apps

These apps are built with the combination of web and native technologies.

Pros:

– Apps run on both the platforms- iOS and Android

– Relatively economic

Cons:

– Apps can’t access phone features

– Apps are quite problematic to design

c) Progressive web-apps

These are web apps that can be accessed through any browser and have the look and feel of the native app.

Pros:

– Extremely easy to install

Cons:

– Not supported by iOS

2. App Functionality

mobile apps are majorly bifurcated into four primary groups on the basis of app complexity and work involved in developing and designing them.

a) Simple apps

Simple native and hybrid apps are meant to serve a single basic purpose and do not store data, for example, an app for alarms or calculator. Given that they are least complex, cost to develop an app is very low.

b) Database or API apps

The apps which are programmed to store user data on the user’s device or some distant located server are called database apps. These apps are little more complex than the simple apps.

The features that represent this category are:-

i. The app requires users to sign up and login

ii. The app syncs the data between multiple devices

iii. The app is content rich

c) Enterprise Apps or Multi-Featured

These apps have several functional features and are custom made to fit users’ needs. Usually characterized by the complex structure as they have multiple features integrated which directly entail a relatively higher budget.

d) Games

Games vary a lot in functionality and complexity and the time and budget vary to a great extent. Apart from the basic complexity, games are expected to deliver the high-quality user experience that engages the users which adds up to cost.

3. Additional Features

Additional features play a crucial role in deciding the average app development cost. Basically, these features serve as ancillaries to the main function.

Most common examples of additional features are:

a) Email login.

b) Social login

c) Social integration

d) Rating system

e) In-app purchases

f) User profiles

g) Geolocation

h) Sync data across devices

4. Ways to get the app developed

There are several ways to bring life to your app. There is a talented workforce out there working with different operational models which are listed below:-

a) Offshore teams

Assigning the development task to the offshore team is the cheapest alternative amongst all. You probably will work remotely with a team beyond European frontiers most probably with Indian mobile app development company.

Average app development cost is very low in these regions but the risk is high as you don’t get to meet developers in person and the risk of deviation from the desired output is high.

b) Freelancers

Freelancing model is similar to offshore firm model except that it isn’t necessary that the freelancers have adequate experience. They may lack experience and the development process may slow down.

c) Technical co-founder

Technical co-founders are paid in equity and usually are eager to work with an established entrepreneur who can promise a career. They are usually approached by people who can ideate and envision the next generation necessities and are looking for techies to bring life to their ideas. Given that they are paid in equity along with their remuneration, consider them as a luxury.

d) Established app development company

The most expensive option with the lowest possible risk is an established mobile app development company, with a considerably vast portfolio to bank upon.

They hold records in building and shipping the greatest apps of the generation, so nothing to doubt upon here. Still, one must perform all the necessary due diligence to avoid a sour experience.

5. Cost of design

The design has a major role to play in the ballparking the success of an app. The USP of any app is the concept behind it and its design. App design is bifurcated in following phases:

a) Visual design/ UI

The look and feel of your app is the visual design of your app.

b) UX design

The functioning of the app falls under UX design. To understand the major differences between UI and UX, click here.

c) Icon, logo, and branding

Solid icon and logo design will command the user’s attention and should be given due importance.

d) Copywriting

The best user experiences have an exciting and compelling copy. The major task is to identify the tone and voice style that suits your brand. One will need a powerful copy to motivate users for exploring the app. It must clearly enlist the benefits and assist users in comprehending the value that features of the app can provide.

6. Startup Costs

It is implied that you will have to make a substantial investment in sales and marketing. The reason behind all these investments is to get enough footage for your app on the App Store which will drive a considerable number of users in a short period to your app. Organic marketing doesn’t make such wonders possible so your best bet will be paid marketing.

We hope that this one cleared major cobwebs, if you have any further queries, drop comments in the comment box and we will get back to you.

Consagous also offers high end blockchain development solutions.

Courtesy:-

https://www.consagous.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-build-an-app/