business plan for mobile app startup

Mobile App Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Business Plan Outline

• Mobile App Business Plan Home
• 1. Executive Summary
• 2. Company Overview
• 3. Industry Analysis
• 4. Customer Analysis
• 5. Competitive Analysis
• 6. Marketing Plan
• 7. Operations Plan
• 8. Management Team
• 9. Financial Plan

Start Your Mobile App Plan Here

Mobile App Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your mobile app business plan.

We have helped over 100,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their mobile app businesses.

Sample Business Plan for a Mobile App Development Company

Below are links to an example of each of the key elements of a mobile app business plan template:

• Executive Summary – In the Executive Summary, you will provide a general overview of your comprehensive business plan including your target market, business model, and how you plan to make your business successful.
• Company Overview – The Company Overview section will provide an overview of your app idea, business description, company history, mission statement, monetization strategy and milestones achieved.
• Industry Analysis – In the Industry Analysis section, you will use information from your market research to discuss the market demand for your mobile application or business idea, trends, and issues facing your industry.
• Customer Analysis – The Customer Analysis section will describe your target market. This includes information on demographics, psychographics, and behaviors.
• Competitive Analysis – The Competitive Analysis includes an overview of your direct and indirect competitors, their market share, your competitive advantage, and how you plan to compete against them.
• Marketing Plan – The Marketing Plan section will describe your marketing strategy. This includes information on your platform placements (Apple App Store, Google Play, etc.), pricing strategy, and marketing strategies for engaging your target audience.
• Operations Plan – The Operations Plan section of your mobile app business plan will describe your business operations including app development, customer acquisition strategy, and other key aspects of your app company.
• Management Team – The Management Team section will provide information on the management members of your advisory team. This includes their experience, education, and skills.
• Financial Plan – In the Financial Plan section, you will provide the financial model and financial statements for your business. This includes your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.

Next Section: Executive Summary >

Mobile App Business Plan FAQs

What is a mobile app business plan.

A mobile app business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your mobile app business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your mobile app business plan using our Mobile App Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Types of Mobile App Development Companies?

There are many types of mobile app companies across a variety of categories. There are mobile app businesses that focus solely on mobile games. Others are exercise or wellness focused. Some mobile apps provide guidance on specific topics, some offer music streaming, and other apps provide help or assistance on a variety of topics. Many companies have developed company-specific mobile apps to allow users to become more connected with their products or offerings. For instance, most major brands, restaurants and financial services companies have company-specific mobile applications.

What Are the Main Sources of Revenue and Expenses for a Mobile App Business?

The primary source of revenue for mobile app businesses are subscription paid by the users on an annual or monthly basis. Advertising (selling ad space to other companies on their app) is another significant revenue sources.

The key expenses for mobile app businesses are the costs to advertise and generate users. These expenses are often in the form of targeted social media advertising or online targeted marketing. Some major mobile app businesses pay to have their mobile apps advertised on television commercials or music streaming platforms. Another major expense for app companies are office space, employee salaries and technology licensing fees.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Mobile App Business Plan?

A mobile app startup is most likely to receive funding from angel investors and friends and family. Personal savings and credit cards are also often used. Venture capitalists will fund a business plan for an app once it achieves enough traction (e.g., enough users, in-app purchases, or generating enough revenue).

A well crafted mobile app business plan is essential for attracting any type of potential investor.  Most app startups require funding to get off the ground and cover at least their startup costs.

What are the Steps To Start a Mobile App Business?

Starting a mobile app development company can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Mobile App Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed business plan for an app that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include market research on the mobile app industry and potential market size, information on the mobile app concept, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your mobile app business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your mobile app business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Mobile App Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your mobile app business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your mobile app business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Mobile App Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your mobile app business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your mobile app business.  A mobile app marketing plan includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful mobile app business:

• How to Start a Mobile App Business
• How to Start a Mobile App Development Business

Where Can I Get a Mobile App Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free mobile app business plan template PDF here . This is a sample mobile app business plan template you can use in PDF format.

• Case studies

How to Write a Business Plan for a Mobile App Startup?

Anton Baryshevskiy

Head of Business Development, Co-Founder

Head of Business Development

Get your project estimation!

If you’re on the threshold of launching your mobile app startup, there are numerous things you need to be concerned with: workload, core concept, budget, product implementation area, employees… You need to rightly put all key elements of this puzzle together to provide a clear roadmap for your project — that is, to compile a business plan for mobile app development.

We at Mind Studios know how to make a business plan for an app. Here, you'll find a complete guide to creating a business plan. Also, we’ve added our template to help all stakeholders and investors have a clear and most importantly, equal understanding of your startup idea. So if you don't know how to plan an app yet and where to start, let's find out more about it.

A business plan is a guide that turns your ideas into action

As a rule, you should start with visualizing the project and formulating its key ideas. They will later become the basis of your business plan.

Another vital component of developing your project is writing a product requirements document (PRD) for your app. It consists of three sections: business requirements, user requirements, and software system requirements . The business plan is, actually, a component of the PRD, namely the business requirements part.

All the preceding processes, such as developing a project vision, core ideas, and concepts, creating an app development plan, and drafting a PRD, allow all stakeholders to be on the same page as the startup's founder.

In this post, we’ll go through how to write a business plan for an app startup.

Some statistics

Still not sure if your startup needs a business plan? Numerous studies back up the value of having a well-thought-out business plan for companies on different stages of their business journeys.

According to one study that involved 3,000 company owners from diverse fields, those with business plans were almost twice as likely to succeed as those who didn’t. Furthermore, such strategic-planning companies were more effective in attracting investment or securing loans.

You can find more detailed information in the diagram below:

If your way is developing a mobile application

As of 2021, people have made 230 billion downloads of mobile applications, up by 63% than in 2016. Everyone appears to require mobile solutions these days, so your startup has a lot of room for imagination. You can choose from a wide range of mobile app types. To name a few, it could be a travel, event planner (here's an event app development guide), money management, social networking, or fitness app.

No matter which one you decide to create, a pre-written mobile app business plan can help you seamlessly go through the mobile app development process with its four fundamental stages : discovery, idea validation , design, and actually, development.

A goal without a plan is just a wish

There is a plethora of mobile applications these days. It means, though, that there are hundreds of almost identical apps in each category. Attracting users becomes a task of utmost importance.

Chad Mureta, an app tycoon, says that a developer’s profit directly depends on their knowledge of what’s interesting to the user; that is, to create a successful and profitable application, a developer should think like a user .

Creating a mobile app business plan template based on thorough user analysis will help you explain your business idea to stakeholders. Also, you’ll see a path to a product-market fit. To make that happen, you should determine what your target audience wants, needs, likes/dislikes in competitors’ apps, and tends to expect from using your app.

Therefore, identifying your target audience preferences should be your priority, as it is one of the main drivers of your startup.

Understanding the market is the key to success

The author of the bestseller 4 Steps to Enlightenment. Strategies for creating successful startups , Steve Blank, suggests that very few people understand where their market is. The writer believes it is almost impossible to launch a thriving startup without analyzing the market it’s going to enter.

Before you start writing a business plan, it’s crucial to figure out not only the degree of public interest in your product but also the level of competition in the market you’re going to enter.

Thanks to the preparatory analysis of your rivals and potential app users, you’ll be able to flawlessly identify your product’s objectives, advantages, and unique value proposition (UVP). This will also help you form the basis of a proper business plan.

Review your business plan annually

Steve Blank claims that a business plan is static in contrast to a business model, which is dynamic. A business plan appears to be stable by definition: that’s a document created once and rarely revised after adoption.

But in our quick-to-change world, do you believe there’s anything that could remain static? Especially in terms of business? Investopedia , for example, shares an opposite to Steve Blank’s statement: A business plan should evolve in tandem with a company’s growth.

We at Mind Studios adhere to the last approach and recommend you go through your business plan for an app at least once every year . It will allow you to respond to changes in your users’ demands and assess what goals you have achieved and which ones you still need to accomplish.

Moreover, refreshing a business plan will enable you to keep your finger on the pulse of your startup’s current and upcoming financial needs and, therefore, help you develop efficient strategies to attract investments. Consider it a dynamic document that adapts to your startup’s development path.

Why should you make a business plan for apps?

In addition to helping you get your startup off the ground, a viable business plan acts as an indicator for investors to consider it as a potential asset.

Let’s summarize the main reasons why your mobile app startup needs a business plan:

Both startups and established businesses need business plans, the content of which will depend on the company’s primary goal.

To attract partners, startup owners tend to use a business model canvas — a more flexible model of the traditional business plan. It can seamlessly adapt to the iterative nature of tech startup development, yet providing core information about a project.

However, the business model canvas for an app does not guarantee 100% success; it can only be one of the components that will help your project attract investment. A comprehensive business plan with a detailed description of your company and mobile app, justification of funds use, and coverage of all legal concerns is what can instill trust in all stakeholders of your project.

Is there a difference between a business plan for a mobile app and other software?

There are obvious distinctions between mobile applications, websites, and other software solutions. They significantly contrast in marketing approach, monetization strategy, and feature sets. As a result, business plans for these solutions will differ as well.

A traditional software development business plan might be structured similarly to a business strategy for a mobile app company. However, any document that presents the firm and its product will be distinctive in content. It is reasonable since each project is unique, with its own goals and target audience.

What does a business plan for a mobile app look like?

Your mission is to create a reliable and stable mobile application for either enterprises, individuals, or non-profit organizations. In this case, a business plan will help you pave the road to make your project profitable.

Therefore, when writing a mobile app business plan for startups, you’ll need to estimate the cost of development and commissioning as well as the timing of the return on investment in your project. Only by doing this, will you get a clear picture of your app’s viability.

One of the essential factors in writing a good startup business plan for a mobile app is delivering maximum transparency at each part. Let’s highlight what you should include in your mobile app business plan to make it serve your business in the most effective way possible.

Executive summary

Let’s start with the executive summary . It is the first and most significant part of your mobile app business plan because it’s the first thing an investor will read. The executive summary should be clear and concise, with no detailed information about how your product works. Address the situation in the market, who your target customer is, and what unique problem your application can solve.

Make your proposal unique to distinguish your company from others. In other words, create a unique value proposition (UVP). Use your imagination: consider your executive summary as a movie teaser and your investor as a spectator. Would they like to see your movie?

Specify your goals . These objectives should rely on your business analysis. Investors will examine your aims to see if they satisfy their needs. You also have to determine the ultimate goal of your exit plan . Furthermore, you should establish a list of funding requirements and the proceeds that will be used to boost the attractiveness of your company. One of the essential factors in the startup business plan for your mobile app success is ensuring maximum transparency at each stage.

Make your document convincing . To do this, ensure your product’s concept and goals are crystal clear and do not vary throughout the paper. Provide the reader with accurate data and realistic expectations about your project. Of course, don’t forget to make sure that the name of the person who created the business plan and executive summary and the names of your team members are consistent throughout the documentation.

Business description

Introduce your company in this part, beginning with corporate information and ending with your mobile app concept. This part of your startup business plan will show investors the corporate values of your company, your mission, product vision, and the fundamental factors for your startup success.

This information is vitally important for investors. For example, a technology startup accelerator Y Combinator considers getting money as by far the easiest part whereas working on ideas — the most significant part for any startup in achieving success. In most cases, Y-Combinator-like organizations make compiling a thorough business plan a prerequisite before introducing newly-formed projects to investors.

Company overview

Here you should describe your company’s:

This section should give the reader of your business plan detailed information about your startup: the official name of your company, the location of the headquarters, and its structure, namely the business entity type (LLC, corporation, etc.). Make sure to provide further details about your team, such as the number of workers, their names, job titles, and so forth.

Describe the purpose of your company and the fundamental principles that guide your business in the mission statement. After establishing your mission, outline the primary challenges and solutions your startup can offer.

Company history

Before making any business proposal, describe the history of your company, how your team formed, and how you came up with your idea. In addition, you can talk about the main stages of your company’s development and the experience that precedes the product launch.

Whether you are outsourcing app development process or you have an in-house team, it is often the most significant part of the executive summary because your app development team is the main engine of your project implementation. You should specify each person’s name, position, work experience, and responsibilities in the company. In addition, you can involve an advisory group that will help you make essential decisions. Consultants on your advisory team should have experience in the industry.

Market analysis

Information about the state of the market should be the main factor in your app idea realization. You should be aware of the present situation in your industry, have up-to-date information, and be able to generate a short-term forecast.

To conduct market analysis , you should take several steps:

• Examining existing business environment
• Defining your market research criteria
• Determining your total available market (TAM), service available market (SAM), and service obtainable market (SOM)
• Identifying your direct competitors
• Analyzing your target audience and figuring out the cost per acquisition (CPA) for your niche

No market research in the mobile app industry can be conducted without analyzing Google Play Store and Apple App Store with their ranks for top paid, top free, and top-grossing apps as well as user reviews.

Market forecasts

Forecasting is an integral component of writing a business plan for an app development startup realization.

Forecasts from reputable research firms such as Nielsen and Forrester are of interest when creating any business plan, be it a business plan for an app development, a website, or a traditional software startup business plan. To provide reliable market forecasts, you can:

• Include data on the growth of companies with solutions similar to your mobile app
• Add information on the amount of money poured into similar startups (platforms like Crunchbase or Y Combinator can help with this)
• Enrich your business plan with some forecasts on your target customer behavior

Your goal is to assess whether there’s a real market for your product, whether there are enough customers in the market, and, accordingly, whether those customers are willing to pay money for using your product.

SWOT analysis

A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning method that allows you to present a structured description of your business situation. It can be a great way to evaluate your app startup concept from four perspectives. Namely, its:

• W eaknesses
• O pportunities

It’s natural when a business has weaknesses: knowing about them will serve as a powerful driver for finding solutions and will reduce any risks your company may need to face.

Marketing strategy

An app marketing strategy is a bridge that allows your product to fall into the hands of your customers. You have to convince investors that you have such a bridge. This is an important part of the mobile app strategy.

When drawing up a mobile app marketing plan, you have to define the marketing strategies you intend to use in application promotion. Here are a few examples, along with descriptions of how they work:

Create a landing page

Creating a landing page for your mobile app will help you reach a wider audience by informing users about new features and updates. Make sure your page contains the name of the application, a description of its functionality, promotional videos, and so on.

Launch a website and blog

Launching a website is a great way to promote your application. There, you may, for example, provide more information about your company, its goals and values, and an overview of your future mobile solution.

A website blog is also a helpful thing with your app advertising. You can share news on your upcoming product and publish SEO-optimized articles for better promotion.

Social media marketing

Consider social media marketing while developing a business strategy to promote your app. Describe how you intend to use this form of advertising at various phases of your mobile solution development: before launch while attracting your audience and retaining users.

Estimate your marketing budget

You may estimate the cost of marketing services based on the market analysis you outlined in the preceding section of your business plan. Understanding the marketing budget is essential to all parties: you, the app owner, investors, and other stakeholders.

Product growth

Depending on the type of app startup, growing the user base approach differs, as does the business plan for entering different markets. For example, a massive advertising attack tends to make sense in markets where consumers understand your product or service and its usefulness.

Take, for instance, Uber , which has successfully launched extensive marketing campaigns. The company’s ads have spread globally with Uber localizing advertising for each region.

So, if you’re still working on a business strategy, think about how you’ll expand your user base in advance. This will tremendously assist you in future product growth.

Choose your product launch type

Be sure to indicate the product launch type in your business plan. There are two such types: hard and soft launch . The first one means delivering a finished product to your entire target audience. A soft launch is when you release an MVP or full version of your app, but for a limited audience.

To rightly set out this part of your business plan, you should clearly understand what kind of financing you need to move forward. Moreover, you need to express it as clearly as possible to be sure a potential investor will also understand what funding you need.

The financial model includes, as a rule, a three- to five-year forecast of all the main forecasted indicators, including profit and loss, cash flow, balance sheets, start tables, unit economics calculation as well as your app’s projected revenues and costs. Your financial document has to contain the following components to determine the actual cost and distribution of investments in the best way, with a clear explanation of each.

Startup costs/funding required

Inform your investors about estimated costs. We recommend placing reasonable estimates and leaving room for extra expenses since these numbers might fluctuate.

Designate all types of costs :

• One-time costs (e.g. relocation costs, costs for buying an office space, equipment, servers, software, licenses)
• Fixed costs: they remain unchanged regardless of whether you produce something or not (e.g. rent, insurance, lease payments, fixed salaries)
• Variable costs: costs that change according to the production volume (e.g. wages)

Monetization strategy

It is another section you need to add to your mobile app business plan. By illustrating your monetization model, you’ll demonstrate to your investors and other stakeholders that your project will be profitable and provide a return on investment with positive unit economics. It will also help you be sure that your startup will reach its break-even point.

The most common ways to monetize an application are :

• Advertising
• Charging for the application (if your business model describes a paid application, you need to convince the consumer why they have to pay and what they’re paying for)
• In-app purchases (this is a widespread mobile app business model in iOS and Android applications)
• Subscriptions (this model of monetization is quite popular and works until the user decides to cancel the subscription; in most cases, subscription apps have a free trial period)

One of our prominent projects in which we’ve helped set up a monetization strategy is Fitr. Training , a remote fitness coaching application. Our team analyzed the platform’s performance and discovered we could enhance the conversion rate.

We established a monetization model based on the collected data and customer feedback. Namely, our team launched an efficient subscription option. The results were remarkable: one out of every four coaches now uses the paid membership.

Mind Studios can also assist you in elaborating a potent monetization strategy.

Business plan example for a mobile app startup

We’d like to offer you a business plan template for a startup updated to 2023. Keep in mind that, although this mobile app business plan itself is structured according to all the rules, the calculations are entirely fictional. To complement our business plan, we also provide a mobile app marketing plan template, ensuring a strategic approach to promoting your app in the competitive market. This template includes up-to-date techniques for 2023, guiding you through effective advertising and user engagement strategies.

Download the free PDF business plan template for a mobile app here .

Writing a business plan for a mobile app startup isn’t easy. As a rule, the most challenging part of developing a business plan for a mobile app idea is writing the first page. Many people in this situation rush to find and download a free copy of another company’s business plan. They mistakenly believe that someone else’s business strategy will help them achieve their goals. But it absolutely won’t!

A business plan cannot be a cloned document. It must be one-of-a-kind reflecting your passion and enthusiasm in bringing your idea into life . A successful business plan should demonstrate that your company is viable and financially attractive. The higher the viability, the higher the investment opportunity.

If you need to compile a well-thought-out business plan to attract investments and successfully launch your app, our expert team at Mind Studios is here to help .

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Got an idea in Mind?

How to Write a Mobile App Business Plan + Free Template

Anthony St. Clair

11 min. read

Updated February 7, 2024

Free Download:  Sample Mobile App Development Business Plan Template

When Apple released the first iPhone in 2008, it also launched its App Store—with about 500 apps. Nowadays, the number of apps on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store totals about 5 million. If apps were people, they’d outnumber the population of Los Angeles.

Sure, the “gold rush” days of app development are long behind us, but building apps remains a solid way to bring useful or entertaining services to market. An app can also be part of a narrow or broader business strategy.

But with so much competition, building a profitable, successful app takes more than just an idea and a team of mobile app developers. You need a business plan to help guide your vision and implementation. This article will cover the steps to create your mobile app business plan, along with some tips to run it successfully. 

Need more guidance? Download our free mobile app development business plan for a full business plan outline that you can use to inspire your own plan.

• How to write a business plan for a mobile app

A business plan can be as short or extensive as you need it to be, and not a page more. In fact, you could launch a successful business based on even a one-page plan for your app development firm.

Writing a business plan for your mobile app business comes down to thinking through where you are with your app idea, what you want to accomplish, and how you think you will get there. A good business plan gives you both a starting point and a road map, but you can always review it and update it as you go.

At its heart, that’s all your app business plan needs to do.

Here are some of the key things your mobile app development business plan should include.

1. Determine what kind of app you will develop

Competition and opportunity co-exist throughout every app sector. If you’re still trying to decide where you might want to target your app development , strong contenders and trending app verticals include:

• Productivity
• Shopping (mobile-specific and general eCommerce)
• Health and Fitness
• Personalization

The sector you’re developing your app for influences the type of app you’ll want to build. For example, will you code for Apple iOS, Google Android, or both? Will you focus on a web or hybrid app? Is the app an extension of a website or other business channel? 

You’ll need to have this information defined up front in order to conduct proper research and easily write your business plan . 

2. Conduct market research and identify competitors

It’s one thing to have a good idea for an app. But the real question is, does the idea have a market that will be hungry to buy in?

As you develop your business plan, understanding your potential customer base is key.

For starters, evaluate similar apps and competitors in the vertical you are developing for—especially if there is already an app doing something that you want your app to do. As you conduct research and put together a market and competitive analysis, be sure to think through the following questions:

• Who are their customers?
• Are they the same ideal customer and target market ? 
• What steps will your company take to engage the market and involve them in testing and promotion? 
• What are the demographics (such as profession, age, or sex) and psychographics (such as opinions, hobbies, and lifestyle goals) of your target market? 

If you don’t understand the market for your app, it will be difficult to get them to find, install, use, and tell the world about your app.

Researching the market and your competitors can also clue you into expected app features, pricing and revenue models, gaps in services, and pain points that customers feel aren’t being met.

Understanding these factors can also help your business plan address a potential threat to your app’s viability: abandonment. User retention can be challenging throughout the app market, with 25% of customers using an app one time and then ditching it. So, be sure that you take into account how to attract new customers as well as how you’ll keep them around.

3. Positioning and promotional strategies

Once you’ve proven the market demand for your app’s concept, you should start figuring out how to promote your app and position it in the marketplace. Your business plan doesn’t have to include a detailed marketing plan . But it can be the perfect place to set up a few essentials that can guide your app’s marketing throughout its development and release cycles.

At a minimum your plan should include foundational messaging for pitching, branding, mission, and your overall sales and marketing strategy for your app, such as:

Develop and refine your elevator pitch

How concisely can you get across what your app does, why it’s needed, and what will make people love it? Can you talk up those key points with anyone from potential investors to your ideal customer, developers, and engineers to your mom and your best friend?

Examine how you’ll build awareness, interest, and need for the app

Will early testers be part of your outreach? Will you work with social media influencers, traditional media, or celebrity endorsers? How will you articulate the problems your app solves or the joy it provides?

What are some of the branding and marketing tasks your startup will pursue? 

For example, what is the company name? The app name? How will you engage your market on the social media platforms they like to spend time on? What original supporting content will attract the interest of your key audience?

In your business plan, it’s essential to understand your startup from the point of view of a founder and key player. But the marketing and promotional components of your business plan help you see your app from the point of view of an outsider, such as a customer or investor. The better you understand these other points of view, the better you can develop your messaging, build your app, and make it a success.

Free Mobile App Business Plan Template

Use this proven business plan example to successfully launch a competitive mobile app development business.

Download Now

4. Startup costs, financials, and pricing

Figuring out the potential startup costs for your app is not a one-size-fits-all equation. Generally, these are some of the factors to consider as part of your financial plan .

Platform development

Expect different development costs when developing for iOS, Android, or both. Your process will include defining a function, outlining what you need for your MVP, wire-framing, coding, testing, designing, and more.

Internal employees or outside contractors? 

If you’re planning to build up a full-on firm with employees, benefits, and offices, you will be looking at a different cost structure than if you want to outsource to a contracted development company or work with a freelance team that’s not employed by your app startup. That team may need pros in charge of mobile and backend development, design, QA, customer support, design, marketing, managers, and more.

The resources you have and the resources you need

How long it’ll take to develop and release your app depends in part on the resources you have access to.

Successful apps monitor and improve. Did the app crash? Is it scaling sufficiently to handle increases in use and load? What usage metrics are you monitoring and analyzing? How will you need to update the app to deal with OS updates?

By understanding these and other potential costs, you can develop a budget in your business plan. For more in-depth financial considerations, you should develop forecasts to gauge costs, future cash flow , and how your app company might grow and change over time by hitting release and growth milestones.

5. Development milestones

The release of your app is a milestone that’s farther down the road. In the meantime, you’ll be developing milestones that reflect major accomplishments in the development process. Your business plan can reflect some of those milestones, such as:

• Production of key features and functions
• MVP completion
• Testing and refinement
• Acceptance of app in app stores
• Achievement of sales and adoption goals
• Implementation of new features and versions

Remember, app development takes time. Focus your initial milestones on pre-release goals. From there, you can set and work toward post-release milestones that can pave the way to future growth, releases, and profits.

• Mobile app development tips for startup growth

As you develop your mobile app’s business plan, here are a few other tips and considerations to keep in mind.

Native, hybrid, or web?

Creating apps tailored to each OS—Apple and Android—can cost the most to develop, but also can maximize your app’s performance. The better the performance, the most adoption and use you could see in your target audience. 

At the same time, other apps work solely on the web, and others are developed as hybrids. Hybrid apps can help you manage team and development costs, but they typically can’t take full advantage of each OS.

As a rule of thumb, typically the more complicated or intense the app’s function, the better it tends to be to develop a native app. Lightweight functions may work fine in a web or hybrid environment.

Security and privacy

Privacy and security are at the forefront of customers’ minds as well as industry discussions around app business models. If you are developing for regulated industries—such as health care or financial services—there may also be legal privacy and security requirement to adhere to.

Decide on a platform: Apple, Android, or both?

If your target market is predominantly on one OS, that can guide your development decisions. Developing for both platforms requires more resources, but can give you the benefit of maximizing your ability to develop the app for each OS, and reach the most customers. Another option to consider is launching on one platform and adding another over time, depending on milestones in your business plan.

Offline vs online

A growing consideration in today’s app development firms is whether the apps can only function online, or if it can function offline too. Some level of offline function—and messaging that the app is offline—can make for better customer satisfaction, since users will have access to at least some features regardless of their internet connection.

For example, Google Maps can download route information so a user still has the mapping and some functions, even if they enter a remote location or go through an area where they don’t have a cellular or wifi signal. 

Walking users through what they can and can’t do offline, and how functions can be completed or data can sync once online again—can also go a long way to winning trust and loyalty from your app’s users. You’ll also want to determine if the offline function is something you develop as part of the launch, or if you roll it out in a later version.

Revenue model: Free/freemium, subscription, in-app purchases, ads, or a combo?

Apps can drive revenue in many ways. A common strategy is a freemium model: Offer a free baseline app, but other features can be unlocked with purchase or subscription.

Subscription models (usually with a tie-based free trial period) have also become increasingly popular in companies, and they are finding broad acceptance in the market. An app can also drive revenue by being a mobile commerce tool, helping customers complete a transaction from the convenience of their phone instead of having to go to a browser, non-mobile device, or other fulfillment channels.

Some apps are only available for purchase, often as a way to showcase an app’s superior or unique place in the market. Once purchased, though, other revenue models can come into play. The popular game Minecraft is a prime example: Customers purchase the app, but the Minecraft Marketplace offers in-app purchases to further customize the game.

Test properly before launch

If your app doesn’t work at launch, it may never recover from that stumble.

As the app reaches development milestones, ongoing testing can help you find and resolve problems before you have to deal with them in the deployed product. Conducting extensive testing across various devices, users, and OS versions can help you catch problems before they harm your new app—and your startup’s viability and profitability.

• Download your free mobile app development business plan template

Our free mobile app development business plan can give you the template you need to start setting up your business plan—and your business. It’s just one of hundreds of free sample plans that have been time-tested by our team and by thousands of entrepreneurs all over the world.

The question is simple: What mobile app development business will you create? Whatever it is, your business plan can help you get there. Download your free plan now and get started.

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Anthony St. Clair is a business copywriter, author of the Rucksack Universe travel fantasy series, and a craft beer writer specializing in Oregon. Learn more at anthonystclair.com.

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Why create a business plan for a mobile app?

A business plan is the backbone of any enterprise. Many people like to describe it as a map that assists you in getting from point A (idea) to point B (success) without accidentally venturing into point C (financial failure). You can also think of it as a set of guidelines used to devise app development strategies and manage the budget in a responsible and effective way.

