Drag and Drop App Builders

If you wanted to develop or build an app something like eight years ago, the chances are that you will have to hire a qualified developer, which is expensive. Alternatively, you would be forced to learn how to code. Regardless of the option you would choose, it will mean dipping into your pocket for money and spend a lot of time in the process.

However, in the last few years, there has been an increase in the no-code app builders. These sites have helped most businesses grow in that the business owners and individuals can create their own apps within a short time. The sites use an existing framework and widgets, allowing the users to shift features and images around the app and make the one they see fit. These builders have become an excellent option for people looking to build their first mobile app and need help to develop their vision.  

Where did these app builders come from? 

The growth of the internet was the glow that ignited the drag and drop revolution. When the internet was first introduced, it broke down the communication boundaries, and people could easily share knowledge and ideas. With these ideas being shared across the various continents, creative people yearned for quicker ways to get their ideas seen by the world. Industrious individuals could wait no more for development teams to draft those ideas. The people wanted to see fast results and their visions becoming actualized right in front of them. 

As a step-in technology with many people chasing their dreams, the SaaS companies came into play, offering most industrious entrepreneurs a chance to build products independently. Until today, there are more than a thousand drag and drop SaaS companies working to help businesses and individuals build and visualize their ideas. 

How to use an app builder 

There are various steps involved when you want to build a mobile app with an app builder. They include the following;  

• Setting goals 

The first thing to do is to identify what you want to achieve in the end. It will help you think of the right design to fit your needs and format. Some people would wish to a purely information-based app, for instance, an app to help convert customers. Each of these apps has different end goals and success metrics, and therefore you will need a different style of the app for this purpose. Whichever thing you choose to focus on, make sure to link it to your marketing strategies and the business you are operating.

• Pick the design 

Most app builders will have a template to help you build your app, and all you have to do is choose one to use. These can be a good starting point, and then create them to match your specific brand. To make the whole process fast, some builders will take information from your business Facebook page. After choosing the design, you can control and alter the font, features, colors, splash screen, and navigation style to best suit your business. If you do this step well, you can differentiate your app and link it to your business brand. You can add some images related to your business for other people to see. As you design your app, remember to include calendar and booking features.  

• Come up with great content 

Content is the critical part of your app, and therefore you closely tie it to the app goals and the audiences you are targeting. If the app you are building is to deliver information to the customers, think of how the audience will want this information delivered. Some audiences might be good readers and want well-written information and a blog shared through all means. Others might be into visuals and want an app that features many images, videos, and graphics. It is therefore important to deliver content in a way that your audience would want it.

• Select an app icon 

An app icon is a small image displayed on your phone’s screen and allows you to launch the app whenever you want to. It is recommended that you select an eye-catching icon and a relevant one so that people can easily recognize it. You can derive your inspiration from other most-used apps such as Facebook or WhatsApp. Facebook, for instance, uses an F as its icon. This icon must be updated every year to improve it and encourage people to use it.

• Sort the splash screen 

Usually, this is the first thing your audience gets to see when they launch the app, so it must make a good impression. Ensure that you are choosing an image the conveys your brand clearly at a glance. From the first screen to the end, make sure that your audience is engaged and excited by using an image that connects to why they need your app and not the alternative. You can also add a logo to differentiate your brand from others. 

• Make a preview and launch the app

This step involves going through the app once to ensure that it satisfies and is happy with the overall UX, look, and functionality. And correct any errors before launching it.

• Market the app 

This step comes after building the app, but still, it is one of the most critical steps. You can decide to send the launch to your customers through email or give an update on the social media platform. Alternatively, you can use QR codes that will help your audience download the app easily. Whichever method you use, make sure that it will encourage your customers to use the app and refer their friends.

Advantages of using the drag and drop app builders

• They are quicker than the development teams
• They are affordable compared to development teams
• It is easy to understand the user interface
• The model offers instant support.

To sum up, app builders have helped a lot of businesses grow fast in their operations. The drag and drop app builder  allows users to design an app in a way that fits their needs by making it possible to drag and drop images and pictures to the location they need them. They are powerful and provide different templates from which the user chooses one. The templates are tested and therefore ensure that your content will be successful.