Does anyone have advice & cost approximations for website and app development?
Hi all,
I am looking to launch a new online business with a website and app available. I would be eager to find out what would be the costs associated with this and what to look out for when contracting developers.
The website would need to have a database, searching/filtering functions and social media integration.
The app would need to be able to use GPS/location information, create user profiles and 'push' marketing e.g. send mobile alerts to users.
Any advice on what costs to expect would be useful and any tips on contracting would be great.
Many thanks,
Alex
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Sep 6, 2017
You can try this calculator http://howmuchtomakeanapp.com/ or ask for a free quote here: https://www.oxagile.com/free-quote/
Aug 17, 2017
Dear Alex
I noted your question was published in July 2014, so I suspect you have this already wrapped up. It would be interesting for others with similar questions and those who have responded to hear how your project worked out, approximate costs, etc.
If anyone else is interested in this, you have some great answers here, but one thing you have to be aware of is the difference between Apps and Website.
Unlike Websites, Apps are controlled and have to comply to requirements of the main 2 app stores mainly Apple Store and Google Play. In both cases you have to submit your App for approval which does have costs involved (and time).
The second issue for Apps is that you are making a long term commitment. As iOS and Android develop and issue new versions of their Operating Systems, you need to ensure your App can still work on these new versions. So you have to do compliance testing and resubmit your App for approval so that it can be republished and existing users can continue to use it.
Additionally, new Operating Systems usually come with new opportunities so new functionality in the new version of the Operating System, may allow you to offer new features and functions to your users.
In essence when you develop an App, you have to commit to it for the long term. Changes and new functions are dependent on the Operating System so you are forced to live within someone else's parameters and timescales.
My advice to anyone considering an App is to ask themselves "Is there something that users value greatly that my website cannot do but an App can do?" and then "Will this generate more revenues?". If the answer to both is "Yes" then go for it. If not, look at means of delivering the same or similar functionality using your website.
Here is an article on this very subject http://www.cognisant-hosting.com/mobile-apps-vs-responsive-website/
Will be very interested to hear your update Alex.
Aug 17, 2017
If you want to find the easiest way to go, I encourage you to use WordPress. You can download a free theme or a premium one. The entire procees doesn't require any technical skills at all. These tips on how to create a website https://www.templatemonster.com/blog/create-website-2017-ultimate-guide/ may be helpful for you. Anyway good luck!
Jul 13, 2017
Hi, Alex.
Are you planning to launch your new online business with a website and app?
We from Capermint Technologies provide professional Mobile application and website development services Worldwide.
Feel free contact us: https://www.capermint.com/contact-us/
Skype: Caperminttech
Email: info@capermint.com
We clarify the idea and give you an estimate of the cost.
Feb 24, 2016
First you need to describe more what do you want. Because the cost of website development depends on how much time will spend developer. How much will cost an website development it's all the time a difficult question.
For more detail, go to http://www.keenesystems.com/Services/NewWebsiteDevelopment.aspx
Dec 8, 2014
My few cents on cost idea for a mobile app; defined category wise - http://www.agicent.com/blog/cost-of-app-development/, feel free to generalize it for web part also; both are software applications at the end of the day. :)
Best
Nov 19, 2014
Hello Alex,
I think I have some idea of what you are trying to do.
Actually we do web and apps developments.You have to be specific on what type of website you want.(whether Ecommerce,shopping cart functionality is needed or not)
You can contact us.
We can give you idea of costs and development.
Abbas Mandal
skype:trailblazr.solutions
Sep 11, 2014
Hey Alex,
The very first thing you gotta do is the spec out what you need very clearly, May be sit down with a friend or partner to put everything on a document, prepare flows or wire frames if possible.
One you know what you need, go find an offshore developer. If you can find the right people, you will be able to get the best quality product in time. Look for the following when deciding on a consultant:
- Good portfolio
- positive feedback
- provides references
- no canned response
- passionate about understanding your project deeply
- has excellent post completion support
- reasonable pricing
- Whether they have expertise to complete your job.
In this particular case, the consultant must have experience in creating database structure from scratch and developing custom application based on the same. While keeping in various factors in mind such as UI,UX, device compatibility, security, ability to make it optimized for search engines.
You could hire separate consultant for the mobile app, however if they can supply both, it will help do a seemless integration and utilize the web code to efficiently develop the Web Service API.
I've helped several startups and businesses build their web application and portal. With over 11 years of expertise in providing custom web development service, consultation and a highly competitive pricing, I remain the preferred consultant for my clients. Lets have a chat and find out if I'm the right fit for your job.
Cheers,
Deepak
Aug 7, 2014
Hello,
Greetings !!
We have team of well rounded Web Developer based in the India. We have 5 years solid experience in Web Development and Design specializing in Wordpress, Magento,PHP-MYSQL,JavaScript, CSS/XTML. We do both Design and Programming.
Our strengths includes PHP frameworks like Codeigniter; eCommerce
sites like osCommerce and Zencart; CMS like Drupal, Joomla and
Wordpress.
Please have a look at our recent websites designed and developed by us:-
(1) http://picwash.com - Photo retouching site (smarty,jquery)
(2) http://www.theredpin.com/ - Real Estate
(3) http://blogdash.com/ - blogging site (codeigniter)
(4) http://www.grosolar.com/(Joomla)
Components - Admin Custom Component for video upload , Front end
Module , Front end Custom component with google map, morfeoshow
(5) http://farmlandfoods.com/
(6) http://efor.biz
(7) http://www.discoverycube.org/ (Online Ticket)
Kindly give us your detail technical specification, so that we can
review the document and get back to you with the time line and price.
