Cost of App Development: Why You Keep Underestimating It?
When you start thinking about custom software application development, the first thing you consider is the cost of the entire project. The app development budget should be planned even before the actual development process begins. Without proper budget planning, there is a possibility to spend unnecessarily on the app, and at times the developed app cannot match the money invested.
You need to understand what you want from the app before you plan its development budget. The app idea and development plan should be outlined before the app development process begins. This helps you to know the number of resources required for the entire development process to run smoothly.
At times, the app development project exceeds the planned budget despite the time taken to design the whole project. The idea of going overboard with your spending can be nerve wrecking. But, why does it happen at first? What makes you spend more for something you had planned? The following are some reasons why your app development project can go over budget.
1. Lack of proper project discovery
Project Discovery is the process of determining what needs to be accomplished through the app; that is, the purpose and features of the app. Project development also helps the app product owner to define the intended vision of the app clearly.
This minimizes the occasions where the owner might be required to make changes when the development process has already begun. If project discovery is inaccurately done or skipped, the app development budget is bound to go over budget.
Mitigation strategy: Invest time in the project discovery phase to define the vision and purpose of the app clearly, identify key features, and outline a comprehensive development plan. Regular communication and validation of requirements with stakeholders can ensure alignment and minimize changes during the development process.
2. Unexpected scope creep
Scope creep is the term used to define any changes in the app features and requirements during the development stage. Most app owners have the tendency to ask for changes once the app development has begun. This leads to increased workload and extension for the expected delivery time, thus driving up the cost of the app.
Mitigation strategy: Implement a robust change management process to evaluate the impact of any proposed changes on cost and timeline before approving them. This can help control scope creep and keep the project within budget and on schedule.
3. Developing for several platforms at the same time
Most app owners want to develop the app to be used on both IOS and Android platforms at the same time. They think it's easier and saves time. However, this can be costly as the issues which arise during the development process will require double resources to be resolved hence increasing the cost in the long run.
Mitigation strategy: Consider launching the app on one platform first, then based on user feedback and technical learnings, make any necessary improvements before launching on the second platform.
Additional Factors Impacting Your App Development Budget
With these common reasons for exceeding the budget in mind, it is also essential to broaden our perspective and consider additional factors that can impact the overall cost of your app development. Let's discuss these in detail to help you anticipate potential expenditures and create a more accurate and effective budget plan.
Maintenance and Updates
Don't forget to budget for the cost of maintaining the app post-development, including regular updates to fix bugs, improve functionality, and keep up with platform changes and user expectations.
Quality Assurance Testing
Costs associated with extensive QA testing to ensure the app is bug-free and runs smoothly are often underestimated. It's important to allocate sufficient budget and time for this phase to avoid unexpected expenses down the line.
Marketing and Promotion Costs
If the application is meant for public use, remember to factor in marketing and promotion costs. This can include app store optimization, online advertising, social media marketing, and more.
By keeping these factors in mind and planning accordingly, you can help ensure your app development project stays within budget and is successful in meeting its intended goals.
Future Proofing
You should also consider the costs of future-proofing the app to ensure its continued relevance. This may involve updates to accommodate new technological advancements, enhanced security features, integration with other software, or scalability to handle increased user load. It's essential to keep these future-oriented costs in mind when budgeting for your app development.
External Consultations and Services
You might also need to use external consultation or services like cloud hosting, third-party APIs, or analytics tools. Such costs should be factored into your budget planning process.
Legal and Compliance Costs
Depending on the nature of the app, there may be legal and compliance costs to consider, such as data privacy and protection, intellectual property rights, or meeting industry-specific regulations. It's important to research and understand any potential legal and compliance implications for your app and factor in associated costs into the overall budget.
Unexpected Delays and Challenges
Every project encounters unexpected challenges and delays that can extend timelines and increase costs. It's always a good idea to include a contingency in your budget to manage any unexpected circumstances that may arise.
Understanding the User
User research is key to developing an app that meets the needs and expectations of your target audience. Costs associated with user research such as surveys, user testing, and feedback collection should be included in your budget.
Training Costs
If your app is complex or will be used by a specific group of people, you may need to allocate funds to training users. This may include creating user guides, providing in-person training, or developing online tutorials.
In conclusion, app development costs are not limited to the development process itself. Many other factors can influence the total cost of bringing your app to life. By planning ahead and considering these potential costs, you can budget more effectively and improve your chances of delivering a successful app within your desired budget.