Mobile App Development: The Cost Factor

Useful Information on the Cost of Developing Mobile Apps

Image © Spencer Platt/Getty Images.
by Priya Viswanathan
Updated October 19, 2016

Mobile apps are part and parcel of our lives today. We use mobile apps for different reasons, be it business, fun or infotainment. Most businesses, realizing the potential of mobile apps, maintain them for promotional and marketing purposes. Apps let developers make revenue, not only by way of their sales, but also by way of in-app advertising and other methods of app monetization. While all this sounds great, is it really that simple to develop a mobile app? What is the estimated cost of creating an app? Is it really worth developing an app, cost-wise?

In this post, we discuss all about the cost of developing mobile apps.

Types of Apps

The cost of developing your app firstly depends upon the type of app you would like to create. You can categorize these as follows:

 

  • Apps with basic functionality are the easiest to build, as also the least expensive. This works out best for small businesses, which cannot invest too much on this aspect.

 

  • Business apps are a little more complex and deal with database management systems. This will involve a lot of content management as well.

 

  • Game apps are probably the most complex, especially when it comes to incorporating 3D effects, using built-in phone mechanisms and so on.

 

  • You can also develop apps that take advantage of the device’s existing firmware to enhance ultimate user experience. Most of these include using the accelerometer, camera and GPS features.

The types of features you want to incorporate into your app will determine the costs you would incur on the same.

Actual App Development Cost

Coming to the actual cost of app development, you will have to consider the following:

  • Your Budget

Firstly, chart out your budget, so that you know exactly how much you want to spend on your app. It usually takes a team of people to develop one app. Take into consideration, plus consider the app development, mobile porting and app marketing costs involved.

  • App Functionalities

You need to think about the functionalities you want your app to include; the category that it would come under and the kind of audience you want to attract. Basic apps do not cost much, but they may not bring you as much revenue either. More complex apps cost you much more, but also have the potential to grant your more returns of investment.

  • Hiring a Developer

Hiring an app developer is an expensive proposition, as you will be billed by the hour. However, outsourcing this job will make the work much lighter for you. While you have DIY app development tools at your disposal, you will still need a functioning knowledge of app development in order to get your app up and running.

  • App Design

Next comes your app design. You will need an elaborate and impressive design to immediately attract users toward your app. The design will include aspects such as an app icon, splash screen, tab icons and so on.

  • Submitting Your App

The next step involves submitting your app to app stores. Here, you need to take in account the registration fees for each app store you want to submit your app to. Once approved, you will be able to monitor your app revenue. Alternatively, you can hire a professional to take care of promoting and marketing your app.

Total App Cost

The total cost that you incur on app development depends on all of the above. However, these costs can be variable from person to person. While there are firms that will serve you for about $1,000, there are others who will charge $50,000 and above. It all depends upon the type of app you want to develop, the firm you hire for the job, the final app quality that you are looking for, your app marketing strategy and so on.

In general, it would be wise to think more about the quality of your app than your total app development cost. Your major concern should be about getting the maximum ROI for your efforts. If paying a greater price also guarantees greater returns, you should definitely consider this a profitable enough deal for you.