Introduction
Developing an app can incur a substantial amount of cost that small businesses and individuals may not be able to afford. The average cost of building an app can range from $100,000 to $500,000. This amount can be far beyond the budget of many small businesses and entrepreneurs who are trying to develop and expand their brand. Fortunately, there are free resources available that can help to reduce the cost of app development. In this article, we will be exploring some of the best free tools for making an app and provide a step-by-step guide for creating an app with minimal to no cost.
7 Free Tools for Making Your First App
Before diving into development, it’s helpful to be familiar with the different resources available for creating an app. Below, we’ve listed seven free tools that you can use to build your first app. Each tool has been briefly described, detailing its purpose, how it’s useful, and any drawbacks. Along with this is a list of popular apps that have been built using them.
1. MIT App Inventor
MIT App Inventor is a tool that allows users to create custom applications for their Android devices by dragging and dropping visual objects. This tool requires no programming experience, and the created app is directly connected to your device. Some drawbacks include a limited set of features and no support for iOS developing.
Popular apps created using MIT App Inventor: PaintPot, Magic 8 Ball.
2. Thunkable
Thunkable is similar to MIT App Inventor, allowing users to create applications with a drag-and-drop interface. This tool also supports both Android and iOS devices and comes with a broad range of features to adjust your designs and actions. A disadvantage of this platform is that you must purchase a premium subscription to access all the features.
Popular apps created using Thunkable: Otter, Speak2Me.
3. Appy Pie
Appy Pie is an online app builder that comes with a step-by-step guide to program and publish your app. This platform supports many features such as building custom interfaces and integrating third-party API for free. However, this tool comes with a watermarked version when used under the Free plan.
Popular apps created using Appy Pie: Wiggles, Snoop app.
4. AppMakr
AppMakr is an online app builder that lets you instantly convert your web content into a mobile-friendly app. It is easy to use, and you don’t need experience or technical knowledge to create your first app. Though, it doesn’t support custom designs, and there are only limited features to use.
Popular apps created using AppMakr: Greta, Los Angeles Academy.
5. BuildFire
BuildFire is an app maker for both Android and iOS devices. The platform also offers hundreds of templates and plugins to help you customize and enhance your app. The free subscription, however, is limited in terms of the number of features and templates available.
Popular apps created using BuildFire: Michigan State University, University of Arizona.
6. AppsGeyser
AppsGeyser allows users to turn a web page or website into an Android app and offers a built-in library of features to enhance your design and user experience. However, like Appy Pie, the free version has a watermarked app when published.
Popular apps created using AppsGeyser: NewsBreak, Radio Honduras.
7. Glide
Glide is a tool for making visually rich mobile applications using Google Sheets. With Glide, it is easy to connect your spreadsheet to the app and create a custom user-interface for your app. The disadvantage of this tool is that it is not suited for complex processes, and the app can only be previewed on your device after publishing it on the app store.
Popular apps created using Glide: Wellness Coach, Home Cleaning Checklist.
Start Your Own App: A Beginner’s Guide to Free App Making
Now that we’ve listed some free tools for creating an app let’s move on to understanding the basics of app development with a beginner’s guide to free app making.
What is App Development?
App development is a process of building software applications that run on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. To develop an app, a developer must have a clear idea of the user interface (UI), user experience (UX), design, and functionality of the app. He or she must also choose the right tools, programming languages, and frameworks for the development environment.
Getting Started with App Development
Before creating an app, choose which device you want to focus on. There are two primary mobile operating systems, iOS and Android. Start learning the programming languages that suit the operating system you want to develop for. Kotlin and Java are perfect for Android development, while Swift and Objective-C are ideal for iOS app development.
Importance of Prototyping and Tools to Use
Prototyping is an essential part of the app development process. Before starting to develop the actual application, it’s a good idea to create a prototype or a demo of the app’s UI, which will help you identify and test potential flaws and errors in your design. Some key tools that are ideal for creating app prototypes include Adobe XD, Sketch, and InVision.
The Best Free App Builders for Non-Developers
If you’re a non-developer looking to build an app quickly and easily, using an app builder is the best option. An app builder is an online platform that allows you to create professional-looking applications without any coding knowledge. Here are some of the best free app builders to help you get started:
1. AppMySite
AppMySite is an app builder that allows you to create an app for your online store without any coding skills. The platform comes with a visual app editor, numerous customization options, and a free plan with a single app and unlimited push notifications. AppMySite also provides tight integrations with Shopify and WooCommerce.
