I have an App Idea. What to do next?

[fisicx]

I build Wordpress plugins. Once you find a niche the money comes rolling in. Much easier to market than an app and it can generate a huge number of customisation projects.

 

[japancool]

I build Wordpress plugins. Once you find a niche the money comes rolling in. Much easier to market than an app and it can generate a huge number of customisation projects.

Why is the thread title permanently bolded?

 

[fisicx]

Why is the thread title permanently bolded?

We don’t know. It’s being discussed in the mods forum.

 

[Ginger Hobo]

I build Wordpress plugins. Once you find a niche the money comes rolling in. Much easier to market than an app and it can generate a huge number of customisation projects.

Ah great! And yes I agree, finding that niche is key. Well in all honesty I didn't really choose to create an app, it wasn't my intention. I'm not technically minded in that way. The idea came to me one day and I can honestly say I'm 100% devoted to bringing it into the world. And that's why I'm here, trying to find like minded people that I can connect with.
If you know of any other forums where I might be more suited please let me know.
Thanks Fisicx ?

 

[phryne]

Can i just give a warning (from experience), if you get involved with a software house for building the actual app be very very very careful in how you agree a spec and be dead sure they are not going to take something else they have written and try and morph it into your product (to save themselves money and basically doing what fisicx wrote as i was typing the original version of this) whether it will fit or not. Have stage payments with clearly defined deliverables to trigger each one.

Don't use anyone without references and by that i mean actually talk to people with a working monetarised product written by tat team

My career has been in consultation/outsourcing, and the truth is that you really get what you pay for, with exponential losses. If the fair price of the app is under 30k GBP, it's very likely that you'll have to redo it within 1-2 years. Building a proper app, possibly including the backend in your deal, is expensive. If the offer is too good to be true, find someone who can audit the work every now and then. The last case I heard of this was an London trading firm who outsourced a platform and 4 months later they're throwing it in the bin.

I guess that the best takeaway I can give is to keep a programmer close who can at least tell you if you're getting your value. Functionality is surprisingly easy to fake in a demo.

 

[fisicx]

If you know of any other forums where I might be more suited please let me know.

Not sure there is. There are developer forums and support sites for Apple and Google stores but not anywhere for people like you.

Does this have to be an app? Could you build a website that does the same thing to test viability? It would be a lot cheaper and far easier to market. And there are loads of support site for website development.

 

[Ginger Hobo]

My career has been in consultation/outsourcing, and the truth is that you really get what you pay for, with exponential losses. If the fair price of the app is under 30k GBP, it's very likely that you'll have to redo it within 1-2 years. Building a proper app, possibly including the backend in your deal, is expensive. If the offer is too good to be true, find someone who can audit the work every now and then. The last case I heard of this was an London trading firm who outsourced a platform and 4 months later they're throwing it in the bin.

I guess that the best takeaway I can give is to keep a programmer close who can at least tell you if you're getting your value. Functionality is surprisingly easy to fake in a demo.

Thank you for your input Phryne. I agree with what you say. It's very difficult with all of the options out there and different price ranges and promises. At the moment I'm still in thy very early phase and to be honest I think I'm going to try and design a simpkecprototype of the app myself, a good sales pitch and see if I can gain any investment interest in order to build a great app.

 

[Ginger Hobo]

Not sure there is. There are developer forums and support sites for Apple and Google stores but not anywhere for people like you.

Does this have to be an app? Could you build a website that does the same thing to test viability? It would be a lot cheaper and far easier to market. And there are loads of support site for website development.

Hi Fisicx. Yes it needs to be an app really. It's the device that everyone has on them (even in the work place) and my idea is a form of social interacting.

 

[IanSuth]

. It's the device that everyone has on them (even in the work place) and my idea is a form of social interacting.

Dont assume this part - i know from experience a lot of work places in regulated industries even if they have byod all internet access is via a filtered connection and nothing is allowed on that network running un accredited apps

 

[Ginger Hobo]

Not sure there is. There are developer forums and support sites for Apple and Google stores but not anywhere for people like you.

