Social networks and tourism. Social networks of tourists. Cruises and sea travel

In fact, bringing this idea to life is not as difficult and not as expensive as it might seem at first glance. You just need to have a good idea of what exactly you expect from a mobile application and determine how to achieve your goals.

Hypothesis testing: is it worth using online services to create mobile applications?

It's no secret that creating your own mobile application requires serious investment, time and effort. But is it worth it? In our work, we use a set of methods to test our clients' hypotheses to make sure that the application being developed will meet the expectations of the business and users.

In some cases, you can conduct program analytics before starting Android or iOS development yourself, without major financial investments.

One of the ways to check the value of the planned tasks of a future project is a short TTM (time to market), the goal of which is to release a minimal working version of a mobile application in a short time and receive accelerated feedback from users.

There are many ways to achieve a short TTM and quickly collect feedback. One of the least expensive and allows you to quickly check the need to create an Android program for an existing business is online mobile application designers.

For what tasks is this solution suitable:

Creating a mobile version of your site
Increasing sales channels for an existing on-line store
Increasing communication channels between employees and clients
Increase news channels for your blog, website, newsletter

When to use such services?

You are very limited in funds
Your idea does not have technologically complex solutions and is “typical” for the market
Success or failure after launching the application will not have a significant impact on the business
You are looking for a new channel to attract clients and consider the project as a prospect

Benefits of use:

Fast development speed
Minimum starting investment
The ability to quickly receive feedback from clients

Flaws:

Limited functionality of calculators
Limited design, animation
Poor quality of work under high loads
Code errors, long process of fixing errors
In most services, the final product is published and owned by the services through which it was created
There is no way to test a specific function
No UX testing
Uncontrolled advertising

If you need high-quality and multifunctional project analytics, application development for Android OS or iOS, turn to the professionals at InfoShell. Our specialists will develop a unique solution for you mobile app, which will not leave your customers indifferent.

If you decide to make the application yourself, we have selected several free/shareware services for you.

TOP-10 PROGRAMS FOR CREATING APPLICATIONS FOR ANDROID AND IOS

The appsgeyser service allows you to convert your website, blog, video or social media page into a mobile application for Android with subsequent publication on Google Play.

– completely free and does not limit you in the number of user-created applications.

Advantages of the platform: convenient viewing of applications, programs, quick conversion of any content (video from YouTube, html document, website) into a mobile application.

First of all, the service is suitable for bloggers and news sites. Using the created application, you will be able to estimate how much views will increase after the first publication, and by the number of installations - how urgent is the need for a mobile version of the site among your clients.

www.theappbuilder.com

TheAppBuilder offers tools for utility applications and programs. With this service, you can create and configure the application necessary for the internal work of your team. Send everyone a notification about a change in the restaurant's work schedule, remind an employee about a change in his work schedule, display last news companies.

If you are planning domestic product, try to make a test version of the application using this service, thereby making sure whether employees will use such an application and in what case.

Price: individually upon request.

– a service offering ready-made solutions for business – applications for restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, public organizations. The designer is designed for creating mobile programs for Android (Android), Apple iOS, Mobile Web, Webpage. The application can be made multilingual.

The service allows you to make an unlimited number of changes to an already published application, secure hosting.

Cost of developing one mobile application: $49.

is a Russian-language application designer site that allows you to create functional applications using ready-made templates for all popular electronic devices (iPhone, Android, iPad, Android Tablet) without any programming knowledge. The service also offers an easy way to place an application in the Google Play and Apple Stores.

