• Creating a plan of what you want
• Finding the right technology
• Choosing the platforms
• Careful designing and prototypes
• Outsourcing developers

1. Creating a plan of what you want

Before you proceed with design and development, you should have a complete plan about what you want to build and how you can build it in a cost-effective way. Not deciding on the features of the app, proceeding without a detailed design, and not setting the appropriate outcomes the app is supposed to provide, will result in constant reiterations and will only raise your cost. Once you have the app idea here is what you should do:

Create a detailed document of the features/functions of the app

List down the UI/UX tweaks you want in the app. Just a rough idea of how you want the app to look like

Divide each task into milestones and proceed to the next step only when the previous milestone is achieved

If you want to find out a detailed method of how to plan and execute an app, read more at You can build the next million-dollar app with these 9 easy steps

2. Finding the right technology

Each language and framework you use for the development of your mobile or web app has a different cost. The cost of backend technology for the development of a mobile app, or the cost of a server for hosting a website is dependent on the features, audience, and functions the app has to deliver. Custom backend development of an app will cost more than a pre-made backend technology such as Firebase or Parse. For making the right choice, you should consult an app development agency and discuss with a professional about pros and cons of different technologies.

3. Choosing the platforms

If you are designing a mobile app then you can get the app for Android, iOS (Apple), or both. But if you want to save your cost, there can be two approaches you can use

1. If you are certain that you want your app to be available to both android and apple users, then opt for the cross-platform development method instead of getting both apps built on their native platforms. Cross-platform development allows your app to be used across multiple platforms with a one-time development cost, thus making it a more cost-saving choice. Read more at Native Or Cross-platform, What’s More Profitable?

2. If you are uncertain about the result and success of the app, then it is wise to test it on one platform first (either android or iOS). This will give you time to analyze the results on one platform while saving your cost of development on the other platform. And if your app is successful, then you can get it developed for other platform as well, this time with more experience of the whole process of app development

Looking for guidance about the platforms? Reach out to professionals

4. Careful designing and prototypes

Good wireframing and prototyping is the key to saving cost during the development of an app. The reason is that prototypes and wireframes serve as a sample of the app that allows you to see the flow, usability, and interactions the app will provide. If there is a UI/UX element that you do not like, it can be easily modified during the design procedure. Flow and interactions of the app can also be altered during design. But modifying these details after they have been developed, will be complicated and costly. Therefore, a special focus should be put on the design processes regardless of the time consumption to ensure a good prototype that does not require modifications and iterations after development.

5. Outsourcing developers

The outsourcing model is growing rapidly around the globe due to several benefits and IT services such as mobile app development and web app development are the most commonly outsourced. This is another factor that can cause a huge dent in your cost. Freelancers and remote developers are experts in their fields and charge you less than a professional company or an in-house hired employee, making them a better and more cost-effective choice. There are multiple platforms where you can find the right developers and if you are looking to save even more, then fresh freelancers from developing countries like Pakistan, India, Philippines etc. will be the best choice

Fun Fact: Pakistan is ranked as the 4th most popular country for freelancing and is consistently ranked among the top destinations for outsourcing because of the exponential growth of the IT sector.

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The End-Note

If you carefully plan your steps and work on milestones then it is possible that you avoid any extra costs that may be in your way towards digitization. But it is important to have a realistic budget when you are opting for an app or web development service, so you can get the best results