Does this have to be an app? Could you build a website that does the same thing to test viability? It would be a lot cheaper and far easier to market. And there are loads of support site for website development.

Does this have to be an app? Could you build a website that does the same thing to test viability? It would be a lot cheaper and far easier to market.

I'm thinking of designing a simple prototype in a program such as Figma or Bubble first and then go from there. I could then possibly approach investors in order to build the app, with a good sales pitch of course.

 

[Ginger Hobo]

Dont assume this part - i know from experience a lot of work places in regulated industries even if they have byod all internet access is via a filtered connection and nothing is allowed on that network running un accredited apps

Hi Ian. Thank you for your reply, much appreciated ? I'm talking more about personal phones rather than work/business phones. Although some ideas I have do involve work phones. So this is worth bearing in mind. Thanks again ??

 

[Newchodge]

Hi Ian. Thank you for your reply, much appreciated ? I'm talking more about personal phones rather than work/business phones. Although some ideas I have do involve work phones. So this is worth bearing in mind. Thanks again ??

In addition, many workplaces ban personal phones during working hours.

 

[fisicx]

Hi Fisicx. Yes it needs to be an app really. It's the device that everyone has on them (even in the work place) and my idea is a form of social interacting.

It might become an app but start with a website. You can do all your market testing done and make sure everything works without huge expense. Then if people enjoy using the thing you can pay for an app.

 

[Ginger Hobo]

In addition, many workplaces ban personal phones during working hours.

Yes I understand this. Thank you.

 

[Ginger Hobo]

It might become an app but start with a website. You can do all your market testing done and make sure everything works without huge expense. Then if people enjoy using the thing you can pay for an app.

This is something worth considering I guess. But I'd definitely want it to be an app, there's no question about that.
Let me ask you a question: Say you use WhatsApp, or whatever platform is your preferred contact app on your phone, would you use that platform if it was only available on a website?

The reason I ask is because my app idea would definitely need to be an app for it to be the product I want. Just having a website wouldn't cut it unfortunately. That's my belief anyway.

 

[fisicx]

I can use a website on my phone. I’m not suggesting you don’t have an app. I’m just suggesting you don’t need an app to do your market testing. Facebook and messenger began life as a website. Twitter launched as a website, the app came later.

 

[NickGrogan]

This is something worth considering I guess. But I'd definitely want it to be an app, there's no question about that.
Let me ask you a question: Say you use WhatsApp, or whatever platform is your preferred contact app on your phone, would you use that platform if it was only available on a website?

The reason I ask is because my app idea would definitely need to be an app for it to be the product I want. Just having a website wouldn't cut it unfortunately. That's my belief anyway.

Discord and Twitch do well as web pages.

Getting people to download an app is hard work, getting them to use an app is even harder. How many unused apps do you have on your phone?

What do you think an app can do that a website can't?

What does your app do?

 

[Ginger Hobo]

I can use a website on my phone. I’m not suggesting you don’t have an app. I’m just suggesting you don’t need an app to do your market testing. Facebook and messenger began life as a website. Twitter launched as a website, the app came later.

You've definitely given my something to think about. Thank you. I just feel like people don't/won't use websites that much on their phones for communication purposes these days because they are so used to the ease of an app. Am I wrong?

 

[Newchodge]

You've definitely given my something to think about. Thank you. I just feel like people don't/won't use websites that much on their phones for communication purposes these days because they are so used to the ease of an app. Am I wrong?

It depends on your target market. I am 66 years old. I rarely use apps for anything, I use facebook on my PC, emails, this forum, other forums, all on my PC.

 

[Ginger Hobo]

It depends on your target market. I am 66 years old. I rarely use apps for anything, I use facebook on my PC, emails, this forum, other forums, all on my PC.

Thank you very much for your input. This is helping with my market research. Can I ask, what do you do when you are out and about and not near your pc? Do you choose to not have the option of communicating with people online?

 

[fisicx]

You've definitely given my something to think about. Thank you. I just feel like people don't/won't use websites that much on their phones for communication purposes these days because they are so used to the ease of an app. Am I wrong?