Prices: Mobile application development for Android and iOS – FREE. Business package– 2,400 rubles/month (1 application, 3 thousand installations, publication in stores, no advertising). Package "Unlimited"– 3,700 rub./month (1 application, unlimited number of installations, publication in stores, no advertising). Package "Corporate"– 27,100 rub./month (10 applications, unlimited number of installations, additional protection content, technical and advisory support).

www.mobileroadie.com

– a service for creating event and news applications. Using this service, you can combine information about your company in one place or download event data by entering contacts, photos, videos, articles and news in one application.
The price for use varies depending on the service package: Core package– $149 per month or $1,499 per year, will allow you to create a simple application without complex technical solutions and external services. Pro package– $799 per month or $7,999 per year, will allow you to connect external services and configure the content of the application from the admin panel.

– service for private entrepreneurs and small businesses. The creators claim that creating an application it will take you 20 minutes. The created applications will allow you to establish a new channel of communication with customers and collect feedback, make mobile version your website or a ready-made mobile application.

An important advantage of the service is the complete absence of advertising and the ability to develop applications for electronic devices on iOS, Android (Android) and Windows Phone.

Prices: Free and paid packages are available on the website: App Basics– 1 $ per month App Pro– 9 $ per month Unlimited Reseller– $39 per month.

Appery– a platform for developing business applications for iOS, Android (Android) and Windows Phone. The designer is deployed in the cloud, which eliminates the need to install programs on a hard drive and is intended for creating functional business applications.

Advantages: convenient visual editor, ability to add your own plugins, wide range of tools for Android and iOS developers, connection of third-party databases and services.

Package prices: Basic version: 30 $ Standard version:$30 (payment for 12 months), $45 (monthly payment). Pro Version:$57 (payment for 12 months); $85 (monthly payment).

– a platform for self-development of mobile applications for iPad, iPhone, Android, HTML5. In addition to many of its advantages, the service allows you to create e-commerce applications with monetization enabled.

Prices: Basic– $22.90 per month or $19.90 per month (if paid annually) Advanced– $58.90 per month or $49 per month (billed annually) Unlimited– $139.90 per month or 119.90 per month (if paid annually).

– the platform allows the user to easily create a functional application for Android and iOS (iPhone, iPad) for small and medium-sized businesses. At BiznessApps, you create a mobile application using hundreds of ready-made templates.

Package prices: Mobile site– $29 per month Mobile application– $59 per month.

www.viziapps.com

– the service allows you to create mobile applications for business using a functional visual editor. Through the platform it is easy to implement new interfaces for SalesForce, QuickBooks, QuickBase, Google Spreadsheets and SQL Databases. Applications created in Viziaapps work on all popular types of mobile OS.
Package prices: Developer– $33 per month Pro– $79 per month Premium– $129 per month.
*Annual payment is required.

Just like with websites, when creating your product using on-line designers, many restrictions are imposed on you. Examples of restrictions:
- The application is difficult to integrate with external services not provided for by the designer.
- When using free on-line designers, you are subject to serious restrictions, such as advertising inside your product, collecting data about the product and customers, and functional limitations.
- The created product is difficult to scale. If the number of users grows, your solution will hang or may become unavailable to users. Also, you will not be able to transfer the application to alternative platforms of use (for example, yandex.store, which is popular in the CIS or Amazon in the USA).
Applications created using on-line designers serve to test the hypotheses of your project. However, if you receive negative feedback and your project is not appreciated, before you put it away, determine what exactly was the key to failure. Otherwise, you risk losing a profitable project due to poor implementation.

A little earlier, only professional programmers and layout designers were involved in creating websites. Later, with the advent of special shells - CMS content management systems, any beginner in this matter could cope with this task. The latter does not necessarily need to study programming languages and understand layout. All you need to do is select a template and fill it with content.

A similar situation occurs with the Android platform. A few years ago, only a specialist savvy in programming languages could create properly functioning software for mobile devices. Today, Android application designers have taken on this role.

They greatly facilitate the entire layout process and do not require any specific knowledge from the user. It is enough that he, as they say, is in the subject, and has a minimal theoretical basis in this area. Well, knowledge in English here they obviously won’t be superfluous, because a good half of the software does not have Russian localization.

