Standing out in the market is proving more and more to be a challenge—the same predictable, repetitive forms of interaction are no longer drawing in customers. And that especially stands true for communications. That’s why businesses are tapping into the potential of custom apps to deliver a world-class user experience, with custom app development best practices.
Enterprises spanning across industries are using custom apps to deliver curated experiences, catering to their customers’ unique interests as an integral component of how they do business.
Industries That Rely On Custom App Development
Retail companies, for example, are innovating with bespoke eCommerce apps. These platforms are not merely facilitating online shopping; they’re revolutionizing it by incorporating features like loyalty programs and personalized recommendations, transforming the customer experience. Meeting your customers where they are is one surefire way to stand out in the market.
According to a recent report, 89% of marketers in the U.S. noted that personalizing apps and websites resulted in an increase in revenue—showing just how much custom app development is changing the game.
In the healthcare industry, hospitals and clinics are employing custom iOS apps for patient scheduling to electronic medical records, even extending to telehealth services. And this just scratches the surface.
In this blog, you’ll learn more about some of the methods that are used in app development, custom app development best practices, how much a custom app can cost, factors that can impact your bottom line, and how you can streamline all of the above.
Custom App Development Best Practices
As you venture into the realm of custom app development, it’s important to strategize your planning. Here are some of the best custom app development techniques to keep in mind:
- User Experience is King: For all of the elements that you think your app might need, really investigate your ideas at the drawing board. Strive to implement custom mobile app design and development in a way that makes your app intuitive, easy to navigate, and aesthetically pleasing. More features are not necessarily better features.
- Start with a Comprehensive Plan: Every successful endeavor begins with a thorough blueprint. Define your objectives, identify your target audience, and necessary features. How will this app help you achieve your business goals?
- Design for Scalability: As your business evolves, your app should be capable of growing with it. Scalability needs to be built into the core of your app from day one, and your app needs to be ready to accommodate an influx of users, features, or data.
- Security First: When users entrust you with their data, it’s a covenant of trust. Breaching that trust is not an option. Prioritize robust security measures early in your planning stages.
- Test, Test, and Test Again: Test every feature and every interface. Ensure your app operates seamlessly across various platforms and devices.
- Keep It Simple: Aim for simplicity in your app, but not at the expense of functionality. Each feature should enhance value, not complexity.
- Don’t Forget Maintenance: The journey doesn’t end with development and deployment; it extends to the ongoing maintenance of your app.
Custom App Development Methods: What to Know
During the development process, your app development team will likely choose one of the following custom web app development techniques:
- Waterfall: This is a traditional development methodology where each phase (requirements, design, implementation, verification, maintenance) is completed before your team moves on to the next. This is a straightforward option, but if you need to make changes during the process, it’s going to be costly.
- Agile: This is a more flexible approach where development is broken down into small, manageable chunks (sprints). Changes can be easily incorporated, making it ideal for projects where requirements are likely to evolve.
- DevOps: This method emphasizes collaboration between the development and operations teams, automating the process of software delivery and infrastructure changes. It aims to establish a culture and environment where building, testing, and releasing software can happen rapidly, frequently, and more reliably.
Tap Into the Potential of Custom Application Development
How Much Does Custom App Development Cost?
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t straightforward due to factors like the complexity of your project and processes used in building your app, but we can give you an idea.
For example, starting from the most commonly asked question, simple custom app development can cost anywhere from $16,000 to $32,000. Cost varies based on the size, complexity, and the team you hire. The more complex of an app, however, can run you upwards of $72,000.
How Much Does Custom Web App Development Cost?
A simple, basic web app can start from around $15,000 to $50,000. An intricate web app with advanced features and functionalities such as e-commerce capabilities, user registration, and backend server integration can easily cost upwards of $150,000.
How Much Does Android App Development Cost?
Android, being an open-source platform, offers a bit more flexibility, which might slightly reduce development costs when you’re looking at mobile app development.
However, the wide variety of Android devices and versions can increase testing and adaptation costs. Typically, the cost of Android app development can range from $20,000 to $300,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the app.
Pricing Breakdown
| Development Type | Simple App Cost Range | Complex App Cost |
| Custom App | $16,000 – $32,000 | Upwards of $72,000 |
| Custom Web App | $15,000 – $50,000 | Upwards of $150,000 |
| Android App | $20,000 – $300,000 | Dependent on complexity |
Source: Samsung Insights
How Much Does Custom iPad App Development Cost?
As always, your bottom line is going to be impacted by the complexity of the app, the number of features, and the hourly rates of your development team. A ballpark figure would be anywhere from $25,000 for a basic app to over $50,000 for a more complex option.
How Much Does a Custom App for the iPhone Cost?
On average, a simple iPhone app can cost between $75,000 to $500,000, while a more complex app can easily exceed $50,000.
What Does Custom Game App Pricing Look Like?
Custom game app development is a different ball game. It involves advanced graphics, user interactions, and possibly even AI. Consequently, the cost is usually higher. A basic game can start from $44,000.
Factors That Impact Your Custom App Development Costs
Here are a few of the reasons why the costs for your custom app development might be higher (or lower) than you expected:
- Complexity and Functionality: As already discussed, the complexity of your app is a major cost driver. A basic app is going to cost significantly less than one with advanced features like AI, VR, or AR integration.
- Design: Design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about user experience. A highly interactive and visually appealing app requires more design time and thus costs more.
- Platform: Are you developing for iOS, Android, or both? Each platform has its own development requirements, affecting the cost.
- Backend Infrastructure: If your app requires a server or an API, it will add to the development cost. The more complex the backend, the higher the cost.
- Maintenance: You need to keep an eye out for ongoing maintenance like regular updates, bug fixes, and new features. All of these concerns will factor into your overall cost.
- Integration with Existing Systems: If your app needs to integrate with existing systems, like a CRM or ERP, you can expect to pay more for this added complexity.
- Security Measures: If your app handles sensitive information, investing in advanced security measures is a must.
Each factor contributes to the overall picture of your custom app development cost. Don’t just focus on minimizing cost; focus on maximizing value.
The Top Custom App Development Best Practice? Partner With Your Own Team of App Design and Development Experts
As a trusted consulting firm and a licensed UIPath partner, we offer custom app development services. Our commitment to cost-effective solutions sets us apart from the competition.
Whether it’s iOS, Android, or any other platform, our expert team is ready to build your custom app. And with our competitive pricing and in-house global team, you won’t have to worry about high costs or inconsistent quality.
With 14 years in business, 45 active clients, and over 350 employees, our track record speaks for itself. Choose 1Rivet today and let us help you transform your business through the power of custom app development.
Let’s get working. Contact us today.