A business plan helps steer the enterprise in the right direction

With a comprehensive mobile app business plan, you’ll be able to use facts and exact calculations to determine the overall direction of the business :

• Gain useful insights into the competition and the current state of the market
• Make informed decisions regarding marketing and communication
• Outline a comprehensive financial strategy
• Evaluate performance and decide on the best allocation of resources

It will also help you to better manage your team :

• Keep everyone in sync and focused on the same target
• Establish clear goals and KPIs, as well as set priorities

And finally, having a business plan is crucial if you want to win over investors and stakeholders.

This is not just our opinion — research confirms the value of writing a business plan. Recently, Palo Alto Software surveyed 2,900 entrepreneurs and discovered that those who create business plans are almost twice as likely to succeed as those who don’t. To measure “success”, Palo Alto used three metrics: business growth, secured investment capital, and secured loans. Find out more information about the study.

This study clearly shows that a business plan isn’t just a formality

What does a mobile app business plan look like?

A typical mobile app business plan is comprised of 8 sections:

• Executive summary
• Products & services
• Company overview
• Market analysis
• Competitive analysis
• Marketing strategy
• Financial strategy

The whole document usually runs 20 to 40 pages including appendices, but this number largely depends on the scale of your project and your goals. A mobile app business plan for a massive product with international presence may well run into hundreds of pages, while an average startup is unlikely to go over 50 pages. 

When writing a mobile app business plan, you should always consider the target audience . Keep everything informative but concise — otherwise, you run the risk of losing the reader’s attention. This is especially important if you’re writing a business plan to raise funds: investors don’t want to have their time wasted. However, it’s crucial not to sacrifice any important information for the sake of hitting a hypothetical 40-page goal.

Things to keep in mind when creating a business plan

Before we dive straight into writing a mobile app business plan, let us give you some tips that will help you along the way.

Before getting started on that Google Doc, ask yourself one question: what are you trying to achieve? The answer to that question defines your priorities. For example, if you’re going to use your mobile app business plan to raise some funds, you’ll want to focus on the reasons you need that money and exactly how you’re going to spend it.

Readability is highly important. This means that the information you present may be complex, but navigating it should be as simple to do as possible. The document should have a coherent structure, with one part logically flowing into another, and clear formatting with headings, subheadings, and enough white space. You can also supplement the numbers you provide with graphs to highlight the most important takeaways .

Pay attention not only to what the document says, but also to what it looks like: with headings, subheadings, and diagrams you create a better document structure

Fact-based estimates

All financial forecasts in your mobile app business plan should be realistic — too much optimism will likely damage your image and lead to lack of trust, not to mention that inflated expectations can ruin the enterprise itself. With that said, all the reports should clearly indicate that there are good prospects for the business and what investors stand to gain if they support the project. If the reports paint a bleak picture, maybe it would be a good idea to test another concept.

External review

Creating a 30-page formal document is a daunting task, and there’s not a single reason why you should face it in solitude. In fact, it’ll be much better if you don’t! As you go, ask other people (preferably experienced) to review it from time to time — this way, you’ll be sure that your plan is logical and makes sense.

How to create a business plan for an app

OK, so we’ve established that a typical startup business plan consists of 8 sections, each equally important. But what exactly do you put in these sections? Let’s find out.

Write an executive summary 

An executive summary is a rundown of the whole document. It describes the current situation in the market, establishes the target audience, as well as puts forward the product’s concept, business goals, and financial projections. Put simply, it answers three big questions:

A well-written executive summary can act as a standalone document. In fact, many investors make their initial decisions after reading this part only, so getting it right is crucial if you want to win over important stakeholders.

The secret is to keep everything clear and concise: you want to convey the message that your app idea has huge potential without overwhelming the reader with 5-page long sheets and abstract ideas. Ideally, the executive summary shouldn’t run longer than 2–3 pages.

The four key components of an executive summary

Prepare the company overview 

In this section of your mobile app business plan, you tell the reader more about your company . Include the following information:

• Mission. It’s a brief explanation why a company exists (take Google, for example: “Our mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful”)
• Vision. It’s a declaration of the company’s potential impact on the world.
• Corporate values
• History and past achievements (if any)
• Competitive advantages

You should also provide detailed information about the team : the number of people you employ, as well as their qualifications and previous experiences.

We recommend dedicating a separate subsection to your top management and key team members to tell about their background and achievements. This will help convince investors that apart from a great app idea , you also have great people behind it.

Make sure to cover the issue of ownership . Does each partner own an equal portion of the business? If not, how exactly is ownership divided?

Potential investors will definitely want to know this information.

Describe your products & services

This is where you really get into detail about your business idea. First, provide some information about the problem you want to solve. To do this, answer 3 fundamental questions:

You need to convince stakeholders that your product solves an important problem. Answering these 3 questions will help

You need to convince the reader that this issue is of importance. You can cite some research or statistics, but try not to oversaturate this section with numbers.

Then, you move on to the actual solution and tell how exactly you plan to tackle the problem. This is where you describe your product or service. Give a brief description of the processes involved, but again, avoid flooding the section with too many technical details.

Finally, give a brief examination of your competitors and highlight how exactly your product is going to surpass the already existing options.

Conduct an audience analysis

In the audience analysis part, you evaluate the current state of play and give justified reasons why you believe your product has a place in the competitive environment. This section includes queries into the target market , customer behavior, current trends , and several important metrics: cost per acquisition (CPA), total available market (TAM), service available market (SAM), and service obtainable market (SOM).

Try to be as specific as possible when talking about the target audience. Consider building customer personas — generalized representations of the people who are going to be interested in your product. To create a persona, conduct several in-depth interviews and organize the obtained information into the following blocks:

• Demographic information — age, gender, income, place of living
• Psychographic information — goals, challenges, motivation, personality type
• Professional activities — qualifications, current job, past job experiences
• Interests and personal tastes
• Needs — why would they need your product?

This is an example of what a customer persona sheet may look like

Carry out a competitive analysis

We’ve already touched on the subject of competition in the executive summary and the products & services section. This time, however, you dive in much deeper and provide a detailed analysis of your direct and indirect competitors, answering the following questions: What are their strengths & weaknesses? What marketing strategies do they use? What is their pricing?

Once you’ve described the competitive landscape, it’s time to show why your product is going to be superior. One way to do this is by conducting a SWOT analysis.

SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It actually doesn’t need to be any more complicated than this: the section names speak for themselves.

In Strengths , you state the advantages that separate you from the competition.

In Weaknesses , you focus on the things your product lacks and resource limitations.

In Opportunities , you describe the prospects for your business, as well as the external factors that can have a positive influence on the enterprise (rising demand, changing attitudes, etc.).

And finally, in Threats , you cite any external factors that can have a negative influence on the enterprise (bad media coverage, changing regulations, and so on).

Conducting a SWOT analysis is important for proper positioning

Outline your marketing strategy

This is where you describe three important things. First, you need to cover the channels you’re going to use to reach your target segments — for example, social media, target ads, or physical ads. Then, you specify the amount of money you plan to spend on marketing activities, and finally, the KPIs you’re going to use to evaluate efficiency.

Describe your financial strategy

We’ve reached the core of any mobile app business plan. A startup needs a financial strategy much like a ship needs an engine or a mast, and this section is where all the crucial number crunching is happening — akin to an engine room. Let’s look at what you need to include in this part of the plan:

• A revenue model, also known as a monetization strategy
• A monthly sales and revenue forecast for the first 12 months and annual projections for the next 3–5 years
• An income statement, which outlines annual net profits or losses
• A cash flow statement, which shows how much money the company operates with in total
• A balance sheet, which lists assets, liabilities, and equity in your company
• Funds needed (how much money you need to gain in investments)
• Use of funds (how exactly you’re going to use gained investments)

Exit strategy

You need an exit strategy if you plan to sell your company some time in the future. Having this subsection is crucial if you want to draw the attention of venture capitalists and angel investors. The most common exit strategies are acquisition, initial public offering (IPO), and management buyout.

Make sure you understand all these terms correctly and can confidently use them when pitching — investors are more likely to trust an entrepreneur who knows their numbers .

A typical balance sheet lists a hefty number of assets, liabilities, and stockholders’ equity. Complicated, but important!

Compile an appendix

This isn’t a mandatory section — you can omit it altogether, if you want. However, it might be a good place for charts, tables, legal notes, licenses, permits, detailed studies, illustrations of your product, and all other miscellaneous pieces of information that can seem a little out of place if you include them in any of the primary sections of your mobile app business plan.

How to fund your app startup

We’ve compared the main sources of funding in the table below.

And now a bit more about every source of funding.

Bootstrapping

Bootstrapping is just a fancy word for using your own money. Unsurprisingly, this is the best way to fund a startup: there are no loans, no interest rates, no bonds, and no contractual obligations. If the idea fails, you’ve got no one to answer to (well, apart from your wallet) — and if it takes off, you get to keep more of the returns. 

Personal networks

The second most desirable source of funding. A personal network is your friends and family — or, in other words, people you have a close emotional connection with. Persuading them to fund your mobile app development project will be much easier than pitching the idea to complete strangers. And in case the startup fails, they will likely give you enough time to recuperate and pay them back. 

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding means turning directly to end-users to get funding for the project, usually via the Internet. This method is very popular among smaller, niche-specific enterprises, but it doesn’t mean that large-scale ventures have nothing to gain from it — some businesses (including app development companies) manage to raise millions of dollars on Kickstarter and other crowdfunding platforms. Pros: you get to build a customer base super early. Cons: failure to deliver the promised product usually leads to court, unless you have exceptionally good PR.   

Angel investors

Angel investors are wealthy individuals who use their own money to support business ideas they find promising. They usually invest in budding projects in the seed stage, when the risks are at their all-time high — hence the name. But here’s the catch: in return, they get a share in the business, or at least a convertible bond. This means that if the idea takes off, they’ll gain a certain level of control over your company and become entitled to a share of your income. 

Startup contests at IT events

The tech industry is packed with conferences that can define the future of your app startup. Many of these events host startup contests with formidable prize funds reaching millions of dollars. Winning a contest like this is a quick way to get a solid influx of money early on — but, of course, there are no guarantees, and the competition is fierce.

Bank loans are your last resort. We recommend using this option only if every other one has failed. Why? Tons of paperwork, strict deadlines, and unfavorable interest rates make it poorly suited for fledgling startups — and don’t forget that failure to return the money on time may lead to severe consequences. It’s much safer to take a loan once you have an established company, but definitely not when you’re just starting out.

Monetization strategies

Deciding how your product is going to make money is one of the most important steps to take when developing a mobile app . There are multiple monetization strategies available, each of them suitable for specific types of businesses. Let’s look at some of the most popular ones.

One-time purchase

This strategy is based on the “pay once, use forever” principle. With this business model , you make your app available only after the customer purchases it, either before or after the download. This model can generate substantial revenue, but only if you offer unique features that are highly valuable to the user — otherwise they will most probably turn to free alternatives. Very common among productivity apps and games.

In-app purchases

The app and its basic functionality are free to use, but users can pay to access more advanced features or nice-to-have bonuses. The most famous examples of this model are probably games like Clash of Clans or Fortnite — you can play all you want for free, but if you want to progress faster or get in-game benefits , you can buy skins and in-game currency. Very lucrative if applied properly, but is mainly limited to the entertainment segment.

Subscriptions

Users can download the app for free, but to enjoy the full range of its features they’ll have to buy a subscription. Usually, this business model includes multiple options : for example, you can subscribe for a month, 6 months, or a year. To increase conversion, developers often offer trial periods that allow customers to fully experience all the advantages of the product before choosing to commit.

This strategy is also known as the freemium business model

Talentum , an app we developed a couple years ago, used a subscription-based revenue model. Users could order food from their favorite chefs without any paywalls, but there was always an option to upgrade their accounts and unlock the full range of features.

Talentum, the app that connects customers with top-notch freelance chefs

A fitness app we developed uses a similar system, but on the vendor side: coaches can buy higher-level subscriptions to take on more customers.

The subscription model is also used in dating applications such as Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge. Users that subscribe receive profile boosts, unlimited likes, advanced filters, and other benefits. Check out our article if you want to know more about dating app monetization strategies .

The most popular business model , which is also easy to combine with others. In this model, you use the app to run ads to generate revenue. There are several formats you can choose from, with some of them being more intrusive (like interstitial ads), and some less (like native or banner ads).

Many developers use this strategy together with a subscription-based model: the free version of the app is monetized using ads, while buying a subscription removes this annoyance and grants other benefits.

Keep in mind that the more intrusive the ad, the less users are going to like it

Commissions

Very handy for marketplaces of all sorts: if a vendor uses your app to sell their goods, you charge a commission for every sale they make at a fixed percentage. Alternatively, you can opt for charging fixed flat fees, but the first option is more widespread. The more vendors you attract to the platform, the heftier your revenue will be.

What is a business plan for a mobile app?

A mobile app business plan is a set of guidelines used to devise comprehensive app development strategies and manage the budget in a responsible and effective way.

How long does it take to create a business plan for an app?

Creating a mobile app business plan may take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month.

Is it possible to create an application without a business plan?

Yes, it’s entirely possible, but in this case you’ll need a reliable partner to help with refining the concept and turning it into a cool product on the go. If you have an idea for a mobile app, reach out to us — we’ll help bring it to life with low development costs.

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• Sample Business Plans
• Mobile Apps & Software

Mobile App Business Plan

A business has three pillars: the idea, the plan, and the execution. Congratulations! You have the app idea already, now you have to step forward with a plan.

But, somewhere with all the workload, the concept of the app, hiring the right people, budget, and development of the app, entrepreneurs overlook the need for planning.

Worry not, we are here to lighten your burden with our step-by-step guide for mobile app business plan writing.

Key Takeaways

• A mobile application business plan helps you define your marketing strategy, customer acquisition strategy, retention strategy, and strategies to achieve your business goals.
• Craft an impactful executive summary that outlines the type of your app business, marketing approach, financial outlook, and team expertise to attract potential investors and partners.
• Conduct thorough market research to understand market trends, consumer preferences, and the needs of your target market.
• To ensure efficient daily operations, provide in-depth operational plans that incorporate staffing, additional services, and customer service.
• Create realistic financial projections for sales revenue, expenses, and profit forecasts while considering contingencies & emergencies.

Let’s get started with our guide, without any further ado:

How to Create a Mobile App Business Plan: A Complete Guide

1. executive summary.

An executive summary is a quick overview of the whole business plan. From mission & vision to financial projections, it includes everything in between.

Generally, entrepreneurs write this section at the end after having the full knowledge of the entire business plan.

Begin your executive summary with a brief introduction of your business, and include other elements like:

• Market Opportunity
• Vision & mission statement
• Target market
• Unique value proposition
• Details of your services
• Management team
• Financial Outlook
• Call to action

For instance, here is an example of an app business USP’s section:

USP for PrivyConnect – Social Media App: “Connect with Total Privacy”

Our social media app is dedicated to ensuring your online interactions remain private and secure. Unlike many other platforms, we don’t share your data or personal information with third parties.

We use robust encryption to protect your messages and content, and you have full control over who can see your posts. With us, you can truly connect with your friends and family in a safe and trusted environment. Your privacy is our priority.

Note: your readers might not read the whole business plan, but they will go through the executive summary. Therefore, make sure you write it engagingly to grab their interest.

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2. Company Overview

In this section, present your business in detail. It should provide the details of your business & app name, the location of your office, the structure of your business, and other such information.

Now it is time you introduce what type of business you own, for example, your app type will be one from below:

• Social media app
• Messaging app
• E-commerce app
• Entertainment app
• Health and fitness app
• News or magazine app
• Navigation app
• Finance app

After that, mention the company history if you have any. Add the name and other qualifications & achievements of business owners. Mention the vision & mission statement of your app business along with your future goals.

In short, this section should provide an in-depth understanding of your business and business owners.

3. Industry Analysis

In the industry analysis section of your mobile app business plan, you have to provide the details about the mobile app industry. It will help you understand the market and gain a better insight into your business positioning.

Here are certain questions to ask while performing industry analysis:

• What is the current size of the app industry in terms of both revenue and users?
• What are the current trends of mobile app businesses?
• Which apps are leading the industry?
• Which mobile app concept is famous in public?

Conduction this industry analysis will educate you about the market and help you prepare marketing strategies according to the market trends.

In short, industry analysis will help to know a clear picture of the market, helping you in making informed decisions.

4. Competitive Analysis

Competitive analysis will help you identify the unique selling propositions (USP). Also, this way you will get to know your competitors.

Start by specifying who are your competitors – then compare it with both direct and indirect customers.

Now, let’s focus on your direct competitors, those similar to your mobile app. Provide an overview of each competitor, including their size and where they’re based.

Here are some questions to ask for competitive analysis:

• Who are your primary competitors?
• Who do they serve?
• What are their USPs?
• What is their pricing strategy?
• What do they need to work on according to their customers?

A more effective way to this analysis is to conduct it from the customers’ viewpoint. You might even ask your competitors’ customers what they like and dislike about their apps to better understand customers’ perspectives.

Here is an example of competitors and competitive advantage of the app:

Competitors

SocialShield: SocialShield is a notable competitor in the privacy-focused social media segment. It emphasizes strong user data protection and secure communications. Their user base has been steadily growing, particularly among privacy-conscious users.

GuardChat: GuardChat offers encrypted messaging and content sharing. It has a user-friendly interface and strong encryption features. While their user base is smaller compared to established platforms, they have garnered a dedicated following.

PriviNet: PriviNet has made a name for itself by offering comprehensive privacy controls and anonymous user interactions. They have built a niche community of users who value privacy and user-controlled sharing settings.

Competitive Advantages of PrivyConnect

PrivyConnect’s comprehensive privacy controls and encryption set it apart as a top contender.

The app’s transparent communication and commitment to environmental responsibility contribute to its appeal.

PrivyConnect’s active community-building efforts and user engagement foster loyalty.

The app’s plans to expand into secure content sharing and social community growth align with industry trends.

This way you can get to know the USP of a mobile app development company. Once you get the USP, flaunt it in the entire business plan.

5. Market Analysis

In the market analysis section, do the market research and dive right into the market where you will be providing your app services. Begin the section by providing the details of your target customers.

Your target customers will depend on the type of app you own and the services you provide.

After a thorough discussion of the target market, discuss the market trends. Mention what your target customers prefer and what new are they looking for. For example, people might be looking for:

• Integration of AR/VR
• Sustainable and eco-friendly apps
• Privacy and data protection
• Personalization

At the end of the market analysis, do mention the regulatory environment mobile apps need to follow in the particular location.

6. Sales and Marketing Plan

Writing the sales and marketing section means jotting down the marketing strategy you will use to acquire new users and retain the existing ones.

Now it is time to mention the marketing strategies for your app, there are three phases of the launch:

Pre-launch phase

• App-store optimization: Before launching the app, search for the keywords to include in your title, description, and other content.
• Build a landing page: You can create a website or build a landing page to make your brand presence prominent on the web too.
• Pre-launch promotion: Launch a teaser for your app before the release date itself. Give some special offers to the ones who will sign up even before the launch.

Launch phase

• Deploy it on major app stores: Launch your app on all the major app stores to reach a wider audience. Make sure it is working smoothly and is free of bugs.
• Social media marketing: There were going to be 147.2 billion annual app downloads in 2023 itself. Imagine the competition, so be sure to make your visibility strong through social media platforms.
• Content marketing: Create blog posts, videos, or infographics related to your app’s niche. Share valuable content on your website and social media to engage users.

Post-launch phase

• User reviews and feedback: Encourage users to leave positive reviews and ratings on app stores. Actively respond to user feedback and address issues (if any) ASAP.
• User engagement strategies: You can enable push notifications or in-app notifications to interact with your users. You can also ask them to invite friends in exchange for a referral bonus.
• Collaboration or influencer marketing: You can collaborate with some other mobile app companies and do cross-marketing. Influencer marketing is also a great choice.

Once you have noted down how you will acquire customers, then mention below things too:

• Customer acquisition cost
• Your monthly paid advertisement budget
• Number of followers you have on social media
• If there are any in-app purchases

7. Management Team

Knowing who is behind your app business will increase the appeal of your business plan.

The management team tells you about the people in charge of the app business. It should explain each manager’s experience, what they’re good at, and what their jobs are.

Here is an example of the management team:

Management team of PrivyConnect

Founder and CEO – Sarah Anderson Sarah is the visionary leader behind PrivyConnect. With a background in cybersecurity and a passion for online privacy, she founded the company to provide users with a secure and private social media experience. Sarah is responsible for setting the company’s strategic direction and ensuring its commitment to user privacy and data protection.

CTO – David Ramirez David brings a wealth of technical expertise to PrivyConnect. He has a strong background in mobile app development and security protocols. David oversees the technical development of the app, ensuring that it employs state-of-the-art encryption and privacy measures.

CMO – Emily Davis Emily is the marketing guru behind PrivyConnect’s success. With a knack for digital marketing and user engagement, she is responsible for building the app’s user base and promoting its unique selling propositions. Emily focuses on user-centric marketing strategies and community engagement.

COO – Michael Chen Michael is the operations expert at PrivyConnect. With years of experience in streamlining business operations, he ensures the app runs smoothly and efficiently. He also oversees partnerships and collaborations to enhance the app’s offerings.

8. Operations Plan

As earlier sections mentioned everything about your company goals, here it is time to mention how you will reach them. These goals are differentiated into two sections:

Everyday goals

They’re the heart and soul of your mobile app’s daily life, from coding and upgrades to the nitty-gritty of customer support. These are the everyday heroes that keep your app running smoothly.

Long-term goals

It’s all about milestones: the moments that make you pop the champagne. Picture celebrating your 10,000th app install, hitting that milestone sales figure you’ve dreamt of, or expanding your team.

9. Financial Plan

Your financial plan needs to have a 5-year financial forecast. For the first year, break it down into monthly or quarterly details, and then summarize it annually. This forecast should cover your income statement, balance sheet, Use of Funds, and cash flow.

Income statement

An income statement, often known as a Profit and Loss statement or P&L, displays your earnings and then deducts your expenses to know the profitability of your business. Make practical assumptions based on your competition.

Balance sheet

Balance sheets display your assets and liabilities. Although they can contain a lot of details, like equity, goodwill, other intangible assets, etc.

Uses of Funds

When you are seeking funding, this statement becomes necessary to show where you will use the funds. Here is an example of the Uses of Funds chart with the help of Upmetrics:

Cash flow statement

Your cash flow statement helps you see how much money you need to start or grow your business and avoid running out of money.

Surprisingly, you can make a profit but still face financial problems that could lead to bankruptcy. Therefore, you will need proper cash flow planning to avoid such circumstances.

Why Do You Need a Business Plan for Your Mobile App

For entrepreneurs who jump into business directly without writing a business plan is like delaying their success. Here are some reasons why you need a mobile app business plan:

Writing a business plan helps you work out and make clear your business strategy. Do you want customers to pay upfront? Or there are in-app purchases? Writing this down from the start helps your team understand where you’re headed.

Finances are important

Sometimes, it takes months or even a year to cover customer acquisition costs. So, you need a plan with a solid financial forecast. A good plan lets you play with different situations, so you know how much money you need for both the long and short term.

Acquiring and retaining customers

Acquiring and retaining customers is one of the sole purposes of a business. In the business plan, you have to mention in detail about your strategies to have a clear roadmap.

Knowing Your Market

A business plan lets you identify your ideal customer profile. Knowing your customers is crucial, and having a deep understanding of your customers helps you make the correct updates to your product in the future.

Related Mobile App Resources

• How Much Does it Cost to Start an App
• How to Start an Mobile App Business

Download a Mobile App business plan template

Ready to kick-start your business plan writing process? And not sure where to start? Here you go, download our free mobile app business plan pdf , and start writing.

This intuitive, modern, and investment-ready template is designed specifically for mobile app businesses. It includes step-by-step instructions & examples to help in creating your own mobile app business plan.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

Finally! You know how to write a mobile app business plan. Thus, you are one step closer to starting or expanding your business.

No doubt, writing a business plan is a challenging task, but it is a lot smoother with a top business planning tool . Therefore, take a deep breath and get started with your plan. All the best!

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Business Plan Presentation Tips

Frequently asked questions, do i need to include information about competitors in the business plan.

Yes, in the section of competitive analysis: you need to mention your competitors and their USPs. This will help you to understand the market and know your strong points.

How often should I update my mobile app business plan?

An app business plan is a living document, you can change or update it whenever you want. Ideally, go through your plan and make changes according to the current situations atleast once a month.

Can I use a mobile app business plan to secure funding for my app project?

One of the main purposes of writing a business plan is to secure funding or get a loan. So, of course, you can present a solid mobile app business plan in front of lenders to secure funding.

How much does it cost to create a mobile app business plan?

Writing a mobile app business plan might cost from a few hundred to thousands of dollars depending on the complexity of the app, the number of integrations, UI/UX, etc.

About the Author

Vinay Kevadiya

Vinay Kevadiya is the founder and CEO of Upmetrics, the #1 business planning software. His ultimate goal with Upmetrics is to revolutionize how entrepreneurs create, manage, and execute their business plans. He enjoys sharing his insights on business planning and other relevant topics through his articles and blog posts. Read more

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Home Blog How To Write A Business Plan For an App To Build It Properly

How To Write A Business Plan For an App To Build It Properly

It is worth mentioning that the journey from an innovative idea to a successful app startup requires a well-structured and meticulously crafted business plan. This essential document serves as the North Star, guiding entrepreneurs and developers through the intricate path of app development, market entry, and long-term growth. 

This article delves into the crucial elements of creating a comprehensive business plan for mobile app startups. Each section of the plan is like a building block, laying the foundation for your app’s success and offering a clear roadmap for its journey in the competitive app market.

With each section carefully interwoven, we present a step-by-step guide to building a powerful business plan that captures the attention of investors and partners and instills confidence in your app’s potential for success. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur with a game-changing idea or an established developer seeking to expand your app portfolio, this comprehensive guide will empower you to create a compelling business plan for your mobile app startup.

Join us as we unveil the secrets to unlock success and transform your app dream into a thriving, innovative reality. So let’s dive in and harness the power of strategic planning to take your mobile app startup to unprecedented heights!

What is A Business Plan for A Mobile App?

A mobile app business plan is a detailed and structured document that outlines the entire strategy and vision for developing, launching, and operating a mobile application. It encompasses essential elements like the app’s concept, target market analysis, marketing strategy, revenue model, financial projections, and risk assessment. 

The plan serves as a roadmap to guide the app’s development process and helps attract investors and stakeholders by showcasing a well-thought-out approach to achieving business goals. It is a crucial tool for startups and entrepreneurs seeking to turn their app ideas into successful, sustainable ventures.

Many people confuse a mobile app business plan with a request for proposal (RFP), but RFP is not a plan. These documents are used in different stages and contexts of the app development process. 

In a nutshell, RFP is a list of questions for software developers. If you want to know how to write a software development RFP , follow the link above. 

Reasons To Create An App Development Business Plan

A well-crafted business plan is essential for the success of your mobile app for several reasons:

Clarity of Vision

Developing a business plan forces you to clearly articulate your app’s vision, mission, and objectives. By defining the purpose and goals of your app, you gain a deeper understanding of what you want to achieve and how to get there.

Market Validation

A business plan requires market research to analyze your target audience, competition, and market trends. This validation process helps determine whether there is a demand for your app and whether it can be successful in the current market.

Strategic Decision-Making

A well-thought-out business plan serves as a strategic roadmap. It outlines the steps and milestones needed to bring your app to market and helps you make informed decisions.

Attracting Investors

Investors and stakeholders expect a detailed app startup business plan before investing their resources. A comprehensive plan showcases your commitment, market knowledge, and potential for a return on investment, increasing the likelihood of securing funding.

Resource Allocation

With a business plan you  can estimate the financial and human resources required for app development, marketing, and ongoing operations. It helps manage your resources effectively and avoid overspending.

Realistic Financial Projections

Financial projections in your business plan provide insights into your app’s revenue potential, expected expenses, and profitability. It allows you to set realistic financial goals and create a sustainable business model.