There are quite a lot of similar designers for creating applications on Android on the Internet. And if advanced users still somehow navigate all this diversity, then beginners simply shrug their shoulders and don’t know which software to pay attention to.

We will try to understand this issue and identify the best application designers for Android, which have distinguished themselves by their quality components, operational efficiency and accessibility for ordinary users. All of the platforms described below can be found on the official developer resources, so there should be no problems with testing.

Difficulty of choice

First, you should decide on the critical nuances that need to be taken into account before choosing an application designer for Android. A good half of such software offers the creation of two types of software - HTML5 and native.

In the first case, we have an application adapted for a specific version of the website. That is, the output is additional software attached to the main site. Such application designers for Android are the least popular, but are still in demand among layout designers and programmers. A striking example here will be the YouTube service with a lot of related software “tied” to it.

Native constructors

Native or otherwise site-independent builders are much more popular. Such applications do not require a browser or any web management resources. Native software has a clear advantage over others. One of these is sending push messages, which users rarely deactivate.

The fly in the ointment here is the cost of the product. If an HTML5 application builder for Android and iOS will cost an average of 1,000 rubles (monthly maintenance), then for a native ordinary version you will have to pay at least two or three thousand. Developers determine such costs by registering the product in Google Play and the App Store.

The best designers

Next, we will consider specific representatives of this segment. It’s worth clarifying right away that Android application designers on PCs, that is, local ones, are extremely rare. They work mainly in their own environment - Android. But almost all programmers and layout designers use platform emulators: NOX, BlueStacks, Andy, etc. They feel great in the Windows environment. The same rule is true for iOS.

GoodBarber

This is one of the most popular designers from French developers. The product first of all amazes with the abundance of beautiful and bright templates. The platform easily synergizes with both the Android and iOS operating systems.

The designer offers a lot of useful and currently relevant functionality: integration with social services, chats, iBeacons and geofencing. Using this platform, you can quickly create an application from scratch. Just choose the template you like and start filling it out.

The output is products that are very difficult to distinguish from similar applications made by professionals. It is also worth noting that the GoodBarber app builder for Android is ideal for working with databases, so you can create complex and multi-level software here. The platform is flexible, understandable, convenient and has a wide range of capabilities.

As for the entry threshold, a beginner in this business can handle the constructor quite well. Detailed instructions is in the help section, where all the stages of creating applications are explained step by step, from choosing a template to the final layout. The only thing worth mentioning is that, alas, there is no Russian-language localization, and the developer only offers English, French and German languages interface.

The estimated cost of the product is about 2,000 rubles/month.

Shoutem

The platform has been successfully operating since 2011 and during this time it has been, as they say, polished to a shine by the developers. The product offers wide and quite powerful functionality. One of these and the most popular is a geolocalized catalog of places. This allows you to use the constructor as advertising software for restaurants, museums, entertainment centers and other points linked to the map.

In addition, the platform received smart integration tools with third-party applications for monetization. Advertising is fully supported, and not just in the format of pop-up windows, but with competent synergy in the interface.

Product Features

You can spend more than one hour in the template library looking for the right option, but you will certainly find it, because the developer offers a lot of solutions for every taste and color. The barrier to entry for the platform is low and those who have at least once encountered such products are in the most short time master the software. If any difficulties arise, the platform’s help system is at your service. It describes the application layout step by step: finding a suitable template taking into account the direction, choosing a monetization method, geolocation tools, etc.

One of the disadvantages is the lack of Russian-language localization, but the problem can be solved by installing third-party add-ons. The latter have a minimal impact on usability, but you will have an application designer for Android in Russian, especially if your English is very poor.

The approximate cost of the platform is about 1,500 rubles/month.

Swiftic

Another powerful application builder for Android, launched in 2010 by Israeli developers. The platform offers users an excellent set of capabilities for almost any project. Many advanced users call this designer the best of its kind.

