Introduction
When we hear the word social media or social network, applications like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn all might come into our minds.
A social network/social media is an online platform used by people to build up networks and relationships with people with similar interests, backgrounds, or connections with others from all walks of life.
Although social media platforms were originally intended for people to build relationships with others, they are also used as a tool for marketing and advertising and came out as a powerful tool to do so.
Users can share ideas, photos, videos, and posts, as well as information about online or real-world activities with people on their network on social media platforms.
Key features of social media applications include an activity feed that shows all the latest updates from friends or groups, direct messaging service with specific users, and a personal profile to list personal information such as their name, age, or occupation.
Social media platforms provide an easy-to-use interface, an open forum for interaction with people worldwide, and the opportunity to engage in conversation.
So why create a social media platform if social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Telegram, LinkedIn etc. already exist?
People are falling out from traditional social media again and for good reasons too.
Social media has become a minefield of frustration for influencers, entrepreneurs, and businesses – broad, common, and designed to cater to everyone with an internet connection.
Everything from data breaches, trolling, overcrowding, dead access, continuous updates to algorithms that compel people to pay for ads, and a lack of personalization are major factors contributing to dissatisfaction with existing social networking sites.
Thanks to modern technology, we now can create a social media application.
How to make a social media app?
Step 1: Identify The Right Product/Market Fit
The concept of product/market fit points to the scenario where companies have come up with the right product that fits their target market. Companies should start the process step by step to meet the needs of the users.
When you create a social networking app, startups need to be flexible with their approach, as the end product may differ from the original ideas. Companies like Instagram and Twitter have found success by continuing to adapt until they find the right product/market.
Finding the right market and target audience for the early stages can be very difficult. However, implementation can depend on a proven strategy, in which the app identifies a specific group. When the app shows success for a group, they must replicate the same approach for another.
Step 2: Gain Competitive Advantage With Market Research
Building a social media platform is not about coding and deploying an app to end-users. A large part of its success is because of the way market research is conducted. Before building an app, startups need to focus on the strategies that take them to the top.
With a deep market perspective, startups are in a better position to offer a unique product that fills a gap in the number of existing applications. The new apps should have different propositions, instead of being ‘just similar/another app’ in a competitive market.
Step 3: Get Better Perspective With Target Audience Research
Startups should receive feedback from their target audience through their social networking apps. The process allows startups to integrate features based on the real preferences and behaviours of their audience.
Instead of planning an app on imagination & assumptions, startups should hold individual interviews with users. This allows startups to have a better idea of the problems and work towards a solution. Early interaction with existing users also helps to build a good subscription base for the app.
Step 4: Choose A Profitable Business Model For Your App
Social media platforms should be well-received by users and have the potential to make a profit. This means that it is important to choose a business model that promotes long-term growth while saving income. Here are some popular business models that are often used in social media applications.
Option 1 – Freemium model
The freemium model allows users to sign up for free with many of the basic features available. However, access to premium services is only available to paying members. LinkedIn charges fees for accessing tools like InMail and job matching services.
Option 2 – Advertising Model
Apps such as Facebook and Instagram are based on this model. The strategy is to expand the user base and to use a data-driven approach to identify users with relevant ads.
Step 5: Engage With A User-Friendly And Intuitive Design
This is where startups should use all the previous research & data to make the most of it. User experience will determine the success or failure of new social media apps. Startups should clearly understand what users expect and make the app work properly.
For example, Facebook has nailed it with its user’s social media feed, but it also provides comprehensive tools for users, social media influencers, social media specialists and social media advertisers.
Step 6: Build An MVP To Quickly Test Ideas
An MVP or minimum viable product is a skeleton of an app that covers only the basic features needed to work. It’s a great way to allow startups to explore the market in a less stressful environment.
Startups must avoid the risk of encountering multiple technical issues that come with the inclusion of all features in the app. Besides, users get to try out a less cluttered app.
How do startups decide what features go into the MVP? Start by listing the basic features that are essential for the app.
Step 7: Gather Feedback To Refine Your Social Media App
Launching a social media platform is the first step in creating a successful product. The next step is to gather user feedback on the MVP. User feedback is a useful indicator of what’s missing and what’s working on the app.
Based on user feedback, startups should continuously improvise the app to ensure that subsequent releases are in line with user behaviour and needs. At this stage, startups will need to rely on statistics to predict trends and behaviours more accurately.
Final Words!!!
We hope that creating a social media mobile app is not as tough as you previously thought it was! We have walked you through the facts about social media apps.
Reach out to us. CodeStore is a social media app development company that could guide you better and create your app in no time.
If you are planning to develop your own mobile apps then share your queries with us or get in touch with us at sales@codestoresolutions.com or Call Us Today! +91 8069195500 | +1 (302) 520-2820
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