Risk Identification and Mitigation

Creating a business plan helps identify potential risks and challenges your app might face. By anticipating and addressing these risks, you can develop contingency plans and minimize negative impacts on your app’s success.

An App Business Plan Template: A Detailed Guide To Building Your Software

Now we proceed to the most important part of the article. You should use this template to create your mobile app business plan and avoid unexpected gaps.  

#1 Section. Executive Summary

The executive summary is the first glimpse of your business plan for app development, capturing the essence of your app’s potential. Address these key questions clearly and compellingly:

Problem identification. Pinpoint the specific problem your app aims to solve. Explore the challenges your target audience faces and the inadequacies of existing solutions. Show a deep understanding of users’ needs and why your app is the ideal solution.

Your solution. Introduce your app concept without delving into intricate details. Highlight the core features that will delight users and differentiate your app. Emphasize how your solution addresses the identified problem effectively.

Market impact. Demonstrate why your app will stand out in the market. Support your claims with data, statistics, and projections. Avoid clichés, and instead, showcase the profound impact your app will have on users and the industry.

Goal & vision. Outline your financial objectives and your vision for your app’s future. Present your app’s growth potential by stating the number of users you aim to attract and the projected revenue. Strengthen your vision with measurable metrics and short-term plans.

Crafting a compelling executive summary entices potential investors and stakeholders to delve deeper into your business plan, making them more likely to support your app venture.

#2 Section. Business Description

In this section, craft an alluring overview that sparks interest and draws potential partners closer by presenting the following aspects:

Company basics. Clearly state your company’s legal structure, whether an LLC or another entity. The organizational structure sets the foundation for future processes and operations. Additionally, highlight the location of your company, and if it operates remotely, explain the rationale behind this choice.

A captivating history. Engage your readers with compelling storytelling of your company’s journey. Describe the inception of your business idea and the initial steps taken to establish your venture. Keep it concise yet captivating, leaving the reader eager to know more.

Team introductions. Introduce your team to build a deeper connection with your readers. Showcase the expertise and skills of your company’s specialists, transforming a mundane description into a virtual introductory meeting. Share key details about your managers and engineering team members, including names, positions, and relevant experiences. Adding personal information like hobbies creates a more relatable connection with the reader.

Advisory team expertise. Highlight the value of your advisory team in guiding crucial decision-making processes. Emphasize the significance of their involvement in your company’s success and how their expertise can impact the local market. By mentioning their names and credentials, you convey a sense of credibility and competence, further intriguing potential partners.

By crafting your business description artfully, you build a strong rapport with potential partners, igniting their interest and curiosity in your app startup.

Take advantage of the opportunity to captivate investors and partners with a compelling business plan. Begin your app journey today with our step-by-step guide! Contact Binerals for more assistance.

#3 section. market analysis.

A comprehensive market analysis is essential for launching a successful app startup. By delving into the industry’s past and present, you gain valuable insights to shape its future. This stage transforms hypotheses into tangible statistical data, providing a strong foundation for your app’s growth.

• Market size. Understanding the market’s size involves analyzing three critical factors:
• Total Available Market (TAM): Assess the overall market demand for your app’s solution. Determine the potential scale of users who could benefit from your app.
• Serviceable Available Market (SAM): Identify the specific segment of users within the TAM that you can realistically reach and engage.
• Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM): This refers to the portion of SAM that represents your initial target users, those most likely to adopt your app.
• Market dynamics. To make informed decisions, compare and analyze the market’s evolution over the past five years. Examine shifts in size, demand, and trends. Learn from successful influencers who have entered the market and the lessons from those who have failed. 
• By studying industry expenditure, you gain clarity on your app’s potential revenue.
• Customer persona. To develop an exceptional app, viewing it through your customers’ eyes is crucial. Understanding your target audience and creating a detailed customer persona is vital. It involves crafting a portrait of the ideal app user, encompassing gender, name, occupation, education, hobbies, and daily challenges. Knowing your users allows you to tailor your app to meet their needs effectively.

With a well-executed market analysis, your app startup gains a strategic advantage. It clearly explains your app’s potential impact, target users, and the path to success in a dynamic and competitive market landscape.

#4 Section. Marketing Strategy

A robust business plan for app startup must outline a well-crafted marketing strategy that ensures your app effectively reaches potential users’ smartphones. Follow our step-by-step guide to build a successful marketing approach:

Identify customer acquisition channels. Examine various channels through which you can acquire customers. While social media marketing is potent, delve deeper into your research to gauge the potential reach on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Provide the readers with insights on which channels hold the most promise for profitability.

An app landing page is another powerful tool to engage your target audience. Showcase an engaging mockup and elaborate on the number of potential customers your landing page can attract.

Decide on metrics. In the early stages, measure your success through installations and conversion rates rather than financial revenue. Determine which metrics will be most valuable for evaluating your project’s progress and success.

Explore referral programs. Leverage referral programs as a growth catalyst. Identify potential companies for collaboration and explain to the app business plan readers why such partnerships are expected to yield fruitful results.

Optimize for SEO. Enhance your website and mobile application to improve search engine optimization (SEO). This optimization ensures visibility and discoverability, driving organic traffic and increasing user acquisition potential.

A well-executed marketing strategy in your app business plan demonstrates your readiness to attract users, increase app installations, and ensure your app gains traction in the competitive app market. It acts as a roadmap for effective user acquisition, enabling your app to thrive in the digital landscape.

SWOT analysis. It stands for S trengths, W eaknesses, O pportunities, and T hreats. App startups gain valuable insights into their business situation by conducting a comprehensive SWOT analysis. It is a powerful tool to make informed decisions, mitigate risks, capitalize on strengths, and successfully navigate the ever-changing app market landscape. 

Embracing weaknesses as opportunities for improvement allows app startups to enhance their competitiveness and work towards building a resilient and thriving app business.

#5 Section. Define Your Competitors

In the vast world of app startups, having competitors is inevitable. Learning from them can be a catalyst for your app’s success. While striving to offer unique functionalities and cater to users’ needs exceptionally, acknowledge that similar solutions may already exist.

Understanding your competitors is vital. Conduct market research to identify potential rivals, study their track record, and assess their capabilities. By understanding their weaknesses, you can strategize to transform those areas into your strengths, giving your app a competitive edge. 

By embracing the power of knowledge and learning from your competitors, you position your app startup for success. Emulate their strengths while devising innovative approaches to address their shortcomings. Such a proactive approach strengthens your app’s market position and sets the stage for meaningful growth and success in the competitive app landscape.

#6 Section: Choose a Monetization Strategy

As we approach the culmination of your tech startup business plan, financial considerations take center stage. While running a non-profit project is commendable, mobile apps hold immense revenue potential, demanding focused attention on the monetization strategy.

To turn your app’s efforts into financial profit, consider the following strategies:

Use advertising. Implementing advertisements within your app is a quick and straightforward way to monetize it. However, you need many active users to reap substantial rewards. Advertisers will be more willing to invest in ad placements as your user base grows, boosting your revenue.

Charge a fee for installation. In a market flooded with free apps, standing out as a paid app requires demonstrating unique features and value. Communicate the app’s distinct advantages to convince users to pay for installation. Emphasize the value they will receive and how it sets your app apart from free alternatives.

Add a paid account option. Offering a free trial period allows users to experience your app’s capabilities before upgrading to a paid account. Showcase the app’s performance and powerful functionality during the trial phase to entice users to opt for a paid subscription. Delivering a seamless and valuable user experience increases the likelihood of successful conversions.

Selecting the most suitable monetization strategy is crucial before you begin drafting your sample business plan. Investors and partners seek a well-defined and clear monetization approach. Be prepared to articulate your expected financial profit from the app, as this clarity demonstrates your commitment to financial sustainability and makes your app startup more appealing to potential backers.

With a well-chosen monetization strategy, your app can unlock its full revenue potential and pave the way for financial success in the dynamic and lucrative mobile app market.

#7 Section. Startup Costs & Funding 

Understanding the critical role of finances in app startups is essential, as financial issues are a key reason for startup failures. With your first technology startup business plan example taking shape, recognize the significance of startup costs and funding for your business.

Why is the financial component of planning so crucial?

Understanding funding needs. Assessing the type and amount of funding required to bring your app to life is vital. Clearly outline the financial resources needed for app development, marketing, operational expenses, and other essential aspects. This outlining  enables potential partners and investors to grasp the financial commitment required to propel your app startup forward.

• Transparency for partners. Transparency regarding financial needs is critical for gaining the support of potential partners. Clearly articulate the required funding and demonstrate how it aligns with your app’s development and growth plans. Open communication about your financial needs builds trust and credibility with stakeholders.

Your startup financial model should encompass a forecast for the next 3-5 years. Include the following data in your plan:

• Talk about required funding. Provide a comprehensive estimation of the financing needed for various aspects of your app startup. Additionally, anticipate potential challenges and develop a contingency financial plan as a safety net.
• Specify payment frequency . Different costs have varying payment frequencies. Some may be one-time expenses, while others, such as salaries and maintenance costs, are recurrent. A detailed financial plan helps track expenses accurately and ensures prudent financial management.

By incorporating a well-structured startup cost and funding section in your app business plan, you demonstrate foresight and preparedness for the financial aspects of your app startup. This financial roadmap serves as a guiding force, securing the necessary resources and steering your app toward success in the competitive mobile app industry.

Wrapping Up

Crafting a comprehensive business plan for your mobile app startup is the compass that steers you through the turbulent waters of app entrepreneurship. As we conclude this explanation, we understand that every aspect of the business plan plays a vital role in shaping your app’s destiny.

In conclusion, your mobile app startup’s destiny lies in the blueprint you create. A well-crafted business plan is the culmination of your dreams, expertise, and unwavering determination. Armed with this strategic document, you navigate the challenges of the app landscape with foresight and precision, confident in your app’s potential to transform lives and revolutionize the market. If you correctly build a business plan, app development will be smoother and faster. 

Let your mobile app startup be the beacon of inspiration, driving change and elevating the human experience. As you embark on this path, remember that you can redefine the future of mobile applications, one visionary idea at a time. 

Join the league of successful app entrepreneurs by developing a game-changing business plan. Let's start this challenging task together! Contact Binerals right away.

A business plan provides a clear roadmap for your app startup, outlining your vision, target audience, marketing strategy, and financial projections. It is essential for attracting investors, guiding decision-making, and ensuring the long-term success of your app.

There are various monetisation strategies to consider, such as in-app advertising, charging a fee for installation, offering a paid account option with premium features, or implementing a freemium model. Choosing the right strategy depends on your app’s unique value proposition and target audience.

Yes, a SWOT analysis helps you identify your app’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, enabling you to make informed decisions and develop strategies that leverage your advantages and address potential challenges.

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Instant messengers are as popular as social media. There are more than 3 billion chat application users globally, and their number is projected to grow. Let’s meet their demand for secured and quick communication and data sharing by creating a chatting app with a market-disruptive potential.

How to Write a Business Plan For Mobile App Startup

Tech Editor and Content Team Lead

Tech Researcher and Writer

Table of content

Idea, plan, and implementation. These are 3 cornerstones of any project’s success. In the constantly changing modern IT world, it’s impossible to forecast success with 100% confidence. However, if you pay enough attention to each of these cornerstones, your chances to reach the top grow.

However, some entrepreneurs skip the stage in which they should create an app business plan. These people often believe practice to be a better way to reach the expected results, hoping spontaneous decisions can build the road to the top manufacturers' list. Unfortunately, this type of approach leads nowhere.

We have carefully analyzed issues that our clients and partners have come to us with, measured the performance of their projects and analyzed how a tech startup business plan impacts the overall company’s success. Today, we will explain the importance of a business plan and guide you through the main steps of developing your own.

Why You Need a Business Plan for Your Mobile App

Mobile apps brought an unexpected revolution to the digital era. The number of unique and useful apps increases daily.

Just a year ago, the number of applications available on the App Store exceeded 2.2. million.

The mobile industry is forecasted to bring in almost $190 billion of revenue in 2020.

If you would like to join this beneficial industry, and already have a great app idea, it’s time to take the next step towards your goals and bring into being a great app business plan.

But first, let’s clarify why you actually need a brilliant business plan for an app .

Attracting great minds and great investments

Depending on the type of business model you want to use, you have to decide between startup co-founders or investors. In some cases, you need to attract both. An application business plan is your sole way to fulfill this task quickly and proceed with more significant steps towards your company’s growth.

Reducing the risks

Recent reports show that writing a business plan will bring you closer to your goals and ambitions. Entrepreneurs with extensive business plans are more likely to develop their company and increase their revenue than those who without a plan.

Planning is a simple way to secure loans and investments.

Keeping to the defined strategy

In a world full of interruptions, it’s hard not to miss the important things. Every day you, as a startup owner, will face new issues and obstacles. But a set of points on your blueprint will act as a quick reminder of why you started it and where it should take you.

Preparing properly

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” ― Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin wasn’t involved in software development, but these words highlight the app business plan significance. By writing a plan, you are enhancing your knowledge about the market you plan to break into. This will clarify your goals, set your priorities and help you build more accurate forecasts. It’s your chance to reveal possible risks and find your own voice in the industry.

Managing and delegating effectively

Being a good manager is an art. A mobile app business plan is your tool for creating a masterpiece. It provides a vision of critical tasks, helping you delegate each of them to the responsible person.

An App Business Plan Template

Now that you know how meaningful a business plan is for any project is, let’s find out what it actually is. Typically, a business plan is a set of:

bullet points describing your vision.

some statistics providing real numbers about the industry you plan to enter.

tables with defined steps and strategies you would like to implement to reach your goals.

Is the product viable? Does it have the potential to bring new experiences to the user and measurable benefits to its founders? Those are 2 primary questions your app business plan should answer. Include the following components to make your triumph inevitable.

Section 1. Executive Summary

This is the introduction to your business plan. This is the first thing your potential investor will see when becoming acquainted with your idea. Make it clear and remarkable, and answer these questions in your summary:

What problem do you want to solve?

Even though the market is chock-full of different solutions, consumers always face some obstacles and complications. You need to find these problems and identify the one that you can solve. Analyze your target audience’s needs at the moment, why the existing solutions do not satisfy these needs, and what you can offer to solve this problem.

What is your solution?

First of all, make sure your project is capable of addressing this problem. Then, introduce your idea but do not dive into details. This is not the right moment to introduce the functionality to investors. It’s time to generally highlight what your app will do to make app users happy. 

How will your app change the market? 

Answering the first question, you have possibly come to the conclusion that similar solutions already exist. Provide proof that your app is better than other apps. Share facts, numbers, and forecasts; avoid using clichés and make your answer as profound as you can. 

What goal are you pursuing? 

The primary goal of any business is financial return. In this section, you need to explain what your goal looks like, provide your vision of the app’s future, state how many users you expect to download your app, and what profit it will bring. Visualize your short-term plans and enhance your answer using metrics.

Section 2. Make a Business Description of Your Company

Create an attractive overview to increase interest. This section is how you get closer to potential partners by presenting the following things:

Basic info about your organization

Either your company is an LLC or another entity, the potential investor should know this. The company’s structure defines the way processes will be organized in the future.

Location is essential. If your team works remotely, mention it, too. And don’t forget to emphasize the reasons you have decided on this location or opted for remote collaboration.

A few words about the history

People like storytelling. So explain the company’s history. How did you come up with the idea of founding your own business? What did you start with? Make your story short but catchy so you can win the reader’s attention.

Team introduction

The app startup business plan should include details about your team so you could get even closer to the reader. By adding a few words on the company’s specialists, you can turn a boring description into a virtual introductory meeting.

Tell the potential investor about your managers. Provide information about the engineering team. Specify names, positions, experience, and even hobbies. Writing your app business plan, make the readers feel like they know the people you talk about.

One more actionable tip is to provide details about your advisory team. These experts help you with decision making, and their names can make a difference in the local market.

Section 3. Market analysis

To launch an app startup, you should know everything you can about the industry you are entering. By understanding its past and present, you can impact its future. This stage moves a hypothesis to real statistical data.

How big is the market?

To answer this question, you must analyze the following factors:

Total Available Market, or market demand for your app.

Serviceable Available Market, or the number of users you are able to reach out to.

Serviceable Obtainable Market, or the segment of your first users.

How does the market change?

Compare and analyze the market size 5 years ago and now. What has changed? How many influencers have broken into the market? How many failed? The amount of money spent in the industry will make your own potential income clearer.

What is the customer persona?

The only way to develop a legendary app is to look at it through your customers’ eyes. This is why you need to understand the target audience and create a portrait of your customer. A customer persona is a detailed description of what users that install your app look like. Define gender, name, occupation, education, hobbies and daily challenges they face. This is a portrait of the real person your app will serve.

Section 4. Marketing strategy

A solid mobile app business plan should describe how your app will get to potential user smartphones. Let’s have a glance at our step-by-step guide on how to build a successful marketing strategy:

Identify the channels you can acquire customers from

Today, social media marketing is considered the most effective way to promote a product. But will it be enough for your app? Go back to the research phase and find out how many potential users you are able to meet on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Provide the readers with information on what channel may be most profitable.

An app landing page is an excellent way to reach out to your target audience, too. Develop an engaging mockup and provide the partners with information on how many customers will find out about your product from a landing page.

Decide on metrics

During the beginning stages, your success will be measured with the number of installations or conversion rates, not with financial revenue. So decide what metrics will be useful for your project’s evaluation.

Consider participation in referral programs

Referral programs could become your growth fuel. Decide on which companies to collaborate with and explain to the app business plan readers why this cooperation is expected to be fruitful.

Don’t forget to optimize your website and mobile application to improve SEO. And remember:

“Be undeniably good. No marketing effort or social media buzzword can be a substitute for that.” - Anthony Volodkin, Hype Machine founder

Section 5. Define Your Competitors

If you are not Elon Musk, you definitely have competitors. And if you have competitors, you should learn from them. Make sure your business offers unique functionality and has the ability to cater to users’ wishes like no other tool could. But at the same time, be aware that there will always be someone doing something similar.

Know your competitors. Study the market and increase your awareness of potential rivals, as well as their history and capabilities. Study their weaknesses and brainstorm how to turn these into your strengths.

Section 6. Choose a Monetization Strategy

As we reach the finish line of your app development business plan template building, we will talk about finances. Running a non-profit project is good, but when it comes to mobile apps, which have a market of billions of dollars of revenue annually, the monetization strategy deserves exceptional attention.

How can you turn your efforts into financial profit?

• Use advertising

You can simply advertise other products with your mobile app. This is one of the fastest and easiest ways to monetize it. However, you should have an impressive number of active users to implement this strategy.

• Charge a fee for installation

There are so many free apps all over the web that users ignore the paid ones. Be ready to demonstrate unique features to convince users to install your app.

• Add a Paid Account option

Offering a free trial is an attractive option. After the trial period ends, allow an account upgrade. If your app demonstrates good performance and powerful functionality, it is very likely that users will be ready to pay for it.

Choose your strategy before you start your sample business plan. Potential partners and investors will not support your idea unless the monetization strategy is well-defined and clear. So be ready to answer questions about what financial profit you expect to make from this app.

Section 7. Startup Costs & Funding

Did you know that one of the key reasons startups fail is financial issues?

29% of companies simply run out of cash and 18% of companies have other types of cost issues. Now, when you are closer to your first technology startup business plan example than ever, consider the importance of costs and funding for your business.

Why is the financial component of planning so important?

It is vital for you to understand what type of funding you need to get your app up and running.

Your potential partners must know how much money you need.

Your startup financial model should reflect the forecast for the next 3-5 years. Add the following data to your plan:

Talk about required funding

You have a rough estimation of how much money you need. Try to foresee possible issues. A backup financial plan may be useful, too.

Specify payment frequency

Some costs should only be paid once. Other costs, like salaries or maintenance costs, are repeatable. A detailed financial plan is the final thing you need to provide in your application business plan.

In Conclusion

Strive to create an excellent app business plan, keeping in mind the following tips:

Make it simple and clear.

Be professional and realistic.

Avoid slang.

Proofread, then proofread it again. Also, don't neglect grammar checkers like Grammarly . Such a tool will not only correct your spelling or grammar but also advise you on the style of your writing.

Isn’t it exciting? Now you know how to write a business plan for an app! Now you are one step closer to fruitful business relations and considerable funding to bring your idea to life. And now you are one great step ahead of your competitors.

We have seen dozens of business plans on our path. Now we can say for sure which plan is the right first step to great achievements in the future.

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Guide to writing a business plan for a mobile app business

✓ Updated on 25 April 2024

Mobile app business plans

Thinking of developing a mobile app? Done properly, app development requires a significant investment of time, money and resources. And therefore some careful consideration before you proceed. 

Writing a business plan for a mobile app business, in advance of any development, can really help to clarify your vision as well as identify the steps you need to take to maximise the return on your investment.

We’ve written about how to make an app . But in order to make sure your app pays for itself and provides an income , you really need to make sure you have an app business plan in place.

How to write a business plan for an app:

Make sure you’ve taken the right factors into account

What problem are you aiming to solve with your app?

It’s vital to understand what your competitors are already doing – and how your app will improve on this

Think about your app’s USP and how it benefits your users

No matter how good your mobile app business idea, good financial management will ultimately be key to its success

You will need to give some considerable thought to how you plan to market your app

1. Decide what to consider when writing a mobile app business plan

Mobile apps are continuing to grow in popularity year on year – in fact, mobile apps are projected to hit $188.9 billion in revenue by 2020 – up from just $88billion in 2016 ( Statista ).

It doesn’t seem entirely unreasonable to wonder  what the future holds for mobile apps  – and whether the market is already saturated.

And yet technology is constantly changing (think about the rise of voice-based apps such as Google Home, Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri for instance) along with consumer habits and expectations. 

So there is no doubt that the demand is still there for apps that can genuinely be shown to be more innovative and more engaging than their competitors.

Whatever your business, writing a business plan takes time. But it’s an iterative process can and one that can be hugely helpful in clarifying exactly what you want to achieve in the development of your own app.

So what are some of the key points you might want to consider when putting together a business plan for your mobile app?

To get you started, here is a app business template:

App business plan template

• Executive summary
• Company overview and business goals
• Industry analysis
• Customer analysis
• Competitive analysis and market research
• Marketing strategy plan
• Operational plan
• Management team (if you have one!)
• Financial plan and forecast

2. Define what kind of app do you want to develop

It is tempting to rush into the development of an app simply because other businesses similar to yours already have one.

But it’s worth giving some genuine thought to the ‘problem’ that you aim to solve with the creation of an app.

Businesses build apps for all sorts of reasons, such as branding, improving customer engagement, direct marketing etc. 

But as online publishing platform  Medium  says “Ultimately an effective mobile strategy involves more than just a mobile friendly website.”

3. Research your market

Once you have identified  why  the marketplace needs you to develop the app, it is vital to understand what your competitors are already doing – and how your app will improve on this.

When  conducting market research , you should look at both primary and secondary data and consider key information such as include the size of your market as well as a thorough understanding of pricing. 

A  SWOT analysis  can be useful for understanding your business’ Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. 

LivePlan  explains “Strengths and weaknesses are internal to your company—things that you have some control over and can change. Examples include who is on your team, your patents and intellectual property, and your location.

“Opportunities and threats are external—things that are going on outside your company, in the larger market. You can take advantage of opportunities and protect against threats, but you can’t change them. Examples include competitors, prices of raw materials, and customer shopping trends.”

Building on this, there is also a value in conducting a  PEST analysis  to look at macro economic factors that may influence your business.  These are opportunities and threats due to Political, Economic, Social, and Technological forces. 

Pestle Analysis  explains these four areas in more detail: 

• Political   Here government regulations and legal factors are assessed in terms of their ability to affect the business environment and trade markets. The main issues addressed in this section include political stability, tax guidelines, trade regulations, safety regulations, and employment laws.
• Economic   Through this factor, businesses examine the economic issues that are bound to have an impact on the company. This would include factors like inflation, interest rates, economic growth, the unemployment rate and policies, and the business cycle followed in the country.
• Social   With the social factor, a business can analyze the socio-economic environment of its market via elements like customer demographics, cultural limitations, lifestyle attitude, and education. With these, a business can understand how consumer needs are shaped and what brings them to the market for a purchase.
• Technological   How technology can either positively or negatively impact the introduction of a product or service into a marketplace is assessed here. These factors include technological advancements, lifecycle of technologies, the role of the Internet, and the spending on technology research by the government.

4. Define your app’s unique selling point (USP)

So what problem does your app actually solve? What makes it different from all the other apps out there? Any why will someone download your app rather than another, similar one?

Identifying your app’s unique selling point (USP) is a useful exercise in really understanding what you plan to do that’s different to everyone else. 

It can also help you develop an ‘ elevator pitch ’ – a 20 second, one or two line summary that comprehensively explains your product. And which could, as the phrase suggests, be articulated to a potential investor between the floors of a buildings – should you be lucky enough to find yourself in a lift with someone on the lookout for your product! 

5. Understand your budget and how your app will make money

No matter how good your mobile app business idea, good financial management will ultimately be key to its success.

How, for instance, are you going to make money from your app? You might decide on a freemium model, where basic features are free but full functionality is hidden behind a paywall. You might prefer in-app advertising. Or your app might be for solely for in-app purchases. 

It is reassuring to know that  it is possible to develop a mobile app on a tiny budget  – but that budget still needs careful management.

Alongside all the usual business plan financial headings, you should also consider costs that are specific to app development. 

These can include customer acquisition cost, which  Appster  elaborates as cost per app install or CPI, suggesting “If you want to go one level deeper and be more exact, find out the cost per activation, keeping in mind that there will be a percentage of users who might install the app, and then uninstall it without engaging with the app.”

6. Decide how you plan to market your app

Developing an app is one thing but getting it to arguably saturated marketplace, with good take up is quite another.  

You will therefore need to give some considerable thought to how you plan to market your app once it is built (and possibly even before you have launched it). 

And so taking the time to put together a  marketing plan for your mobile app business  can pay dividends after launch.

Looking for a hand with writing a business plan for your mobile app business?  

If you would like a steer developing a business plan for your mobile app business, then the team at Creative.onl would love to help.

We are a friendly bunch with expertise across all of the following areas: 

• Digital strategy 
• UX design 
• App development
• Web development 
• Responsive web design
• Graphic design
• Video animation 
• Marketing support 

And we would love to help you with any aspect of your digital marketing strategy.

Whatever you are looking for,  get in touch with Creative.onl  to talk through the creative process.

App business plan FAQ

A mobile app business plan is exactly what is sounds like: a business plan, created specifically for a business based on launching a mobile app. Any startup business should have a business plan, and mobile app businesses are no exception.

Follow our 6-step process, and include the following 9 sections: • Executive summary • Company overview and business goals • Industry analysis • Customer analysis • Competitive analysis and market research • Marketing strategy plan • Operational plan • Management team (if you have one!) • Financial plan and forecast

If you feel that you have the expertise then you can go ahead and write your own app business plan yourself, without spending a penny: totally free. Or if you’d like some professional help, you can commission an app launch specialist like Creative.onl to write one for you: this might cost anything from £500 to £5000, depending on the level of support needed.

Every business is unique, whether it’s a mobile app business or otherwise. So this means that every mobile app business plan is also one-of-a-kind of tailored specifically to the business in question. But having said that, most app business plans follow the rough format we detailed, with emphasis added or removed from each section.

Send us an email to [email protected] and let us know what you need, we should be able to provide you with a PDF template.

✓ Reviewed by Joe Dawson , Managing Director

How To Create A Killer Mobile App Business Plan [+Template]

September 27, 2022

Adam Hoeksema

If you’re on your way to developing your first mobile app, or you’re looking to grow your mobile app business, you might be considering improving your business plan. If you haven’t got one already, maybe you’re still in need of a little convincing, or the thought of doing it yourself is still overwhelming. 

Fortunately, building a mobile app business plan isn’t all that hard, and with the right approach you’ll end up with a robust document that will inspire investors, woo bankers, or, at the very least, give you valuable insight into where you’re headed and how to get there. 

In this article, we’ve got the whys and the hows of your mobile app startup business plan, as well as a handy template to follow.

Download: Mobile App Business Plan Template

First, though, in case you’re in need of a little push, here’s a little motivation.