Without knowing your idea it’s difficult to say what will work. It all depends on what you mean by communication. We are communicating right now. I’m in discussion with a client using email. I’m also using WhatsApp on my Mac to talk to a lead in Africa.

If you are thinking about an alternative to WhatsApp then your development costs will be dwarfed by your marketing costs. Google splurged millions on their SM platform and it still failed.

 

[Newchodge]

Thank you very much for your input. This is helping with my market research. Can I ask, what do you do when you are out and about and not near your pc? Do you choose to not have the option of communicating with people online?

If I am not near my PC there is unlikely to be anything that I need to communicate online. If I have an urgent need to communicate with someone I phone (the main use for my smartphone) or text. I occasionally use it to check my bank balance and move money around, if necessary.

 

[NickGrogan]

You've definitely given my something to think about. Thank you. I just feel like people don't/won't use websites that much on their phones for communication purposes these days because they are so used to the ease of an app. Am I wrong?

Yes, very.

Firstly, your target market isn't people. It's a very specific group of people. The ones that want to use your app - which will depend on what it actually does.

Some people live on WhatsApp and use it for everything, others never use it. In the same way some people used to send 100's of texts every day, some never send any - I guess some still do. Same with facebook or anything else.

One of my sons is always on the phone, and another didn't have a phone for 2 years and only uses his for phone banking.

When you know who your customers are, then you know what tech they use, then you know what you need to offer them.

It might be an app, or it might not.

 

[NickGrogan]

Do you choose to not have the option of communicating with people online?

Why would you need to communicate with people online when you're out and about?

 

[Sura Gyaw]

Having an idea is a great start but just a tip of the iceberg.

Suggest to work on the business plan, including problem your app trying to solve, potential customers, financial projections and bit of technical detail of your app.

Once you have a business plan your idea becomes tangible for others including investors to perceive.

 

[Siobhan-DFH]

Have you considered joining an accelerator programme? Perhaps one which offers mentorship and funding for social enterprise businesses. There are a few in London (Hatch is one) and while I can't vouch for them, it's something worth looking at. Their newsletters and free workshops could be useful.
Also, if you follow the hashtag #womenintech you'll find competitions for founders of innovative businesses. Sponsors are typically banks and tech companies. I'm not sure if your product is eligible, but you could also look at government R&D grants.
Reddit has sub-groups dedicated to app development.
For real-life meetups, try existing tech groups in Meetup, or create your own group for your area.
You could also consider making the app the 3rd step. First a website, build a community, test demand, then the app.

 

[Ginger Hobo]

I can use a website on my phone. I’m not suggesting you don’t have an app. I’m just suggesting you don’t need an app to do your market testing. Facebook and messenger began life as a website. Twitter launched as a website, the app came later.

When you say have a website,

Without knowing your idea it’s difficult to say what will work. It all depends on what you mean by communication. We are communicating right now. I’m in discussion with a client using email. I’m also using WhatsApp on my Mac to talk to a lead in Africa.

If you are thinking about an alternative to WhatsApp then your development costs will be dwarfed by your marketing costs. Google splurged millions on their SM platform and it still failed.

This is the difficult thing, talking about my app idea without giving too much away.
After a little bit of research, my 'WhatsApp' style app idea has the potential to help millions of people around the world with their mental health. The scope and range of people that can use it is huge. Companies could use it or individuals. I'd aim to release it as a free app but also have a paid version with extra features.

Why is making a website so much cheaper than making an app?
And can you have a website for a pc but also have a smartphone version, so it looks like an app? (if that makes sense)

 

[Ginger Hobo]

Have you considered joining an accelerator programme? Perhaps one which offers mentorship and funding for social enterprise businesses. There are a few in London (Hatch is one) and while I can't vouch for them, it's something worth looking at. Their newsletters and free workshops could be useful.
Also, if you follow the hashtag #womenintech you'll find competitions for founders of innovative businesses. Sponsors are typically banks and tech companies. I'm not sure if your product is eligible, but you could also look at government R&D grants.
Reddit has sub-groups dedicated to app development.
For real-life meetups, try existing tech groups in Meetup, or create your own group for your area.
You could also consider making the app the 3rd step. First a website, build a community, test demand, then the app.

