HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO DESIGN A MOBILE APP?

Any business owner can see there has been a growing shift in customer outreach. Paper outreach methods (such as flyers, ads, and billboards) are no longer grabbing the attention of potential customers. Today, electronic outreach methods (such as websites, online ads, and mobile apps) are driving the market into a new era. My question is: Are you willing to put forth the time, money, and effort to keep up with the changing times? If you are reading this article, then it is a safe assumption that you are looking into ways to keep up with a technology-centered market. One of the best ways to adapt and grow as the market changes are by creating a mobile app for your business. You may be wondering: How much does it cost to design a mobile app? While the exact answer varies, we can still explore common questions that will give you a ballpark estimate of how much time, money, and effort are required to design a successful mobile app. Let’s dig in!

Question #1: Should I hire a professional designer?

While this is at your discretion, my recommendation is yes. You need someone that has spent years perfecting their craft to give your mobile app its best shot at success. Think about it like this: When you are renovating your home, you rely on a home designer/architect. You won’t ask a plumber to come up with the renovation designs, will you? Absolutely not. While you will use a plumber at some point, your main concern at this time is design. So, when having a mobile app brought to life, leave the designing to a specialized professional. A designer will know exactly what to do to bring your app idea to realization and will make the most of the time and money allowed for the app’s design.

Question #2: How can I save money on app design?

Just like any other project you undertake, money can be saved by keeping the app simple. The more features your app requires, the more you will spend funding those features. A word of warning: Don’t skimp on any features that will bring your app above and beyond your competitors. While saving money is a bonus, you shouldn’t put your app’s success on the line just to save a few bucks.

Question #3: What will I get from the designer when he/she is finished?

Your finished design project will come in one file but will contain a multitude of graphics. The graphics include icons, pictures, screens, and so on. With this file, your app developer can incorporate the design when building and coding your app. Note: If you have the opportunity to hire a designer and a developer within the same firm, go for it! With these 2 people working in close proximity of each other, they are able to collaborate and communicate more efficiently.

Question #4: What is the average design cost for a mobile app?

Like I said above, the cost of an app’s design varies and is determined on a case-by-case basis. It is important to understand that app design is comprised of 2 parts: User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX). During the UI stage, designers create images in programs like Photoshop. This process usually takes around 85 hours to complete, for an average app. During the UX stage, designers create the flow of graphics so that the best user experience will be possible once the app is live. This stage usually takes around 25 hours, for an average app. An app designer charges by the hour, and depending upon location, you may spend more or less money on app design. Carefully consider your app designer location when making a hiring decision. You want to find a designer that is accessible in addition to affordable.

Question #5: Why does designing a mobile app cost so much?

App design is an investment. There is no doubt about that. One of the main reasons behind the high cost of app design is the hours needed to complete the job properly. You want to bring in more customers and the best way to do that is to catch their “digital attention.” Having a well-designed, well-functioning app can expand your customer outreach to people all over the world. So, just like a sweet wine, it takes time to design every piece of an app that will boost your business above your competitors. And when your designer charges by the hour, the costs will add up.

Question #6: How do I know I am hiring a great designer?

One of the uncertainties you may have is finding the right app designer for your needs. This is a common dilemma that many have faced before you. The best piece of advice I can give is to look at the designer’s portfolio. Focus specifically on the UX part of each completed project he/she has under the belt. User experience is what makes or breaks an app, so it should be the focal point of your evaluations of design candidates. Study each project in the designer’s portfolio and see how the design flows (how easy it is to follow). You want your app to offer a user experience that boasts professionalism, attractiveness, and retention. Don’t settle for anyone less than the best. Here’s a blog post that will help you understand – How to Hire Best App Developer For Android / iOS App [ Top Tips]

Question #7: What is the difference in designing an app for iOS or Android platforms?

Any app designer will tell you that it is generally easier to design an iOS (Apple) app than an Android app. This is because iOS has strict guidelines when it comes to design. Also, iOS operates solely on Apple products, so the way an app looks on a device isn’t constantly changing. With Android, brands, screen sizes, operating systems, etc. pose a problem. There are so many Android variations on the market, that it is difficult to design an app to look “right” on all devices. So, if you want your app to be available and usable on most Android variations, you are looking at spending 3 times the time and money you would on an iOS platform. If you want your app to be designed for both platforms, you will be spending double the amount of time and money than you would with just one platform. Consider your platform options and receive estimates from app designers before deciding on who to hire for your app’s design process.

All in all, bringing an app to life isn’t a cheap project that should be taken lightly. Instead, your app should receive the care and attention it deserves from a reputable, professional app designer. While the end costs for designing a mobile app could vary, it will be well worth it. An app is the best way to build your customer database and reach customers in all parts of the world. With a successful, well-designed app, your business can grow from a local success to a global phenomenon quicker than you ever dreamed possible!

Author: Arjun

Results-focused Inbound Marketing consultant with a thorough understanding of automation tools, marketing funnels, content marketing, customer engagement, and community building strategies.

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