The local library makes me happy the widest choice building blocks: a lot of templates, integration of organizers, calendars, directories, loyalty cards, e-commerce and much more. The developers position their product as an ideal tool for designing applications in the field of restaurant services, music bands, cinemas and other entertainment.

Distinctive features of the platform

The service allows you to publish ready-made applications directly to Google Play, with a so-called guarantee of success. That is, if you do not achieve any significant results in your activities, the developers will provide free six months of use of the platform. And for beginners in this business, this is a serious argument in favor of this product.

As for the entry threshold, it is minimal here. In addition, the designer is literally teeming with all kinds of tips and instructions. There is also a competent master assistant who will tell you what and how in general terms and guide you through everything hot places platforms: getting started, choosing a template, designing columns, titles, as well as a selection of optimal tools for monetization and geotargeting.

Russian-language localization, as in previous cases, alas, is not provided, but the problem is solved with the help of third-party russifiers.

The estimated cost of the software is about 3,500 rubles/month.

The mobile application designer is a special set of tools that simplifies the creation process. Such services already have a built-in engine and integrated development environment. To make the task easier for novice developers, ready-made templates are offered, so some designers are designed to create topic-specific utilities.

What you need to know before creating an application

There are several points to consider before creating your mobile program:

Relevance analysis of the product being created - you need to clearly know who and where the created application can be useful. For example, a calorie counter - a person who monitors the calorie content of food or an advanced calculator - students of mathematical specialties.
Select platform, for which the product is created.
Find team of professionals, who will write the program or study the theoretical part on their own, if the utility is created to gain experience.
A quality program must have clear description, a memorable icon. This option will attract attention.
If software is created for the purpose of obtaining commercial benefit, then you need to think about how the developer will earn on the application: subscription, paid advertising disabling, expanded functionality, etc.
Think over user interface. Remember that quality programs can be uninstalled due to an inconvenient control panel.

Creating an application using the designer

Let's look at the process of creating an application (online store) using the designer using an example. As a platform for creating a program, we suggest using a well-known service called MobiCart, which specializes in ecommerce software.

Service for beginner programmers offers a free plan with limited functionality. It's enough to learn the functions. We offer step by step instructions, which will introduce the reader to the basics of MobiCart:

Go to the main menu of the service and click on the button Create Application to begin the program development process.
Create and upload logo future online store using the function Upload logo.
Set up command display, which will appear at startup.
IN settings section store, indicate payment systems, information about the store, payment currency and other information in the paragraph StoreSettings And Shipping.
Prices to include tax- This is another column where prices that are visible to customers are regulated.
Setting up a language pack inline Languges.
In sections Images And Departments& Products customize information about products and accompanying pictures for products.
To add a new product, use the option Add Product.
In chapter More Pages the information displayed on other pages of the application is edited.
Push Notification is another useful tool for setting up notifications.
In masonry News It is possible to create additional tabs yourself.
Having completed all the preparatory stages, click on the button Submit Apps and the service will automatically create the application.
Check the functionality of the application.

Popular constructors

is a free app builder for Android. A distinctive feature of the project is the opportunity to earn money from internal advertising. In fact, the presented service is an excellent opportunity not only to create programs, but also to receive a small income from side operations.

is a free mobile utility designer. The software offers a simple procedure for registering a project. Developers use step-by-step algorithm, which will help you work through each stage when creating a project. In addition, each item has a detailed explanation and instructions with tips. In addition Apps Geyser supports Russian language, so novice programmers should not have any problems creating a commercial utility using this service.

- fully free multi-platform builder mobile utilities. In addition to the main functions in the form of ready-made templates and convenient tools, the service is ready to simplify the process store promotion on the Internet, social networks and your own trading platform. Additionally, users have the opportunity to seek help from developers on the official website.

