We've been receiving quite a volume of calls and emails from some inquisitive entrepreneurs and companies. For the most part the initial part of the conversation is centered around a single, almost universal, theme.
How much does it cost to build a mobile app?
I suppose the answer to this question depends on who you ask. For ISBX, we generally start at around $20,000 for a single platform application.
Why does it cost so much?
Technically it’s as simple as: Time x Resource Cost; where Resource Cost is a function of competency and experience – but I’m sure you’ve guessed that it’s not quite that simple.
The cost is in the work required.
ISBX defines “mobile application development” as the development of software applications for mobile phones and tablets. Since most of your ideas (and our clients) are novel and unique, it means that we have to write a piece of software that does not exist. . .from scratch.
To do this, we need to staff competent developers who are well versed in writing in the various mobile languages and further understand the complexity of developing for devices with certain hardware constraints (constraints that might not otherwise exist when developing software for a desktop computer or web application). Many applications also need to communicate with a backend system located on a server, such as a Content Management System or a database. Our developers need to have the skill to seamlessly integrate these components so that your app functions flawlessly to the end user.
Further complications arise when an idea that you may present is not completely “flushed out.” Perhaps it is because you have not addressed all of the relevant questions from a technical perspective or even from a basic functional perspective. These are the questions that are necessary for us to answer, but may have never crossed your mind. We may need to go through a detailed scope and information architecture phase and conceptualize each individual piece of functionality, from the various screens in the app, to the behaviors of all unique components of the user interface.
How is the app going to look?
Our Creative Design team will take a pass and develop the design for the User Interface based on their knowledge of UI design and real world case studies of the numerous apps we have already developed.
A more detailed explanation of our mobile application development lifecycle.
If you take all of these variables and have a professional agency like ours assemble them together, you have a six to eight week long process (at the very minimum) with multiple teams involved. The art of designing and writing code is fairly complex and relies on rather well-compensated employees. All of these costs are passed down to the client, hence the starting cost can be rather expensive for individuals seeking to transform their idea into an app the world can love.
Can it be done for less?
Sure. If you can outsource it to someone who doesn’t quite speak your language or find a single developer who can do both UI design and software development, you might be able to save on cost. But, without a doubt, you will sacrifice quality and time. Not to mention if the developer takes on another gig, or abandons the project, you’ll have to take your half-baked app and hope the next developer can continue where the previous left off. Most of our clients are not willing to consider these options. There may also be some incredibly resourceful (or desperate) agencies that can start for less, although with our experience in this industry, we feel our prices are very competitive.
Given all costs, is it even worth spending the time and money?
This is a decision that must ultimately be made by you or your company. By the end of 2011 there will be 150 million smartphone in active use in the United States alone. This is a huge collective universe that all of the major brands are trying to tap into. It is, without a doubt, that a mobile app is one of the most effective ways of getting to this audience.
The infographic below provides some data on what the mobile and tablet universe looks like today.
The statistics are hard to ignore, and based on the growth of this industry within the last two years, most of these numbers are expected to increase significantly. Consumer usage on a mobile device represents significant brand exposure, real world usage of your app, and real dollars earned.
As always, if you have the budget, ISBX is here for all of your mobile application development needs.