2. AppMakr
As mentioned above, AppMakr is an app builder that allows you to easily create an app from any RSS feed, social media feed or website. You don’t need any coding skills to create an app, and the platform provides numerous customization options to help you design your app. You can also use the platform to monetize your app with ads or publish it on Google Play and the App Store.
3. Appy Pie
Appy Pie is a popular app builder that offers a free plan with limited features and a premium plan with more customization and design options. The platform is user-friendly and provides drag-and-drop interfaces to create visually appealing apps. You can also integrate third-party APIs into your app and publish it directly onto the app store.
How to Create an App for Free: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you would prefer a more comprehensive guide to creating an app from beginning to end, then follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose Your Idea
You should have a clear idea of what kind of app you want to build. This could be a social networking app, a game, a productivity app, or anything else you can imagine.
Step 2: Create Your Prototype
Create a prototype of your app’s design. This will help you identify potential flaws and errors while allowing you to test the user interface.
Step 3: Select a Development Framework
You don’t have to be a developer to create an app, but you do need a development framework. There are several development platforms to choose from, such as Android Studio, Xcode, and React Native. Choose the one that will suit your project’s requirements.
Step 5: Build Your App with the Selected Framework
Start the development process by building your app using the selected framework. Follow the instructions that come with the framework to initialize the project.
Step 6: Test Your App for Bugs
It’s essential to test your app for any bugs or errors before publishing it. Run it on an emulator or a physical device to check for issues.
Step 7: Publish Your App on App Store
Publish your app on the app store by creating an Apple Developer account for iOS apps or a Google Play account for Android apps. Promote your app on social media and other platforms to reach a wider audience.
Free App Development: Understanding the Basics
If you’ve made it this far, you might still be struggling to understand some of the app development processes. Don’t worry, we got you covered by providing a basic overview of terms and processes used in app development:
1. User Interface (UI)
UI refers to the layout and visuals of your app. This includes buttons, icons, color schemes, and typography.
2. User Experience (UX)
UX refers to the overall experience of using your app. This includes how easy it is to navigate, how intuitive the controls are, and the quality of the content provided.
3. API
API stands for Application Programming Interface. It is a set of tools and protocols for developers to create software applications. APIs allow third-party services to integrate with your app, such as Facebook Login or Google Maps.
4. Debugging
Debugging refers to the process of identifying and removing bugs and errors from your app. It’s an essential part of the app development cycle.
DIY App Creation: How to Build an App for Free
If you’re still not confident in creating your app, here are some tips for you to consider:
Tip 1: Keep Your Design Simple
When designing your app, keep the user interface simple and easy to navigate. Avoid using too many colors, fonts, or graphics that can make your app look cluttered.
Tip 2: Create a Storyboard
Before starting on the actual app, create a storyboard or a flowchart to map out the different screens your app will have.
Tip 3: Use Prefabricated Tools
Using prefabricated tools like Java libraries and plug-ins can help fast track the process. When using these tools, ensure that they work well together.
From Idea to App: How to Develop Your Own Mobile Application for Free
Finally, let’s take a look at how to start developing your own app idea. Here are some steps you can follow:
Step 1: Research Your Idea
Before starting to develop your app, research your idea thoroughly. Check for similar existing apps and identify their strengths and weaknesses.
Step 2: Define Your Target Audience
You should have a clear idea of who your app targets. Defining your audience is important as it helps to tailor your app’s user interface and experience to suit their needs.
Step 3: Create a Prototype
Create a prototype as described above to help you visualize the design and functionality of your app.
Step 4: Develop Your MVP
Your minimum viable product (MVP) is a basic version of your app with only the core features that you can release to the public for testing.
Step 5: Get Feedback from Your Users
Get feedback from your users and adjust your app accordingly. Ensure that your app is reliable, bug-free and user-friendly.
Step 6: Publish Your App on the App Store
Finally, publish your app on the app store. Keep in mind the guidelines for each app store when publishing your app. App Store guidelines can be found here, and Google Play guidelines can be found here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, creating an app for free is within the reach of anyone willing to spend time and effort. With all the tools and resources we’ve provided in this article, there is no reason not to give it a try. Develop your app without breaking the bank and fulfill your dreams of having your app in the app stores.