All communication channels like MSN, Yahoo, AOL, SKYPE are readily
available with us
Awaiting for your kind response.
Thanks,
Amit Adlakha
Skype id:- web.studio45creations
Aug 7, 2014
First choose you programming languages. PHP Ruby, .NET etc
Second, to make quick development, use frameworks. Zend for PHP etc.
Third, use third party API. Google Map for GPS.
Fourth, hire a lead developer...an expert.
Jul 15, 2014
That's like asking, how much does a car cost? Just like cars, websites and apps have different features that will determine the price.
My advice is do some research, put together a RFP that has your requirements and dreams list. Then allow conversation with a select group of vendors who may be able to help you.
I am asked this question many times a day, and it is impossible to answer without a lot more detail. I would be happy to have a GoTo meeting, or phone conversation with you to discuss your needs and our offerings, if you would like.
Jul 10, 2014
Alex,
You ask the costs of 'launching a new online business' with website and app.
The largest costs for a successful business will be the marketing of the website and app - often far greater then the website/app themselves.
A database website / app can cost from a few hundred $ (for template site with no thought to marketing) up to over $100,000 for a well designed marketing website and app.
To get best value ensure the ongoing marketing is considered before the design and well before the build.
Jul 10, 2014
Hi Alex,
I assume that you done your Business Plan - so you know what your product is, how you will make money from it, who your competition is, what your unique product values are.
The next step in the starting up a business is to define the business requirements for your website and app, it seems like you need a backend and mobile app (what mobile platforms). You also need to think about the ongoing support of your applications, how is going to maintain your backend/app - functional improvements to the applications etc.
To get a quote from a developer or web agency, you need to define your business requirements in detail. One way to do this is to develop a Business Requirement Document (BRD). A well written BRD will give any developer/web agency
detailed information for them to make a reasonable estimates of how big a project is and how much it is going to cost.
A business requirements document (BRD) details the business solution for a project including the documentation of your needs and expectations.
The most common objectives of the BRD are:
To provide a foundation to communicate to a technology service provider what the solution needs to do to satisfy the customer’s and business? needs
To provide input into the next phase for this project
To describe what not how the customer/business needs will be met by the solution
The BRD is important because it is the foundation for all subsequent project deliverables, describing what inputs and outputs are associated with each process function. The BRD describes what the system would look like from a business perspective.
The BRD distinguishes between the business solution and the technical solution. When examining the business solution the BRD should answer the question, ?What does the business want to do??
For example, the business wants to track and log fitness activities of subscribers whereabout while they are doing an exercise. The technical solution should support the business solution. For example, the business would need an app that uses GPS/location tracking to subscribers exercise activity.
Jul 10, 2014
Hi Alex my name is Anthony Owner of Mindfactek Solutions, we create mobile apps and mobile optimized websites. These are great investments because of the continued growth of smart devices. We provide a high quality experience in both apps and websites. Our Apps and websites have your required specifications and more. Also they are affordable which allows a business owner more flexibility. To get more info on our services go to www.mindfactekmobile.com please contact us to get started.
Jul 10, 2014
It depends weather it's a native app or not... The most thing that is important is putting the right people on the project and allowing them to have the resources available that are needed and If a developer is not worrying about money or financial issues they work at their best. Just staying on the right path is the key. Planning is mostly what I tend to keep an eye on at all times and building that project road map and having meetings as a group updating that material is amazing for results.. Because not one person knows everything most of the time and it's hard enough working by yourself sometimes with these technologies and when working with someone else to complete is a real task. I have seemed to see an average of $30,000 to $40,000 for a cost of a REAL app that is quality work. -John
Jul 10, 2014
Lots of good answers here - without detailed specs, it's tough to give even a rough estimate. One of our Account Execs wrote about this very issue a couple years ago and the basic answer hasn't changed:
http://www.zco.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-develop-a-mobile-app/
Feel free to get in touch!
Jul 10, 2014
Hello Alex,
for the costs of both a little more information would be needed as there are many solutions for both a website and an app. Both are estimated on their complexity and their features.
Apps go even further, whereas they are estimated on which platform they need to be functional on (Android or iOS or Windows or even BlackBerry) and whether it needs to be for smartphones or tablets or both.
I would be able to give you an estimate but giving an amount without having the finer details would be unfair to you, especially if it could be lower than anticipated.
I shall send you a direct message to assist you even further, but for now feel free to checkout my website and services on my profile, or private message me here.
Jul 9, 2014
Hello Alex,
For a Quote, A consultant need proper documentation of your need and the taste of it. Anything can be done at any cost, but the taste of each one is different and matters. So prepare a document of your project and provide for best result. I can also provide you the directions.
Jul 9, 2014
Hi Alex,
From your description, the project could cost anything from $5K to $50K. It is just too vague. You need a more detailed plan. What about UX design, what about interaction with users, what about security. How large will your app be - thus does it need to scale? Do you need ecommerce integration? Who is your primary user base? Do they use phones? Tablets? PCs? What browsers do they use? Where are you planning on hosting? What technologies were you looking at?
As you can see, this is just a small set of questions a decent developer/freelancer will touch base on. There are many more.
As some other answers here said, develop a project description/project plan. From there, take a look at the prospective freelancer's work and work ethic from references. Another good thing to check is if they do open source development. By inspecting the quality of code (or get someone to do it) on their Github or Bitbucket accounts, you can generally get a good feel about the developer's skills.
Good luck!
Kobus
one last thing, on your end you can start thinking of some smaller details like how you want the website to look like or at least a color combination. This way the app can use a similar color scheme plus the app might be able to use the same server as the website depending if it needs web services.
I also just noticed that I can't send you a direct message, so please simply private message me.