5. Learn to code

Basic knowledge will enable you to discuss ideas with your programming team. “Every day I say to myself, ‘If only I knew how to code’,” says Chong. “You’re definitely at a disadvantage as a non-engineer founder because finding and hiring strong engineers takes so much time and that’s time you’re not developing your product.” Groups like Decoded teach the basics in a day, and General Assembly (generalassemb.ly) has intensive 10-week-long courses that get you to entry-level developer status.

“Suddenly you have the tools to change the world around you,” says Facebook’s head of developer relations Simon Cross. “Not everyone is an author but everyone knows how to write.” Iain Dodsworth adds, “While it’s not easy to learn how to develop apps as a beginner, it’s worth remembering you don’t have to learn everything. You just need to know enough to build your idea to a level where you can release it and see if it builds some momentum.”

6. Hire experts

Considering a US report by Canalys found half of the £80m app revenue made last November went to just 25 developers, you’ll want to align yourself with the best. Contact developers behind apps you admire for a quote. Keep terms vague before getting them to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Commit them to a timescale, and where possible get recommendations for designers and other staff. “The best way to find people is referrals,” says Chong. She had to hire an agency to build the prototype, but says they are too expensive. “I believe strongly in hiring full-time employees who are part of the team, have share options and will be around to see their work stand-up in the marketplace.” Avoiding agencies means you’ll have to project manage every step of the way. “So much of the creative process happens through coding,” says Blackwell. “If you outsource the doing, you’re outsourcing the thinking.”

7. Prioritise design

Your app icon is essentially free advertising, so make it work for you. “You live or die by how good your design is because people have very short attention spans,” says Owen Smith. “This applies to mobile more than anything – the screen is so small and people download apps flippantly, so you have seconds to get their attention. Make sure it works.” Again, find out who designed apps you like.

Otherwise, you can use a design studio such as Aspire Design Studios (aspirelondon.com) or ustwo (ustwo.co.uk). Hiring several coders ensures your app runs smoothly, but hiring one designer means the vision remains consistent.

8. Make it social

Integrating your app to social networks using their Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) can personalise experiences and streamline registration – apps like Draw Something offer a Facebook sign-in, for example. Provide full transparency and control, so users don’t feel nervous about giving up data. “We have 680 million active mobile users, and app developers find Facebook is a great way to get visibility for free,” says Cross. The demand for totally social apps is not petering out either – Shhmooze.com, founded by Michelle Gallen and Mehdi El Gueddari, brings professional networking to life by showing you what events your “connections” are attending. It won Most Useful App 2012 at the Nokia Digital Media Awards.

9. Market the hell out of it

Test the product’s functionality privately in beta [a practice run, where the app is tested for bugs] using Apple’s TestFlight (testflightapp.com) or Android’s HockeyApp (hockeyapp. net), sending invites to friends, family, journalists or test groups. Aside from consumers identifying glitches, it’s the first real test of usability.“Gather as much feedback as you can before it goes live,” says Smith.

Once launched, be as bold as you dare. Smith suggests asking Apple or Google’s app stores to test it, while Chong suggests telling everyone you know and prompting users to give five-star ratings. Through it all, listen to what’s being said. “Showing you’re listening to your users and prepared to act on their demands creates good will and an element of trust. Get them excited about the updates you’re working on. Then your users will market the app for you.”

10. Go free

In 2012, free apps accounted for 89% of all downloads according to Gartner, which predicted that by 2016 in-app purchases (as in some games, where money can buy you virtual lives or ammo) would rise from 10% to 41% of store revenue. Peak Games’ Onur says, “Free to play is the future in emerging markets,” while Chong asserts, “Our focus has always been on making the product as perfect as possible before monetising through app downloads.” Get your customer base first – you can always change the cost later or sell advertising space. Follow these ten steps and you should have an app to be proud of. Now go out and create it.

Top ten steps to developing your own app