Do you Really Need a Mobile App Business Plan? 

The short answer to this is: yes. The longer answer holds the caveat that it depends on how serious you are about succeeding financially with your venture. 

When you’re starting out, you probably won’t know a huge amount about the market or how your product will fit into it. You might have an idea for an app and are willing to just build it and see what happens. 

And this could be fine; if you’re not worried whether or not it’ll be successful, you don’t have a lot to lose, and spending time on a business plan for a hobby project might not be the right choice for you. 

But if you want to compete and actually reach the most people, you do need a plan, and you do need a business-minded approach. You need a business plan. This is true, regardless of whether or not you’re ever going to show it to anybody. 

A business plan can feel a bit like an overwhelming commitment to a certain direction, but in fact, it’s the very vehicle for defining and understanding that direction in the first place. 

Further, your mobile app business plan will be a documentation of your investigation into the industry, and how you’ll be navigating your way through it with your app. This document puts your commitment into writing, and demonstrates to any outside stakeholders your business chops: essentially, how reliable you are as an entrepreneur. 

The importance of a business plan, therefore, is two-fold: Firstly, you’ll be gathering significant information on your company and its position in the industry. This will lead you to accurate projections and enable to you take the right business risks to grow your company. 

Secondly, you’ll be setting yourself up with a reputable document that you can show to investors or loan providers, should you be looking to fund the next growth phase of your business.

Funding Options for Your Mobile App Startup

When it comes to funding in business, there are three main sources. To find the first one, you need to look no further than the end of your nose. Bootstrapping a business, or self-funding it, has many advantages over the more involved options of taking out a huge loan or persuading another individual or company to invest in you. However, it also has its drawbacks. Let’s break down these three options, for clarity:

• Bootstrapping – There’s a good chance your overheads are going to be relatively low with a mobile app startup. If you’re a single person or a small team, you can work from home, and your initial costs could range anywhere from $50 to $500k, depending on whom you ask; the lower end of which is nothing to be sniffed at, but certainly more attainable from the proceeds of a side-gig or savings account. However, if you’re a little farther ahead in your project, or it’s a bigger job, you might need a rapid injection of capital that your wallet can’t handle. In these cases, you could try one of the next two options.  
• Loan – Loans for mobile apps aren’t hard to come by. Getting a good deal takes a little longer, but there are plenty of options from banks to crowdfunding that could provide you with a hefty chunk of capital for your mobile app project. Banks might be faster but more expensive, and crowdfunding might be cheaper but could take a while. Weighing up the pros and cons for the range of options, and consider that if your business fails, you’ll still probably have to pay that money back.
• Investment – For less financial risk, consider an investment. The added benefit of finding the right investor will come with their handy experience in the market, which you may or may not be allowed to make use of. This is one of the most time-consuming approaches to get right, and you’ll have to hand over a significant percentage of your company equity to get a good deal, but you won’t be held financially responsible if you don’t make it. 

So, the benefits and drawbacks of each capital source are related to what you have and what you are willing to give away. Loans and bootstrapping allow you to maintain full equity share but are limited either by additional financial risk, or (typically) lower financial injection, respectively. 

The investment brings with it the opportunity to learn from expert involvement but will take away some of your control in the project. So, this is a personal choice and will depend on your available options. However, there’s one thing that all funding options will require to make a return on your app business, and that’s a solid demonstration that you know your market. 

If you’re looking to scale quickly, and you’re trying to get capital from external sources, you’ll need to be able to provide a good business plan. If you’re not getting anyone else involved just yet, you could still benefit from a business plan simply through the research you’ll need to embark on to build one. The first and most immediately useful data you’ll gather will be on the market.

Market Research for an App Startup Business Plan 

Now we’re segueing into building a business plan, and we’ll have a template for the full mobile app business plan document for you in the next section, but if you’re still not entirely convinced you need one, consider one of the major components to a business plan: The market research. 

Even if you’re paying your own way, and you don’t need to prove anything to anyone, you’re going to want to have some good financial projections to know where you’ll be in five years. Working backward from this, you’ll need strong financial papers to project from, and to form those, from a very short or non-existent financial history, you’ll need to know your market very well, as well as how to find them. 

So, market research is the early investigation to find the data you need to figure out your financial future and plot your path toward it. Market research will alert you to whether you’re launching your app at the right time, what your unique selling point is, and how you’re solving problems for your customers. 

All of this will come in the form of good, hard data, from which you can extrapolate everything from your marketing media to your expected growth rate. We’ll go into a little more detail about how to begin your market research in the mobile app business plan template below. 

In completing your market research, you’ll be completing a significant portion of your business plan, and you’ll have gathered plenty of data to compile much of the rest of it. So, by the time you’ve got this far, you’re already almost there. Take a look at how your business plan might look as a document once it’s laid out. 

Your 7-Page Mobile App Business Plan Template

There are numerous layouts and sections you can add to a business plan, most of which follow a similar template to the one we’re about to go into. You can add sections where you need to if you need to, but the seven pages below make up the basis for a solid plan, and shouldn’t be left out. Let’s see how it breaks down:

Page 1 – The Executive Summary

This is the front page of your document, and it’ll summarize what’s to come. Therefore, it’ll usually be written last. It’s designed to catch the eye and lead the reader to the relevant section to their interests, but it can also be quite a handy reminder of all the work you’ve put in. 

Of course, you haven’t put in that work yet, so keep reading, and compile the next six sections before you come to this. 

Page 2 – The market Analysis 

Here we get into the meat of the issue. All that market research should have given you a deep insight into what’s out there, who the competition is and what they’re providing to your future customers. What is the state of the industry? Who are the heavy hitters and what do they accomplish?

Identify all of these things in the context of your customer profile; who they are, what they like, and what problem they’ve got (that you’re going to solve for them). This page should include statistics, graphics, and a brief overview of the market as a summary. 

Page 3 – The Company Description

Now it’s time to introduce yourself as a solution. Your introduction will cover the next two sections too, beginning with a description of how you plan to address all the issues mentioned in the above section. What is it that you’re providing that will keep you competitive? 

List the attributes that give you an advantage, and point your focus on all the things that make you unique. Cover your history and your mission statement in the context of how you will use these to your advantage in the market. 

Page 4 – Your Organization and Management

Next, break down the way the company is structured. If it’s all you, this shouldn’t take long. If you’ve got some key players, here’s where to show them off. You’ll also put in the legal structure of your company, or, if there isn’t one yet, what you want it to be. 

Management will get a section each, and a link to their resume, with a short blurb on why they’re there and how they boost your standing in the industry. List their responsibilities here, and tie it all together. 

Page 5 – Your products and Services

So, what are you actually selling? Talk about your app, which platforms it’s going to be available on, any copyrights you have, and any upcoming R&D info you’ve got in the pipeline. Follow up with how your product will address the specifics you mentioned in the market research and how it will help your ideal customer. 

You might have two versions of this page, depending on whom you’re planning to show it to. For investors versed in tech, you can list features. For loans or marketers, you might want to focus more on the customer perspective. The things it does for the consumer, from that angle. 

Page 6 – Your Sales and Marketing Strategies

Your revenue streams should have become evident to you during your market research; the strong, low-risk ones and the weaker or higher-risk avenues should be listed as such. You need to have a marketing strategy that reaches your people where they’re looking, and you need to have at least a rudimentary understanding of your sales funnel and where your touchpoints will be. 

If you’ve got someone on your team dedicated to this, they should be able to fill it out for you. If not, do your research and find some marketing and sales templates for inspiration. 

Don’t worry too much about this at the early stages – the important part is to have some idea of your first two or three strategies to focus on. Trial and error will help you complete this section later on. 

Page 7 – Your Financial Planning

In business, this is what it’s all about. Your project will never scale without an ROI, and you need to know what that’s going to be, and how it’ll be affected by market trends, capital injections, and company growth. There are several important financial documents you’ll need to have completed for this, these are the income statement, the balance sheet, and the cash flow statement. Each will help you when it comes to projecting. 

And project you must! We’re going to go into why that’s so important to get this right in the next section, but for now, consider that you’re going to need a projection with which you can manipulate inputs to see what the outcomes of different strategies will be. This is critical for knowing where and when to invest, cut spending, increase spending, and all other long-term financial decisions.

And there you have it. A pretty comprehensive mobile app business plan; the construction of which is almost as significant as its existence.

You can download our free mobile app business plan template here.

More on the Significance of your Financial Documents

This is so important, it warrants its own section. Your financial papers are going to act as the calculator with which to determine how to run your finances. This means you’ll need to be able to enter your proposed investment, and immediately see how long it will take to make a return. Then, you’ll want to add in a pandemic or a tsunami or some other act of god and see if you’ll be able to recover from that. 

You’ll need to know these things for your own benefit, but if you’re ever going to be taken seriously by a bank or investor, you’re going to need to prove to them you’re not dreaming. Projections that are too optimistic are going to be an immediate turn-off. Data that isn’t accurate show that you’re not a diligent business partner. Incomplete documents suggest that your organizational skills aren’t reliable, and investing in your project is taking a risk on an amateur. 

For a professional mobile app financial projection template, check out ours here at ProjectionHub . This template has facilitated accurate projections for over three thousand mobile app businesses and it comes fully customizable with free support and review of your projections to make sure you’re on the right track.

Even if you’re not looking for funding, your mobile app business plan template is a valuable tool for entering the market and staying there. It doesn’t take a panel of experts to build a business plan either; you can do most, if not all of the work yourself. 

Putting in the time to do the right research and gather accurate market data, compiling your financial documents, and designing realistic templates that depict your upcoming financial situation are the major keys to success when building a mobile app startup business plan.

About the Author

Adam is the Co-founder of ProjectionHub which helps entrepreneurs create financial projections for potential investors, lenders and internal business planning. Since 2012, over 50,000 entrepreneurs from around the world have used ProjectionHub to help create financial projections.

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Mobile App Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Writing a Successful Business Plan For Your Mobile App Business + Template

If you’re looking to start or grow a mobile app business, you need a business plan. Your plan will outline your business goals and strategies, and how you plan on achieving them. It will also detail the amount of funding you need, and if needed, present a case to investors and lenders regarding why they should invest in your business.

In this article, we’ll explain why you should invest the time and energy into creating a mobile app business plan, and provide you with a mobile app business plan template that includes an overview of what should be included in each section. Download the Ultimate Mobile App Business Plan Template here >

Why Write a Business Plan For a Mobile App Business?

There are many reasons to write a business plan for a mobile app company, even if you’re not looking for funding. A business plan can help you see potential pitfalls in your business strategy, as well as identify opportunities you may not have considered. It can also help you track your progress and adjust your plans as needed.

That said, if you are looking for funding, a business plan is essential. Investors and lenders want to see that you have a solid understanding of your industry, your customers, and your competition. They also want to know that you have a realistic view of your financial situation and how much money you’ll need to get started.

How To Write a Business Plan For a Mobile App Business

While every business plan is different, there are 10 essential components that all mobile app business plans should include:

Executive Summary

Company description, industry analysis, customer analysis, competitor analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to tailor this information to your specific type of mobile app business, but these 10 components should be included in every plan.

The executive summary is the first section of your business plan, but it’s often written last. This is because it provides an overview of the entire document.

In the executive summary, briefly explain what your business does, your business goals, and how you plan on achieving them. You should also include a brief overview of your financial situation, including how much money you’ll need to get started.

For organizational purposes, you could create headings for each main section of your business plan to highlight the key takeaways.

For example, your mobile app executive summary might look something like this:

Company Overview

[Insert Company Introduction / Short Summary]

Business Goals

[Insert Business Goals & How You Plan To Achieve Them]

Industry Overview

[Insert Industry Statistics on the Size of Your Market]

Competition

[Insert Overview of Competitors & Your Competitive Advantage]

[Insert Information About The Marketing Strategies You Will Use To Attract Clients/Customers]

Financial Overview

You can add and/or remove sections as needed, but these are the basics that should be included in every executive summary.

The next section of your mobile app business plan is the company description, where you’ll provide an overview of your business.

Include information about your:

• Company History & Accomplishments To Date

Mission Statement and/or Company Values

With regards to the company overview, here you will document the type of mobile app company you operate. For example, there are several types of mobile app companies such as:

• Developers (those who design and build apps)
• Publishers (those who market and sell apps)
• Enablers (those who develop the technology or platform that powers apps)

For example, a mobile app company description might look something like this:

We are an X type of mobile app company.

Company History

If an existing company: Since launching, our team has served X customers and generated $Y in revenue.

If startup: I conceived [company name] on this date. Since that time, we have developed the company logo, found potential space, etc. 

This is just an example, but your company description should give potential investors a clear idea of who you are, what you do, and why you’re the best at what you do.

The next section of your business plan is the industry analysis. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of the industry you’re in, as well as any trends or changes that might impact your business.

Questions you will want to answer include:

• What is the overall size of the mobile app industry?
• How is the industry growing or changing?
• What are the major trends affecting the mobile app industry?
• Who are the major players in the mobile app industry?

For example, your industry analysis might look something like this:

The size of the mobile app industry is expected to reach $XX billion by 20XX.

It is currently growing at an annual rate of XX% and is predicted to continue this growth in the future.

Major trends affecting the industry are:

– The continued growth of global smartphone usage

– The ever-changing landscape of the app store algorithms

– The rise of in-app purchase models

– The popularity of subscription-based models

How We Fit Into The Industry

This is just an example, but your industry analysis should give potential investors a clear idea of the overall industry, and how your company fits into that industry.

The next section of your mobile app business plan is the customer analysis. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of who your target customers are and what their needs are.

• Who are your target customers?
• What are their needs?
• How do they interact with your industry?
• How do they make purchasing decisions?

You want a thorough understanding of your target customers to provide them with the best possible products and/or services. Oftentimes, you will want to include the specific demographics of your target market, such as age, gender, income, etc., but you’ll also want to highlight the psychographics, such as their interests, lifestyles, and values.

This information will help you better understand your target market and how to reach them.

For example, your customer analysis might look something like this:

Target Market & Demographics

The demographic (age, gender, location, income, etc.) profile of our target mobile app customer is as follows: 

– Age: 18-24

– Gender: Male

– Location: Urban

– Income: $50,000-$100,000

Psychographics

Our core customer interests are as follows: 

– Technology: Mobile apps, smartphones, new technology adapters

– Music: Listening to music and going to concerts

– Lifestyle: Progressive and open-minded

– Values: Innovation, creativity and self-expression

– Gaming: Mobile and online gaming

In summary, your customer analysis should give potential investors a clear idea of who your target market is and how you reach them.

The next section of your business plan is the competitor analysis. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of who your major competitors are and their strengths and weaknesses.

• Who are your major competitors?
• What are their strengths and weaknesses?
• How do they compare to you?

You want to make sure that you have a clear understanding of your competition so that you can position yourself in the market. Creating a SWOT Analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) for each of your major competitors helps you do this. 

For example, your competitor analysis might look something like this:

Major Competitors

XYZ Company is our major competitor. Its offerings include this, this and this. Its strengths include XYZ, and its weaknesses include XYZ.

Competitive Advantage

Your competitor analysis should give potential lenders and investors a clear idea of who your major competitors are and how you compare to them.

The next section of your business plan is the marketing plan. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of your marketing strategy and how you plan on executing it.

Specifically, you will document your “4 Ps” as follows:

• Products/Services : Here is where you’ll document your product/service offerings.
• Price : Detail your pricing strategy here.
• Place : Document where customers will find you and whether you will use distribution channels (e.g., partnerships) to reach them.
• Promotion : Here you will document how you will reach your target customers. For instance, mobile app businesses often reach new customers via promotional tactics including online ads (e.g., Google AdWords), PR, social media marketing, etc.

For example, your marketing plan might look something like this:

Products/Services

We offer the following products/services: 

We will use a premium pricing strategy to establish ourselves as the highest quality brand.

We will serve customers directly and through a partnership with XYZ company.

As you can see, your marketing plan should give potential investors a clear idea of your marketing objectives, strategies, and tactics.

The next section of your business plan is the operations plan. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of your company’s day-to-day operations and how they will be structured.

• What are your company’s daily operations?
• How are your company’s operations structured?
• Who is responsible for each task?

Your operations plan should be detailed and concise. You want to make sure that potential investors have a clear understanding of your company’s day-to-day operations and how they are structured.

You will also include information regarding your long-term goals for your operations and how you plan on achieving them.

For example, your operations plan might look something like this:

Daily Operations

Our company’s daily operations include XYZ.

Operational Structure

Our company is structured as follows:

• Department 1
• Department 2
• Department 3

Each department is responsible for XYZ tasks.

Long-Term Goals

Our long-term goals for our operations are to achieve the following over the next five years.

Date 1: Goal 1

Date 2: Goal 2

Date 3: Goal 3

Date 4: Goal 4

Your operations plan should give readers a clear idea of your company’s day-to-day operations, how they are structured, and your long-term goals for the company.

The next section of your business plan is the management team. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of your management team and their experience.

• Who is on your management team?
• What are their qualifications?
• What is their experience?

Your management team ideally includes individuals who are experts in their respective fields. You want to make sure that lenders and investors have a clear understanding of your management team’s qualifications and experience, and feel they can execute on your plan.

For example, your management team might look something like this:

Our management team is comprised of the following X individuals with the following experience.

Team Member 1: 

Team member 1’s qualifications and experience include XYZ.

Team Member 2: 

Your management team should give potential lenders and investors a clear idea of who is on your team and how their qualifications and experience will help your company succeed.

The final core section of your business plan is the financial plan. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of your company’s financials.

• What are your company’s projected revenues?
• What are your company’s projected expenses?
• What is your company’s projected growth rate?
• How much funding do you need and for what purposes? For example, most startup mobile app businesses need outside funding for things like initial app development costs, marketing, and operations.

Your financial plan should give potential investors a clear understanding of your company’s financials. While you may include a summary of this information in this section, you will include full financial statements in the appendix of your business plan.

For example, your financial plan might look something like this:

Our company’s projected revenues over the next five years are $XYZ.

Expenses & Net Income

Our company’s projected expenses and net income over the next five years are $XYZ.

Uses of Funding

This is just an example, but your financial plan should give potential investors a clear idea of your company’s financial projections.

The final section of your business plan is the appendix. In this section, you’ll need to provide any additional information that was not included in the previous sections.

This may include items such as:

• Full financial statements
• Resumes of key management team members
• Letters of reference
• Articles or press releases
• Marketing materials
• Product information
• Any other relevant information

By including this information in the appendix, you are allowing potential investors and lenders to learn more about your company.

In summary, writing a mobile app business plan is a vital step in the process of starting and/or growing your own business.

A business plan will give you a roadmap to follow. It can also help you attract investors and partners.

By following the tips outlined in this article, you can be sure that your business plan will be effective and help you achieve your goals.  

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• Insights , Software Development

What Is a Mobile App Business Plan and Why Is It Important?

• March 1, 2022

Alex Kugell

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A mobile app business plan is a strategic way of playing a role in emerging markets.

Smartphones have become so pervasive that it’s likely even you are doing the tasks that you once did with a console or a computer with a pocket-sized flatscreen.

While 96% of all Americans own a cellphone, as much as 81% use a smartphone specifically. 

For those with businesses centered around technology, this means creating a business plan that can cater to a new horizon of innovation. Where smartphones are concerned, the most efficient way to cater to this need is through mobile apps.

Developing a mobile app starts with a good idea that you think will interest your target demographic. But to truly see your app thrive, you need a mobile app business plan.

Today, you’ll learn why this is such an important piece of the puzzle and what steps you should take to start your mobile app business plan.

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Why Is A Mobile App Business Plan Important?

The market for mobile applications is continuing to grow. More and more businesses and entrepreneurs are trying to get into the game before the market gets too saturated.

Venturebeat expects the market to grow 270% to $189 billion by 2020. More than 50% of the market is held by gaming apps , the most popular kind of mobile apps.

As appealing as it sounds, creating a valuable and profitable app is not as easy as you may think. Creating a business plan for your application should be the first step to a successful launch. 

A comprehensive mobile app business plan serves as a guide for everyone involved in the project. It also gives insight on how the app should be introduced to the market in the most lucrative way.

Coming up with a good mobile app business plan is fairly straightforward. A business plan will provide you with a clear vision of your app along with marketing and financial logistics.

Whether you decide to bootstrap development or not, a good business plan usually contains the following:

• App overview
• Unique selling proposition
• Market analysis
• Estimated marketing costs
• Revenue projections
• Marketing plan & launch strategy
• Projected profit/loss statements
• Break-even analysis
• Cash flow projection

How To Write a Business Plan for a Mobile App

Documentation is the best way to organize any idea, no matter the industry. Mobile app business plans do not differ in this regard.

A business plan includes several sections:

Executive Summary

This is an opportunity for you to summarize your business plan in a concise manner. Readers should be drawn to your business and want to learn more about your goals at this point.

Leaving this part for last – after you’re done writing the rest of your business plan – might help you better formulate your words for this section.

Company Description

A company description is exactly what it sounds right. That said, don’t be afraid to be detailed about various elements of your business.

For example, your company’s legal structure, financial highlights, and suppliers should be part of this description as well as a brief history and overview of your company’s objectives and consumers.

Products & Services

In short, what are you selling? Write a detailed description of the product or service you’re providing with a focus on how customers benefit.

Again, be descriptive here. Include, copyrights, patents, research and development proposals , and how the product fares in the market.

At this step, you should start drawing conclusions based on market analysis, which should be composed of details such as a sketch of your target customer segments, an overview of your industry, historical and current market projections, and an inquiry of your competitors.

All this should be backed up by quantitative and qualitative data.

Combining all the information you have gathered, illustrate a strategic means of reaching your goals from promotion to costs to labor to operational management and lifecycles.

Management & Organization

Explain the roles and responsibilities of the people in your company. Even advisors like accountants and attorneys should be listed. Stakeholders should be included too with a description of their percentage of ownership.

Use an organizational chart that categorizes different departments with the names of each employee and company associate.

Now it’s time to get down to business. You’ll need to come up with some projections of how much your app will make.

Also, make some statements about your financial history for the past few years.

3 Steps To Building a Marketing Plan for Your Mobile App

The creation process of a memorable mobile application is not limited only to software development.

No matter how awesome your app is you need to know how to introduce it to the market. This means making sure that it reaches the right audience and starts generating revenue within the first days.

Building a user-friendly optimized application is crucial for the project’s success. But without knowing how to market it, it will take you much longer to reach your business goals.

A marketing plan shows that you know your product well and understand the needs of your audience and the market.

A good marketing plan addresses at least the following points:

1. Identify a Unique Selling Proposition

What makes your app different and/or better than the competition?

Knowing what differentiates your product will help create the proper positioning and brand messaging you need to market effectively.

2. Target a User Persona

Who are you targeting? What are their interests? This answer can contain one or more types of people, but you must outline them as detailed as you can.

Creating a user persona often puts together the following demographic information:

• Marital status

Psychographic data is also important. This allows you to understand the mindset of your target. Here are some examples:

• Challenges (personally or professionally)
• Personal/professional goals
• Favorite sites/apps

Think of developing a user persona as if you are creating a character for a story. Only you want your character to be as objective and realistic as possible.

In the beginning, you will define your user personas based on your own perception. It’s important to know that your perspective is subjective. Research is required to be true to the user persona you create for your product.

3. Use the Right Marketing Channels

Depending on your target, you should tailor the channels you use to reach out to them.

If your potential user base is on Instagram, then you should market on Instagram. Don’t waste your time on LinkedIn.

A common pitfall people make when marketing is to do everything. In theory, that sounds great. Except it’s a no stone unturned approach that will spread you thin.

Get to know your target audience and find where they congregate. Think like a fisherman.

The hot technique these days is growth hacking. Growth hacking is a means of rapidly trying out new methods to increase brand awareness. It’s great for businesses with very little funding that are looking for creative ways to market.

Here is a list of marketing channels for you to consider:

• Social Media ads
• Search engine Marketing
• Partnerships
• Content marketing
• Email marketing
• Event marketing
• App store optimization
• Organic or Incentivised downloads

A good way to get ideas is to study apps that have become successful. Find out what they did in their early stages to move the needle.

Monetization Strategies for Mobile Apps

The classic growth model apps use is to develop a user base and then monetize them later. But that is not the only path to success.

Other options for advertising include:

• In-app advertising
• Incentivized advertising
• In-app purchases
• Subscription

To validate your strategy, check out what competitors are doing. What strategies are they using and what are they charging?

4 Financial Key Metrics for Your Mobile App Business Plan

Once you’ve decided how to monetize your app, you need metrics to know you’re doing it right. You should keep these metrics in mind as you plan to monetize or validate your mobile app.

Before you build your app, these metrics will be speculative. However, they can still help you understand how your app and business will perform in the long-term.

1. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)

In the context of mobile, this metric would be called cost per app install (CPI). If possible, you can go further to find out the cost per activation (CPA).

Since this type of information doesn’t exist yet for you, you will have to rely on industry benchmarks. Companies like Fiksu can give you information on cost per thousand (CPM) from month to month.

2. Lifetime Value (LTV)

Ideally, you will want to know how much money you can make on average from a single user.

A low LTV will be considered a yellow flag, and if your acquisition costs are high then you’re going to have a hard time breaking even.

3. Burn Rate, Runway, and Cash Flow

Your burn rate is essentially the rate at which a startup ‘burns’ its liquid cash. This can be measured in monthly increments. Another way to think of this is as negative cash flow.

Cash is spent through fees, hosting charges, and other variable and fixed overheads. Like any good business, you will want to keep cash flow down.

Runway refers to how much time you have before your business runs out of costs. To calculate runway, use this formula:

Runway = (Total funds) / (Burn Rate)

Naturally, your cash flow will be determined by your monetization strategy and how well it is executed.

4. Profit & Loss Statement

Finally, you should project your profits and losses over a period of a year. This section identifies the liabilities and assets you might gather.

When estimating your possible earnings it makes sense to look at the situation from different angles: a best-case scenario; a worst-case scenario; and, well, realistic conditions.

Analyzing these three different outcomes will give you an idea of where you might want to cut costs. Ideally, you don’t want to go bankrupt during the first few months in business.

If you are able to recapture the expenses during your first year in a worst-case scenario stimulation, that gives a lot of promise for your app in the market.

5 Channels to Validate an App

Before investing in the development of your mobile app you want to make sure that your idea will have demand in the market.

Creating a mobile application requires both time and money. Early idea validation will ensure that you are investing in the right project.

Start with researching the market and getting feedback from industry experts and potential final users to get an idea of how viable your idea is.

You should also think about what you might want to change to make your app more viable .

There are multiple ways to validate your app. Here are a few ways:

1. Google Ads & Facebook Ads

If you already have a landing page set up, you can get straight to work. With a small budget, you can test a targeted audience and evaluate the response.

2. Google Trends

Google Trends allows you to compare keywords for relevancy. If you are entering a growing market then you can validate the market potential based on search volume.

This tool won’t work for apps that are novelty ideas though.

3. App Store

In the app store, be sure to check out the category that aligns with your app. You will see other apps that are competing.

Download a few of them and learn their strengths and weaknesses. This will help you come up with your unique selling proposition.

More importantly, read the reviews to see what users like and dislike about the app.

It would help if you asked yourself the following questions:

• Why do people like the app?
• What makes the app stand out?
• Does the app work the way it should?
• How are they marketing their app? (Check out the screenshots, icon design, and descriptions.)
• What is their competitive advantage?
• Does the app have any traction outside of the app store?

4. Third-Party Analytics

Companies like App Annie and Sensor Tower provide market data to help drive growth for applications.

5. Primary Research

Surveys and questionnaires can be very insightful if done correctly. This method will give you the best insights about customer behavior which can make or break your plan.

All for the better, of course.

How you choose to go about it is up to you. Some people are comfortable asking strangers on the street. Others tap into their social networks and ask their friends and acquaintances.

Finally, there are polls, which you can leverage to package your questionnaire in a presentable format.

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Some people get obsessed with ideas but have no idea how to flesh it out.

They learn that mobile apps are lucrative, learn Java or Swift, and try to dive headfirst into something they know nothing about. In effect, they fail before they even get started.

