A number of local entrepreneurs and organisations have been launching Mobile Apps and Online ideas. This is really a step in the right direction for online technology in this country. Perhaps you too have an idea that you wish you could or are planning execute.
Here are a few thoughts on why some ideas work and others don’t:
Trying to do too much:
Some persons have app ideas that try to do too much. They want it to be able to give you traffic reports, restaurant reviews and at the same time perform health diagnosis. The most popular apps do one or two things and do it well. For example Instagram simply allows you to share photos. Twitter, simply allows you to share mini messages and a photo and Whatsapp just allows you to chat. Unless your app is informational in nature it should do one or two things well.
Already being done:
A number of apps simply try to replicate what is being done by another app that is already widely distributed. For example, any organization trying to come out with an app that provides traffic reports is doomed to failure because of the already well known and used, WAZE. Thinking about launching an app with learning videos? Hello, Youtube and Khan Academy already exist. It is ok to duplicate efforts but don’t go head to head with a worldwide existing brand. Your app will FAIL.
Too Expensive:
One of the reasons people love Android over iPhone is the availability of more free apps. Charging someone for your app is not a good idea. Downloads will remain in the 0-10 user range. In-app advertising is the better way to go.
Making an app for Blackberry only:
No need to write anything here. The phrase “Beating a dead horse” comes to mind.