Do you dream of a profitable mobile app for your Dubai-based business? 

Many entrepreneurs face a common hurdle, bringing what’s on their mind into reality. 

At Branex, we believe if you dare to dream, we make it happen. We have spent years honing our skills and making it possible for clients worldwide giving them solutions that changed lives. 

Today, we have a plethora of successful mobile app solutions available. 

However, the question that arises along the way is what goes into creating a mobile app? 

That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive solution manual, answering your most pressing concerns and guiding you towards a rewarding mobile app experience.

So, without further ado, let us provide you with the best answers. 

Is my app idea feasible? 

Bringing your mobile app idea into reality requires a bit of exploration. The first thing you need to do is check whether your app idea is feasible or not. You may want to consider performing market research before diving headfirst into building one. Initiate by simply identifying the problems and checking solutions that may have easily been overlooked by competitors. It will ensure that your next-gen mobile app appears as one of a kind and genuine app solution that works best across all channels. 

Nowadays, solving customer problems isn’t enough. You may want to ensure that you brainstorm unique features that offer tangible benefits, making your mobile app a compelling one for users. It may often require you to shift gears to technical considerations, and for that, considering the technology stack is much more vital. There are several different technologies which mobile app developers often use to build mobile app solutions. For instance, Flutter framework may work better in certain circumstances, while React Native solutions may work better in others. Whether you’re choosing to build native, hybrid or any other web app solution, choose the framework that best aligns with your budget & requirements. 

Check what type of monetization strategy you can implement in the near future. See if the app meets the regulatory landscape and adhere to legal requirements. Addressing all such factors will offer a clear understanding of your app’s feasibility and eventually pave the way for a successful launch. 

Who is my target audience? 

Another question that comes to mind is who you’re building the mobile app for. Unless you are not sure who or where your target audience resides and what demographics do they belong to, it might be difficult for you to build a mobile app solution that serves the people who use it.  

As a successful mobile app development company in Dubai, we have a research team who constantly looks beyond what customers require and build the perfect mobile app solution for them. 

One such example that we can share here is the Sougha App, An App for the Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship. The client was looking for a website and mobile app to offer government employees within the UAE to benefit from a number of privileges, discounts & offers. Branex worked with Sougha to offer them an aesthetically yet interactive website & mobile app solution. 

The app allowed government employees to explore offers & discounts within their vicinity across different sectors, such as healthcare, education, hospitality, entertainment, real estate and restaurants, and redeem loyalty points. The purpose of the app was to provide maximum benefit to customers so they can redeem the best discount offers, yet at the same time, feel encouraged & motivated to shop. 

How much will it cost me to develop a mobile app? 

When it comes to the cost of mobile app development, there isn’t a single answer to this question because the cost depends on a number of factors. Here are a few that we have learned about over the years. Directly or indirectly, most of these factors eventually influence the costing of the app. 

• Features & Functionality – The app’s price may differ depending on what features will be included in the app. Suppose it has complex functionalities, integrations, or custom animations. 
• Platform – It depends on what type of platform you will be developing the app on, iOS or Android. Typically, it will cost more if you opt for a hybrid app solution. 
• Development Approach – Creating a separate native app for each platform will ensure that it gives you maximum performance that works seamlessly across all platforms. 
• Development Team Location – Obviously, it depends on the hourly rates for developers. These rates can significantly differ based on where you’re located. 

When it comes to mobile apps, there’s no fixed cost for a mobile app. If you’re looking for a more accurate estimate, it’s best to discuss the project in detail to get a better insight on costing.  

Can I get a fixed price quote for the mobile app? 

Yes. But before our mobile app development firm in Dubai undertakes any project, we closely work with our client to understand their mobile app requirements. 

Based on their specific requirements, we put together the perfect plan and provide them with a fixed cost estimate. Once our client agrees on the costs, we deliver them a solution.

In some cases, the project may be an enterprise-level app that requires scaling as we progress. In such scenarios, clients will require frequent changes and iterations to meet end goal & business objectives. In such scenarios, we initiate the project by offering them a ballpark figure. If there are any additional costs incurred along the way, we mention them and bill them altogether once the project concludes. 

How do you set the development timeline? 

Like cost, the time required to develop the app also depends on the app’s complexity. 

A basic app with simple features can take just a few months to develop; whereas, an app that is rich in features can take anywhere from a few months up to an entire year. 

To give you a brief insight, here’s the cost breakdown for each of the app type: 

• Simple App – It can take anywhere around 2 to 4 months. 
• Medium App – It can take anywhere between 4 to 8 months.  
• Complex App – It can range anywhere from 8 months to more. 

The cost estimate for each app type depends on two factors, the timeline & the requirements. It also depends on your team’s development capability & capacity. 

What platforms will the app be built for (iOS, Android or both)? 

