mobile app / 6 min read

You have a business idea, what next?

You have a great idea for a business, but you’re not sure where to start with. That’s a good problem to have, some might say. There are many smart people as you out there who have business ideas but are not sure where to start.

Creating a business from a viable idea requires a good amount of preparation, strong determination, enough money, a pinch of luck and, sometimes, a shoulder to cry on.

Most people have an idea around something they already have an interest in, or they work in that sector. For example, an engineer notices a gap in the market (how can I make a battery that perpetually charges?) and develops a solution to that problem.

Initially, you might feel that all the work involved in creating a business is overwhelming, but breaking it down into steps, will make it easier, and you’ll be on your way to a successful launch. 

Before we go into the details, you need to take recent issues into consideration.

During the pandemic, with people working from home due to lockdowns, people and businesses in 2020 and 2021 have moved from personal communication as well as buying and selling to online and the use of mobile has increased manyfold. Read here about the BBC reporting in September 2021 ‘Companies are trying to work out the best post-pandemic working model. What can we learn from these four companies?

You will need to take remote working, as well as the continuation of the pandemic, into consideration when creating your new business. The latest stats from Statista 2021 show that web developers report up to 30% of clients now ask for an app. Office tools, information and communication, education and security were the main drivers for this development.

This blog offers five tips to help you to start a business in 2022.

1. Is my business viable, has it potential?

Share your idea with associates in the business, with potential customers you’re planning to sell it, as well as friends and trusted people. Ask questions like: would you pay for this service (or product); has it potential to develop; are there competitors in that market?

In your market research it is important to get honest feedback (and take all feedback, not just the positive).

2. Work out a business plan

A business plan is a written document that will be your roadmap for the future of your company. This business plan must work for you and will guide you through every stage of establishing, running, and growing your business.

The UK government has put together a free business plan template (download here), they offer help and advice on how to write your business plan.

A business plan helps you to:

• clarify your business idea
• spot potential problems
• set out your goals
• measure your progress 

and can improve your chances of success with your business.

3. What are you bringing to the business?

You're going to devote a lot of time and energy to starting a business that means that you need to have passion for your product (or service). Your personal and business experience as well as your skills will come into play when you startup. What happens if you realise that you’re lacking a skill?

Evaluating your own skills and seeing whether they can be combined in a different field is important. For example, you could start a partnership where each person adds their own skillset into the business.

4. Get professional help

Just because you’re starting a business, it doesn’t mean you have to be an expert on everything.

You’ll waste time and possibly money trying to do things yourself that you’re not qualified to do. Hire an accountant (if you’re not an accountant or bookkeeper), hire a lawyer if you need to write contracts.

5. How will you communicate (or sell)?

Mobile communication is the new email and web. The latest trend is that mobile is ‘moving out’ of the pocket and is a wearable item (see ‘Design apps without limits’).

An app is an always-switched-on website, email and messaging system all in one and it’s in your customer's pocket. Native mobile apps are the best way to communicate with customers, employers, partners and subscribers.

Any business with an audience with whom they communicate valuable information on a regular basis needs an app. So, every business, right?

Maybe this is a task you can complete yourself as there are some platforms that offer mobile apps without coding requirements (that means that can build an app as no coding knowledge or experience is required). 

All you need is a small investment of time and, of course, you must be willing to learn!

We’ve put together a, not complete but good, selection of cloud-based mobile app platforms. Some of them are free of charge but be aware, if you build an app you will have ads appearing in your mobile app (see ‘Six cloud-based mobile app platforms in comparison’).

---

Affordable bespoke apps by Reptile

We have spent ten years constantly developing and refining our no code app-building platform. The latest version, Reptile, enables us to build a custom app five-times cheaper than the equivalent app built through a development agency.

We have built a set of robust modules to cover everything a typical business app needs. Power your business with an affordable bespoke app.

What is different about us

Our new modular app platform is the most efficient way yet to build and support apps. Imagine the business app of your dreams and we assemble it quickly from our existing component library. 

Automated builds ensure consistency of code with maintenance, upgrades and support included for a fixed fee. 

From our expert mobile UX designers to the technical team who can integrate the app into your network, we provide a dedicated team to support you all the way.

Case studies

We are continuously looking for ways to improve things using technology. As such, we’ve built many apps that we’re proud of, and if you are interested, here is a link to a few of our recent achievements we’d like to share with you.

Design beautiful apps with us – call us on (+44) 207 183 3690 or send us an email info@pagelizard.com

---

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash