Consumers spend about 88% of their mobile internet time in apps, and with global app revenue expected to hit $935 billion by 2024, it’s crucial for businesses to jump on this trend.
No-code platforms make mobile app development faster and more affordable, so even smaller businesses can design a custom app.
Read on to learn:
- 3 main methods to develop mobile apps
- How to choose the right method for your business
- Types of mobile apps to build
- Strategies for building your app
- 5 steps to build your app with a popular no-code builder, Adalo
- Three common mistakes to avoid
Let’s begin by defining mobile app development and introducing a few methods.
What is Mobile App Development?
Mobile app development is the process of creating software or applications for mobile devices, such as phones and tablets. Users can access these apps via the Internet, the Apple App Store, or the Google Play Store.
Today, many businesses opt to develop their own mobile apps because apps can increase customer retention, bolster client relationships, seamlessly execute administrative tasks, and much more.
Here are just some examples of mobile apps businesses might develop:
- An administrative dashboard tracking and illustrating KPIs
- A booking app for a restaurant or hair salon
- A client relationship management tool
- An app that tracks marketing and sales funnels
- A social media app for 8-bit Nintendo die-hards
- And almost anything else you can think of
Mobile App Development Methods
So, we now know that having an app for your business is as essential as packing water for a day hike through the Sonora desert. Now, let’s look at the 3 main app development methods:
- Coding: This is the OG method for developing apps. It requires you to be fluent in a programming language like Swift, Java, Kotlin, or Python — a process that can take at least several months. Then, you’ll type in line after line of code, building your app the old-school way.
You can also hire developers to use coding to create your app. However, this method isn’t cheap, costing in the $1,000s to over $100,000, depending on your app’s complexity.
- No-code: Instead of needing to know a coding language and spending time typing in thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, of lines of code, no-code development empowers folks who don’t know anything about tech or programming to build their own unique and professional-looking apps.
No-code platforms feature a drag-and-drop interface that allows you to build your app by selecting a template, editing it, and adding premade pieces. You can also change colors, resize elements, and customize your app to look and feel how you want it.
- Low-code: Low-code takes elements from coding and no-code, providing a “hybrid” platform for mobile app development. Like no-code app builders, low-code platforms have a drag-and-drop interface with premade components, allowing you to seamlessly develop your frontend (the part of the app users see — more on this below).
However, you’ll need to know a few technical concepts, such as dealing with database schema, the general structure of code, and backend logic, so low-code isn’t available to the masses like no-code.
Most low-code platforms let you keep your app’s source code, so you can further develop your app using coding or contract more development out to an agency. Most low-code app builders also provide options to patch in your own code to include a particular functionality that’s not premade.
Key Differences: Code vs. Low-Code vs. No-Code
We’ve compiled a convenient table that sums up the differences between code, low-code, and no-code:
When To Choose Coding
Coding allows you to tailor apps specifically to your needs. You can program precise and unique functionalities like user analytics, specialized charts, social media interactions, etc. If you need complex features and functions that you must create yourself, programming is a great option.
Enterprises can use coding to build apps and make scaling more manageable while providing security, which is necessary for developing apps that will reach millions of users. Apps created by coding are capable of securely handling increasing amounts of user data and transactions while protecting user information.
Coding also allows for rapid testing and deploying new features to meet evolving demands. This will enable businesses to continually refine and update their apps based on user feedback and changing market conditions to remain competitive.
Ultimately, hiring skilled developers, in-house or from an agency, costs money and time, making app development via coding ideal for large companies with enormous budgets and extended timelines.
When To Choose No-Code Development
If you’re aiming to launch applications rapidly and don’t have any technical knowledge or coding skills, picking a no-code platform is ideal. No-code meets the needs of startups and small businesses that must bring their app to market quickly and affordably to meet immediate market demands.
Additionally, no-code platforms are ideal for creating minimum viable products (MVPs), essentially apps that test and feature a proof of concept. Creating app iterations is relatively quick and easy because you’ll start building with pre-made templates and a drag-and-drop interface.
Many app ideas feature simple frontends and standard functionalities that don’t require heavy customization, making them prime candidates for no-code development. You’ll be able to bring these ideas to life cheaply and easily by harnessing the power of a drag-and-drop interface and plugging in premade components and add-ons.
