9 Smart Ways Startups Can Save Big on Mobile App Development

Proven Tips for Low-Cost App Development for Startups 

1. Be Agile, Be Flexible

Traditional development methods (like the outdated “waterfall” model) are slow, rigid, and expensive. Contrary to this, agile methodology is a lifesaver and the most popular development approach even for the biggest and complex software. Here’s what agile methodology is all about.

Instead of building your app all at once, Agile breaks the process into small, manageable chunks called “sprints.” You build, test, and refine the mobile app in short cycles.

Why Agile Works for Startups

• Since the mobile app undergoes constant testing and tweaking, mistakes don’t snowball into expensive disasters in the end. 
• Instead of launching a complete product at once, you can roll out functional updates users can enjoy immediately.
• Each sprint produces a valuable version of the application, which means less revision on the final product. 
• There will be no missing spots, as agile brings transparency among the mobile app developers, UI/UX designers, and testers working together on the project. 

2. Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

Like many startups, do you also believe developing a mobile app is a work from scratch? That’s not true. Though it sounds the right way, it's rarely the smartest move. There are tons of pre-built templates and open-source tools out there that can handle the basics for you.

How This Saves You Money

• Mobile app developers spend less time coding the same old stuff (like login screens or payment systems). Thus, the development is much faster than the traditional way. 
• Many options are free or come with minimal costs. 

Using pre-built solutions isn’t cutting corners; it’s working smarter. There are also AI coding tools to further speed up the development. 

3. Small Start Results in Big Impact

Start with an MVP, a bare-bones version of your Android mobile app that solves one key problem for your users. What is MVP? It is a minimum viable product or you can replace ‘viable’ with ‘valuable’ because this version reflects the real value of your app. However, the app does not have all the features you have initially planned. It has only features that get the app running. 

Why an MVP is Your Best Friend

• You can launch the mobile app faster and start getting feedback.
• Since the app only has basic features, the cost is lower than the final product. 
• It’s a reality check. You’ll find out if your app idea works before sinking more money into it. 

Remember, MVP is just the first step. Once it’s out there and successful, you can refine and expand based on real user needs. However, do not make these common mistakes while developing an MVP. 

4. Say No to Feature Creep

We have seen startups obsessing over features. They want the latest features in their iOS or Android mobile app similar to their competitors. So, they keep on demanding for the features left and right. That’s feature creep, and it’s a budget killer.

Why Too Much is a Bad Idea

• It drains your resources: Every feature means more coding, testing, and maintenance. That requires more resources and time. 
• It confuses your users: Too many features make your app clunky and hard to use, defeating your end goal. 
• It delays your launch: The longer your app takes to build, the higher it costs. 

Therefore, focus on building a few killer features that solve real problems and add the extras later, if your users even want them. 

5. Build for Two at the Cost of One

Here’s a question: would you spend twice the money on separate apps for iOS and Android when you don’t have to? Cross-platform mobile app development for startups is like killing two birds with one stone. Mobile app frameworks like Flutter and React Native can build native-like applications for multiple devices and OS. 

Why Cross-Platform is a No-Brainer

• Developers can use the same codebase for both iOS and Android, reducing the development time to half. 
• It’s cost-effective as hiring a cross-platform app developer is enough to build the entire app, no need to hire separate developers for different platforms.
• It expands your reach. You can launch on iOS and Android simultaneously, increasing your audience.

Unless you’re building something extremely performance-heavy, cross-platform is the way to go for app development for startups.

6. Hire the Best, Not the Cheapest 

When you’re on a budget, finding the cheapest developer seems like the right thing to do. After all, every developer is the same, right? Wrong. Remember the best can be the cheapest but the cheapest is not always the best. 

Here’s How to Balance Quality and Cost

• Hire experienced developers: Someone who knows what they’re doing will deliver best results compared to the freshman. So, even if the latter charges you less, don’t gamble with your app just to save some money. 
• Test their skills first: Give potential hires a small project to see how they perform. 
• Set clear milestones: Pay in stages to ensure you’re getting value at every step.

Think of hiring as an investment. Quality developers might cost more upfront, but they’ll save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. We have the best app developers for the startups with decades of experience and versatility to work with every industry. We have brought hundreds of mobile app ideas to life faster than the traditional development time. 

7. Take Advantage of Low-Code Platforms

Many companies are choosing low-code as their best bet to launch the applications faster. This is because low-code platforms like Bubble, Zoho Creator, and Mendix do not follow the traditional development approach. They have drag-and-drop features to quickly create app components and design, simplifying the development. Thus, your app gets ready without hardcore coding. Even those with little coding experience can build the app. 

Why Low-Code is Perfect for Startups

• It’s affordable as there is no need to hire a full development team to get started.
• It’s quick to create a prototype and test your app in real water without waiting months. 
• Many platforms now support advanced features for when your app grows.

Low-code isn’t just for hobbyists, it’s a legitimate option to save big on custom mobile app development for startups. 

Also Read: Outstanding Benefits of Low-Code Software Development

8. Keep Things Simple

Users don’t care about fancy animations or appealing designs if the app doesn’t solve their problem. You can win their hearts with a simple, clean design and features that create a better user experience. 

What Simplicity Means for You

• Simple designs mean less coding and fewer revisions.
• A clean, straightforward interface keeps users happy and your budget low.
• Fewer design elements mean faster fixes and upgrades. 

Focus on functionality first. A beautifully simple app that works is far more valuable than a flashy app that’s a pain to use. 

9. Go Monolithic for Early-Stage Apps

Do not just keep the UI/UX simple, even the app’s architecture should be simple. Therefore, use a monolithic approach over a modular approach. Monolithic brings all the app’s components in one single unit whereas modular requires separate modules for each functionality. 

Why Monolithic Makes Sense for Startups

• No need to manage multiple components.
• It’s faster to develop. 

However, you can always switch to a modular architecture later, but in the early stages, monolithic architecture is the way to go. If your mobile app has already passed this stage and you need to upgrade the architecture, we are happy to help with our migration and upgrade services. 

Final Thoughts: Spend Smart, Scale Fast

Custom mobile app development for startups doesn’t have to take a toll on their budget. Because development is just the beginning, there is more work to do from app monetization to maintenance and SEO. Our smart strategies, thus, guarantee a functional, user-friendly app without overspending and help you get started.