Creating a mobile application can be expensive for both small and large businesses. Therefore, a specific economic need exists and innovation is borne that one cannot wait to implement.
But herein lies the problem: building a fully-fledged app may take months, if not years, and a lot of money.
And what if nothing happens after that investment of time money, and hard work? This is where the Minimum Viable Product concept comes in.
Valuing the concept of MVP at the beginning of the project would allow the business to test the app, avoid significant failures, and create a product that grows with the users instead of building on guesswork.
This guide will explain why MVP is an essential part of mobile app development, what it is, and how it can bring your company effective results in the long run.
What is an MVP?
An MVP enables you to release a stripped-down version of your app or product – only including the most necessary functions – to allow your target customer to carry out one particular task.
It will enable you to bring the idea into the market to the people that matter and, more importantly, gather valuable insights at the beginning stages before the entire development investment is made.
It’s like starting with the basic things. Take Uber’s founding as an example; it was essentially an app that enabled users to book rides in a single city to test the market avenues before going full throttle.
Take Instagram, which launched the app with one primary function: photo sharing with filters.
These examples of MVPs, according to the case studies of the respective companies, were efficient in allowing them to grow and improve and ultimately become the respected leaders of the market.
How is an MVP Mobile Application Built? And what’s the Process?
So, you’ve got an app idea that will change the world? Great. But before you spend a fortune building it, there’s one thing you need: proof that your idea works.
That’s where an MVP comes in. The smallest, simplest version of your app that gets the job done.
Think of it as the “lite” version of your dream app. But building an MVP isn’t just about stripping away features—it’s a structured, strategic process.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Research the Market
You won’t open a new restaurant without first figuring out if people in your area like the food you’re planning to serve, right? Building an app is no different. You need to know if people need what you’re offering.
Start with market research. Study your target users, and dig into their problems. What are they struggling with?
How are they solving these problems right now?
You need to know this before thinking about building an MVP.
Next, look at the competition. What are your competitors doing right (and wrong)? Where are the gaps in the market that your app could fill?
By identifying these gaps, you can ensure your MVP doesn’t just copy what’s already out there—it solves a real, unmet need.
Example: When Airbnb started, their MVP was simple like this in the image below renting out air mattresses in their apartment.
That was it. But they learned that people would pay to stay in a stranger’s home, which paved the way for their platform’s massive success.
Step 2: Define Core Features
Now that you’ve validated your idea, it’s time to define the core features of your MVP. In other words, what’s the bare minimum your app needs to work? Everything else can wait.
Ask yourself:
- What’s the one thing my app needs to do well to solve the user’s problem?
- What features can I add later without compromising the app’s core functionality?
Your goal here is to strip down your app to its essentials. Focus on solving the primary problem your users face.
That’s it. You can add fancy features later—once you know users want your product.
Example: When Dropbox launched, they didn’t have a full app ready. Instead, they released a video explaining how file syncing would work.
This MVP was enough to test if people were interested in their idea—before investing in building the actual platform.
Step 3: Design and Prototype
Design matters. Even in an MVP.
Merely constructing the ‘least’ possible version of your application for the growth stage does not mean it has to be sloppy. Your design needs to be straightforward, functional, and able to guide the user with ease.
Start with wireframes. These are basic outlines of your app’s layout—kind of like a blueprint. The goal here is to map out how users will interact with your app, and make sure the journey is as smooth as possible.
Next, create a clickable prototype. This is a mock-up of your app that users can interact with (without you building the entire thing).
A prototype allows you to test and adjust your design before fully developing. It’s like a trial run but without the cost of building the entire app.
Step 4: Develop the MVP
Now it’s time to build. But don’t get carried away.
Your MVP should focus on the core functionality you outlined in Step 2. Nothing more, nothing less. This is about lean development delivering the smallest, most effective version of your app.
If you’re building for both iOS and Android, consider using a cross-platform framework like Flutter or React Native.
Why? Because it saves time and cuts costs. You only have to write the code once, and it works on both platforms. Smart, right?
Remember: Your MVP isn’t about perfection. It’s about getting your app in front of users as quickly as possible. So, focus on building the essentials and leave the extra stuff for later.
Step 5: Test and Launch
Finally, it’s time to put your MVP to the test. But before you hit “launch,” make sure your app is bug-free and stable.
You don’t want your early users running into crashes or errors—that’s a one-way ticket to bad reviews.
Start with a soft launch. This means making your application available to a small group of users or in a restricted market.
The objective is to understand how the end users are responding to your application, how they are using it, and what features are effective (and what is not).
During this phase, track everything. What features are users loving? Where are they getting stuck? Are they even using the app the way you expected?
This feedback is crucial. It tells you what to build next and how to improve the user experience.
What’s next? Use this feedback to iterate and improve.
Once you’ve addressed the issues and incorporated any essential features, you can proceed to launch to a wider public. However don’t be hasty, allow your Minimum Viable Product to develop with actual market trends.
The Key Benefits of Building an MVP
The MVP approach offers several key benefits for businesses:
Faster Validation of Business Ideas
Launching an MVP helps you validate your app idea quickly. You’ll know within weeks (or even days) whether users are interested in your product, which allows you to adapt or pivot as needed.
Early Customer Engagement
An MVP allows you to engage early adopters. These users can provide invaluable feedback and become brand advocates. Early customer engagement helps you build a community around your app from the very start.
