The App Store is laden with thousands of apps for us to download, some more helpful than others. So what do you do when you’ve got a multi-million dollar app idea that you know could impact the lives of everyone that downloads it? Spread the word and get the wheels in motion of course. But what are the first steps?

Fine tuning your initial idea

Before you approach any investors or even think about publishing any of your work, you need to make sure that you’ve analysed and fine-tuned every aspect of your idea. This is involves working out the details and developing the designs that will make your app stand out. It’s the time to ask yourself questions like:How is it going to work? Which functions would I like to include? Have I catered to my target audience? Why will people need this app? Is it accessible and available to all? Is my idea completely unique and original? Take notes, make sketches, brainstorm and get creative!

Considering a template

If you’re not really a tech/software whizz and struggling to work out where to start, an app template will allow you to save time during the development stage. UI kits contain a choice of HTML/CSS files, designs, fonts, icons and similar useful tools.

Thinking about how to fund your app

Developing an app that is available to millions of users worldwide can cost thousands of pounds. It is hard to say how much it will cost to develop the app exactly, but according to some estimations, you should expect to pay between £15,000 and £100,000.

With that said, here are some of the ways you can fund an app are:

– Save the money yourself!
This is the least risky option and will give you time to plan everything carefully while you save.

– Crowdfunding campaigns
These are a proven way to raise money and generate interest for your new app and start-up. Even if you don’t receive a lot of support for your app, you can still test how people react to it and how much interest the app could generate.

– Applying for a loan
This is usually only a good strategy if you have thoroughly tested your idea and are certain that it will be received well. When considering a loan, you should think about how long it could take you to make the money back that you borrowed and when you would need to see a profit.

– Investors
Investors are always looking for new and upcoming projects that they can help fund. If they like the idea and are ready to carry some or all of the start-up costs, they will likely ask for a share and/or some rights to the company.

Getting acquainted with the legal side of things

As fun, creative and exciting developing your own app can be, it also calls for legal intervention to make sure your work, your designs and your ideas are protected. Calling upon technology lawyers can help you copyright your work and teach you about your rights when it comes to imitation and plagiarism. Contracts and patents are used to protect original work.

Additionally, you should reach out to technology lawyers before signing a contract with an angel investor. Even if a friend or relative helps you fund the app via investment, it can always be a good idea to draw up a contract in order to avoid misunderstandings later on.

Publishing your app

Many app stores generate a lot of traffic and are sometimes available to use for free. Amazon, Opera Mobile Store, APTOIDE, Appszoom, SlideME and 1MOBILE are just some of them. To upload it to the App store or Google Play, you need to meet certain requirements. It’s best to check these before you start developing your idea initially.

Marketing your app

This is the tough part, but also the fun part! Market your app everywhere where you can reach your target audience. Take advantage of well-known and niche social media platforms, paid adverts, brochures, websites, get blogs to write about it. Or, if you have the funds, you can hire someone who excels at marketing start-up apps.

Your app could become very successful very quickly so make sure you are prepared for when it becomes a popular download. Good luck!