Fortunately, the steps outlined here should help you build a more effective strategy around the development of your app.

Monetization, financial metrics, and figuring out what makes your product unique are a few principal points to take away from this.

>>> Keep learning: A more in-depth look at how to develop a mobile app on the Trio blog .

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How to write a business plan for your app startup

Table of Contents

Executive summary

Company description , market analysis, market size, projections, competitors, swot analysis, unique selling point (usp), marketing strategy, customer acquisition strategy, social media, startup costs and funding, monetisation strategy, final thoughts…, manage your finances better.

Writing a business plan is the first step to developing your app. It helps you clarify your vision and identify the steps you need to take to reach your goals. 

This guide will show you how to write a business plan for your app startup to help you attract investors, secure funding, and guide your overall efforts. 

You’ll need to include:

• Company description
• Unique selling proposition (USP)
• Monetisation plan

Every business plan should answer whether it’s profitable to produce the product and invest in the business. Use the following sections to get that point across.

This section is the first thing potential investors will see when reading your business plan, so make sure it packs a punch. 

Your executive summary should hook the reader and entice them to keep reading your plan –– and invest in your app startup.  

Make your summary clear and memorable, and answer the following questions:

• What problem do you want to solve with your app?
• What is your solution?
• How will your app change the market? 
• What goal are you pursuing? 
• Why will you succeed?

While your executive summary comes first in a business plan, it’s best to write it last to ensure it highlights all key aspects of the document. You can learn more about how to write an executive summary here .

This section introduces your app startup and app concept to help potential investors understand more about you. Who are you, and what makes you unique?

When describing your business and app, share the following details:

• Business structure (is it a sole proprietorship or limited company ?)
• Company location 
• Information about you as the owner
• Problem your app will solve
• Business mission (why you created your app startup)

Quick tip: People love a good story, so use your company description to tell yours. Explain how you came up with your app idea and why you think it’s important. Keep it short and catchy to win the reader’s attention quickly.

Next, investors need to know how your app will fit into the market. After all, you’re trying to convince them that you’re worth investing in.

First, research what the current market looks like. There are three key parameters to base the market size:

• Total available market (TAM) – the maximum demand for a solution in the commercial market.
• Serviceable available market (SAM) – the portion of the total available market you can target through sales and marketing.
• Serviceable obtainable market (SOM) – this defines the segment of the serviceable available market that includes the first people to use your product or service.

How likely is your app to succeed in the market?

Research firms like Nielsen or Forrester can help you understand your target market size and your industry’s potential for growth . Use success stories of similar businesses to give readers proof that your idea can be profitable.

Key point: Only include statistics that relate to your business. For example, if your app will only serve the local market, try to find local statistics. 

Also research your competitors to demonstrate how your app measures up against other solutions. What makes you different?

Study other app businesses in your industry, including their niche, branding, app functionality, audience size, pricing, marketing, and so on. 

Identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats ( SWOT ) to define where you stand in the market and against your competition. 

Demonstrating your strengths and opportunities shows potential investors why your app startup is a worthwhile investment.

And highlighting your weaknesses and threats shows investors that you know your limits and have a plan to overcome challenges you might face.

Your unique selling point (USP) is what differentiates your app and business from others in your industry. How is your app better than your competitors’?

Explain who you’ll do differently that will make people download your app instead of another, similar one. 

When considering how to write a business plan for your app startup, think about how you can prove to potential investors that you have a plan for promoting your business. 

You want to write a section that details your marketing strategy , including the following aspects:

Lay out your strategies for acquiring new customers, talking about each channel and tactic you plan on using to attract them. 

Try to estimate how much it will cost you to acquire one customer from each channel. For example, if you plan on using paid advertising, how much do you think you’ll need to spend on it?

It’s important to have numbers to show investors to give them an idea of how much money you might need.

Social media marketing is one of the most effective ways to promote a product these days. When developing your marketing plan, find out how many potential customers you could reach through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and so on. 

Provide readers with details about what channel you believe will be most profitable and why. Remember, you want them to want to invest in you.

Include a reasonable estimate of how much it’ll cost to get your app startup up and running. Investors want to know where their money will go. 

Mention one-time costs, recurring charges, fixed costs, and any other expenses you think you’ll incur. Give an estimation of how much money you’ll need and why. 

This section explains how you’ll generate revenue from your app. The most common ways to monetise an app are: 

• In-app ads – your app is free for people to use, but other brands pay to advertise their solutions to your users. 
• Paid app – this is where users pay a small fee to download and use your app. 
• In-app purchases – here, you offer a basic version of your app for free and encourage people to pay for more features or other privileges.
• Subscription – you can charge monthly or annual fees for people to use your app. Netflix is an example of a subscription app. 

Knowing how to write a business plan for your app startup isn’t always easy. The idea is to prove that your idea is a worthwhile investment by demonstrating:

• Your knowledge about the market.
• Your understanding of your target audience.
• Why your app will succeed in the current market.
• That you’ve done your research to support your concept.

Once you’re done with your research and have written your business plan, remember to proofread it . Use writing tools like Grammarly to make sure your spelling, grammar and style are spotless.

Now that you have a better idea of how to write a business plan for your app startup, you’re one step closer to bringing your idea to life!

You can improve almost every aspect of your business with new technology, including your business bookkeeping. That’s why hundreds of app startups use Countingup to make their financial admin easier. 

Countingup is the business current account and accounting software in one app. Keep your money where you can see them, and your financial data easily accessible whenever you need it. 

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How to Make a Mobile App Business Plan for Your Startup?

There are many factors to consider when setting up a mobile app for a startup, including people, money, core concept, workload, and product implementation. To create a clear roadmap for your project or a business plan for developing mobile apps, you must correctly put all the important pieces of this puzzle together.

Hire mobile app developers and study app business models from development companies to create app business plans. A comprehensive approach to writing a business plan may be found here. We’ve also included our template so that investors and other stakeholders may comprehend your startup idea equally and, most crucially. Thus, let’s learn more about app planning if you still need to learn how to accomplish it or where to begin.

Why Is A Business Plan For A Mobile App Important?

According to statistics, paid downloads and in-app advertising from mobile apps are expected to bring in over 935 billion dollars in income by 2023.

Business plans are necessary for both startups and established companies, and their content will be determined by their main objective.

Startup entrepreneurs typically utilize a business model canvas, which is a more adaptable version of a standard business plan, to entice investors. It can easily adjust to the iterative process of tech startup development while still giving important project details.

• Enticing Capital

As you might expect, the primary goal of business plans written by mobile app businesses is to draw in more and more capital for the purpose of outsourcing app development. This is intended to draw in investors and possibly even startup co-founders; ultimately, it’s up to you, but occasionally you’ll need their backing. A strong business plan will enable you to communicate your vision clearly and concisely.

• Best Perspective

When making major decisions, it’s easy to neglect or omit some crucial details that could subsequently create or destroy the basis of your company. It is easier for you to recall those important details, though, if your blueprint has a series of points that serve as a reminder of them. A business strategy for on-demand app development is all you need to know.

• Mitigating the Risks

Creating a business strategy entails mapping out the entire course of your venture, which can offer valuable insights into the numerous unforeseen and likely hazards. 

How to Create a Business Plan for an App?

Developing a dependable and stable mobile application for entrepreneurs, or business plan for startups, or nonprofits is your goal. In this scenario, a business strategy will assist you in laying the foundation for a successful enterprise.

As a result, you must forecast the cost of development and commissioning as well as the timeline for your project’s return on investment when creating a mobile app business plan for startups. You won’t be able to see your app’s feasibility clearly unless you take this action.

Offering the highest level of openness at every stage is one of the key components of a strong mobile app startup business strategy. Let’s discuss the essential components of a mobile app for a business plan that can help your company succeed in the most effective way possible.

Executive Summary

Somewhere has to be your starting point! As a result, you should give extra attention to the synopsis of your comprehensive mobile application business plan, as this will be what potential investors see first. 

This section is best when it conveys more information in fewer words, doesn’t explain how the product works, and so on. Rather, concentrate more on the market environment and the intended audience, and make sure to carry out the actions listed below:

• Concentrate on the issues at hand
• The current needs and demands of the users 
• Issues consumers have with comparable items that you offer; the reasons these solutions fall short of their expectations; what is it that you can offer more effectively?
• State your solution wisely

When outlining the answer to a problem, try not to go off course. That is, don’t discuss the features and operation of your app; instead, concentrate on the issues at hand and how your app solves them.

Description of the Business

This section serves as an introduction to your business, starting with corporate details and concluding with the idea for your mobile app. This section of your startup business plan will outline for investors your company’s mission, vision for your products, and core values-along with the critical success elements that will propel your venture forward.

For investors, this knowledge is essential. For instance, Y Combinator , a startup accelerator focused on technology, views raising capital as comparatively easier than working on ideas, which is ultimately what makes a firm successful. Y-Combinator-like companies typically require the completion of a comprehensive business plan before presenting freshly formed initiatives to potential investors.

Company Overview

A description of a corporation is precisely what it sounds like. Having said that, don’t hesitate to provide specifics on different aspects of your company.

In addition to a brief history and an outline of your company’s goals and target audience, this description should include information on your company’s suppliers, legal structure, and financial highlights. What are you selling, in brief? Provide a thorough explanation of the good or service you offer, emphasizing the advantages for the client.

Once more, use descriptive language. Include information about patents, research and development plans, copyrights, and the product’s performance in the marketplace. At this point, you ought to begin formulating conclusions based on market study, which should include information like a breakdown of your industry, a sketch of the target client categories, past and present market estimates, and a query of your rivals. Both qualitative and quantitative data should support all of this.

Strategic Operation

Declaring your plan about your day-to-day operations gives investors the idea that you are aware of and prepared, which is always beneficial. This covers your customer relations approach as well.

You need to lay out exactly how you’re going to manage customer service and uphold quality control. It also covers the execution and management of the mobile app development services . Additional topics to discuss in this area are:

You can talk about things like how your users will act when they first discover and use your app, for example, and how they will act during the entire experience. This lists every piece of information on the workers. It involves several issues, including when and how to hire staff, how to deduct expenses for salaries, how to establish organizational structure, and much more.

Finance Management

You must be crystal clear about the type of funding you require to proceed before you can properly structure this section of your business plan. Additionally, you must be as explicit as you can be to ensure that a potential investor understands the type of cash you require.

A three- to five-year prediction of all the major expected indicators, such as profit and loss, cash flow, balance sheets, start tables, unit economics calculation, and your app’s anticipated revenues and costs, is typically included in the financial model. To ascertain the true cost and optimal allocation of assets, your financial record must have the following elements, each with a detailed explanation.

This is the point where you will request money and disclose any relevant details. In this section, respond to these inquiries.

• What is the amount of money you need?
• What proportion of stock would you like to give back in exchange?
• Will this be preferred stock or a convertible note?
• How long will this funding last before you move to the next round of application development or the process?

Monetization Strategy

You should include this in your business plan for your mobile app. You may show investors and other stakeholders that your project will be successful and generate a positive unit economics return on investment by illustrating your monetization approach. Additionally, it will reassure you that your startup will break even.

The following are the most popular methods of app monetization:

• Charging for the application: If your business plan calls for a paid application, you must persuade the user of the necessity and benefit of paying for it.
• In-app purchases: This popular mobile app business model is seen in both iOS and Android apps.
• Subscriptions (this monetization strategy is highly common and operates until the user chooses to stop using it; most subscription apps offer a free trial period)

4 Crucial Financial Metrics for Your Business Plan on Mobile Apps

Metrics are necessary to ensure that your app monetization strategy is effective once you’ve made your decision. These metrics are important to consider when you intend to verify or monetize your mobile app.

These metrics will be speculative before you create your application. They can still assist you in understanding the long-term performance of your software and company, though.

1. The Cost of Acquiring Customers (CAC)

This measure would be known as cost per app install (CPI) in the mobile setting. Proceeding further can help you determine the cost per activation (CPA).

You will need to rely on industry benchmarks because you do not now have access to this kind of information. You can get monthly cost per thousand (CPM) information from companies such as Fiksu.

2. Value Over Time (LTV)

Ideally, you should be aware of the average revenue a single user may provide for you.

A low lifetime value (LTV) will raise warning flags, and you’ll struggle to break even if your acquisition expenditures are excessive.

3. Runway, Cash Flow, and Burn Rate

In essence, your burn rate is the speed at which a startup “burns” its available funds. Monthly increments can be used to measure this. This can also be thought of as negative cash flow. Fees, hosting costs, and other variable and fixed overheads all cost money. You will want to minimize cash flow, just like in any successful firm.

Runway is the amount of time you have left before your company’s expenses run out. This formula can be used to determine runway:

Runway = (Total funds) / (Burn Rate)

Of course, the effectiveness of your monetization plan will dictate your cash flow.

4. Statement of Profit and Loss

Lastly, you want to protect your gains and losses over a full year. The assets and liabilities you may accumulate are listed in this section.

It is reasonable to consider three scenarios when assessing your potential earnings: the best-case scenario, the worst-case scenario, and, well, practical circumstances.

You can determine where you might wish to make expense reductions by examining these three distinct outcomes. In theory, you should avoid going bankrupt in your first few months of operation. In the worst-case scenario, if you can recoup your first year’s spending through stimulation, your software has a lot of potential in the market.

It’s not simple to write a business strategy for a startup mobile app. Writing the first page of a business plan for a mobile app idea is typically the most difficult task. In this case, a lot of people search for and download a free copy of the business plan of another company. They erroneously think that adopting the business plan of another person will enable them to succeed. But it most definitely won’t!

A business plan is not a copy of itself. It ought to be unique, showcasing your zeal and love for realizing your concept. A strong business plan should show that your venture is both profitable and feasible. The investment opportunity increases with increasing viability.

A cross-platform app development company – CMARIX is available to assist you if you need assistance creating a comprehensive business plan to draw in investors and launch your app with success.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Form a team dedicated to development. App builders are among the web tools and software programs that have made app development easier.
• Carry out research with competition.
• Describe the main aspects.
• Make prototypes.
• Make a great app security plan.
• Start writing code.
• Collect and apply user feedback.
• Open the application store and launch.

You need to have something special to offer to make a successful app. You need to provide a quality product if you want people to purchase it. You won’t get any return on investment for your app or business if you are just selling what everyone else is selling.

The most important features to be included in an app are:

• User Interface and experience
• Easy Navigation Security
• Privacy of Data Customisation
• Basic Interface: Offline Features
• Evaluations, Comments, and Client Assistance
• Push Notifications
• Multiple Device Syncing

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Written by Atman Rathod

Atman Rathod is the Founding Director at CMARIX InfoTech, a leading web and mobile app development company with 17+ years of experience. Having travelled to 38+ countries globally and provided more than $40m USD of software services, he is actively working with Startups, SMEs and Corporations utilizing technology to provide business transformation.

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How To Write A Mobile App Business Plan For A Startup?

Idea, planning, and execution. These three things are essential for any project to succeed. 

Yet, many business owners would forego the planning stage, believing that they should get started right away and create something after that. Trust us when we say that, for the most part, such kind of thinking won’t help you succeed. “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”.

Writing a mobile app business plan can help you understand everything you now have, how the pieces of the project should fit together to form a roadmap, and what extra has to be done to get the best outcome.

As a leading software development company  we understand how to create a mobile app business plan after years of working closely with our clients and partners. Here you can find a comprehensive guide on developing a company strategy that will effect overall success.

Mobile App Business Plan

Why a mobile app business plan is crucial for your company

Several studies support the importance of having a well-thought-out business plan for organizations at various phases of their business journeys. And a plan plays an even more important role for startup.

According to one survey of 3,000 business owners from various professions, those who had business plans were nearly twice as likely to succeed as those who did not. Furthermore, such strategic-planning businesses were more successful in acquiring investment or obtaining loans.

Attract business interest and investments

Most of the time, you will need to get funding for your new company.

You must choose between startup co-founders or investors depending on the sort of company strategy you wish to employ. You may need to attract both in certain cases. An application business plan is the only method to complete this work swiftly and move on to more crucial milestones in your company’s growth.

Lower risks

According to recent studies, establishing a business plan can help you get closer to your goals and desires. Entrepreneurs who have detailed business plans are more likely to grow their firm and improve their income than those who do not.

Planning is an easy approach for securing loans and investments.

Stay on track

It’s difficult not to overlook the vital things in a world full with distractions. As a business entrepreneur, you will confront new problems and challenges every day. However, a series of points on your blueprint will serve as a fast reminder of why you started it and where it should lead you.

Prepare thoroughly

Writing a plan can help you learn more about the industry you want to enter. This will help you clarify your goals, identify priorities, and create more accurate forecasts. It’s your chance to expose possible risks and establish your own voice in the business.

Execute effective management

Being a good manager takes skill. A mobile app business plan is your instrument for building a masterpiece. It gives a view of key tasks, allowing you to assign each one to the appropriate individual.

Is a business plan for a mobile app different from one for other software?

Mobile applications, websites, and other software solutions all have individual advantages and disadvantages. Their marketing strategies, monetization plans, and feature sets differ greatly from one another. Because of this, the business strategy for various solutions will also vary.

A mobile app company’s business strategy may resemble the format of a traditional software development business plan. Any document that represents the company and its products shall, nevertheless, have a distinctive content. It makes sense since every project is different, has specific goals, and an exclusive target audience.

Components of a mobile app business plan

Now that you are aware of the need of a business plan for any enterprise, let’s learn more about what it entails. A business strategy often consists of:

• A list of bullet points outlining your goals.
• A few facts that provide accurate data about the sector you intend to enter.
• Tables with clearly defined procedures and tactics you want to use to accomplish your objectives.

Is the product viable? Does it have the capacity to provide users fresh experiences while offering its creators with quantifiable advantages? These are the two main concerns your app business plan has to address. The inclusion of the following components will guarantee a successful outcome.

Section 1. Executive summary

Let’s start with the executive summary.

It is the first and most important section of your mobile app business plan since it will be the first thing an investor reads. Without going into specifics about how your product functions, the executive summary should be clear and concise. You must discuss the market scenario, your target market, and the specific challenge that your application may resolve in this section.

To set your business apart from the competition, make your proposal unique. In other words, create a unique value proposition (UVP) . Use your imagination to visualize your executive summary as a teaser for a movie, with your investor as the audience. How can you make a teaser that would entice your investors to see the entire film?

Define your objectives . The goals outlined in this section have to be based on your business analysis. Investors will assess your goals to see whether they meet their needs. Additionally, you must decide what your exit plan’s ultimate objective is. Create a list of your company’s funding requirements as well as how the money will be used to accelerate business expansion. Making sure there is a high degree of transparency at every level – this is one of the key components of your startup business plan for your mobile app.

Make your document compelling . To do this, ensure that the concept and objectives of your product are clear and consistent across the entire plan. Give the reader (your investors) accurate information and attainable goals for your project. Of course, don’t forget to check that the names of your team members and the person who wrote the business plan and executive summary are used consistently throughout the document.

Section 2. Business description

This is where you may give a brief overview of your business, starting with some general facts before moving on to your proposed mobile app. Your company’s values, goal, product vision, and key success factors should all be covered.

This is the second most critical part following the executive summary. You must also entice the investors with this section. For example, Y Combinator, a technology startup accelerator, believes raising funds to be by far the simplest part whereas working on ideas is the most important aspect of any company’s success. Before presenting newly-formed ideas to investors, Y-Combinator-like businesses frequently require that a complete business plan be prepared.

Company overview

This part should provide investors with comprehensive information about your startup, including its legal name, headquarters location, and organizational structure (LLC, corporation, etc.). Be sure to provide further details about your team, such as the number of employees, their names, positions, etc.

The mission statement of your organization should specify its goals as well as the guiding principles that drive it. After defining your objective, highlight the key issues and the solutions your business may provide.

Company history

Before presenting any business proposal, outline your company’s background, how your team got together, and how you came up with your idea. Furthermore, you may discuss the major stages of your company’s development as well as the experience that preceding the product introduction.

Team introduction

The app startup business plan should include information about your team so that you can get to know the reader better. You may convert a simple description into a virtual introduction meeting by including a few lines about the company’s expertise.

Inform the investors about the management team. Give details about the engineering crew members. Names, roles, experience, and even interests should be mentioned. When writing your app business plan, make the audience feel as though they know the folks you’re talking about.

Another useful approach is to include information about your advisory team. These professionals assist you in making decisions, and their names might make a difference in the local market.

Section 3. Market analysis

The essential aspect in the implementation of your app idea should be market information. This is a vital part of every company plan. You must be aware of the situation at the moment in your industry, as well as the elements that influence it, have up-to-date information, and be able to develop a short-term forecasts.

To perform market research, follow these steps:

• Examining the current economic landscape
• Creating a list of market research criteria
• Identifying your total available market (TAM), service available market (SAM), and service obtainable market (SOM)
• Acknowledging your direct competitors
• Analyzing your target audience and determining the cost per acquisition (CPA)

Remember that no market research in the mobile app sector can be undertaken without first evaluating Google Play and Apple App Store rankings for top paid, free, and top-grossing applications, as well as user reviews.

Market predictions

Forecasting is an important part of creating a business strategy for the reality of an app development company .

Forecasts from widely recognized research organizations such as Nielsen and Forrester can be valuable when building any business plan, whether it is a mobile app business plan for app development, a website, or a typical software startup business plan. To generate accurate market predictions, you can:

• Provide statistics about the growth of businesses that offer solutions similar to your mobile app.
• Include data on the amount of money invested in similar businesses (platforms such as Crunchbase can help with this).
• Add a few forecasts about the target customer’s behavior to your company plan.

The ultimate purpose of this research is to determine whether your product has a real market, whether there are enough consumers in the market, and, therefore, whether those customers are willing to shell out money for your product.

Business analysis

Here, you will access how your business will perform in the targeted market. There are several approaches to present this to your investors, but one of the easiest ways is using SWOT analysis. A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning technique that allows you to offer a structured overview of your company’s current state. The reasons? It is simple enough to visualize, and it covers the four perspectives (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) that your audience is definitely interested in.

You should not try to hide your business’s weaknesses. It is normal for a company to have some aspects they are not excellent at. By knowing your weaknesses and risks, you know the aspects that need to be improved for a better performance. 

Section 4. Marketing strategy

An app marketing strategy is a link that allows your product to reach your clients. You must persuade investors that you have such a bridge. This is a critical component of the mobile app strategy. When creating a business strategy, you must specify which approaches you planned on using for application promotion.

Identify the marketing channels

Social media marketing is now often regarded as the most successful method of promoting a product. But will it be sufficient to advertise your app? Return to the research step and determine how many prospective people you can meet on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Provide readers with information on which channels are likely to be the most profitable.

A landing page for your app is another powerful approach to reach out to the target market. Make an appealing mockup. Include the name of the application, a description of its features, promotional videos, and so on.

Decide on key metrics

Initially, your success will be determined by the number of installs or conversion rates, not by financial revenue. Decide which metrics will be useful in evaluating your project.

Estimate marketing budget

Based on the market analysis described in the preceding part of the business plan, you may estimate the cost of marketing services. Understanding the marketing budget is critical for all parties, including you, the app owner, investors, and other stakeholders.

Think about product growth

Growing the user base strategy varies depending on the type of app startup, as does the business plan for entering different sectors. If you’re still developing a business plan, consider how you’ll build your user base ahead of time. This will greatly help you with future product development.

Select product launch type

In your company plan, be sure to include the type of product launch. There are two sorts of launches: hard and soft. The first is to provide a finished product to your whole target audience. A soft launch is when you release your app’s MVP or full version to a small group of users.

Section 5. Financing

To properly lay out this section of your business plan, you must first fully understand the type of funding you will need to proceed forward. Furthermore, the objective is to describe it as clearly as possible so that a potential investor gets it.

The financial model typically comprises a three- to five-year prediction of all key forecast indicators, such as profit and loss, cash flow, balance sheets, start tables, unit economics calculation, and expected revenues and expenses for your app. To establish the real cost and distribution of assets in the best way, your financial record must have the following components, each with a clear explanation.

Business expenses/funding required

Inform your investors of the estimated expenses. We recommend making fair estimations and allowing for additional costs because these figures may change.

• One-time expenses (for example, relocation fees, office space costs, equipment, servers, software, and licensing
• Fixed expenses are those that do not fluctuate regardless of whether you build anything or not (for example, rent, insurance, lease payments, and fixed salary).
• Variable costs: expenses that vary with production volume (for example, labor).

Monetization strategy

It is another topic that you must address in your plan. By displaying your monetization tactics, you will show your investors and other stakeholders that your project will be successful and deliver a return on investment with favorable unit economics. It will also assist you in determining whether your startup will reach its break-even point.

The most popular mobile app monetization models are:

• Advertising
• In-app purchases
• Pay per download
• Subscription
• Sponsorship/Partnership

Writing the first page of a mobile app business plan for a mobile app idea is the most daunting part of the process. In that situation, many people scramble in search of a free copy of another company’s business plan. They mistakenly think that using someone else’s business plan will help them accomplish their objectives. But it won’t, not at all!

A company strategy cannot be copied. It must be unique and express your passion and zeal for achieving your idea. A strong business plan should show how financially desirable and feasible your company is. The higher the viability, the greater the investment prospect.

What Is A Mobile App Business Plan?

A mobile app business plan is a strategy for launching and/or expanding your mobile app business. It defines your business concept, identifies your target clients, shows your marketing approach, and details your financial projections, among other things.

How To Write A Mobile App Business Plan?

An executive summary, firm description, goods & services, strategy planning, management & optimization, and a financial statement are all elements of a mobile app business plan.

What Are The Steps To Write A Business Plan For A Mobile App?

Finding a unique selling proposition, focusing on a user persona, and employing the appropriate marketing channels make up the three processes.

How Long Will It Take To Make A Business Plan For An App?

A effective business plan may be written in two to eight weeks, based on our experience.

Can An Application Be Developed Without A Business Plan?

It is indeed possible. A business strategy for apps, however, entails more than merely outlining your concept. It also includes a thorough strategy, financial planning, and market research. It could improve the prospects for business success.

Savvycom – Your Trusted Tech Partner!

With over 25 years of experience, Savvycom has used digital technology to help businesses grow in a variety of industries. We offer high-quality software development services , including technology consulting and end-to-end consulting, to help you optimize your business potential.

Savvycom is what you need. Contact us now for more consultation:

• Phone: +84 24 3202 9222
• Hotline: +84 352 287 866 (VN)
• Email: [email protected]

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How To Write The Best Investor-Ready Mobile App Business Plan

When it comes to launching an app startup, having a strong mobile app  business plan  is important. In the beginning, an app startup business plan helps you plot out your ideas and view your business across several perspectives. During the funding stage, having a business plan becomes a key piece in showcasing the details of your app startup to investors. Writing a business plan can seem difficult – there are many factors to consider and it isn’t easy turning it all into one cohesive strategy. A Google search on business plans pulls up a million different opinions, and 5,000 different templates. Selecting which is the “right” template to use can prove to be tricky, and taking the wrong advice can prove harmful to your funding efforts.

Here at ThinkLions, we’ve written hundreds of mobile app business plans and have worked with entrepreneurs across the world to develop strategies that have raised millions of dollars in seed funding. If it’s one thing we know, it’s business plans for apps – and we want to teach you everything there is to know! While it would take us years to write up everything we have learned over our many years of business, in this post, we’ll give you some really awesome tips to help you draft the perfect mobile app business plan.

Do I Need A Mobile App Business Plan?