Hi Siobhan, thank you so much for your helpful reply! You've given me plenty to look into and think about! You're not the first person to suggest first a website, build a community, test demand, then the app. I'm guessing this is a fairly common thing to do?

I'm in the really early stages at the moment, I have a fair bit written down as far as a 'business plan' is concerned and I have ideas coming out of every orifice hehe! But I'm trying to do things right and learn from people on such platforms as this.

Thanks again for reaching out with your reply, it means a lot

 

[Ginger Hobo]

Having an idea is a great start but just a tip of the iceberg.

Suggest to work on the business plan, including problem your app trying to solve, potential customers, financial projections and bit of technical detail of your app.

Once you have a business plan your idea becomes tangible for others including investors to perceive.

Hi there and thank you for your reply Sura. Everything you mention above I am working on. Most of my spare time is jotting things down and piecing things together, working on the business plan and projections/ideas. Thanks again for reaching out

 

[Ginger Hobo]

Yes, very.

Firstly, your target market isn't people. It's a very specific group of people. The ones that want to use your app - which will depend on what it actually does.

Some people live on WhatsApp and use it for everything, others never use it. In the same way some people used to send 100's of texts every day, some never send any - I guess some still do. Same with facebook or anything else.

One of my sons is always on the phone, and another didn't have a phone for 2 years and only uses his for phone banking.

When you know who your customers are, then you know what tech they use, then you know what you need to offer them.

It might be an app, or it might not.

Hi Nick, thank you so much for your reply. Much appreciated. Like I've said to another member on here, it's difficult to really talk about things when you can't fully talk about the idea for obvious reasons. The scope of my customers is huge and can be used in many industries or by the average Jo. It's aimed at a solution to mental health. When I envisage the idea I see it as an app but I guess it could work as a website, providing it could have a Smartphone version. Thanks again for your input Nick

 

[Ginger Hobo]

Why would you need to communicate with people online when you're out and about?

Many reasons. Communicating with people overseas for one. I communicate with people a lot whilst out and about. I guess everyone is different.

 

[Siobhan-DFH]

Regarding a website versus an app. Websites which look good and function on small devices and desktop are called 'responsive'. You just look for that when choosing a template and test thoroughly before committing.
To keep costs down and prepare something to show investors, have you looked at app templates? On Envato for example. Perhaps you can find a template which suits your needs and hire someone to put your text and graphics on? It would be a working example until you can develop the real thing.

 

[Ginger Hobo]

If I am not near my PC there is unlikely to be anything that I need to communicate online. If I have an urgent need to communicate with someone I phone (the main use for my smartphone) or text. I occasionally use it to check my bank balance and move money around, if necessary.

Thank you for your reply. I have a lot of friends overseas so for me having access to online apps such as WhatsApp is quite important to me, but I understand it isn't for everyone. My mu for instance, she doesn't even know how to send a text message. Phone calls all the way!! haha. We are all so different aren't we

 

[Ginger Hobo]

Regarding a website versus an app. Websites which look good and function on small devices and desktop are called 'responsive'. You just look for that when choosing a template and test thoroughly before committing.
To keep costs down and prepare something to show investors, have you looked at app templates? On Envato for example. Perhaps you can find a template which suits your needs and hire someone to put your text and graphics on? It would be a working example until you can develop the real thing.

Responsive! Thanks for the heads up! One thing I'm not clued up on is the tech world lingo, so my apologies for that! And app templates sound like a good idea, it could definitely be an easy way to have something to show to potential investors.
I was thinking initially about designing an app myself on something like Figma in order to have a product to show. Thoughts?

 

[Ginger Hobo]

Websites which look good and function on small devices and desktop are called 'responsive'.

Why don't most people go for this option? It seems to be the best option as you are getting a desktop and small device version...