When To Choose Low-Code Development
If you’re creating an app that requires frequent updates or specialized customizations, low-code platforms provide the flexibility and agility you need. Their drag-and-drop editors and pre-built components enable rapid development, and you can adjust accordingly using code to add certain features or dial in your backend logic.
However, one of the main differences between low-code and no-code is the need for technical knowledge, so ensure you or your development team are comfortable with technical concepts like database frameworks and the logic behind code.
Low-code platforms offer budget-friendly options on par with no-code ones, making them attractive for small businesses that want to develop complex apps with more flexibility than no-code offers.
Many low-code platforms offer enterprise-level pricing tiers. These can be less expensive than hiring a development team while providing enterprise-level features like advanced security and on-prem (running the app on your server) hosting.
5 Types of Mobile Apps
Now that you have an idea of the different mobile app development options, we’ll walk you through the following mobile app types:
- Native Apps: These are the apps that you download directly to your phone or tablet from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. They’re the most powerful app because they can tap into your phone’s internal drivers and hardware, allowing you to leverage GPS functions, push notifications, and more. Some mobile apps can even be accessed without an internet connection.
Plus, Google Play and Apple’s App Store serve billions of active users globally, with Google Play alone exceeding 2.5 billion monthly users.
These folks are primed and ready to download apps — so getting yours in front of them could result in 1,000s of downloads.
- Web Apps: Essentially functional web pages, you’ve most likely used a web app today. Online banking, Facebook, Zillow, and other “sites” you access with your web browser typically count as web apps.
Your web app will rank on Google so that you can utilize SEO strategies for maximum visibility. It’s essential to publish your app as both a native mobile app and a web app because doing so gives you the most traction.
Although some offer limited access to a mobile device’s camera and a few other tools, web apps aren’t as powerful as native mobile apps, as they can’t send push notifications or execute other tasks. You’ll almost always need an internet connection to use a web app.
- Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): These are apps that are downloadable to a phone or mobile device. They can use a device’s drivers, putting them on par, at least power-wise, with native mobile apps. We’ve often described PWAs as “native mobile apps in disguise.”
The difference between PWAs and native mobile apps is that PWAs can’t be published in app stores, so you won’t be able to get them in front of that app-download-keen audience. Users will download your PWA from a link or QR code.
- Enterprise Apps: These can be web apps, PWAs, and even native mobile apps — they’re typically internal business tools and software used by 1,000s within a large-scale organization to execute operational and administrative tasks like project management, CRM, accounting functions, and other operations-streamlining tasks.
- Games: We saved the best for last. Games get their shoutout because they’re apps that are purely for pleasure. You can download these from the app stores or access them as web apps.
Simple games like puzzles and trivia can be developed using a no-code or low-code platform. However, more complex ones where you’re blasting aliens near the Betelgeuse solar system will require programming.
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The App Components You’ll Build
Whether you use coding, a low-code, or no-code platform to create your app, you’ll always need to develop the 3 following universal pieces of an app:
- The Frontend: Your users will see, read, and interact with your frontend, which is also called the “User Interface” (UI). It comprises all your app’s screens, pictures, forms, and more.
Importantly, you’ll need to design an easy-to-navigate and easy-on-the-eyes frontend. A poorly designed frontend can hinder your user experience (UX) and push people away from your app.
- The Backend: Most aptly described as your app’s “brain,” the backend works behind the scenes, pulling up user requests, retrieving and inputting data, “connecting to APIs and third-party apps, and more.
- The Database: Your app's information is stored in your database, which looks like a spreadsheet. Your database can include entries like usernames, passwords, pictures, payment history, KPI statistics, and much more.
Some low-code and no-code app builders allow you to build each of the above parts, while others only allow you to build 1 or 2. For instance, when you develop your app with Adalo, you can cobble together your frontend, backend, and database with no fuss.
However, when you use a no-code platform like Softr, you must bring your database. This means you’ll need to develop a database before building out the other app parts, which some users might not like.
Mobile App Development Methodology: Start to Finish
Even if you’re developing a simple MVP for a booking app, you’ll want to execute an action plan. Doing so will keep your building organized and prepare you for a smooth app release.