While opinions vary on whether app startups need business plans, in our experience, it’s  always  useful. In essence, a business plan will effectively present your app idea and tie together multiple operational elements to create the story of how your business will grow from an idea to success. Business plans come in handy across many situations when trying to present your app idea to another person. Here are a few examples of previous clients who were definitely happy that they went through the mobile app business planning process:

• James was a solo entrepreneur when he asked us to write his app idea business plan. When he hired us for business planning services, his goal was to submit his business plan to a local  startup incubator  that would help grow his business. The incubator rejected him because they only accepted teams with two or more founders. James was later introduced to an interested tech-entrepreneur who already had two mobile applications launched in the market. Chris, the entrepreneur, was interested in James’ idea and asked him for his business plan so he could understand it better. Luckily for him, James already had one handy. James never made it to the incubator; instead, Chris partnered with him 50/50 and funded the launch of his app idea!
• An app startup team approached us last year with the idea of launching an app in the financial space. Initially, they wanted a financial app business plan so that they could understand their business and market better. After the plan was completed, they submitted it to gain entry into a Pitch Competition. With some consultation, they landed first place in the competition and earned $10,000 towards developing their app. Furthermore, an investor in the audience was so impressed with their pitch and  pitch deck , that they offered a  seed funding  of $75,000 in exchange for early ownership in the business.
• Kelly had launched a bare-bones app for pet owners, along with 6 of her friends. While they all had invested money, they had no idea what to do going forward. Members of the team were spending money irresponsibly on any trendy marketing technique, and they had no cohesive strategy to move forward. After working with ThinkLions, Kelly was able to clearly identify a niche market and come up with a plan to reach this market with her app. With a plan, the team was quickly able to stay on track and increased registrations to their app by over 100% in less than 60 days. After updating their document with new achievements, Kelly’s team was able to secure a seed funding investment of $25,000 from a local investor.

A business plan ensures that you know specific things about your business, before seeking funds or going into the development stages. Writing the best business plan early on can save you the headache of rushing to write one when an interested investor says, “Sounds good, let me see your plan!”

The Main Components

Sometimes, specific business plan layouts are required when seeking funding from investors, incubators, and banks. Some require different information to be present and may require  different formats . Generally, however, there are several particular sections that will be included in some form, no matter what the layout. Even with our international clients, we have found that these informational categories are still pertinent.

You won’t be hard-pressed to find a business plan template online. Instead of simply giving you the structure of an app startup business plan, I thought it would be more informative to use my experience and summarize the thought process  of each of these sections. Knowing how to approach this information will help you feel more confident when you begin writing out the details for your own business plan.

Executive Summary

Although written last, most plans begin with an executive summary. By most definitions, an executive summary would be a short version of each section of your business plan. I agree… sort of. A great executive summary DOES summarize all the important details of your business into just a couple of pages, but furthermore, it should also be a persuasive and informative  sales pitch . What are you selling, you ask?  You are selling your worthiness for their attention .

Your executive summary should say, “This is a great app business. It’s bound to grow, it’s fun, it’s exciting, and it’s everything that you want to be a part of.” It should do this by the way, without exceeding two pages. The payoff for an executive summary is rarely an investment into your app business, but instead, it is an attention magnet to make readers curious for more.

Put all of your best details into the executive summary. Avoid any fluff. Make sure to highlight the business’ current achievements. Think of the executive summary like the back of a novel. Does it leave you anxious to dive in and read the rest of the book?

Business Description & Information

Use this section to explain your mobile app concept and introduce your business. This section includes information related to corporate values, objectives & goals, product description, and key success factors. The point of this section is not only to describe your business but to explain what your business has accomplished and what they plan to accomplish in the future.

Stick to the facts, but make sure the facts are worthy enough to put on the paper. It’s easy to go on and on about your idea and to explain 20 different functions that your app will have. In an app startup business plan though, stick to the things that make your app different or better suited to the market. Describe the problem that your consumers face and make sure that you implicitly show how your app will solve this problem.

Think of this section as the “What?” Every following section will be “How?”. Tell them what your app idea is in this section, and in the following sections, we’ll tell them how you’ll get that idea to the market, and eventually, to success.

Market, Customer Analysis

This research section is where you provide the background for your story. In this section, the mobile app business plan shifts from what you believe your app business is, to the hard data that proves your business is viable and that there is actually a need and demand for your solution.

Analyze your market through secondary research, industry surveys, market reports, and most importantly, first-hand primary research. Use your research to estimate how large your market is (by revenue or number of consumers, for example), and try to discover how the industry is performing, trending, and transitioning. During this process, we typically take the following steps:

• Customer Profile:  First, we plot out who our target consumers are. We don’t just explain them, we give them a face and a name. We imagine who they are, what their life is like, what they do for a living, how much money they make, and the challenges they face. We also analyze how our solution can be used to help that specific customer – how they would find the app, why they would use it, how they would use it, etc. This allows readers to easily visualize what type of consumer we serve and how the app would fit into their life.
• Research:  Now that we know what customers we serve, we move into the research phase. We take any pre-existing knowledge we have of the market and combine it with industry research to form a profile of the total market. We seek to identify how many people face the problem that we are trying to solve, where they seek information, how they currently solve their issue, and how much money they spend each year. With this information, we perform a TAM-SAM-SOM analysis to help us identify not only how many people are in our market, but how many of them we can realistically reach with the mobile app solution.
• Insights:  Finally, we consider how all this research pertains to our app idea. Is there a real market? Are there enough people in the market, spending enough money? Would people pay to have their challenge solved? The entire point of the research section is to prove that a need exists for your particular app – have you proven it?

Marketing Strategy

At this point in your plan, you’ve detailed your awesome mobile app concept, identified a niche market, and proved a sufficient need within that market. Using this information, you now must decide how you will reach potential users, introduce them to your app, and persuade them to download and use it.

Investors want to know that there is a clarified  growth strategy  in place for getting your app to the market. The better you can explain this plan with clear steps, backed with accurate data, the more likely you are to persuade an investor to help fund the development of your app.

There are many marketing strategies and techniques available from PPC to social media, and beyond. Choosing which one is right for your business can be difficult. Start small,  perform a SWOT analysis , introduce new solutions, and test your ideas. Over time, as you identify techniques that are working on a small level, scale them upwards and eliminate the strategies that aren’t showing potential.

Furthermore, look at your competitors and identify how they are successfully reaching consumers. The more you know about what has and has not worked for your competitors, the easier it will be to avoid the obstacles that they may have faced previously.

Competitive Analysis

If you haven’t heard this before, let me stress a very important point:  No matter how innovative your app is, there ARE competitors.  Maybe no other app offers exactly what you offer, but there is some other app, process, product, or service that consumers are currently using to solve their problem.

Knowing who your competitors are is important, but knowing their position and operation within the market is a vital key to building a successful business. Investors will want to know that you have detailed knowledge of your competitors and that you have identified valid methods to exploit their weaknesses through your product strengths; creating a path to position yourself ahead of them.

Operational Strategy

To be effective, it is vital to consider how your startup company will operate on a day-to-day basis and how you will build and maintain customer relations. This section will contain information related to how customer service will be handled, how quality assurance will be maintained, how your app will be developed, who will manage the business, and more.

In addition, this section will highlight the user process – how the user will behave from the moment they learn about your app until they spend their first dollar. One of the largest components of this section is the personnel plan, which outlines when and how employees will be hired; how their salaries will be expensed; and how their positions will help progress the business.

Management & Advisor Bios

As mentioned previously, investors heavily consider the abilities of the “team” behind the app startups that they fund. In this section of the mobile app business plan, these team members can be showcased, and their skills can be highlighted to prove that the team has what it takes to propel the startup to success. In addition to co-founders and board members, this section will allow you to explain different advisor relationships you have secured; valuable relationships with non-executive members who are successful in related fields who have agreed to consult and advise the founders as they launch and grow their business.

Financial Model

Once all of this information has been compiled (excluding the executive summary), the financial model can be prepared.  App entrepreneurs  often find preparing their financial model to be difficult and beyond their comprehension. However, if you have prepared all of the previous information correctly, you should know exactly what you will need to fund in order to push the plan forward.

With this model, you will be able to forecast revenues, costs, growth, and other important financial factors. The financial model should include a 3-5 year projection of all the essential forecast models, including Profit & Loss, Cash Flow, Balance Sheet, Startup Table, and Valuation.

Winning Business Plans Aren’t Just Words And Numbers

That finishes the easy stuff. Many entrepreneurs mistakenly think that a mobile app startup business plan is just about plopping down some words on a page. They rush off to download a free business plan program, answer a few questions, or fill in a few blanks, and believe that they now have a business plan that will help them reach their goals.

What your business plan says, is important; but how you deliver the message may be the determining factor to whether you win or lose at  securing funding for your app . These three elements are what we refer to as the ‘secret sauce’ of business plans.

• Passion : I must admit, I’ve been suckered into more late-night infomercial products than I care to admit. On another occasion, I allowed this great door-to-door salesman to convince me to buy a huge box of steaks that were tougher than leather and tasted like Alpo Dog Food. Passion and enthusiasm sell… in a business plan too. It’s not just the words on a page, it’s the passion that is felt behind those words. Passion and enthusiasm are contagious traits, and your enthusiasm alone may be enough to make someone else passionate about what you are doing. Don’t write your plan to simply fill in paragraphs in a “template”, make every word count and make every thought express your tremendous passion for your business, brand, and app idea.
• The Story : Innovative apps are cool, but an app startup with a story… well, that’s captivating! What situation happened that led the founders to come up with the app idea? What problem did it solve for them specifically, that they know it will also solve for others? It’s not just about having a story, it’s about having a story that is relatable to the reader (or investor) – one that aligns with their experience or differs you from your competitors. Consider a company that is building a GPS device for dogs, where owners can use their mobile devices to track exactly where their dog is at any moment, in case they get lost. Maybe the founder lost the dog that she had for 10 years and looked at as her own child. Maybe she invented the device and app to ensure that no other pet owner would ever have to go through the heartbreak that she did after never recovering her companion. An investor who has gone through a similar situation would be able to relate instantly and would be more prone to have an interest in the idea than they would if the story was never told.
• Viability:  Is the plan you present truly viable? Could you actually reach the goals that you have set forth? It’s more than just having a “dreamer’s vision” here, it is about truly showcasing that your idea has legs to stand on. The single most important factor for most investors is whether they will make money. They don’t want your dreams, they want evidence, and the more your plan showcases this viability, the more potential you have to strike an investment deal.

Getting Started With Your Strategy

The hardest part of writing a mobile app business plan is writing the first page. Many people quit their business plan before they even get started on it. Writing a business plan for apps isn’t easy; there is a lot that needs to be known about your business, a lot of research that needs to be accomplished, and a lot of specialized knowledge needed to properly transform your thoughts into a successful document.

Check out our infographic below for more tips on creating an awesome mobile app business plan.

If you’re finding it tough to write your own app startup business plan, we have an expert team ready to help you get on track! Check out this app business plan example to see how our business plan writers put these insights into real plans each and every day. 

Do you have any other awesome tips on how to write an app business plan or a phone app business plan example that you’d like to share? Tell us about it in the comments below!

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How to Create a Convincing Business Plan for Your Mobile Apps?

Steps To Create a Business Plan For Your Mobile App

1. detailed summary, 2. company introduction, 3.  all about the industry, 4.  marketing strategy, 5.  operational strategy, 6.  financial plan, why make a mobile app business plan, magnetizing investments, reducing the risks, helps you keep everything in perspective, wrapping up.

Having an app idea is simple. But planning the business needs is quite tedious and crucial!

If you choose to develop an application without doing the research, then while characterizing the audience, and planning use cases and features that will interest that audience, you risk developing a product you assume individuals will need, but in reality they don’t.

Therefore, having a business plan for a mobile app is crucial. A business plan not only helps in the initial planning and discovery phase of a project, but also acts as a reminder of all the critical aspects that should be taken care of during the mobile app development. 

So without further ado, lets move on to our main discussion “How to build Business Plan for a Mobile App Startup” or “How to Write Business Plan for Mobile Application Idea?”

You have to start somewhere! Thus, a short overview of your detailed mobile app business plan is something you must pay special attention to, since this is going to be the first thing that the potential investors will encounter. 

Things that make this section ideal are – convey more while writing less , refrain from mentioning the working of the product, and so on . Instead, focus more on market scenario, targeted users, and make sure you implement the below mentioned steps –

Focus on problems addressed

‘Problems’ are something that always prevails. Meaning, there is always room for improvement and innovation. What you are supposed to do here is analyze the problems users are facing with the existing solutions and find out –

• The needs and demands of the users at the moment 
• Problems users are facing with the products similar to yours
• why these solutions fail to satisfy – what are they lacking that you can provide in a better and different way.

State your proposed solution

Try not to divert from the path of the problem while explaining its solution, i.e., do not go into the functioning and features of your app, rather stay focused on the problem and the ways in which your app addresses them.

Unique Value Proposition

This is where you can boast of the things that differentiate you from other organizations and solution providers, something about your app that is unique in itself. Not just better but definitely different. For example, the USP for Domino’s Pizza is “You get fresh, hot pizza delivered to your door in 30 minutes or less or else it’s free.”

End objective of your app

After everything’s said and done, it all comes down to this – The goals you plan to achieve with your app. 

You MUST state the vision of your app’s future, i.e., how many downloads you are initially expecting on your application, how much profit you are expecting, and much more. It is best to visualize your short-term plans and then improve your answer through metrics.

The next step while making a detailed and convincing business plan is to prepare your company’s information. Since the future is unpredictable, the things you have mentioned in the above section may not be as appealing to the investors as you may conjecture. 

Firms like Y Combinator, TechStars, to name a few, are known to select startups for funding based on the team and the founders. So, you see how crucial this section just became for you. Moreover, it would add as a plus point if you could provide information about the MVP or a prototype you have developed.

The things you should cover here are –

Provide an overview

There are some questions that you need to address in this section to help investors understand your organization and develop trust in it.

• Type of entity – Are you an LLC or privately owned organization? 
• Location – Where is it housed?
• Duration – When was the organization established?
• What is the team size of your company?
• Do you operate off-shore as well or not?
• What are the problems your company is currently going through?
• What is the ultimate goal of the company?
• What is your vision?

Take it from the top

Like a novel, you must tell the story of your organization while briefly touching on all the preliminary motivations, business app ideas, problems, etc. that you encountered at the time of its inception.

List everything about the history of your company that is worth knowing, since it could be a lot damaging if any crucial information is withheld from the investors and is revealed later. It can include the locations you have operated in, early hires, major pivots, product launches, and such.

Management team

Remember each and every person in your company is an important cog in your organization’s machinery. This is why you are required to mention the names of all the members of management with all the relevant information related to them, i.e., qualification, professional experience, expertise, KRAs while mentioning the organizational hierarchy.

Advisory panel

Almost every mobile app development company is backed by an advisory team. The panel consists of industry experts with years of experience under the belt. More often than not, they are the makers of some successful apps. Creating a list of such advisors can immensely improve your brand image and credibility, boosting the chances of getting funds.

Essentially, your end product is going to target a particular industry. Hence, it is obvious for you as an entrepreneur to know every grain of major information, from market history to current trends related to your targeted industry.

Market size

The most basic thing that you must know and also showcase in your app startup business plan is the size of the market. This includes – total available market (market demand for the app), serviceable available market (number of users you can target say in 3 to 5 years), and serviceable obtainable market (the segment of your initial users in 6 to 12 months).

If you are wondering how to do so then, you can always refer to the credible data provided by some trusted third-party platforms, namely, Sensor Tower , App Annie , and Statista .

Keep updated with market projections

You need to understand the market’s past and present to gain insight into future predictions. The best thing to do here is to compare and analyze the market size of the past 5 years, mention the number of new entrants in the industry, the number of total fundings, and so on.

Competitors analysis

Competitive analysis is an indispensable element of any business on this planet. Regardless of the organization type, industry, size, etc. – all religiously perform this step. 

Various models around this have been devised to gain the attention of angel investors. Out of the many, the one we recommend is the 2 x 2 matrix model, in which variables portray these four aspects: challengers, leaders, niche players, and visionaries. In order to highlight the execution and vision of the app as it progresses, these four elements are displayed via an x-y axis scale.

Self-assessment through SWOT

SWOT analysis representing four components – Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats is used for self-assessment by all organizations. It enables you to give a structured description of your company’s situation in an efficient way in your business plan for app development .

Acting as a bridge between your app and the end-users, a solid mobile app marketing strategy wields the most power. Your role is to devise such a marketing strategy that acts as a ‘deal-sealer’ between your firm and the investors. This will show the investors that you have the medium to make your app reach the users’ smartphones from an app store.

These are some points that you can include in your marketing strategy- 

Describe the user persona first

Creating user personas is very beneficial . This is something you would be able to identify while you are doing your research on the market. In case there is more than one user personas, you must mention them in your app development business plan . The more in-depth it is, the more promising your business plan seems to the angel investors.

The said information is to be included in the user personas – Age, Gender, Occupation, Location, Income group, and Marital status. Other information that is classified as psychographic data includes attitudes towards money (price-sensitivity or value shoppers), the context of app usage, personal/professional aims, hobbies, preferred sites and apps, tech-savviness, and so on.

Customer acquisition strategy

Once you have identified the user personas of your app, you can determine your customer acquisition strategy. One thing you have to be absolutely sure about is your CAC (customer acquisition cost). You will be able to estimate the right cost once you have established which channels and campaigns you will employ in marketing your mobile app business strategy highlighting your app’s USP (unique selling proposition). 

Here are some channels that you can try to achieve great results –

• Incentivized user downloads
• Search engine marketing
• Organic installs
• Social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram) ads
• Partnerships
• App store optimization
• Content marketing
• Push and in-app notifications
• Retargeting campaigns
• Mobile site redirection
• Mobile app wall ads
• Email marketing
• Event marketing

Product driven growth

Change in product driven growth is one of the most common elements of pivoting a startup . If your business model needs a large mainstream user base, then it is of utmost prominence for you to build a referral program in your mobile app business model to leverage network effects. A well-known and effective mobile app business plan example is Uber. For instance, Uber offers a coupon on the users’ next ride as a reward for referring to others and the referred person also enjoys coupons on the first ride.

Make a landing page

A landing page can really help you in numerous ways. One of which is that it can help you expand your horizons in terms of target users. It keeps the readers informed and updated about innovations and further updates of your app. One thing to keep in mind whilst doing this is to make sure it contains the name of your app, its description, promotional videos, etc.

Define your key metrics

There are several metrics on the basis of which you can measure your business growth and popularity of your mobile app. This is something that you must include in the web or mobile app business plan . You have to be careful while picking the right metrics suitable for your business model. An example – if your app is a social media application, then your ideal key metrics should be the daily active users instead of the number of downloads.

Stating the strategy regarding your daily operation imparts an impression of awareness and readiness on your part to the investors, something which always works in the favor. This also includes your strategy for customer relations.

You must describe and map out how you are going to handle customer services and maintain quality assurance. It also includes how you are going to perform the app development process and manage it. Other things to cover in this section are-

Users Process

You can mention information such as how your users are going to behave from the start to the end, i.e., when they first hear of your app and start using it. 

Personnel plan

This outlines all the data related to the employees. It concerns how and when you will hire the employees, how salaries will be expensed, how will you set the hierarchy in the organization and so much more. 

It is the stage where you could literally say “Let’s talk numbers”. What the investors would want to see in this section are the answers to the questions – how will you make money? What will be the cost to run the business? What will be the financial plan for mobile application? And how much funds do you need?

Devise an app monetization strategy

Just like for marketing, you need to have an efficacious mobile app monetization strategy ,  something that we have also covered in detail in our article named “ How to choose the right pricing strategy for your mobile app project ”. 

Startup costs

According to CB insights , 19% of the startups fail because they get out-competed.  In the graph below, you would find that 29% of the startups get shut down as they run out of cash.

You can avoid this fate by analyzing the costs you may need. Similarly, it is crucial for you to mention to the investors all the details related to the costs and expenses you would be needing and for what.

Since the devil is in the details, here is what you should include – one time costs, recurring costs (rent, inventory, etc.), fixed costs (rent, utilities, etc.) variable costs (i.e, the salary of employees) and a lot more.

Funding needed

It is here at this stage that you are going to ask for the fundings and reveal all the information related to it. Address these questions in this section –

• How much money do you require?
• What percentage of equity are you proposing to give in return?
• Is this going to be a convertible note or a preferred stock?
• For what duration this money will suffice before you need to propose for another funding round?

Now that we have discussed in detail about the steps to create a business plan, it is now time to sit down and ponder on the “why” of creating a business plan for your mobile application. 

According to Statistics, in 2023, mobile apps are projected to generate more than 935 billion U.S. dollars in revenues through paid downloads and in-app advertising.

Another report by Statista states that by 2023, it is estimated that the annual number of app downloads worldwide will amount to 299 billion .

Now you can see the importance of mobile apps and the importance of making a business plan for your mobile app.

The most obvious reason to create a mobile app startup , as you might have surmised as well, is to bring in more and more investments. This is to attract investors and even start-up co-founders – the choice is yours to make, and sometimes you need to have the support of both. 

An efficacious business plan will help your vision be represented in a crystal-clear way while displaying the scope of your mobile app concept and business app ideas as well.

Un-planned actions pertain to risks, and risks in business are synonymous to cost-inefficiency and loss.  

When you devise a business plan, you actually map out the whole journey of your business, something that can provide you great insights into the many unanticipated and probable risks. 

When making big decisions, it is common to forget and leave out certain important aspects that can make or break the foundation of your business at a much later stage. However, when you have a blueprint including a set of points acting as a reminder of those crucial aspects, it becomes easy for you to remember them. Mobile app development business plan is that blueprint. 

Regardless of what category your mobile application belongs to, the business plan for each one is essentially similar, for the most part. A business plan is static in contrast to a business proposal for an app , which is dynamic. This is because it is a document created only once and is not rewritten after the purpose is fulfilled.

We hope that this article has provided you with detailed and good insights on business plan for your mobile app. If you need any assistance on mobile app development services, then you can opt for Appinventiv, a top mobile app development company in USA for quality results.

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How to create an effective business plan for your mobile app: Key elements and tips [Updated]

What papers your investors might expect.

• A traditional business plan , a bulky document that runs dozens of pages to detail your entire business strategy. This usually includes your product overview, marketing plan, competitor analysis, and basic financials. You can initially do it using Lean Canvas , a one-page plan, which in fact can be your ultimate blueprint (many investors will approve).
• A pitch deck , a PowerPoint-type presentation, 10-15 slides, to convey your mobile app business plan in a concise and visual way. Its aim is to grab investors’ attention and get you a follow-on meeting.
• An executive summary , a 1-to-3 page document that outlines your mobile app startup idea in a similar way to the pitch deck, but with words instead of visuals. Again, this is a tool that you present to a room of investors.

Now to the matter at hand — your mobile app business plan

Executive summary.

• The problem : Canteen food can be terrible, while students usually don’t have much time for cooking. As a result, many students engage in poor dietary habits or erratic eating behaviors, leading to high obesity rates. The market is chock-full of apps, but your competitors target wider or different audiences, or make little focus on promoting healthy diets among young people.
• The solution : You would cook home-style food and sell it online at very reasonable prices. But you don't want to use a third-party delivery service like GrubHub whose commissions can be crazy. Instead, you would offer your own delivery. So your solution is to create a tailored food delivery app for iOS/Android.
• The business model : Your startup business model should tell investors how exactly you are going to make money and what your other business objectives are. Identify an app roadmap with key milestones and make sure your goals align with investors’ expectations.

Market Analysis

• TAM : the number of US students who live on campus and order food online
• SAM : the number of students you can reach through your sales channels at launch; it might be limited to a particular college or university
• SOM : the number of early adopters
• Competitors that are expected to target your audience in the short term
• Estimates of their short-term growth rate
• Estimates of their short-term revenue

Marketing and Sales Strategy

• Monetization strategy : apart from getting revenue from food delivery, you can also monetize your mobile app by partnering with healthy food restaurants, sporting goods manufactures, bars or nightclubs to make a few dollars on banner placement
• Startup costs : these include one-time payments like the price of building a mobile app and operating expenses such as office rent and employee salaries
• Funding : here you should write how much money you’re hoping to secure, and how it will be spent and at what pace
• ROI : it is one of the most important factors investors consider when making a decision. Your Return on Investment (ROI) predictions should be based on your business model

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How to Make a Solid Business Plan for a Successful Mobile App Startup

3 Jan, 2020

Business plan template

In recent years, we have seen a significant shift in technological advancements. We have gone from desktops to laptops and smartphones, and every year the number of smartphone users rises by tens of thousands. With that, mobile apps of various types are an automatic demand. And so, mobile app development is not an option anymore; it’s a necessity!

In particular, startups need to design mobile apps to target more users and reach the millennial population. A well-thought mobile app business plan is the first step to developing your app. The business plan must cover the entire cost of app development, including planning, designing, marketing, and after-sales support.

It’s not enough to launch the app on the app stores. Whether you are a B2C or B2B industry, there is a lot of competition in the mobile app market. So, a sufficient portion of your budget will go toward marketing tactics to get users to search for and download your app.

Additionally, an adequate app business plan also mentions the total cost of app development, including the feature cost. Here’s a rundown on making a useful app development business plan to ensure the successful launch of your startup:

A well-crafted, detailed, and insightful business plan is the first step toward a potentially successful mobile app startup. Ensure that you cover all areas for a descriptive analysis for your company as well as investors.

This includes key points such as market analysis, competitive analysis, marketing strategy, and your app development business plan. You need to also consider your budget, resources, timeline, and team. As you devise your app development business plan, make sure you consider the audience you are targeting, the features that will be included, and the cost of development. Also include the resources you will need to manage the app, such as a support team, server costs, etc. A comprehensive and well-thought-out app development business plan is key to the success of your mobile app startup.

Executive summary

The summary section of the mobile app business plan is where you introduce the project to the investors. It should be clear and precise, mentions the relevant details, including how the idea came to you and how it solves the problem:

Problem identification

The problem defines a difficulty within the society with no apparent solution or insufficient solutions. For your project’s success, identify and understand the gap in the supply and demand chain in the market. The app startup business plan should highlight the following points:

What troubles your target audience?

Does it have a significant impact on their daily lives?

Is there a solution to their problem? How effective is it?

List down potential solutions

The next step is to shed some light on your app idea. The purpose of the mobile app startup business plan is to introduce the app idea to investors. In this section, explain precisely how the app eliminates the problems highlighted above.

Mention only the points that answer the questions above instead of listing the distinct features of the app. You should include:

What the app allows users to do that they couldn’t before

How will it tip the status quo in favor of the target audience?

Explain the unique selling point

The App Store has 2 million+ apps, while the Play Store offers around 2.5 million apps. Your app must be unique enough to stand out.

The application business plan needs to state how your app is different from the various other similar apps, to get investors interested in your app idea. In a perfect world, your unique selling point would be solely yours, differentiating your mobile app from the competition.

No value propositions or USPs are set in stone; it may change with updates and new features when introduced into the market. But it is best to have a definite starting point to show the investors.

Define clearly the USPs of the app when writing your mobile app business plan . It will be challenging if your target market is unexplored. In the case of entering an established market, mention what makes the app different and how it will help gain a market share.

Strategic objectives of the business plan

Any investor funding your project would like to know if their long-term targets match with yours. When defining your mission, values state:

Your target revenue

End goal: IPO or Acquisition Strategy

The timeline to achieve these goals (3 to 5 years)?

Build a well-crafted company profile

Investors need to know who their partners are. Under the company section of your app startup business plan, write details of your startup, including where it is registered and when it was established. Additionally, highlight the team’s key players, the shareholders, and the different operations the company undergoes.

Firstly, identify the structure of the company:

Where and when it was set up

Are you an LLC, C-Corp, or some other corporate office?

The number of employees in the company

Are any employees working remotely?

Are you working from an apartment or office space?

Under the history section of your application business plan, share the idea behind starting the company. Mention briefly what inspired you, what you and your team have done since establishing the company, and more. Highlight your milestones and achievements, location changes, products launched, and everything relevant to the experience that inspires investors’ trust.

Introduce your critical players, whether they are part-time, full-time employees, working remotely, or as part of the in-house team. Mention details of their educational background, work history, and experience in mobile development or related industries.

Not just the management team but also mention the advisory members. Instill investors’ confidence in your app idea by letting them know who supports the startup and how.

Conduct thorough market research

Before you can go on with the development phase, it’s best to validate your app idea and research the market. Investors need to know the target market, the size of the market, the competition, and more. Your mobile app startup business plan should include:

Market size

There are three key parameters to base the market size:

Total Available Market (TAM) – the maximum demand for a product or service in the commercial market.