– a designer that allows you to create cross-platform applications yourself. The key feature of the project is minimalist interface, which helps you create a commercial program efficiently and quickly. Thanks to ready-made templates implementation process own business ideas takes just minutes. Other advantages of The App Builder include full synchronization with all popular services on the Internet, from a personal blog to social networks. There is a trial period for those wishing to purchase The App Builder. Cost from 9 to 49 euros depending on the package.

is another representative of a successful user interface, where all the steps and templates are divided into thematic categories. Andromo offers to create a project in three simple steps: launching the utility, working with templates and publishing the application on digital platforms. The price is 8 and 21 dollars, depending on the package.

It is a designer for creating commercial applications for Android in Russian. The key advantage for a Russian-speaking user is availability of Russian-language menu. The actual project development process takes a few minutes, where the most expensive process is the selection of a suitable template for the business. It is noteworthy that the templates take into account all the details of modern business, from the loyalty program to bonus offers. If desired, the user has the opportunity contact the developers Appsmakerstore for help in creating an application.

– a project that will help you create a commercial application within five minutes. The main advantage of the platform is the availability of more than 1000 ready-made templates. All that is required from the user is to select the template you like, configure the color scheme of the future utility, and then edit it for further publication. Additionally, IBuildApp boasts wide library of widgets, which are divided into thematic categories. Price 2400 rub., 3700 rub. and 2700 rub. per month depending on the package.

is a mobile application builder whose user interface is similar to the iOS ecosystem. The programs themselves are created using content management systems(CSM). The project developers support beginning developers by providing them with educational materials, and also conduct lectures and conferences.

The project proposes to significantly simplify the process of creating commercial or information platforms. The first thing I would like to note is the intuitive user interface, where the path to a working utility is reached in three steps. Product does not require knowledge in programming, and a WYSIWYG editor is responsible for application development. Appmakr is a utility that can be used both paid and free. It is noteworthy that subscription price is purely symbolic in comparison with the pricing of competitors. Price $2, $99, $39 depending on package.

is an interesting cloud platform that uses the simplest mechanics called “ drag and drop" Thanks to the intuitive interface, even inexperienced users can work with the program. Here you can find visual development tools, ready-made templates for programs, as well as useful tools for creating a commercial application. Like most paid services, it offers several offers for different needs. To get acquainted with the capabilities of Appery.io, we provide two-week free version. Cost from $60 to $200.

– a multi-platform designer, which is a set of tools. The main specialization of the service is commercial and information programs. Beginning businessmen will receive ready-made and up-to-date website templates, where everything is thought out to the smallest detail: from menu navigation to advanced client statistics. On the company's website, users can test the service in demo mode. The main content is paid. For customer convenience, there are two types of payment: monthly and annual subscription. Several additional packages are offered. Prices range from $19 to $119.

– a sophisticated online constructor that specializes in software for small businesses. Among the advantages of the program: geolocation, a basket for purchasing goods, built-in notifications, synchronization with pages on social networks, and an information menu. There are ready-made templates for creating an application. The utility runs on on a paid basis. You'll have to pay $29 for the mobile website package and $59 for the mobile app. Available trial version, where a potential client can test the service.

– a designer that will delight novice developers with a friendly user interface. The toolbar deserves special attention themed icons and highlighting each category separately. Due to the features of the interface, it is possible to implement almost all available business ideas. The program applies to on a paid basis. On this moment There are several packages available:

– this is a constructor that even Small child. The uniqueness of the project lies in lack of prepared templates, thanks to which applications became similar to each other. Instead of the usual developments, the creators of the Apps Globus service offer 48 functions that allow you to create a unique commercial application without special programming knowledge. Features include advanced tools for experienced developers, where the software source code is provided (HTML, JAVA, PHP). Additionally, there are tools that simplify your work: synchronization with social networks, automatic statistics, Ecommerce function, Inbox messages, notifications and much more.

is a site where anyone can create a commercial application. For the convenience of businessmen, the designer is equipped with thematic categories, which are in demand on the Internet. In addition, there are ready-made interface and design templates.

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