Mobile applications have become an essential part of the digital landscape. For users, they offer an enhanced customer experience thanks to their many functionalities. For businesses, they are a powerful lever for building customer loyalty, accessing more data, standing out from the competition... In short, the list goes on! Given their strategic importance, it's essential to obtain a precise and complete mobile application quote to avoid any unpleasant surprises on delivery, and to keep your budget under control.

Steps for obtaining a customer-side mobile application quote

Before requesting a quote, customers need to have a clear idea of what they want for their mobile application.

Defining your target

The first step is to clearly identify the application's target audience. Is it aimed at B2B or B2C customers? Is it aimed at users familiar with applications? Is the tool intended for internal use?

Knowing your target audience provides invaluable clues as to the level of complexity required for your application, as well as its design, among other things.

Define the scope

At this stage, it's essential to clarify the reasons for creating a mobile application . What specific needs will it address? What problems does it aim to solve?  

By answering these questions, you'll be able to draw up a list of the features you'll need. This list should be as exhaustive as possible, to avoid unforeseen problems and lay a solid foundation right from the start.

Define the framing

To define the application framework, we need to look at three key elements.

Tree 

The tree structure is the structure of the application. It shows the organization of the various pages and functionalities. Basically, defining it helps to visualize the overall path.

By defining this structure, we can better understand how the application's elements connect to each other to ensure fluid navigation for the user.

User path

The user journey describes the path the user will follow to complete a given action (register, purchase, consult content, etc.). This path must be intuitive, fluid and aligned with the target's expectations.

Working on the user journey upstream guarantees a better experience and limits the risk of friction that could discourage users from using your tool.

Backlog 

The backlog is the detailed list of all the features, improvements and fixes to be integrated into the application. Each item is prioritized according to its importance and complexity.

It's a central tool for organizing development and adjusting priorities during the course of a project, which is why it's so important to have a clear idea of what's involved before starting development.

At LeBackyard, we've helped numerous customers launch their applications. Thanks to our experience, we know how complex the transition from idea to project is. With our "Starting Block" offer, we can help you frame your application.

Existing application technologies

When requesting a mobile application quote, it's important to be aware that various technologies can be used, each responding to different needs and parameters.

Native technologies

Native technologies enable you to develop applications for a specific operating system, such as iOS or Android, using the languages specific to each platform.

This approach guarantees optimum performance, improved responsiveness, a smooth user experience and full access to the phone's native functionality. Although development takes longer and costs more, it is necessary for very specific applications.

Cross-platform technologies

Also known as hybrids, these are technologies such as React Native or Flutter, which make it possible to write a single code that runs on both iOS and Android. They offer a good compromise between development costs and performance.

This technology is recommended for companies wishing to have a presence on multiple platforms without multiplying costs.

Progressive Web App (PWA) technology 

The PWA makes applications accessible directly via a browser, while offering features similar to those of a natively developed application, such as push notifications and offline access.

They are developed using web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and are accessible on all devices without having to go through application stores.

This technology is an economical and flexible solution for businesses, even if it does limit access to certain functions.

Once you've defined the target, the scope, and the framework, you'll be recommended a specific technology. The cost will differ, as will its focus: web or mobile.

Keys to optimizing your mobile application quote

To obtain the most optimizedmobile application quote possible, it's important to focus on certain key aspects: 

• Define clear priorities: identify the essential functionalities for the initial launch of the application and differentiate them from additional options. This reduces costs by focusing on the core of the project.
• Choose an agile development method: opting for the agile method means you can develop in stages, test quickly, and adjust according to feedback, thus avoiding costly mistakes over the long term and offering better budget visibility.
• Budget for future iterations and enhancements: applications often require adjustments after launch. It is therefore essential to include a budget for these updates to ensure the application's longevity and relevance over time.

Common pitfalls to avoid

The whole point of requesting a quote is to get the most accurate possible estimate of the cost of your mobile application, so you can better control your budget. Here are some common mistakes to avoid: 

• don't include precise specifications: without detailed specifications, the cost of the project can rise as adjustments are made along the way. Define your needs from the outset to avoid unforeseen circumstances.
• Opting for overly complex functionalities: it's often wiser to integrate third-party solutions (such as Stripe for payments) in order to concentrate on the core of the product, without increasing the development effort and, therefore, the budget.
• don't map all interactions: by forgetting to list all the necessary interactions (notifications, e-mails, etc.), you run the risk of not anticipating certain costs and of having an incomplete application in terms of communication and engagement.

LeBackyard is there for you. Don't hesitate to contact us! With our experience of working with customers whose mobile application needs vary greatly, we'll be able to guide you to success.

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