Serviceable Available Market (SAM) – this is the portion of TAM that you can target through sales and marketing channels.

Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM) – it defines the segment of SAM that includes the first individuals to use your product or service.

Projections

Explore research firms like Nielsen or Forrester to understand your target market’s size and the potential growth projections for your industry. You should mention the growth rate for companies with a similar business niche and the amount invested in the industry.

A point to note is that you only include statistics of companies in your target market. If you are entering the local market, do not mention the global economy.

Competitors

Another layer of market research is learning from your competitors. Gartner helps you study your competition in various parameters, including the level of functionality, niche, audience size, and pricing.

Swot analysis

SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It defines where you stand in the market and against the competition. In your app business plan, share with the investors your strengths and weaknesses.

Highlighting your weaknesses and threats will also help encourage investors’ confidence. They will know you acknowledge your limits and are working to fix them.

Finally, build the app

You identified the benefit of your app, its USP, and its market worth. Now, share the details of your app idea, including the type of app it is, the features you will add, and its MVP.

The type of app to develop

The type of app you develop depends on your company’s requirements. In your app startup business plan, mention what kind of app you are creating, an Uber-like app for movers, a gaming app, or a file manager. Every app offers distinct features, each of which has a different monetary value. Additionally, state whether the app will be a hybrid or native app or a web app.

The platform choice and features will determine the final cost of the price. For example, native platform development can cost $5000 each, whereas cross-platforms are estimated at $8,750. Mvp app development

Part of smart business planning is launching a prototype in the market than a full-functional, expensive product right off the bat. Share with the investors your plan for developing an MVP for your product, include the cost of developing an MVP , the factors that will influence its price, and other details.

Marketing strategy

Your marketing strategy is the one aspect of the business plan that will need periodic revisions. According to the market conditions, you need to change how you get the product to the target users. Share your marketing tactics with the investors, including the following:

Customer acquisition

Marketing is possibly the costly phase of developing a new product. You need to target multiple platforms to spread the word and bring the app to your users. Plus, the continuous reevaluation of the strategy raises the total cost of marketing.

Customer Acquisition is the marketing phase where you convey the details of how you plan on gaining new users. Share with the investors the channels you will target, their benefits, and the cost per acquisition of one customer from each channel.

It’s imperative to be quantitative and detailed with the cost, so your investors know the plan’s risks.

Reward program

Offering referral rewards is one way to grow your audience base. After gaining some traction with the app, you can leverage network effects with a referral program built into the app. Key metrics

Instead of targeting multiple benchmark parameters, a startup focuses on one or two metrics to better analyze your growth. It will help you understand your progress and understand where you need to improve.

Finances before and after launch

Investors are funding your app idea, so they need to know the exact numbers involved. After reading through the entire business plan, share:

The total funding you need.

The cost to develop the app and run the business.

How will you monetize your product?

Cost of running the company

Mention a reasonable estimate of the total cost it will take to get your startup up and running. Include the emergency costs, the utility, recurring charges, one-time payments, and others. Be clear and concise with the payment frequency and price stability.

Monetization

To get a return on investment, you need to devise a revenue model for your app. Here are some ways you can monetize your product:

In-app Advertisements – If you intend to increase your target audience, then in-app adverts are the best option. The app remains free, while advertisers pay to reach their consumers.

Paid App – Get users to pay to download the app. Although many Android users are reluctant to download paid apps, iOS and MacOS users willingly pay for downloads.

In-App Purchases – It is the most viable option for a consumer-oriented app. You would have to use prompts and referral discounts to encourage users to make the purchase.

Subscription – Like Netflix, you can charge a monthly or yearly amount. Subscription models bill users until they unsubscribe from their account.

Development costs

The cost for app design and development varies depending on the app, its complexity, and the integrated features. Additionally, the charges also depend on whether you hire a freelance developer to build the app or a development company.

Each feature in the app has a different price, and advanced features cost even more. For example, simple email sign-up costs $2000 , and social media sign-up can cost $3000 . Integrating straightforward profiles cost $4000 , while complex profile pages cost $7000 . If the app has in-app navigation, then a simple map integration costs $3500 , while geofencing can cost $8000 . Find costs as per features, platforms, and more to get an idea of app development costs.

The business plan mentions the cost projections on your revenue to let the investors know how the company will progress over time.

Funding required

Lastly, answer the following questions for your investors:

The amount of money you would need?

When will you start earning profits?

The equity you will give away?

How long till you need another investment?

Write your business plan for a mobile app startup

No business is without its bumps and hurdles, but the start of every successful startup is with a well-thought-out business plan. Get investors interested in your idea, bring your team on board, and consult with our experts to design your app.

You might want to trust an expert app development agency to take care of your business plan and other technicalities. Let’s hear your app idea! We can help you turn your dream into a reality with a business plan for a mobile app. A business plan for a mobile app is essential for success, and it can help you build a successful and profitable app.

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How to Start a Mobile App Business

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• How To Start a Mobile App Business
• How To Start a Mobile App Business FAQs

Helpful Slideshows, Videos & Images

• Additional Resources in the Mobile App Industry

Starting a mobile app business can be very profitable. With proper planning, execution and hard work, you can enjoy great success. Below you will learn how to start an app successfully.

Importantly, a crucial step in starting a mobile app business is to complete your business plan. To help you out, you should download Growthink’s Ultimate Mobile App Business Plan Template here.

Download our Ultimate Mobile App Business Plan Template here

15 Steps To Start a Mobile App Business

• Choose the Name for Your Mobile App Business
• Develop Your Mobile App Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Mobile App Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Mobile App Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Mobile App Business With the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Mobile App Business
• Buy or Lease the Right Mobile App Business Equipment
• Develop Your Mobile App Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Mobile App Business
• Build Your Team
• Open for Business

1. Choose the Name for Your Mobile App Business

The first step to starting a mobile app development business is to choose your business’ name. This is a very important choice since your company name is your brand and will last for the lifetime of your business. Ideally you choose a name that is meaningful and memorable. Here are some tips for choosing a name for your mobile app business:

• Make sure the name is available. Check your desired name against trademark databases and your state’s list of registered business names to see if it’s available. Also check to see if a suitable domain name is available.
• Keep it simple. The best names are usually ones that are easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
• Think about marketing. Come up with a name that reflects the desired brand and/or focus of your software company.

2. Develop Your Mobile App Business Plan

One of the most important steps in starting a mobile app business is to develop your mobile app business plan . The process of creating your plan ensures that you fully understand your market and your business strategy. The plan also provides you with a roadmap to follow and if needed, to present to funding sources to raise capital for your business.

To enhance your planning process, incorporating insights from a  sample mobile app business plan  can be beneficial. This can provide you with a clearer perspective on industry standards and effective strategies, helping to solidify your own business approach.

Your business plan should include the following sections:

• Executive Summary – this section should summarize your entire business plan so readers can quickly understand the key details of your mobile app business.
• Company Overview – this section tells the reader about the history of your mobile app business and what type of mobile app business you operate. For example, are you building hybrid apps or native apps? Will your app be available for purchase from different app stores? Will it undergo app store optimization for Apple’s app store or another app store? Do you specialize in developing Android apps or iOS apps?
• Industry Analysis – here you will document key information about the mobile app industry. Conduct market research and document how big the industry is and what trends are affecting it.
• Customer Analysis – in this section, you will document who your ideal or target customers are and their demographics. For example, how old are they? What are their interests?
• Competitive Analysis – here you will document the key direct and indirect competitors you will face and how you will build competitive advantage.
• Marketing Plan – your app marketing plan should address the 4Ps: Product, Price, Promotions and Place.
• Product : Determine and document what products/services you will offer
• Prices : Document the prices of your products/services
• Place : Where will your business be located and how will that location help you increase sales?
• Promotions : What promotional methods will you use to attract customers to your mobile app? For example, you might decide to use pay-per-click advertising, public relations, search engine optimization and/or social media marketing. You might also try to secure advertising on an app store to reach a larger audience or creating YouTube videos that showcase your user interface and all the features of your app.
• Operations Plan – here you will determine the key processes you will need to run your day-to-day operations. You will also determine your staffing needs. Finally, in this section of your plan, you will create a projected growth timeline showing the milestones you hope to achieve in the coming years.
• Management Team – this section details the background of your company’s management team.
• Financial Plan – finally, the financial plan answers questions including the following:
• What startup costs will you incur?
• How will your mobile app business make money?
• What are your projected sales and expenses for the next five years?
• Do you need to raise funding to launch your business?

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

3. choose the legal structure for your mobile app business.

Next you need to choose a legal structure for your mobile app business and register it and your business name with the Secretary of State in each state where you operate your mobile app business. Below are the five most common legal structures:

1) Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a business entity in which the owner of the mobile app business and the business are the same legal person. The owner of a sole proprietorship is responsible for all debts and obligations of the business. There are no formalities required to establish a sole proprietorship, and it is easy to set up and operate. The main advantage of a sole proprietorship is that it is simple and inexpensive to establish. The main disadvantage is that the owner is liable for all debts and obligations of the business.

2) Partnerships

A partnership is a legal structure that is popular among small businesses. It is an agreement between two or more people who want to start a software company together. The partners share in the profits and losses of the business.

The advantages of a partnership are that it is easy to set up, and the partners share in the profits and losses of the business. The disadvantages of a partnership are that the partners are jointly liable for the debts of the business, and disagreements between partners can be difficult to resolve.

3) Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company, or LLC, is a type of business entity that provides limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners of an LLC are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The advantages of an LLC for a software company include flexibility in management, pass-through taxation (avoids double taxation as explained below), and limited personal liability. The disadvantages of an LLC include lack of availability in some states and self-employment taxes.

4) C Corporation

A C Corporation is a business entity that is separate from its owners. It has its own tax ID and can have shareholders. The main advantage of a C Corporation for a software company is that it offers limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The disadvantage is that C Corporations are subject to double taxation. This means that the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and the shareholders also pay taxes on their dividends.

5) S Corporation

An S Corporation is a type of corporation that provides its owners with limited liability protection and allows them to pass their business income through to their personal income tax returns, thus avoiding double taxation. There are several limitations on S Corporations including the number of shareholders they can have among others.

Once you register your mobile app business, your state will send you your official “Articles of Incorporation.” You will need this among other documentation when establishing your banking account (see below). We recommend that you consult an attorney in determining which legal structure is best suited for your company.

4. Secure Startup Funding for Your Mobile App Business (If Needed)

In developing your mobile app business plan, you might have determined that you need to raise funding to launch your business. If so, the main sources of funding for a mobile app business to consider are personal savings, family and friends, credit card financing, bank loans, crowdfunding and angel investors. Angel investors are individuals who provide capital to early-stage businesses. Angel investors typically will invest in a mobile app business that they believe has high potential for growth.

5. Secure a Location for Your Business

You might choose to run your mobie app business from home or build a remote team. Alternatively, you might secure a physical location for your business. To find the right space, consider:

• Driving around to find the right areas while looking for “for lease” signs
• Contacting a commercial real estate agent
• Doing commercial real estate searches online
• Telling others about your needs and seeing if someone in your network has a connection that can help you find the right space

6. Register Your Mobile App Business With the IRS

Next, you need to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which will result in the IRS issuing you an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most banks will require you to have an EIN in order to open up an account. In addition, in order to hire employees, you will need an EIN since that is how the IRS tracks your payroll tax payments.

Note that if you are a sole proprietor without employees, you generally do not need to get an EIN. Rather, you would use your social security number (instead of your EIN) as your taxpayer identification number.

7. Open a Business Bank Account

It is important to establish a bank account in your mobile app business name. This process is fairly simple and involves the following steps:

• Identify and contact the bank you want to use
• Gather and present the required documents (generally include your company’s Articles of Incorporation, driver’s license or passport, and proof of address)
• Complete the bank’s application form and provide all relevant information
• Meet with a banker to discuss your business needs and establish a relationship with them

8. Get a Business Credit Card

You should get a business credit card for your mobile app business to help you separate personal and business expenses. You can either apply for a business credit card through your bank or apply for one through a credit card company.

When you’re applying for a business credit card, you’ll need to provide some information about your business. This includes the name of your business, the address of your business, and the type of business you’re running. You’ll also need to provide some information about yourself, including your name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once you’ve been approved for a business credit card, you’ll be able to use it to make purchases for your business. You can also use it to build your credit history which could be very important in securing loans and getting credit lines for your business in the future.

9. Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits

Every state, county and city has different business license and permit requirements. Nearly all states, counties and/or cities have license requirements including:

• General Business License – This is the most common type of business license. It gives you permission to operate your business in a specific location.
• Sales Tax License – This type of license is required if you will be selling products or services that are subject to sales tax.

Depending on where you open your business and the type of apps you develop, you will have to obtain the necessary state, county and/or city licenses.

10. Get Business Insurance for Your Mobile App Business

Business insurance policies that you should consider for your mobile app business include:

• General Liability Insurance – This type of insurance can help protect the business if someone is injured or their property is damaged as a result of something the business did or failed to do.
• Product Liability Insurance – If the mobile app business sells products, this type of insurance can help protect against any injuries or damages that occur as a result of using the product.
• Workers’ Compentation Insurance – If the mobile app business has employees, this type of insurance can help protect against any injuries or illnesses that they may suffer while working for the business.

Find an insurance agent, tell them about your business and its needs, and they will recommend policies that fit those needs.

11. Buy or Lease the Right Mobile App Business Equipment

A mobile app business needs a computer, internet access, and software to create mobile apps. If you plan to have a physical location for your team, you might also need office supplies and furniture.

12. Develop Your Mobile App Business Marketing Materials

Marketing materials will be required to attract and retain customers to your mobile app business. The key marketing materials you will need are as follows:

• Logo – Spend some time developing a good logo for your mobile app business. Your logo will be printed on company stationery, business cards, marketing materials and so forth. Your logo might also be displayed within the app. The right logo can increase customer trust and awareness of your brand.
• Website – Likewise, a professional mobile app business website provides potential customers with information about the products and/or services you offer, your company’s history, and contact information. Importantly, remember that the look and feel of your website will affect how your target audience perceives you. A website is a good place to announce company news and app updates to new and existing app users.
• Social Media Accounts – Establish social media accounts in your company’s name. Accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or other social media networks will help customers and others find and interact with your mobile app business. Social media pages are great for building communities of your users.

13. Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Mobile App Business

There are a few software programs that a mobile app business needs in order to get started. One option is Appcelerator, which allows you to develop apps using JavaScript, HTML5, and Titanium. Another popular tool is PhoneGap, which helps you create cross-platform apps using HTML5 and JavaScript. Finally, you’ll need a development environment like Eclipse or Xcode in order to write code for your apps.

14. Build Your Team

A key component to starting most any business is to build a great team. This is especially true for mobile app businesses, which are heavily reliant on technology. You’ll need to assemble a team of talented engineers, designers, and marketers who can help you turn your vision into reality.

If you don’t have the necessary skillsets in-house, you’ll need to hire freelancers or consultants to fill the gaps. The most important thing is that you have a solid foundation of people who can bring your app idea to life.

15. Open for Business

You are now ready to open your mobile app business. If you followed the steps above, you should be in a great position to build a successful business and you will know everything you need about how to start an app business. Below are answers to frequently asked questions that might further help you.

How to Finish Your Mobile App Business Plan in 1 Day!

How to start a mobile app business faqs, is it hard to start a mobile app business.

Starting a mobile app business can be easy as long as you have great app ideas and the resources to make them come to life. Your biggest challenges will most likely be securing the funds needed to start the business and building a team for the app development process. The steps outlined above will help you and teach you how to start an app business.

How Can I Start A Mobile App Business With No Experience?

If you have a great idea for a mobile app but lack the experience to make it happen, you can always consult with or hire someone who does. There are many ways to get started in mobile apps without any prior experience. Doing thorough market research and investigating how other app developers run their businesses can also be very helpful in launching your own successful app development company.

What Type of Mobile App Business Is Most Profitable?

There is no definitive answer to this question since there are many factors that can affect profitability. However, some types of mobile app businesses that tend to be more profitable than others include those that offer unique and innovative products or services, target a specific niche market, or have low overhead costs.

How Much Does It Cost To Start A Mobile App Business?

The cost of starting a mobile app business can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of app you want to create, the platform you want to develop it for, and whether or not you hire someone to help you. In general, you can expect to spend several thousand dollars at a minimum to get your business off the ground.

Key startup costs include:

• Hardware with enough speed and space to ensure a smooth work environment and a high-resolution screen
• Finding and hiring the right coder(s), as needed
• A place to work, if needed
• Office furniture

What Are the Ongoing Expenses for a Mobile App Business?

Your ongoing expenses for a mobile app business will depend largely on the type of app you have created and the platform you are using to sell it. Generally, your biggest ongoing expenses will be employee salaries and software costs.

Key costs to remember include:

• Wages – App developers typically have at least an undergraduate degree, and are required to have a specialized skill set. These factors combine to make your app development team’s wages your single largest industry expense.
• Purchases – These generally entail development kits, hardware, and software updates.
• Royalties – App store royalties are a significant cost for app development businesses, but these costs have been trending downward over the last five years.
• Marketing - Marketing costs include advertising and any other expenses associated with promoting your business and products.

How Does A Mobile App Business Make Money?

Most mobile app businesses make money through a business model that is a combination of advertising and in-app purchases or subscriptions. Some apps also offer paid memberships that give users access to additional features or content. Users might also pay an initial fee to purchase when downloading an iOS app from the Apple app store or an Android app from the Google Play store.

Is Owning A Mobile App Business Profitable?

Yes, owning a mobile app business can be profitable. However, it is important to keep in mind that profitability depends on a number of factors, including the type of app you have created, your target market, and your marketing and advertising efforts.

Why Do Mobile App Businesses Fail?

There are many reasons why mobile app businesses fail. Some common reasons include a lack of innovative products or services, poor marketing and advertising efforts, and an inability to generate enough revenue to sustain the business. Additionally, many businesses fail due to a lack of understanding of the mobile app industry and how it works.

How Big Is the Mobile App Industry?

There are currently an estimated 455,835 Mobile App businesses in the US. This industry has experienced rapid revenue growth over the past five years, to reach $16.2 billion.

What Are the Key Segments of the Mobile App Industry?

The two largest product segments for the Mobile App industry are Games and Social Networking apps. Smaller product categories include News Apps, Entertainment Apps, and Other Apps.

What External Factors Affect the Mobile App Industry?

A number of factors affect the performance of the Mobile App industry. These drivers include:

• Number of Mobile Internet Connections –This corresponds to the number of people who own a smartphone, which in turn affects demand for apps.
• Percentage of Services Conducted Online – The increasing number of online purchases and business transactions represents a distinct opportunity for app developers, as more people complete these transactions via smartphone applications.
• Time Spent on Leisure and Sport s – Since games are a major segment of the industry, it follows that the more time people have for leisure, the more game apps they will download. 

Who Are the Key Competitors in the Mobile App Industry?

The companies with the greatest market share are King Digital Entertainment, Kabam, Electronic Arts, and Zynga (all game app developers).

What Are the Key Customer Segments in the Mobile App Industry?

The Mobile App industry’s largest customer segment is consumers between the ages of 18 and 29. Consumers aged 30 to 49 are the second-largest customer segment, followed by those over the age of 50.

How Much Do App Developers Make?

About 25% of developers earn over $5,000 per month on the iOS platform, and 18% of developers make this on the Android platform.

According to PayScale, the median salary for a senior Software Engineer/Developer/Programmer is $99,193 per year.

Where Can I Download a Mobile App Business Plan PDF?

You can download our mobile app business plan PDF template here. This is a business plan template you can use in PDF format.

How To Build a Billion Dollar app?

Mobile App Development Cost and Design

Inside the Android Factory: 5 Ways to Build Profitable Applications

For additional information on the App Development industry, consider these industry resources:

• The Application Developers Alliance: appdevelopersalliance.org
• Gartner: www.gartner.com
• The Verge: www.theverge.com/apps
• App Mavericks: www.appmavericks.com

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success. Click here to see how Growthink’s professional business plan consulting services can create your business plan for you.  

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

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How to Create the Best Business Plan for an App? Guide to a Business Plan App

Summary: The world has witnessed a great upsurge in the mobile app market. As per a report, the global mobile app market size was at USD 206.85 billion in 2022. And it is all set to increase at a CAGR of 13.8% till 2030. We all know that these and many other stats are right and effective.

On what basis are we so confident about? There is a major increase in the internet and the adaptability of online apps. So, now businesses tend to make calculative moves by developing mobile app business plans. Let’s have a look at how to write a good business plan for your mobile app.

Key Takeaway:-

• Such a business plan for the app will help you measure the risk factors beforehand.
• Steps to curate an app business plan are stated below to ensure a proper direction for your mobile app.
• Why should you opt for a mobile app plan? Ensure your futuristic success with a plan on hand prior to the SDLC.
• What good will such a business plan do? You will be able to figure out every necessary point in time & also get a good team to execute the plan.

Introduction

Anything well-planned always gives a better outcome than an unplanned thing.

Imagine the scenario in which you want to go on a trip.

In the first scenario, you have yet to plan the trip. You reach there and have to do a rekey of things. You will have to look for a nearby stay, have food, and have fun. Eventually, it did consume a lot of your time, money, and energy.

A planned trip with all the things right from the hotel to food and fun will help in a hassle-free holiday. Now you have travel apps and agents to go and get every booking document way before your trip.

So, while reading too, the first thought that came to your mind was a planned & well executed trip.

The same goes for apps. Plan it to win the online spectrum at the right time.  

In this competitive online space, who will not want a great curated business plan? Every startup or enterprise has to expand and grow to survive the online world.

Now, let’s directly chase the question.

Why Do You Need a Mobile App Business Plan?

• In general, the revenue in 2023 is over $935 billion. 
• 21% of millennials open an app 50+ times per day. 
• 49% open an app 11+ times each day. 
• A typical mobile user uses 30 apps per month and 10 apps per day.

All these mobile app statistics are alarming. To ace in the digital world, you have to strike hard with a business plan.

There are 100s of apps made on the same concept. Why will a user use your app? How will you lure them to stay for long? What are the other futuristic business ideas? Thus, you need a roadmap to discover your project phases and needs.

How will your mobile app startup succeed? From where will your app get funds? How will you survive in the later SDLC stages? All these things and many more can be noted in a mobile business plan app.

And most importantly, such advance plans always help to get to the user base.

What is the worth of a business plan? Know it from the best tycoon:-

Without a plan, even the most brilliant business can get lost. You need to have goals, create milestones, and have a strategy in place to set yourself up for success. – Yogi Berra .

Perks to Get an App Business Plan

• You need a strong business plan to transform your ideas into actions.
• A plan will always help you to improve. 
• It defines growth points and steps to expand in the future.
• You can raise funds by presenting it to the investors.

Now, without further due, let’s get into some exceptional steps to follow for your PRD.

How to Write a Successful Business Plan for Your Mobile App?

Pave a winning road with a business plan. It does not matter whether you are an SME, enterprise, or startup; every app idea will need a plan to flourish in the unknown online space. 

The key factors that you should know for a business plan are budget and investment returns on a timely basis. Apart from that, you have to provide maximum transparency to achieve each milestone in real-time. 

Let’s have a look at some of the intricate steps to follow when creating an app business plan.

8 Steps to Create a Good App Development Business Plan

#1 Executive Summary

As the name has, it is ‘summary’. We all know it means a precise & concise way to define one’s business; when you approach an investor, they do not have time to read every bit about you.

You need to jot down the essential details of your company and its offerings. 

What should be the overview?

• Make a unique proposal
• Create an excellent UVP
• Specify your goals
• Provide accurate documents

Your business plan must contain the current and expected market situation along with target customers. It should also have the crux of your app, i.e., what problem will it solve? But all the details are to be mentioned in a precise way.

#2 Introduce Your Firm

For a good plan, you need to start with your firm’s details and end with a mobile app idea. You have to show your investors your company’s mission, product vision, and other factors for your startup’s success. 

Describe Your Firm

Write the details of your startup. It should give a reader details like the company name, location, headquarters, team size, hierarchy, etc. The mission statement of your firm should specify its goals. Also, list the main problems and the likely answers your startup may provide.

Always ensure that your business plan is easy to read. And also, one should understand the mission of your firm from the very beginning of your plan.

Company History

Every investor is interested to check a firm’s background. How did your company come into existence? How did you come up with such an idea? What were the stages of your company’s development? How have you decided to launch your product? All these details will help you to win the trust of your fundraisers. 

Your Tech Team

Why will a third party take an interest in your venture? There are two reasons to believe you.

• Your app idea and its growth perspects.
• The team backing your app idea with their tech brains.

Whether you outsource app development or have an in-house team, you need to have a detailed description of the team members. From work expertise to company responsibilities, the business plan should consist of all of it.

#3 Marketing Analysis & Strategies

Details about your app idea’s market are very crucial. You have to keep a watch on the industry and consumer needs. Every factor, along with its impact and solution, has to be given into the plan. A forecast of your ideal situation is a must. Such details help to know your overall market knowledge and the analysis for the future.

What should be your intricate steps?

• Review the current business environment
• Define your research criteria
• Get to know your overall market, SAM, and SOM
• Know your rival
• Analyze your audience

Expert advice: One has to study Google Play Store and Apple App Store. You will easily come to know about who is at the top, who is paid more, and which apps are grossing well. Ensure that you get the nerves of every app in the store right. And prepare for the missing pieces in your app.

#4 Forecast Your Market Possibilities

Why should your mobile app business plan have such a market forecast? How will it help your market credibility? A market forecast always shows your app idea’s efficacy to grow in the later stages. And if you are someone with a startup app idea , then, of course, such a step is a must for you. 

Now, what are some of the reliable points to showcase in your plan?

• Describe the expansion of businesses.
• Include data about the amount of funds received by your firm. And who has invested in it so far?
• Add some forecasts about the behaviour of your target users.

Your goal is to look into a long term situation. Study and analyze deeply whether there is a real market for your product. Is there enough customer base? Will you be able to maintain money & funds in the future? All these factors do matter a lot. 

Being an IT professional in web and mobile app development , we know the importance of market forecasts. With every app idea before making our first move, we ensure to analyze every bit of the market. Thus, it gives our team of experts a proper picture of the current needs. And provides great insight to the project owner about the future.

#5 SWOT Analysis

Now, this is a well-known method to get the right analysis of your business. Every brain understands SWOT.

• Opportunity

Every business has a weakness; you cannot simply deny it. With SWOT, you will get all the loopholes in time. And can work on them to convert them into prospects. Such findings also represent a futuristic expansion for your business.

#6 Create a Marketing Campaign

How will anyone come to know about your app? Via Marketing. Obvious answer! One needs to be careful about how they present themselves to the world.

The market awaits eagerly about new entries. You need to focus and strike at the right time among the right audience. With so much of the online and offline world, you need to be on the right channel to meet your potential client. Let’s have a look at some examples:-

Create a Landing Page

A landing page is a trustworthy face for your brand. You need to showcase features, functionalities, and the motto of your online product on the page. Ensure that you use the logo and the name correctly. Also, to engage more audiences, you can integrate an explanatory video. 

Launch a Website & Blog

Today, the very first thing we all do is to check a brand, product, or service’s online presence. So, as we say, it has become a mandatory move to build a website and start to blog for a better SERP rank. You have to promote your app with keywords and all the other SEO rules to be among the untouched global audiences. 

It is a modern and trusted way of advertising your business.

Social Media Platforms

Of course, this is The Way to be among all kinds of age groups. Market yourself thoroughly on all the popular social media like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, etc. It helps a lot as these have their in-house plans, which helps a product reach and market itself well in advance.

You have to put aside a budget only for social media. And look into the analytics of your page to improve on every online front. It is very easy to be in the public eye, but to catch their attention for seconds is the game to be aced. 

The Market as per Budget

Marketing is an integral part of creating an app business plan. You have to get an estimate to spend on these strategies. You have to keep a check on your money spent. And the response achieved to be on the right strategy and meet the end goals on time.

