So, You Have An App Idea? What Now?

Before I started making mobile apps I was known as the computer guy whose friends and family automatically volunteered my time freely to help everyone with their tech gadgets. While I do love helping people, it was getting a little out of hand, and had to put an end to that. Since I've evolved into creating apps everyone tells me their “million-dollar app ideas” and how I should make it for them and we could split the profits solely based on them giving me an idea. Needless to say, I do all the work while they wait until I publish and they collect their share right? Nope sorry! That's not how I work around here. The thing is, everyone has some app idea that they believe is worth a million dollars. While I can agree some ideas probably are, the factor that determines if an app is successful isn't how pretty it is but how the market responds to it. It also takes quite a lot of hard work and patience. Some apps don't hit big downloads it's the first month or even 5 months, I've seen some hit a year later.

I have tons of app ideas written down all around my office but only a few ever get chosen. The thing for me is I have to have the passion for the idea to work, this passion is what I need to fuel my drive to finish the app all the way through. The process of creating an app, as simple as it sounds can reach complexities in the backend code that not even the best software engineers can predict or fully know until we dive in. It's not uncommon to have to change the look and feel of software based on limitations or certain features allowed per device. Being an app developer is very rewarding but also has its challenges where the coder has to make the best decision for the circumstances given.

Ideas are a dime a dozen but, execution is how you get it done.

When I first had the inspiration to create apps, all I had was an idea. I took that idea, laid out plans on how to make it happen, and did it! My advice to you is if you have a burning desire for that app idea then make it today. The only person stopping your progress is you. If you don't know how to create an app, find out how, look it up on the internet, it is all freely available. What are you waiting for? If there's no burning desire then you don't have enough fuel to pursue it. At this point just forget about it and move on with life.

Should I make someone sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for my app idea?

Are you serious? The likelihood of someone stealing your idea is slim to none. Even if they do pursue it their version will be completely different than yours. You came up with the idea, you possess the creativity that the other person lacks so you will be ahead of them anyways.

Someone stole my app idea, now what?

Great! This just verifies that you are heading on the right path or at least there are opportunities awaiting. Just because someone has the same app idea doesn't mean you can't create your own unique version of it. Don't copy it though, make it unique with your own features that drive value.

I have a few competitors who offer free versions of similar app features mine possess. Since they hit the app store I've noticed my sales increase. I might send a thank you letter to my competitors one day?

My perspective on receiving app ideas almost every week.

I love talking to enthusiastic people! I try to network with others as much as possible and when I talk about apps I seem to always get some kind of app idea. I'll try to give my honest feedback but I tell everyone the same thing: if you want to create an app, then do it yourself! Unless you have money to invest with but honestly you'll gain more by learning the process and creating the app yourself. It's not uncommon to hear how their app idea is better than X company and is worth a trillion dollars. That's all great but until action has been taken anyone can exaggerate. Some of my apps that I thought would succeed actually failed while others that I didn't have high hopes for are doing pretty good.

Should you share your app idea with friends and family?

My answer is no! The reason behind this is they are too afraid, to be honest with you. Also because depending on how your app performs isn't what your friends or family thinks, it's how the market responds to it. Is it in high demand? Does it solve a problem? Market research is a valuable thing to do prior to the execution of your app idea.

Closing

So you have an app idea, the first thing to do is learn how to make apps. Learn how to code, publish to app stores, and make it happen! Let me know how it turns out. If all else fails you can always hire developers too. Maybe I'll lend a hand for you. Good luck!