Developers are attempting to find as many possibilities as possible in the context of social networking apps. Even though almost all aspects have been explored they still strive to build new social interactions using the latest and existing mobile technologies. The pace at which the mobile technology is expanding, there is no stopping the developers from building unique and innovative social networking apps. Any social mobile app is built on three-tier architecture: mobile client, backend, and database. Let’s have a look at what exactly defines a social network – profiles, feeds, and connections.
Profile
The majority of the social apps are build keeping the end-users in mind. The app members are at the center of the social network app development.The developers can easily compile user profiles by connecting the applications to social networks that are already being used by the users. A Profile in any application is something that a user utilizes to express themselves, so any new app should provide some features which can help them personalize their profile.
Feed
For a social network to be engaging the “feed” feature is mandatory. Content sharing on the social app encourages people to use the social network. Developers can employ different types of feeds. Feeds can also be included in administrator-curated content plus in photos, stories, posts, videos and other contents added by the users. They are important for any social media app as it boosts customers’ engagement and app interaction. If any app does not let the users share content, they will probably not revisit the platform.
Many users like to share their location and plans with their friends and family using social networks. They basically post where they are at or where they were, where they are heading, what they are doing at the very moment. Developers can implement this function by making use of location APIs. Moreover, developers can generate profit from their app by making use of location as one of the monetization strategies. On the basis of this, the developers can understand some activities and present recommendations, bonuses, discounts, and coupons.
Most of the people like to express themselves through social networking apps. They like to share photos, update status, videos, etc. Developers are obligated to incorporate tools according to the requirement of self-expression. They have to focus on target audience; make content sharing faster. For example, Instagram provides amazing image filters and editing tools as well as easy content sharing.
Self-Esteem Content
Developers have to plan out a strategy that allows users to get more likes, shares, five-star ratings on their shared content as that will lead to increase in the number of user engagement with the app. A good app is that which lets the user network with any content type through shares, likes, comments, reposts, etc. Developers should not forget to add push notifications feature in the app in order to keep the users updated with their application.
Connections
For any social networking app user, establishing new connections is important. Developers can select different methods to implement social app connections. Different examples of other interaction services are Relationship Networks (such as Linkedin, Facebook, Badoo); Media Sharing Networks (such as Instagram, Youtube, Flickr, Snapchat, Vimeo); Online Review (Urbanspoon, Yelp); Discussion Forums (such as Quora, Digg, Reddit); Social Publishing Platforms (such as Twitter, Tumblr, Medium); Bookmarking sites (Pinterest, StumbleUpon, Flipboard); Internet-based networks (Goodreads, Last.fm).
Five steps for social media app development
Strategy
In this stage, the app concept, requirements, target audience and the KPIs (key performance indicators) should be analyzed.
Designing
The designing stage involves:
- Sketch: In this unit, a rough draft of the future application should be drawn. This helps in evaluating the future application logic as well as the total number of functionalities and the interface between them.
- Wireframe: This step helps the developers to envision the core structure of the social media application. It gives the fundamental structural view of the app and the user experience.
- Prototype: A prototype is a working model of the future application. This gives a better idea about the product to the developers as well as customers.
- App Skin Designs: At this stage, wireframes are converted in the designs. To deliver optimum solutions, the existing, as well as latest trends, should be analyzed as well as ways to enhance the UI/UX should be implemented.
QA and development
In the life cycle of a social media app, design process and app development flow side by side. The developed app should accommodate all the technical requirements, user guidelines, and platform standards. At every development stage, manual and automatic testing for every functionality of the app and their interface in the application should be performed.
App marketing
In order to create a unique image of the application at the Google and Apple store, a proper plan out should be composed involving screens, video guides, and the app’s effective description.
App Support
After the application is launched or released, users should be provided app support and updates. Free bug fixing up to 3 months should also be provided.
Regardless of what your social media app is about, it should be customer centric as this will decide the future customer engagement for your application. You should choose the experts in the field who will do justice to your application idea and your investment. Mobile App Development India follows all the above-mentioned steps to deliver a high-end performance application of respective business undertakings.