#7 Product Growth & Launch

Every app is different and varies in user base, too. So, the growth of every online business differs a lot. An ABC tactic that worked for XYZ product is not necessarily apt for your venture. To expand in the right direction, you need a good sense of the market. And attract apt audiences that tend to make a loyal user base in a short span.

Now, as far as the product launch is concerned, there are two kinds of launches. In every app development business plan, you will have to mention one of these types. 

• Full-fledged deployment: You deploy a full bloomed SDLC. The one with all the features, tech stacks, and other growth criteria.
• MVP model: This is a minimalistic version of your idea. The MVP app development contains much needed features and functionalities. It is the best way to explore and know the possibilities of growth from the user’s perspective. 

#8 Finances

The financial model has a three- to five-year outlook for all the key forecasted indicators, like:-

• Profit and loss
• Balance sheets
• Start tables
• Unit economics calculation
• Revenues and expenses 

These will help you get an actual cost & asset value. In the future, it will help to figure out budget ways. 

Now, the investor might ask you about how you will monetize your app in the later stages. Here is a brief on it before ending the blog.

Monetization Strategy for an App Idea

If you are creating an app business plan, the strategy display is a must. Your firm will make profits in the future, and you are confident of it. 

Here are some of the common money-making tactics for your app business:-

• The charge for the services (You have a premium app model. Ensure that the users pay and use it.)
• In-app purchases are a great model for mobile apps on both iOS and Android.
• Subscriptions (this monetization strategy is very common. And continues to make revenue until the user decides to cancel the subscription. And so most apps offer a free trial period.)

Classic Tip from Our Experts

To flourish in your app business plan, you should take an MVP model with you. With such an app or software development, it becomes easy for the third person to understand your intent and be with you in the discussion.

A business plan with a functioning model is what will definitely make its way through. You can address your audience most effectively with such a profitable move. For more query on the topic, you can consult our experts. Also, get a free quote for your app idea!

On a Concluding Note!

Bring out your unique app business plan. No clone successfully made its way up to an original Uber, Netflix, Amazon, and Flipkart. Get yourself out there with our tech brains. Let’s explore the best for you and your business together. Invade the online space with a great mobile app business plan.

1. What is a business plan for a mobile app?

The app business plan is a document with all the details of the business and step wise representation of a futuristic SDLC. 

2. How does a mobile app business plan look like?

It starts from a brief history of your company to the marketing plan, launch date, investor details, and more. Every minute upgrade which will happen in the future has to be mentioned in the plan. 

3. What is the price to create a business strategy for an app?

It depends on the size of your business and the entire project scope. Our cost to create a business plan starts from $3000.

Mobile App Business Plan

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Bharat Patel

The software development world has been filling the gaps between customer and businesses at a lightning speed. Being an expert for 17+ years in the tech industry, I have been into multiple roles right from management to consulting. My team and I ensure to craft the best large scale apps with intricate designing to meet all the required and complex needs of a business.

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IRS enters next stage of Employee Retention Credit work; review indicates vast majority show risk of being improper

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Highest-risk claims being denied, additional processing to begin on low-risk claims; heightened scrutiny and review continues as compliance work tops $2 billion; IRS will consult with Congress on potential legislative action before making decision on future of moratorium

IR-2024-169, June 20, 2024

WASHINGTON — Following a detailed review to protect taxpayers and small businesses, the Internal Revenue Service today announced plans to deny tens of thousands of improper high-risk Employee Retention Credit claims while starting a new round of processing lower-risk claims to help eligible taxpayers.

“The completion of this review provided the IRS with new insight into risky Employee Retention Credit activity and confirmed widespread concerns about a large number of improper claims,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “We will now use this information to deny billions of dollars in clearly improper claims and begin additional work to issue payments to help taxpayers without any red flags on their claims.”

“This is one of the most complex credits the IRS has administered, and we continue to ask taxpayers for patience as we unravel this complex process,” Werfel added. “Ultimately, this period will help us protect taxpayers against improper payouts that flooded the system and get checks to those truly eligible.”

The review involved months of digitizing information and analyzing data since last September to assess a group of more than 1 million Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims representing more than $86 billion filed amid aggressive marketing last year.

During this process, the IRS identified between 10% and 20% of claims fall into what the agency has determined to be the highest-risk group, which show clear signs of being erroneous claims for the pandemic-era credit. Tens of thousands of these will be denied in the weeks ahead. This high-risk group includes filings with warning signals that clearly fall outside the guidelines established by Congress.

In addition to this highest risk group, the IRS analysis also estimates between 60% and 70% of the claims show an unacceptable level of risk. For this category of claims with risk indicators, the IRS will be conducting additional analysis to gather more information with a goal of improving the agency’s compliance review, speeding resolution of valid claims while protecting against improper payments.

At the same time, the IRS continues to be concerned about small businesses waiting on legitimate claims, and the agency is taking more action to help. Between 10% and 20% of the ERC claims show a low risk. For those with no eligibility warning signs that were received prior to the last fall’s moratorium, the IRS will begin judiciously processing more of these claims.

The IRS anticipates some of the first payments in this group will go out later this summer. But the IRS emphasized these will go out at a dramatically slower pace than payments that went out during the pandemic period given the need for increased scrutiny.

As the additional IRS processing work begins at a measured pace, other claims will begin being paid later this summer following a final review. This additional review is needed because the submissions may have calculation errors made during the complex filings. For those claims with calculation errors, the amount claimed will be adjusted before payment.

The IRS also noted that generally the oldest claims will be worked first, and no claims submitted during the moratorium period will be processed at this time.

No additional action needed by taxpayers at this time; await further notification from the IRS

The IRS cautioned taxpayers who filed ERC claims that the process will take time, and the agency warned that processing speeds will not return to levels that occurred last summer. Taxpayers with claims do not need to take any action at this point, and they should await further notification from the IRS. The agency emphasized those with ERC claims should not call IRS toll-free lines because additional information is generally not available on these claims as processing work continues.

“These complex claims take time, and the IRS remains deeply concerned about how many taxpayers have been misled and deluded by promoters into thinking they’re eligible for a big payday. The reality is many aren’t,” Werfel said. “People may think they are on safe ground, but many are simply not eligible under the law. The IRS continues to urge those with pending claims to use this period to review the guideline checklist on IRS.gov, talk to a legitimate tax professional rather than a promoter and use the special IRS withdrawal program when there’s an issue.”

Werfel also cautioned taxpayers to be wary of promoters using today’s announcement as a springboard to attract more clients to file ERC claims.

“The whole world has changed involving Employee Retention Credits since the deepest days of the pandemic,” Werfel said. “Anyone applying for this credit needs to talk to a trusted tax professional and closely review the eligibility requirements, not someone playing fast and loose and trying to make a fast buck off well-meaning taxpayers. People need to be cautious of promoters trying to take advantage of today’s announcement to drive more business. People should remember the IRS continues to be very active in our compliance lanes on Employee Retention Credits.”

Steps taken since September 2023 when processing moratorium on new ERC claims began

During the ERC review period, the IRS continued to process claims received prior to September 2023. The agency processed 28,000 claims worth $2.2 billion and disallowed more than 14,000 claims worth more than $1 billion.

The ERC program began as a critical effort to help businesses during the pandemic, but the program later became the target of aggressive marketing well after the pandemic ended. Some promoter groups may have called the credit by another name, such as a grant, business stimulus payment, government relief or other names besides ERC or the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC).

To counter the flood of claims being driven by promoters, the IRS announced last fall a moratorium on processing claims submitted after Sept. 14, 2023, to give the agency time to digitize information on the large study group of nearly 1 million ERC claims, which are made on amended paper tax returns. The subsequent analysis of the results during this period helped the IRS evaluate next steps, providing the IRS valuable information to change the way the agency will process ERC claims going forward.

The findings of the IRS review confirmed concerns raised by tax professionals and others that there was an extremely high rate of improper ERC claims.

The claims followed a flurry of aggressive marketing and promotions last year that led to people being misled into filing for the ERC. After the moratorium was put in place on Sept. 14, the IRS has continued to see ERC claims continuing to come in at the rate of more than 17,000 a week, with the ERC inventory currently at 1.4 million.

In light of the large inventory and the results of the ERC review, the IRS will keep the processing moratorium in place on ERC claims submitted after Sept. 14, 2023. The IRS will use this period to gather additional feedback from partners, including Congress and others, on the future course of ERC.

“We decided to keep the post-September moratorium in place because we continue to be concerned about the substantial number of claims coming in so long after the pandemic,” Werfel said. “These claims are clogging the system for legitimate taxpayers. We worry that ending the moratorium might trigger a gold rush by aggressive marketers that could lead to a new round of improper claims, which would be a bad result for taxpayers or tax administration. We will use this time to consult with Congress and seek additional help from them on the ERC program, including potentially closing down new claims entirely and seeking an extension of the statute of limitations to allow the agency more time to pursue improper claims.”

Special IRS Withdrawal Program remains open for those with unprocessed ERC claims

Given the large number of questionable claims indicated by the new review, the IRS continues to urge those with unprocessed claims to consider the special IRS ERC Withdrawal Program to avoid future compliance issues.

Businesses should quickly pursue the claim withdrawal process if they need to ask the IRS to not process an ERC claim for any tax period that hasn’t been paid yet. Taxpayers who received an ERC check — but haven’t cashed or deposited it — can also use this process to withdraw the claim and return the check. The IRS will treat the claim as though the taxpayer never filed it. No interest or penalties will apply.

With more than 1.4 million unprocessed ERC claims, the claim withdrawal process remains an important option for businesses who may have submitted an improper claim.

IRS compliance work tops $2 billion from Voluntary Disclosure Program, withdrawal process, disallowances

The IRS also announced today that compliance efforts around erroneous ERC claims have now topped more than $2 billion since last fall. This is nearly double the amount announced in March following completion of the special ERC Voluntary Disclosure Program (VDP), which the IRS announced led to the disclosure of $1.09 billion from over 2,600 applications. The IRS is currently considering reopening the VDP at a reduced rate for those with previously processed claims to avoid future compliance action by the IRS.

Compliance work on previously processed ERC claims continue, and work continues on a number of efforts to counter questionable claims:

• The ongoing claim withdrawal process for those with unprocessed ERC claims has led to more than 4,800 entities withdrawing $531 million.
• The IRS has determined that more than 12,000 entities filed over 22,000 claims that were improper and resulted in $572 million in assessments. This initial round of letters covers Tax Year 2020. Thousands more of these letters are planned in coming months to address Tax Year 2021, which involved larger claims. Congress increased the maximum ERC from $5,000 per employee per year in 2020, to $7,000 per employee for each quarter of the year in 2021.
• More than 2,600 applications for the special ERC Voluntary Disclosure Program (VDP) , which ended in March, disclosed $1.09 billion.

The IRS is currently assessing whether to reopen the special ERC Voluntary Disclosure Program to help taxpayers get into compliance on paid claims and avoid future IRS compliance action, including audits. If the program reopens, the IRS anticipates the terms will not be as favorable as the initial offering that closed in the spring. A decision will be made in coming weeks.

The IRS also reminded those with pending claims or considering submitting an ERC claim about other compliance actions underway:

Criminal investigations: As of May 31, 2024, IRS Criminal Investigation has initiated 450 criminal cases, with potentially fraudulent claims worth nearly $7 billion. In all, 36 investigations have resulted in federal charges so far, with 16 investigations resulting in convictions and seven sentencings with an average sentence of 25 months.

Audits: The IRS has thousands of ERC claims currently under audit.

Promoter investigations: The IRS is gathering information about suspected abusive tax promoters and preparers improperly promoting the ability to claim the ERC. The IRS’s Office of Promoter Investigations has received hundreds of referrals from internal and external sources. The IRS will continue civil and criminal enforcement efforts of these unscrupulous promoters and preparers.

Help for businesses with eligibility questions and those misled by promoters

Some promoters told taxpayers every employer qualifies for ERC. The IRS and the tax professional community emphasize that this is not true. Eligibility depends on specific facts and circumstances. The IRS has dozens of resources to help people learn about and check ERC eligibility and businesses can also consult their trusted tax professional . Key IRS materials to help show taxpayers if they have a risky ERC claim include:

• ERC Eligibility Checklist (interactive version and a printable guide PDF ) includes cautions about common areas of misinformation and links to facts and examples.
• 7 warning signs ERC claims may be incorrect outlines tactics that unscrupulous promoters have used and why their points are wrong.
• Frequently asked questions about the Employee Retention Credit includes eligibility rules, definitions, examples and more.
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Introducing Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system that puts powerful generative models at the core of iPhone, iPad, and Mac

New Capabilities for Understanding and Creating Language

Image Playground Makes Communication and Self‑Expression Even More Fun

Genmoji Creation to Fit Any Moment

New Features in Photos Give Users More Control

Siri Enters a New Era

A New Standard for Privacy in AI

ChatGPT Gets Integrated Across Apple Platforms

Text of this article

June 10, 2024

PRESS RELEASE

Setting a new standard for privacy in AI, Apple Intelligence understands personal context to deliver intelligence that is helpful and relevant

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today introduced Apple Intelligence , the personal intelligence system for iPhone, iPad, and Mac that combines the power of generative models with personal context to deliver intelligence that’s incredibly useful and relevant. Apple Intelligence is deeply integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. It harnesses the power of Apple silicon to understand and create language and images, take action across apps, and draw from personal context to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks. With Private Cloud Compute, Apple sets a new standard for privacy in AI, with the ability to flex and scale computational capacity between on-device processing and larger, server-based models that run on dedicated Apple silicon servers.

“We’re thrilled to introduce a new chapter in Apple innovation. Apple Intelligence will transform what users can do with our products — and what our products can do for our users,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Our unique approach combines generative AI with a user’s personal context to deliver truly helpful intelligence. And it can access that information in a completely private and secure way to help users do the things that matter most to them. This is AI as only Apple can deliver it, and we can’t wait for users to experience what it can do.”

Apple Intelligence unlocks new ways for users to enhance their writing and communicate more effectively. With brand-new systemwide Writing Tools built into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, users can rewrite, proofread, and summarize text nearly everywhere they write, including Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps.

Whether tidying up class notes, ensuring a blog post reads just right, or making sure an email is perfectly crafted, Writing Tools help users feel more confident in their writing. With Rewrite, Apple Intelligence allows users to choose from different versions of what they have written, adjusting the tone to suit the audience and task at hand. From finessing a cover letter, to adding humor and creativity to a party invitation, Rewrite helps deliver the right words to meet the occasion. Proofread checks grammar, word choice, and sentence structure while also suggesting edits — along with explanations of the edits — that users can review or quickly accept. With Summarize, users can select text and have it recapped in the form of a digestible paragraph, bulleted key points, a table, or a list.

In Mail, staying on top of emails has never been easier. With Priority Messages, a new section at the top of the inbox shows the most urgent emails, like a same-day dinner invitation or boarding pass. Across a user’s inbox, instead of previewing the first few lines of each email, they can see summaries without needing to open a message. For long threads, users can view pertinent details with just a tap. Smart Reply provides suggestions for a quick response, and will identify questions in an email to ensure everything is answered.

Deep understanding of language also extends to Notifications. Priority Notifications appear at the top of the stack to surface what’s most important, and summaries help users scan long or stacked notifications to show key details right on the Lock Screen, such as when a group chat is particularly active. And to help users stay present in what they’re doing, Reduce Interruptions is a new Focus that surfaces only the notifications that might need immediate attention, like a text about an early pickup from daycare.

In the Notes and Phone apps, users can now record, transcribe, and summarize audio. When a recording is initiated while on a call, participants are automatically notified, and once the call ends, Apple Intelligence generates a summary to help recall key points.

Apple Intelligence powers exciting image creation capabilities to help users communicate and express themselves in new ways. With Image Playground, users can create fun images in seconds, choosing from three styles: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch. Image Playground is easy to use and built right into apps including Messages. It’s also available in a dedicated app, perfect for experimenting with different concepts and styles. All images are created on device, giving users the freedom to experiment with as many images as they want.

With Image Playground, users can choose from a range of concepts from categories like themes, costumes, accessories, and places; type a description to define an image; choose someone from their personal photo library to include in their image; and pick their favorite style.

With the Image Playground experience in Messages, users can quickly create fun images for their friends, and even see personalized suggested concepts related to their conversations. For example, if a user is messaging a group about going hiking, they’ll see suggested concepts related to their friends, their destination, and their activity, making image creation even faster and more relevant.

In Notes, users can access Image Playground through the new Image Wand in the Apple Pencil tool palette, making notes more visually engaging. Rough sketches can be turned into delightful images, and users can even select empty space to create an image using context from the surrounding area. Image Playground is also available in apps like Keynote, Freeform, and Pages, as well as in third-party apps that adopt the new Image Playground API.

Taking emoji to an entirely new level, users can create an original Genmoji to express themselves. By simply typing a description, their Genmoji appears, along with additional options. Users can even create Genmoji of friends and family based on their photos. Just like emoji, Genmoji can be added inline to messages, or shared as a sticker or reaction in a Tapback.

Searching for photos and videos becomes even more convenient with Apple Intelligence. Natural language can be used to search for specific photos, such as “Maya skateboarding in a tie-dye shirt,” or “Katie with stickers on her face.” Search in videos also becomes more powerful with the ability to find specific moments in clips so users can go right to the relevant segment. Additionally, the new Clean Up tool can identify and remove distracting objects in the background of a photo — without accidentally altering the subject.

With Memories, users can create the story they want to see by simply typing a description. Using language and image understanding, Apple Intelligence will pick out the best photos and videos based on the description, craft a storyline with chapters based on themes identified from the photos, and arrange them into a movie with its own narrative arc. Users will even get song suggestions to match their memory from Apple Music. As with all Apple Intelligence features, user photos and videos are kept private on device and are not shared with Apple or anyone else.

Powered by Apple Intelligence, Siri becomes more deeply integrated into the system experience. With richer language-understanding capabilities, Siri is more natural, more contextually relevant, and more personal, with the ability to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks. It can follow along if users stumble over words and maintain context from one request to the next. Additionally, users can type to Siri, and switch between text and voice to communicate with Siri in whatever way feels right for the moment. Siri also has a brand-new design with an elegant glowing light that wraps around the edge of the screen when Siri is active.

Siri can now give users device support everywhere they go, and answer thousands of questions about how to do something on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Users can learn everything from how to schedule an email in the Mail app, to how to switch from Light to Dark Mode.

With onscreen awareness, Siri will be able to understand and take action with users’ content in more apps over time. For example, if a friend texts a user their new address in Messages, the receiver can say, “Add this address to his contact card.”

With Apple Intelligence, Siri will be able to take hundreds of new actions in and across Apple and third-party apps. For example, a user could say, “Bring up that article about cicadas from my Reading List,” or “Send the photos from the barbecue on Saturday to Malia,” and Siri will take care of it.

Siri will be able to deliver intelligence that’s tailored to the user and their on-device information. For example, a user can say, “Play that podcast that Jamie recommended,” and Siri will locate and play the episode, without the user having to remember whether it was mentioned in a text or an email. Or they could ask, “When is Mom’s flight landing?” and Siri will find the flight details and cross-reference them with real-time flight tracking to give an arrival time.

To be truly helpful, Apple Intelligence relies on understanding deep personal context while also protecting user privacy. A cornerstone of Apple Intelligence is on-device processing, and many of the models that power it run entirely on device. To run more complex requests that require more processing power, Private Cloud Compute extends the privacy and security of Apple devices into the cloud to unlock even more intelligence.

With Private Cloud Compute, Apple Intelligence can flex and scale its computational capacity and draw on larger, server-based models for more complex requests. These models run on servers powered by Apple silicon, providing a foundation that allows Apple to ensure that data is never retained or exposed.

Independent experts can inspect the code that runs on Apple silicon servers to verify privacy, and Private Cloud Compute cryptographically ensures that iPhone, iPad, and Mac do not talk to a server unless its software has been publicly logged for inspection. Apple Intelligence with Private Cloud Compute sets a new standard for privacy in AI, unlocking intelligence users can trust.

Apple is integrating ChatGPT access into experiences within iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, allowing users to access its expertise — as well as its image- and document-understanding capabilities — without needing to jump between tools.

Siri can tap into ChatGPT’s expertise when helpful. Users are asked before any questions are sent to ChatGPT, along with any documents or photos, and Siri then presents the answer directly.

Additionally, ChatGPT will be available in Apple’s systemwide Writing Tools, which help users generate content for anything they are writing about. With Compose, users can also access ChatGPT image tools to generate images in a wide variety of styles to complement what they are writing.

Privacy protections are built in for users who access ChatGPT — their IP addresses are obscured, and OpenAI won’t store requests. ChatGPT’s data-use policies apply for users who choose to connect their account.

ChatGPT will come to iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia later this year, powered by GPT-4o. Users can access it for free without creating an account, and ChatGPT subscribers can connect their accounts and access paid features right from these experiences.

Availability

Apple Intelligence is free for users, and will be available in beta as part of iOS 18 , iPadOS 18 , and macOS Sequoia  this fall in U.S. English. Some features, software platforms, and additional languages will come over the course of the next year. Apple Intelligence will be available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad and Mac with M1 and later, with Siri and device language set to U.S. English. For more information, visit apple.com/apple-intelligence .

Press Contacts

Cat Franklin

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Jacqueline Roy

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Apple Media Helpline

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Images in this article

Top things to know about Copilot+ PCs from Microsoft Surface, available today at Microsoft.com

• Microsoft Store Team

Available today, the all-new Copilot+ PCs from Microsoft Surface – Surface Laptop and Surface Pro – are thin, light and beautiful devices that help you do more of what you love. Whether it’s starting a new creative project, connecting with friends and family or pursuing a new business venture, these devices are designed to support your journey.

The new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro are Copilot+ PCs, which are the fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs on the market. They are available in four color options at an incredible value, beginning at $999 Estimated Retail Price (ERP) USD on Microsoft.com or at a Microsoft Experience Center .

Exclusively on Microsoft.com, customers can purchase Copilot+ PCs from Microsoft Surface with 64GB memory (RAM) configurations which offer more performance and multi-tasking:

• Surface Laptop (7 th Edition) , starting at $2,399.99 ERP USD in Black with a 13.8-inch Display, Snapdragon® X Elite (12 Core) Processor and 1TB SSD Storage.
• Surface Laptop (7 th Edition) , starting at $2,499.99 ERP in Black with a 15-inch Display, Snapdragon® X Elite (12 Core) Processor and 1TB SSD Storage.
• Surface Pro Essentials Bundle , starting at $1,144 ERP, get the most out of your Surface Pro with this bundle, saving on a Microsoft 365 subscription and Microsoft Complete Protection Plan. Plus, when purchasing the Essential Bundle, customers can take advantage of 20% off accessories including the new Surface Pro Flex Keyboard.

Read on for everything you need to know about the new Copilot+ PCs from Microsoft Surface.

Our three favorite things about the new Copilot+ PCs from Microsoft Surface: 1 – Designed for your everyday work and play

• Power through your day without a worry. The new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro are more powerful than ever with Snapdragon X Series Processors, providing faster performance and all-day battery life with a powerful Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for all-new AI experiences.
• Sleek design and colors that match your aesthetic. Thoughtfully designed with your everyday in mind, the thin, lightweight and ultraportable devices feature premium finishes. They come in four stunning colors – perfect for any style: classic Black, timeless Platinum, bold Sapphire, and the new and refreshing Dune [i] .
• Brighter, more immersive displays for ultimate viewing. We’re introducing a new OLED with HDR [ii] display to the new Surface Pro for a cinematic experience, and the Surface Laptop has a new HDR touchscreen display with razor-thin bezels. No matter what you watch or view, your content is going to look stunning.
• Everyday AI companion with the Copilot key. The Copilot app is just a click away with the Copilot key – one of the newest additions to Windows 11 keyboards on Copilot+ PCs.

2 – Exclusive AI experiences designed to empower creativity and productivity  

• Express your creativity with Cocreator [iii] . Whether a seasoned artist or new to design, Cocreator simplifies image creation and photo editing with easy text prompts and natural inking using a Slim Pen [iv] on Surface Pro or touch on Surface Laptop. Exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, Cocreator lets you bring your ideas to life, and it works alongside you to iteratively update the image in real time. Cocreator is available in Paint – the app you’ve grown to know and love.
• No matter where you are, Live Captions keeps you better connected [v] . Available on Windows, Live Captions can quickly translate any live or prerecorded audio into English – and in real time. Connecting with friends, family and colleagues just got easier, and you’ll never miss a beat when watching your favorite international movies or TV shows.
• New and enhanced audio and video effects bring new meaning to ”camera ready.” Both device cameras are powered by new features to Windows Studio Effects. Powered by an industry-leading NPU, they help improve lighting, ensure you appear clear and crisp on video, reduce background noise and offer creative filters so you can express yourself on camera. Built to automatically improve video calls, it’s like having a studio ring light and microphone right on your Windows PC! And the Surface Pro’s ultrawide field-of-view camera keeps you, or the whole family, in focus, even as you move around your space.
• Recall (preview) coming soon: For the solo-preneur who has too many working files and emails to maintain organization, Recall helps you quickly find things you have seen on your PC, keeping all documents, images, websites, instant messages, emails and apps right at your fingertips. This experience comes with built-in privacy and security controls.

Learn how to unlock the best of the new AI-powered features on your Copilot+ PC .

3 – The all-new Surface Pro Flex Keyboard [vi] unlocks new levels of flexibility  

Alongside the new Surface Pro, we are introducing the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard , unlocking powerful new levels of flexibility to effortlessly adapt to your work and play routines. Ready to attach to your Pro for the ultimate laptop set-up or detach for more flexibility and to support your creative workflows. It is built with extra carbon fiber layers for stability and has a larger, customizable haptic touchpad. With integrated pen storage, your Slim Pen is secure, charged and ready to go. Accessibility remains core to our approach, so we designed the new Surface Pro Flex Keyboard with a bold keyset option to reduce eye strain and assist people with low vision.

Discover, learn and buy with Microsoft Store

Shopping at Microsoft Store is all about ease and convenience. Whether the new Copilot+ PCs from Microsoft Surface, Copilot Pro, Xbox consoles and games, apps, movies and TV shows, we’ve got you covered. Don’t miss our top deals on your favorite TV shows like Rick & Morty: Seasons 1-7, Buffy The Vampire Slayer Complete Series, Sons of Anarchy: The Complete Box Set and so much more – available for up to 50% off for a limited time .

• Flexible payment options : Find a payment plan that works for you with options like PayPal Pay Later and Citizens Pay Line of Credit [vii] . It’s budgeting made easy.
• Online Trade-in Program : For a limited time, buy a new Copilot+ PC from Microsoft Surface and get extra cash back when you trade in an eligible device.
• Free and fast shipping with 60-day returns : Get your items quickly with 2–3-day shipping at no extra cost or minimum purchase required and enjoy the flexibility of 60-day returns on almost any physical product.
• 60-day price protection : Shop with confidence knowing you have 60 days of price protection from your delivery date. If the price drops or you find a lower price elsewhere, we’ll honor a one-time price adjustment.

You can also bet on Microsoft Store offering lots of great deals throughout the upcoming back-to-school season. Be sure to keep an eye on the deals page !

Available alongside Microsoft Surface today, are brand new Copilot+ PCs from the biggest brands: Acer , ASUS , Dell , HP , Lenovo and Samsung . Learn more from major PC manufacturers or visit leading retailers, including Best Buy .

[i] Colors available on selected models only. Available colors, sizes, finishes and processors may vary by store, market and configuration. 

[ii] HDR requires HDR content and enabling HDR in device settings.

[iii] Microsoft account required.

[iv] Surface Slim Pen sold separately.

[v] Currently supports translation for video and audio subtitles into English from 40+ languages. See  https://aka.ms/copilotpluspcs . 

[vi] Surface Pro Flex Keyboard sold separately.

[vii] With approval of Citizens Pay Line of Credit at 0% APR and 12- or 18-month term. Subject to individual credit approval. See the Citizens Pay Line of Credit Agreement  for full terms and conditions. Citizens Pay Line of Credit Account offered by Citizens Bank, N.A. ​