Whether you want to reach out to your existing and potential clients or want to create a life-changing service, using a mobile app is one of the best ways to go. After all, the absolute majority of people use smartphones, and an average US smartphone user spends almost 3 hours per day on his/her mobile device, with 85 percent of this time using apps. Whether you consider it a good or a bad thing, it is a fact – and a fact you should use. However, even large companies find it expensive to develop and launch their own apps – which is why anything you can to do decrease this expense is a godsend.

1.   Start with an MVP

MVP (minimum viable product) is a barebones version of an app that contains only the most basic functionality and may even have an incomplete user interface. Your primary purpose in developing an MVP is to deliver a working version of your app as soon as possible to give your clients something to work with. It is useful in a variety of ways: it helps you receive feedback that will help you with the further development, it attracts attention and creates a core of faithful customer base, it allows you to start earning money with your product. Although MVP development cost is by no means low, it is much more affordable than developing a full app before launching it. As it ensures that you iron out most bugs and take users’ wishes into account before the launch proper, it is a must-have if you want to minimize production costs.

2.   Keep It Simple

The most obvious money-saving tip is probably also the least followed one. Businesses are usually too keen on adding as many features as possible – which both bloat the price and turns the users off. When an app has just a couple of absolutely essential functions and does its job right, it is much more likely to be used than a monstrosity with an overcrowded UI.

3.   Search Engine Optimization

One may think that SEO is not related to saving money when launching an app – and one cannot be more wrong. The success or failure of an app depends on its visibility, and the only way to ensure its visibility is to make sure as many people as possible find out about it. According to http://luckyposting.com, the best way to ensure your name is associated with professionalism and knowledge in your chosen niche is content marketing – spread useful information related to your niche (for example, via guest posting) before the launch of your app, and your potential audience will be readier to accept it.

4.   Say “No” to Push Notifications

Unless they are essential for the proper functioning of your app, you should not use push notifications, as this feature can increase the overall price of your app by 25 to 30 percent. In addition, they require ongoing maintenance, which is going to increase the real price even more as time goes on.

An app can be a foundation of a business in and of itself or a powerful addition to your business strategy; however, you do not have to burn money to build one. Follow these tips, and you will be able to launch your app even on a tight budget!