Business Technology How to make an app

G'day pc brains trust

Anyone know some good reliable websites reference info to use to build an app?

Also the things involved to get one up and running? How to charge money, how to collect money and then the tax abn side of things?

Also how much to charge? Is there a guide available on what to charge?

With that's to the "building " the idea is fairly basic, Eg opening say the call screen in the phone and being able to dial and a yes/no type function.
So it would be using the phones functions rather than a game or anything requiring extensive designing

 

Also how to protect the idea and app to prevent copying and to make it possible to sell. Is this going down the intellectual property Avenue?

 

Building - Find a programmer / developer and tell them your ideas and they should be able to put it together. You can use guides such as https://developer.android.com/training/basics/firstapp/index.html if you want to have a go yourself, otherwise look up freelance programmers/developers online.

Selling - You need an account with Apple / Android. Both have an app market place and have a process to follow in order to get the app vetted by them. If approved, their platform handles the money side of things and distributes to you.

Most people offer something as a free trial first (perhaps with limited functionality) to see who'd be interested.

 

Awesome thanks @D.T.
You learn something new everyday!

They do it tough don't they -apple and google! I thought iTunes was a good way to do business... Instead of millions of "record shops " around the world we'll force everyone to come through us or you can't play music! The world is changing but it's all being run through the few big companies. Interesting world to be part of in silicone Valley!

 

there are a few payment processors that can be integrated into apps. your developer would know more about this.

yeah, dig around on the net for the zillion pricing experiments run by app developers. I would read this too http://stuartkhall.com/posts/an-app-store-experiment

IP, I can PM you a reputable, WA based lawyer who specialises in securing the IP of technology related ventures if you like?

 

Thanks @may Gordon that would be handy.
Any idea of costs involved? One of fees or yearly etc

 

varies wildly.

depends on the developer you go with - local, reputable agency who won't rip you off and provide ongoing support or fly by nighter off a freelancer site who ups and disappears when the going gets tough.
the complexity of what you are proposing
how well designed you want it or if you just want something rough and ready, etc.

hit up a few app developers for quotes.

 

Dam it just found the same app out there. Didn't search hard enough last time.

It's only had a 1000 down loads though

 

Tell me your idea and I will see what I can work out

 

I might still look into, at least have a play could be fun to learn the process, go the DIY option.
Still varies significantly to the one i found... Mine is simpler, much like myself

@Brian84 it's an app where you fling a bird through the air and hit a bunch of stuff, sounds ridiculous to actually take off

 

Don't get angry @bob shovel lol

 

I've been looking at developing an app. One place mentioned it was a great idea however due to the functionality, it would cost between $100-$150k! -_-
in terms of IP, many developers have non disclosure sections within the contract, so hopefully you'll be fine especially if they are reputable.

 

Whoa! That's a few cases
Have you looked at sourcing it to someone overseas?

For someone born in 1903 your looking alright @Fitzy1903 the Mrs must be a good carer for you

 

Haha definitely a few cases. I haven't looked overseas as I would prefer to be part of the process - perhaps bit of a trust issue. Plus, I think even though the app would be user friendly, it would have complexities, so I'd need a team to work with.
Have you had any experience with overseas app developers? Anyone reputable?

 

Haha she's often putting wrinkle cream in front of me Honestly, I'm 27, and she does..haha.

 

I have nill experience in this department!

God!they all must do it!
My Mrs has given up on me now, I'm glad our daughter wants the smelly oils, gives me a break

 

Udemy.Com has great courses in app dev.

I learnt some of the basics of Android, and also got into Unity3D (cross platform)

You can buy and sell apps on Flippa.Com and fliptopia.com but it's a dangerous marketplace.

To hire devs you can use elance odesk or freelancer. There are even courses on udemy telling you how to do this. A good one by an Adelaide guy called Tim Buchalka I think.

Quora.com is the question and answer heaven for app business ideas, or even for making money etc from other ideas. Some great people answering questions there and always an interesting read.

One thing successful software entrepreneurs say is that don't waste time worrying if someone will steal your idea. It's the dedication, hard work, and delivery that counts.

Microsoft was just a better apple. Apple was a better Xerox. Google was a better yahoo. Facebook was a better MySpace. None of these were totally original stealable ideas. Someone might know your idea but they still won't do crap all about making it happen, everyone has their own problems to worry about.

It's very hard to make a buck doing this too. The top 2% of apps make almost all of the money. The other guys get crap all.
Google and apple take 30% commission of sales. And if it's based on ad revenue - you need massive volumes.

Sorry to sound negative but you need to do it for love first and money later if ever.

 

100k!!!!

I thoght an up would take a few days to design.

Damn!

 

Yeah, I told my missus last night and she nearly fell off the bed..haha.

But I guess it depends on how complex it is. Our idea deals with people's financial information so privacy is key. Plus this development company not only develops the app, but takes you through what functionalities are important, aids in marketing, shows what will retain customers etc.. They say it takes 3-6 months to get the app developed and ready for the market.
We're definitely going to look into a few other companies though.
I just think going down the cheap get your app developed route won't give you the returns unless you're a serious entrepreneur (I even had to google how to spell that word so an obvious newb to the entrepeneurial world..haha).