Planning and Ideation
Ensure all your development ideas are in one place so nothing gets overlooked. Grab a piece of paper and a pen, and jot down the following:
- The name of your app
- How your app’s icon or logo will appear
- Your app’s primary functions and the tasks it will execute.
- Information that your app will take (user names, customer data, etc.)
- Integrations you’ll need (payment integrations and integrations with third-party platforms like Strava or Mailchimp).
- Any add-ons that will boost your app’s functionality (push notifications, chat feature, etc.)
Market Research
Look at your competitors by finding similar apps in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Save time by only looking at the top 2 or 3 apps that appear for each keyword — or look at apps with over a certain number of downloads, e.g., 1,000.
Carefully read the descriptions, keenly observe the screenshots and videos, and download a couple to get a feel for them. Note what each app does well and where it can improve. You can refer to these when building your app so you can attempt to make up for what your competitors lack.
Design and Prototyping
With a clear idea of whom you’ll be competing against and the tasks and operations your app will execute, it’s time to create digital blueprints for your app — better known as wireframing.
Wireframing gives you an idea of how your app will look and flow, mapping out its user experience. You’ll draw up each screen, giving you a clear idea of how your app will appear.
We don’t recommend using pen and paper. It’s 2024, and there are several online wireframing tools. Here is an overview of 3 excellent wireframing tools that all have free versions:
- Justinmind: This complex wireframing software has advanced tools that allow you to build out functionalities and fine-tune elements. It comes with a learning curve, so we suggest it for coders looking to program an app and techies aiming to use a low-code platform.
- Miro: Miro comes with pre-made templates and a simple drag-and-drop editor that seamlessly arranges your app’s pieces on a building canvas. Additionally, Miro provides collaboration options, letting teams work together on wireframes. It’s a good option for seasoned coders and complete beginners alike.
- Figma’s Wireframing Kit: This intuitive, easy-to-learn wireframing tool is brought to you by Figma, a leading graphic design software maker. Its ease of use makes it a fantastic option for beginners looking to build their app with a no-code platform.
When putting your wireframes together, consider how your app will function in your users' eyes. Ensure that the layout provides optimal and seamless navigation. Never pack too many elements on a screen — this will make your app look sloppy and frustrate users.
How To Choose Your Methodology
With your wireframes in front of you, it’s time to decide which mobile app development method to use. We’ll briefly run through each methodology and some coding languages and platforms you can choose from.
Code-Based Development
If you’re a programmer, you probably already know which coding languages you’ll use to build any app by typing code lines into your keyboard. But if you’re looking to hire an app development agency, you’ll most likely come across these coding languages:
- Kotlin: Kotlin can work in tandem with Java, letting you use Java’s tools and frameworks. Kotlin is also the preferred language for the Android ecosystem.
- Swift: This is the language built by Apple for iOS apps, suitable for creating complex graphical interfaces and more.
- Structured Query Language (SQL): This domain-specific language is designed to manage and manipulate databases. It performs tasks such as querying data, updating records, and managing database structures. And for the record, it’s usually pronounced “sequel.”
- Java: Hailing from the 1990s, Java is powerful enough to create apps for Android, enterprise-level apps, and apps that require complex logic.
We can’t emphasize enough that apps requiring code-based development usually have a lengthier development process because of their complex customizations.
Additionally, if you hire an agency, you’ll need to take communication into account — it could take a few days to receive your updates or requests, adding more time to the development process.
No-Code Development
As we said earlier, no-code development allows folks with zero coding or technical experience to build an app using a template, drag-and-drop interface, and some pre-built components.
Here are some of the most popular no-code app builders today:
- Adalo: Adalo is one of the easiest yet most powerful no-code app-building platforms. It allows you to create native mobile apps, PWAs, and web apps, all from the same template. It has enough integrations and features to make most app ideas a reality.
- Bubble: One of the first no-code app-building platforms to appear on the scene, Bubble is a battle-tested and robust web app builder. While it has a learning curve, its decade-plus existence has allowed it to develop an ecosystem full of tutorials, help guides, and more, enabling you to learn the platform properly.
- GoodBarber: If you’re looking for an app-building platform to transform your e-commerce site into an app that you can publish on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, GoodBarber offers an excellent solution.
While no-code platforms allow for faster development, not all are created equal. For instance, some no-code platforms only allow you to publish web apps or PWAs, while others allow for both app store and web app publishing.