The choice of the platform depends on who your target audience is;  

• If you’re opting-in for an iOS app, the ideal user must be someone who is familiar with iPhones and iPads, known to offer you an absolute best user experience. 
• If you’re an Android app user, you may have a wider user base who may interact with the app through different devices loaded with different customizable options. 

Not sure what app platform type you need to build your mobile app on? Consider starting with the platform where your target audience is most likely present.  

Can you create a prototype or MVP before the initial product? 

Yes, absolutely! We can create an MVP for you so you can test your app concept with real users and gather valuable feedback altogether, before investing in a full-scale mobile app.  

One example that I can quote here is 

An MVP helps us to iterate and refine the idea of the app before committing any resources.  

What is the mobile app development process like? 

There are a few stages of the mobile app development process; they are as follows: 

• Discovery and Planning: This phase involves understanding your needs, defining app features, and creating a project roadmap. 
• Design and Prototyping: User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design are created, followed by the development of a prototype for testing.
• Development: The app is built based on the agreed-upon features and functionalities. 
• Testing and Quality Assurance (QA): Rigorous testing ensures the app functions flawlessly across different devices.
• Deployment and Launch: The app is submitted to the respective app stores (Apple App Store and Google Play Store).
• Maintenance and Support: Ongoing bug fixes and updates are provided to ensure a smooth user experience.

Is there a way to raise funds for the mobile app? 

A mobile app can be costly. Since every big idea deserves a well planned and a thorough strategy, so does a mobile app and therefore, it comes with a high price tag. 

If you’re a startup looking to enter the mobile world, it can be difficult to have the financial support you need. What you need to focus on is how you can raise enough funds for it. 

Generating funds for your app brings you to the next question – how are you supposed to raise it? There are many ways you can generate funds for your business.

Here are a few interesting ideas how you can generate funds for your next mobile app.  

1. Seek angel investors: Angel investors are individuals who provide capital for startups in exchange for ownership equity or convertible debt. Look for investors who have experience in your industry or who are passionate about your app’s mission.
   
2. Crowdfunding: Platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo allow you to raise funds from a large number of people in exchange for rewards or early access to your app. This can also help validate your idea and generate buzz around your app.

3. Apply for grants: Depending on the nature of your app, you may be eligible for grants from government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private foundations. Research grant opportunities that align with your project and apply for funding.

4. Pitch competitions: Look for pitch competitions or startup accelerators that focus on mobile app development. These events can provide funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help you grow your app.

5. Venture capital: If your app has significant growth potential and scalability, you may consider seeking venture capital funding. Venture capitalists invest large sums of money in exchange for equity in your company.

6. Build a prototype or MVP: Having a working prototype or minimum viable product (MVP) can make your app more attractive to investors. It demonstrates that you have a viable product and helps investors visualize its potential.

7. Network: Attend industry events, join startup communities, and connect with potential investors through LinkedIn or other networking platforms. Building relationships with investors can increase your chances of securing funding.

Just remember, stay ready for rejections during the fundraising process. 

Don’t feel discouraged especially if you are experiencing any rejections. You can always collect feedback from investors later on to improve your approach and pitch them more effectively. 

Who owns the source code after the app development is complete? 

Yes, the developers have access to the source code, especially when they are working on a fixed price basis. Until the project is not complete, the code is not handed over to the client. 

One such project that Branex has previously worked on is called Tycoon, a classified app built in Iraq for customers to visit the flea market and find the best deals on pre-owned items. 

Tycoon is an innovative Iraqi online marketplace which provides an easy to connect platform where people are willing to buy, sell or exchange used/new goods and services. 

Till the project wasn’t complete, Branex kept the source code with itself. Once the project moved to the beta phase, we released the source code after receiving our final payment. 

We often mention it as a clause in our contract that says, “the code for the project is released once the final payment has been processed.” Therefore, our app developers work like an agile team making sure that they retain their own code repository and request daily code commits. 

What is your QA process? 

We follow a systematic QA process to ensure the app meets all the specified requirements, and functions as it is intended. The whole idea of having a working app is to ensure that it delivers a seamless user experience to end customers; the QA process involves a number of stages such as reviewing the app requirements, preparing a test plan, creating test cases, executing test cases, verifying bug fixes and performing a test cycle closure. 

How will I prevent the app from failing in the market? 

The next important question to address is how one can prevent apps from failing in the market. The success and failure of an app depends on how well you research it. 

Having a well thought out & detailed research on your next app idea and understanding the pain point of your end users, will help you float above million other apps in the app store. 

From ideation to mobile app testing, it should give you enough exposure to what is happening in the market. It will eventually prevent you from launching something that fails. 

So, there you have it! Those were some of the most frequent questions we hear from aspiring app entrepreneurs in Dubai. 

We hope this comprehensive guide sheds some light on the exciting world of mobile app development. Remember, this is just the first step. 

If you’re brimming with a brilliant app idea, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! 

We’d be thrilled to chat and help turn your vision into a reality.  

After all, at Branex, we believe in making dreams a reality, one app at a time.