Your 10 Biggest Questions Answered (Plain & Simple)
You create and publish mobile or web applications, earning through app sales, in-app purchases, subscriptions, or advertising.
1. Do I need a certificate?
No, but programming skills are essential. You need coding ability, problem-solving skills, and understanding of app stores. Can you build something functional that solves a specific problem? That’s your skill.
What to do instead:
- Learn one platform thoroughly (iOS with Swift or Android with Kotlin)
- Build simple practice apps first
- Study successful indie apps
2. What’s the minimum I need to spend?
$100-200/year.
- Developer accounts: Apple ($99/year), Google ($25 one-time)
- Computer: You need Mac for iOS development
- Design tools: Figma (free) for mockups
- Hosting: Firebase has free tier
Optional: Better computer ($1000+), design assets ($50), marketing budget.
3. How do I describe what I do?
DON’T say: “I code apps.” (Sounds technical)
DO say: “I create mobile applications that solve specific problems for targeted users, from concept to App Store publication.”
App types:
- “Utility apps for specific tasks”
- “Simple games with addictive mechanics”
- “Niche productivity tools”
- “Lifestyle apps for specific interests”
4. Where do I find my VERY first users?
Start with problem validation:
- Communities with the problem you’re solving
- Reddit/forums where people discuss the pain point
- Beta testing groups (TestFlight for iOS, Google Play beta)
- Product Hunt for launch
Build for a specific need you’ve experienced personally.
5. How much can I earn?
First app: $100-$1000/month with good niche and marketing.
Example revenue models:
- Paid app: $1.99-9.99 one-time purchase
- In-app purchases: Free app with premium features
- Subscriptions: $0.99-4.99/month for ongoing value
- Advertising: Banner/interstitial ads (lower revenue)
- Hybrid: Free with ads + paid ad-free version
Realistic expectations:
- 90% of apps make less than $1,000/month
- Top 1% make significant money
- Success often comes from multiple apps, not one hit
6. What does app development look like? Step-by-step
Project: “Build and Launch a Habit Tracking App”
Process (100-200 hours for first app):
- Ideation/validation (10 hours):
- Identify specific problem
- Research existing solutions
- Define unique value proposition
- Sketch basic UI/UX
- Design (20 hours):
- Create wireframes in Figma
- Design UI components
- Create app icon/store graphics
- Development (80-120 hours):
- Set up project structure
- Build core functionality first
- Add features incrementally
- Test continuously
- Testing (20 hours):
- Internal testing
- Beta testing with real users
- Fix bugs/issues
- Launch preparation (10 hours):
- Create App Store/Play Store listings
- Take screenshots/create preview video
- Write descriptions/keywords
- Set up analytics
- Launch (5 hours):
- Submit for review
- Promote to initial users
- Gather reviews
- Post-launch (ongoing):
- Monitor analytics
- Fix bugs
- Add features based on feedback
- Update regularly
Start small: Version 1 should do one thing well, not everything okay.
7. How do I handle payments/platforms?
App stores handle payments: Apple/Google take 15-30% commission.
In-app purchases/subscriptions: Processed through app stores.
Analytics: Use Firebase, Mixpanel, or similar (free tiers available).
Legal: Privacy policy required, terms of service recommended.
Taxes: App store earnings are taxable—they send tax forms if over thresholds.
8. What’s the #1 beginner mistake?
Building for 6 months before getting user feedback. Might build something nobody wants.
Golden rule: Get working prototype to users within 2-4 weeks. Iterate based on feedback.
9. How do I know if I’m good enough?
You’re good enough if:
- You can build a functional app from scratch
- You enjoy problem-solving and debugging
- You can learn new technologies quickly
- You’re persistent through frustration
Test: Build and publish a simple utility app (calculator, unit converter, etc.). Can you complete it? Does it work? Do you get any downloads? If yes, you’re ready for more ambitious projects.
10. What’s the next step?
Build app portfolio or specialize in specific app type (games, utilities, productivity).
After first app, offer: app maintenance services, consulting for non-technical founders, teaching app development.
Your Action Plan:
- Today: Choose platform, complete beginner tutorial
- Tomorrow: Build and publish simplest possible app
- This week: Start planning your first real app with validation