Be sure to thoroughly understand the no-code app builders’ features and try out the free version or free trial before you get started. Doing this will give you a feel for the app builder so you can.
Low-Code Development
As we mentioned earlier, low-code platforms aren’t suited for beginners — you’ll need
some experience with computers and coding to be completely comfortable. Here are our favorite low-code options:
- Draftbit: Draftbit provides a suite of options for nearly any low-code app-building need. It lets you publish to the app stores, keeps your source code, and even comes with enterprise options for organizations wanting to scale their app.
- Appsmith: If you’re a medium to behemoth-sized organization, Appsmith is a low-code platform for creating custom internal business apps like project management tools, marketing funnels, CRM boards, and more.
- Retool: Retool offers a low-code app builder for almost businesses of any size — from a 2-person start-up to a company listed on the Down Jones Industrial Average. It lets you create native mobile apps for the app stores and provides the cool flexibility of a low-code platform by allowing you to patch in your own Java code.
Like with no-code app builders, most low-code platforms come with free versions that give you a feel for the platform. Try a few out, then choose the best one that meets your budgetary and building needs.
How To Get Started With No-Code Development Using Adalo
Wondering how simple developing a mobile app using a no-code platform can be? We’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to build your app using Adalo, our favorite no-code app builder.
Here’s the general idea of building your app with Adalo in 5 easy steps:
Step 1: Create an Account
First things first: Navigate to the Adalo home page and sign up — you’ll be able to use Adalo’s free version to start building your app. Once you’ve signed up, it’s time to move on to the next step.
Step 2: Browse Adalo’s Templates
Adalo makes it simple to start building your app. Just select a template from Adalo’s template library, which features nearly 40 preloaded templates. Each template comes packed with screens, backend logic, and a database so that you can get started fast.
Here are a few of Adalo’s popular templates:
- A coaching template for personal trainers or gyms.
- An ordering template for restaurants and cafes aiming to streamline their operations.
- Landlords and property managers can leverage the real estate template to list rentals or properties for sale.
- If you want to open an online store or sell your brick-and-mortar goods from an app, check out the e-commerce template.
- Salons, barbers, and other professionals who rely on booking appointments can try out the appointment template.
And yes, you can customize nearly every part of your template to meet your brand and design needs and expectations. We’ll discuss transforming your template into a fully functional app next.
Step 3: Building and Customization
To start, you’ll find yourself at Adalo’s building interface, which provides all the building functionalities for creating, editing, and customizing your app. At the center of your building interface is the building canvas, which is your app under construction.
You can drag elements like pictures to the building canvas and resize them using your cursor. You’ll also be able to restructure your app by moving buttons, pictures, forms, and more to where you want them to go.
On the left-hand side of your screen, you’ll see the uber-important Editing Dashboard.
Use this to create new screens, add features like buttons and forms, infuse your app with third-party integrations (like a nifty connection to Stripe for taking payments), and more.
The Editing Dashboard is also the panel where you can customize the colors of your screens and elements to suit your needs and tastes. Additionally, you can use the Editing Dashboard to configure and edit your database — a task very similar to using Google Sheets or Excel.
Step 4: Previewing and Testing
Once you’ve finished building your app, it’s time to give it a preview to ensure everything’s in proper working order. Locate the big green “View App” button at the top right-hand corner of your building interface and click it and select “Staging Preview.”
Now, choose the device (iPhone 15, Galaxy S21, tablet, or desktop) from which you want to view your app. Click through each screen and double-check to make sure everything works. If you run into any problems, take note and get them fixed immediately, for obvious reasons.
After you’ve ironed out all the wrinkles, it’s time to test your app properly. Press that “View App” again, but select “Share Your Test App.” This allows you to send a link and QR code to a PWA version of your app so users can try it out.
Gather as much information and feedback about your app as possible. Take all this information to heart and reconfigure features and functionalities as needed. Doing this will bolster your app’s user experience, which can, in turn, give you some serious street cred as an Adalo developer.
Step 5: Publishing to the Web and App Stores
Conveniently, Adalo lets you publish your app to the web, the Apple App Store, and the Google Play Store, giving you the opportunity to maximize your app’s reach.
