If you can, try specializing in mobile application coding while you are in school. Other degrees in relevant fields can also help, such as in software development. In fact, some schools offer degrees specifically in mobile app development. [2] X Research source
Android is the dominate market, but Apple is not far behind. One of these two would be a good place to start. [4] X Research source
One example of a place where you can learn coding is W3Schools, a well-known website for learning coding. It has a section on JQuery Mobile, which you can use to create mobile apps. This coding system is based in CSS3 and HTML5. [6] X Research source You can also try places that offer free online courses on a wide variety of subjects, such as edX or Coursera.
Having experience in the field, even if it’s just developing your own app, can put you ahead of other candidates. [9] X Research source
For instance, apps such as DocScan and Scannable were developed because people needed a way to scan and store documents away from computers. The people who developed the app saw a need and filled it. Other apps, such as recipe apps, make it easier for people to find and use recipes because it’s easier to use a recipe off a tablet or phone than off of a computer.
One trick is to make sure you’re using as much of the screen as you can. That doesn’t mean you should cover every available inch with controls because you need negative space around the tools to make it readable. You have to balance using as much space as you can with making your buttons as large as you can. Partially, that means you need to keep your controls and buttons as simple as you can. [11] X Research source Make it easy to understand. That is, your user shouldn’t need to reference other pages to figure out how to use your app. They should be able to figure it out just from the controls. [12] X Research source
If you’re not sure where to hire help, you can check freelancing sites such as UpWork, where you can hire people in different fields.
In other words, have your friends download the app on your phone. Let them play through it to see if they notice glitches. It’s also important to get feedback on how the app and controls work. Ask your friends questions such as “Did you have trouble working the controls?” and “What problems do you see with the app?”
With each platform, you must think about different problems. For instance, when moving from iOS to Android, you have to consider screen size difference. In iOS, the number of screen sizes is more limited, while Android has a much wider variety, and your app is going to look a little differently on each one. [15] X Research source Moreover, while choosing the platform for an application, you must also consider your target audience. However, a majority of users use an Android platform. Hence, it’s mandatory to understand your end-users and develop an app based on their demands and criteria. Another factor that you can consider is the promotion of an app. Marketing is an essential factor to let the world know about your product – application. Since your app is made for users, you should lure them to requirements and ease process. Another key point is to keep it simple. The more complicated it is, the harder it will be to convert and to have it look nice on different screens. [16] X Research source
Internships are great experience, but don’t expect to be coding right away. You’ll likely be doing at least some menial tasks while working at an internship. Many of the major tech companies will offer internships to local college students, so check their websites, as well.
While some companies may let you telecommute, most of the time, they are going to want you in the office. Many tech companies value group creativity, which is easier to encourage in an office setting.
What type of company you apply to depends on what you want. If you work at a startup, you’re likely to have more hands-on time with the app and maybe more control. However, you don’t know if a company is going to succeed or fail in it’s early stages. With a more established company, you’re more likely to be working on one small part of several apps, rather than being in control; on the other hand, you can be more confident that the company doesn’t go under.
Be sure to highlight the experience you have in your cover letter. For instance, if you had an internship, you could say, “I would be a valuable asset to your company, as I already have experience coding at a similarly sized tech company. I interned at XYZ Tech for 6 months in 2014. "
Some companies offer the app for free, then charge to make the game faster or more enjoyable, such as offering packs of coins or stars. Customers may already find these types of incentives in the game, but the packs make the game move along more quickly for impatient players, especially if you pace the game so that only so much can be completed in a day without more of the in-game coinage. Find the right keywords. When naming your app and writing up a description, think about what your customers will be looking for. What word would you use to search for your app? You need to make that a part of your title, description, or keywords if possible. [22] X Research source Use in-app sharing. One way to encourage users to share is to have ways to help each other in the game, such as being able to give other users extra lives. If users can share on major social media platforms, such as Facebook, you’ll have more luck with word-of-mouth. [23] X Research source Don’t forget to pay. You can set up an app on Facebook or a mobile platform, but if you’re not willing to pay for advertising, you’re going to have a hard time building your customer base, especially if you’re just relying on your friends.
