The cost: Each application varies and the cost obviously is different. However, for a reasonably complex application it has been estimated that it cost about $50-$150K. Users expect a lot from their applications so most applications are probably in the higher range. The link below has some very useful discussion on the topic but it is interesting to note that Jonathan Wright who created the Obama Iphone application also gave the same number.
There are seven things to watch out and that was also mentioned in the August 2012 Entrepreneur magazine:
- 1.The number 1: Plan. Plan everything about the app before you develop the code and you will waste less time. It takes time so be prepared for it.
- 2.Unique: Fulfill need. If everyone is developing an app that you also have then what is unique. It has to fulfill a need. Ask yourself a question – why the app? Why is the user not going to a website to get the information they want?
- 3.Registration: Minimize. This discourages users. The less you make user register the faster they will start using it. You have to balance that with the ability to track users or feed them advertisements.
- 4.Keep it specific and simple: Define features. It is easy to get carried away with more toys. Keep the fancy things in your app to a minimum to achieve what you want to accomplish in your app. Code on a mobile device have to be efficient and fast. Value the cost of adding things.
- 5.Be flexible: It is OK to change things if it makes it faster, better, and is tested. It is better to be complete rather than release a product that is unfinished in the mobile space.
- 6.No bugs: Test everything. Test again. Test on emulator. Test on devices. Test with your friends and enemies.
- Market: Sell it. Use whatever channels at your disposal to tell people about the app and then spread the word.