Web Publishing
Publishing your app to the web is simple. We recommend doing this first. Before you can get started, you’ll need a domain (www.yourapp.com). If you don’t have one, navigate to GoDaddy.com and purchase one.
Return to Adalo’s building interface, select the “Publishing” button, scroll down to “Web App,” and provide the needed information to get your app online.
App Store Publishing: Prerequisites
The publishing process for both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store is more involved than publishing to the web. First, you’ll need to prepare the following:
- An app icon: Your icon will appear next to your app’s listing in the app store search results and as a tile on users’ device screens, so it needs to be on brand and memorable.
Don’t worry if you’ve never built an app icon before. Just get an account from Looka, an online logo design company, and create a gorgeous icon.
- Your app description: You’ll need to write up an app description so interested folks can get a clear idea of what your app offers. Use the keywords you gleaned from your competitors and toss in a few of your own. This can help boost your app’s ranking in the app store search results.
Although both app stores allow for app descriptions of up to 4,000 characters, we recommend you keep yours short and to the point. This will give users a good idea of how your app can help them without reading a painfully long description.
- Screenshots and videos of your app: Provide only the clearest and most aesthetically pleasing screenshots and videos of your app — sloppy ones will most likely push people away. These screenshots and videos should showcase your app’s unique functionality, illustrating why it is worthy of a download.
Publishing to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store have similar publishing processes; however, the Apple App Store’s standards are a bit more stringent than those of the Google Play Store. First, you’ll need to create an Android developer account for Google and an iOS developer account for Apple.
Both Google and Apple have an app-testing program, which enables users on the platform to download your app, try it out, and provide feedback. Opting for both platforms’ testing programs is a no-brainer. You’ll get heaps of feedback that you can use to improve your app.
Once you’ve optimized your app, return to your Adalo account and find the “Publish” button on your Editing Dashboard. You’ll find options for publishing to both the iOS and Android ecosystems. Follow the directions for each app store, and submit your app for publishing.
If your app passes the review process for both app stores with flying colors, it could go up in just a few hours. However, if your app is rejected, both app stores will provide reasons why so you can fix your app and resubmit, which could prolong the process to a few weeks.
Common Mistakes in Mobile App Development
Let’s discuss a few mistakes to avoid so your app always hums like a well-oiled machine.
Mistake #1: Releasing a Feature-Heavy MVP
Many times, folks aim to build an MVP with just two or three main features — for instance, a simple booking MVP that customers can use to order and pay for coffee. But then, they start building and forget they’re developing a simple MVP.
These folks often get carried away and add unnecessary features like a messaging service, integrations with their accounting software, delivery options, and more.
Adding too many features onto an MVP defeats its purpose: Your MVP is essentially a test app that you’ll release with very few features until they are perfect. For our booking app example, you’ll work on dialing in a seamless UX and nailing down your booking and payment functionalities, constantly updating and improving your app.
Once everything’s up to par, you can add new features, slowly perfecting each one — rinse and repeat.
Introducing too many features in your MVP can complicate the development process, increasing the risk of bugs and user confusion.
Mistake #2: Ignoring User Feedback
As we’ve said repeatedly, user feedback is some of the most important info you’ll get about your app. Never view it as a personal attack against your design abilities. Instead, view it as free advice that you can leverage to perfect your app.
After all, app building is a journey — you’ll constantly maintain your app and work with your customers. Ultimately, the best apps will continuously change. It’s important to incorporate not only testing feedback but also feedback you receive well after your app is published.
Mistake #3: Failure To Monitor and Update
Some folks work hard crafting their app, but once it goes live on the web and app stores, they release it to the wind, never checking up on it. This is a recipe for disaster.
Unfortunately, all apps face technical issues: Bugs, crashing screens, or glitches.
By monitoring your app and keeping the software updated and fresh, you’ll catch issues almost as soon as they appear and prevent others from happening. Doing this will keep your users happy, as they’ll continuously get value from your app.
Next Steps: Choose Adalo, a Leading No-code Platform
Now that you understand what mobile app development is, it’s time to start building your first app with Adalo. Sign up for free, and follow our simple 5-step guide to create your app quickly.
Adalo offers a rich set of resources, including a detailed academy, help documents, and tutorials to help you get started.
Adalo makes mobile app development simple and fun. Get started with the free version today.
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