How will users discover the app?
It’s important to plan how the app will be promoted before it goes live. This could include links on websites, social media, including the app in existing campaigns, etc. Often the cost of marketing a ‘consumer’ app will exceed the development costs.
Enterprise vs. App Store?
Once an app development is signed-off and ready to go live, it needs to be made available for users to download.
App Store:If the app is for public use it will require uploading to the app stores. The app developer will normally upload the app on the customer’s behalf.
Enterprise Distribution:For Apple, if the app is to be distributed just within a specific group, there is an Enterprise Distribution option that allows apps to be distributed outside the app store. Android apps can be distributed internally without the involvement of Google.
What will ensure users continue to use the app?
Persuading a user to download the app is only half the battle. Even if the app meets a compelling set of user needs they will avoid using and potentially delete the app if it is not sufficiently intuitive, efficient and robust. Working with an experienced UX/UI designer will address the first and second of these. Investing in a Maintenance and Support contract will mitigate against the third.