 

[fisicx]

Why is making a website so much cheaper than making an app?
And can you have a website for a pc but also have a smartphone version, so it looks like an app? (if that makes sense)

You have get a basic website up and running in a few minutes. You can load up plugins and extensions to perform all sorts of functions. Even if you need custom work doing it doesn't have to cost the earth. You launch the site and promote on Google, Facebook, Mental health forums and sites and see how many people visit and sign up.

All of this is a low cost approach. And as has already been suggested a responsive site works on all devices: PC, laptop, tablet, phone and even gaming consoles.

If you want an app you need a developers license for both Android and Apple. You need to have the app approved and they will take 30% of anything you earn from the site.

Now back to your idea. There are thousands of support sites and apps for all sorts of mental health conditions. Most target a specific condition and locale. For example there is tracker app for bipolar disorder tracking and the is a charity that connects people with the condition according to location. From there the groups communicates using whatever method they choose. It's becomes much more personal. How is your app going to improve the support networks that already exist?

 

[NickGrogan]

Like I've said to another member on here, it's difficult to really talk about things when you can't fully talk about the idea for obvious reasons. The scope of my customers is huge and can be used in many industries or by the average Jo. It's aimed at a solution to mental health.

This is the wrong attitude, you should be talking to anyone and everyone about your idea and what it does.

You need to spread the idea, far more than you need to keep it secret.

There is no "solution" to mental health. My mental health needs are different from yours, @fisicx, or any of the other posters.

 

[Ginger Hobo]

You have get a basic website up and running in a few minutes. You can load up plugins and extensions to perform all sorts of functions. Even if you need custom work doing it doesn't have to cost the earth. You launch the site and promote on Google, Facebook, Mental health forums and sites and see how many people visit and sign up.

All of this is a low cost approach. And as has already been suggested a responsive site works on all devices: PC, laptop, tablet, phone and even gaming consoles.

If you want an app you need a developers license for both Android and Apple. You need to have the app approved and they will take 30% of anything you earn from the site.

Now back to your idea. There are thousands of support sites and apps for all sorts of mental health conditions. Most target a specific condition and locale. For example there is tracker app for bipolar disorder tracking and the is a charity that connects people with the condition according to location. From there the groups communicates using whatever method they choose. It's becomes much more personal. How is your app going to improve the support networks that already exist?

This is the wrong attitude, you should be talking to anyone and everyone about your idea and what it does.

You need to spread the idea, far more than you need to keep it secret.

There is no "solution" to mental health. My mental health needs are different from yours, @fisicx, or any of the other posters.

Hi Nick. To be honest with you I'm in the really early stages of this idea. I've talked to some people that I feel I can trust and people who I know will give me their honest opinion and I've had nothing but positive feedback. But until I'm a little further along with things and I have something 'tangible' I'm keeping it close to my chest at the moment. Hence me being on here, I'm an absolute beginner in this world and I know I have a lot to learn.

 

[Ginger Hobo]

You have get a basic website up and running in a few minutes. You can load up plugins and extensions to perform all sorts of functions. Even if you need custom work doing it doesn't have to cost the earth. You launch the site and promote on Google, Facebook, Mental health forums and sites and see how many people visit and sign up.

All of this is a low cost approach. And as has already been suggested a responsive site works on all devices: PC, laptop, tablet, phone and even gaming consoles.

If you want an app you need a developers license for both Android and Apple. You need to have the app approved and they will take 30% of anything you earn from the site.

Now back to your idea. There are thousands of support sites and apps for all sorts of mental health conditions. Most target a specific condition and locale. For example there is tracker app for bipolar disorder tracking and the is a charity that connects people with the condition according to location. From there the groups communicates using whatever method they choose. It's becomes much more personal. How is your app going to improve the support networks that already exist?

Ah ok so the Responsive thing is a website and not an app. So why do people bother with apps if a responsive website caters for all devices?

 

[NickGrogan]

You'll learn a lot more from people that give negative feedback.

People build apps because they think apps are cool and there are a few big-name apps that are worth a lot.

You need to work out what you want to do, then how you want to do it.

Form follows function.