Apps have become a pivotal cog in the wheel of business over the last year. Companies in the millions have invested in apps to get their products onto people’s smartphones. The cost of developing an app can be anything from £5,000 to £50,000 and more, but it’s important to remember that higher figures don’t necessarily mean the app will be better.
Differences in application development costs range from business to business and service to service, so coughing up large sums to build your app doesn't mean it's guaranteed to be a hit. There are many factors to consider, and it can become daunting if you don't know where to start.
To help you choose the right app developer for you, we’ve put together a checklist of elements to consider when it comes to how much it should cost to make an app.
Cost of developing an app
Some companies may simply give you one overall quote, but in reality, the cost of developing an app is the accumulation of lots of smaller costs. Breaking the overall charge down into subsections will help you understand what is included in the app development process and why this may differ from one business to another.
How much it costs to develop an app includes the time spent, app functionality, dev team location, and project complexity.
Time spent
App developers don't just get to work straight away. There’s also the discovery, research, UX/UI design, testing and implementation phases, all of which will take time and factor into the cost. Professional app development companies will not try to lock you into a long-term contract before finding out what it is you need. The discovery and design phase should make up around 10-30% of the total cost, and it should also be the only cost you commit to when you start to work together. If you find there's good chemistry between your team and the development company after this stage, then the app should be a larger investment at the next stage.
Depending on your industry, your business and your needs, your app may take more time to code, develop and set live, all of which will add to the charge. Therefore, it's essential to consider the time spent building your app when looking into the cost.
App functionality
It's not just the time spent to create your app that needs to be taken into account when looking at the cost; it’s also your app's functionality. The type of app needed to fit your business’s requirements will impact the price you pay for it. Whether you’re looking to replicate your website on a mobile-friendly app or offer additional functionality like gamification, the code required for your app will account for a portion of the overall cost. And working with a knowledgeable team who can help you work out exactly what your business needs are will help you avoid any unexpected added fees. At ADASTRA·ONE, we balance speed with quality by agreeing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with you and your team. We work out what the app needs as a minimum so you can go live as quickly as possible, before building other features into the app in later versions.
Dev team location
Your app's cost can also vary due to the level of expertise offered by the developer, and whether they're a freelancer or you're working with a team within a business. Most companies will include a team of experts, from designers to engineers. Whereas a freelancer can be a designer and engineer and offer application maintenance all rolled into one, they’re more likely to be an expert in just one area of development. This could mean that your app's cost is higher, as you may need assistance from multiple experts. The takeaway is, the type of service can differ between a business or a freelancer, so it’s good practice to do your research. A great place to start is with testimonials.
Project complexity
The application development process also has a bearing on how much it costs to make an app. Project complexity can include the project's size - the number of pages/screens within the app, connectivity to other applications both inside and outside of your business, and the amount of code required for the programme. Factors like these will, unsurprisingly, affect the costing of an app.
Additional features like GPS, personalised push notifications or Augmented Reality (AR) features can further add to the complexity of the development- and the cost.
How much does it cost to maintain an app?
The cost to maintain an app can vary from £50 to £5,000 or more. This depends on the complexity of your app, how many developers are required to maintain the app and whether you need 24/7 support.
It isn’t just paying to create the app that you need to consider; it’s also the upkeep. You’re unlikely to see results from your app if it isn’t tended to, and doing so takes time and skill. That’s why many businesses offer application development services, as well as app maintenance. A good app developer will include data analytics in your app's code, allowing you to gather data about your users and monitor both the engagement and content. Understanding the data and rectifying any issues will go a long way to ensuring the user experience is seamless and effective. As with all things related to apps, this will also come at a price, and the level of involvement will determine how much it costs.
App development at ADASTRA·ONE
At ADASTRA·ONE, we consider the whole process when providing a quote for how much it costs to build your app. And we make it our job to keep you and your company in the loop by getting to know you and your business goals and requirements. Our team of developers and designers work closely with you and the rest of your team, to ensure your app meets all your requirements.
And that’s not all. Rather than applying a standard fee or process, we create individual quotes and bespoke products.
Our proven methodology consists of 4 phases and provides a clear structure for success:
- Discovery
- Design
- Engineering
- Maintenance and Future Development
We include maintenance and future development as part of the app process, so you can count on us to be on hand when you need us.
Conclusion
When asking “how much does it cost to make an app?” we recommend looking beyond the price. The cost can depend on a variety of factors, as mentioned above, but it’s also a good idea to do your research. Each app developer will offer different service and level of expertise, so taking the time to find out what they can do and if their service caters to your needs will help you avoid losing out on your app investment.