Iterative Development
With an MVP, you don’t have to get everything right from day one. You can iterate based on feedback, adding features and making improvements over time. This approach reduces waste and ensures you’re building the right features for your users.
More Efficient Use of Resources
By focusing only on essential features, you can allocate your development resources more efficiently. You’re not spending money or time on features that may not be valuable to your users.
Why Develop an MVP?
We have practically already discussed the advantages of MVP. However, it would be good to outline the benefits of creating an MVP of your app for the readers’ ease. Therefore, you make an MVP app:
- to carry out quicker market entry
- to cut down the development costs
- to attract customers and investors
- to improve your business model
There are hardly any alternatives that do not involve starting with an MVP. Do not forget that one cannot have an ideal, complete working version of an application.
If the MVP is built correctly at the very beginning, further stages will follow in the development of the product.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Developing an MVP
Even though MVPs are a smart approach, there are app common mistakes you’ll want to avoid:
Mistake 1: Adding Too Many Features
Your MVP should be as simple as possible. Don’t try to include every feature you think users will want. Focus on solving one core problem and add more features later.
Mistake 2: Skipping Market Research
If you don’t validate your app’s concept with market research, you’re shooting in the dark. Market research ensures there’s a real need for your product and helps you define the right features.
Mistake 3: Ignoring User Feedback
The whole point of an MVP is to gather feedback. If you ignore what your users are telling you, you’re missing out on the most valuable part of the process.
Listen to your users and iterate based on their input.
Mistakes in percentage chart businesses make when developing an MVP Application
How to Measure MVP Success: KPIs and Metrics
Every MVP has a mission. But how do you know if it’s on the right path?
Simple: you track the right metrics.
When you’re working with an MVP, it’s all about collecting real-world data. This data tells you if your app is delivering value or missing the mark.
Let’s dive into the metrics that matter most.
App Analytics Tools
Tracking app performance is non-negotiable. Just like with websites, you need analytics to know what’s happening. You will get something like this.
Thankfully, there’s no shortage of tools to help. You’ve got options like:
- Google Analytics
- Flurry
- Mixpanel
These tools show you how users navigate your app, which features they love, and—more importantly—where they hit roadblocks.
Here’s a pro tip: don’t wait until after your app is live to start tracking metrics.
Set up your analytics during development. This way, the second your app goes live, you can start collecting data.
Waiting until after launch is like flying a plane with no dashboard—you don’t know if you’re heading in the right direction until it’s too late.
Retention Rates
How many users return after their first interaction? A high retention rate means your MVP is delivering value. If users aren’t coming back, you may need to adjust the product.
Sales Funnels for Apps
Think of your app as a website. You wouldn’t launch a site without tracking visitors through a sales funnel, right? Your app needs the same treatment.
Set up conversion funnels like this below to track how users move through your app. Are they completing the actions you intended? Or are they dropping off halfway through?
This helps you spot where things go wrong—and fix them before it’s too late.
KPIs You Need to Track
So, what should you track?
Here are a few key metrics:
- Daily Active Users (DAUs): How many people use your app every day? This tells you if your app is sticky.
- Average Revenue Per User (ARPU): Are your users bringing in enough revenue? This shows you if your business model works.
- User Retention Rate: How many people return after their first use? If they’re not coming back, you’ve got a problem. Here is a formula of user retention rate.
These are just the basics. We’ve got a more detailed guide on app metrics if you want to go deeper.
Customer Feedback
Collect qualitative feedback from your users. What are they saying about their experience? Are there features they’re asking for? User feedback helps you prioritize future features and improvements.
Real-World Examples of Successful MVPs
Many successful apps today started with MVPs. Here are a few examples:
- Instagram: Instagram’s MVP was a simple photo-sharing app with filters. Over time, they added more features like direct messaging, stories, and shopping, but they started to lean and grow based on user feedback.
- Uber: Uber launched in one city with a simple MVP—an app that lets users hail a car. Once the concept was validated, they expanded to new markets and added more services.
- Dropbox: Dropbox’s MVP was a video that explained how file syncing would work. This was enough to gauge interest before they built the full product.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should an MVP take to develop?
The timeline for developing an MVP can vary based on complexity, but most MVPs can be built within 2 to 4 months.
The goal is to launch quickly while ensuring the core functionality works well.
The key is focusing only on essential features, so you don’t waste time on unnecessary elements.
2. Should I charge users for my MVP or keep it free?
It depends on your business model. Some companies offer the MVP for free to gather a larger user base and gain feedback. Others choose to charge, especially if the app’s value is clear. Testing pricing strategies early can help determine what users are willing to pay and if the app’s value aligns with the cost.
3. How do I prioritize features for my MVP?
Start by identifying the core problem your app solves, then list features that directly address that problem. Rank them by importance. A good approach is to use the MoSCoW method (Must have, Should have, Could have, Won’t have). This helps you stay focused on what’s critical for launch and saves non-essential features for later.
4. How much should I budget for an MVP?
MVP costs can vary widely based on the complexity of the app and the platform(s) you’re building for. Typically, MVP development can range from $10,000 to $50,000. It’s important to plan for ongoing development post-launch, as you’ll likely need to iterate and improve based on user feedback.
5. Can I change the direction of my app after launching the MVP?
Absolutely. One of the key benefits of launching an MVP is the ability to pivot. Based on user feedback and market demand, you can modify your app’s direction. This agility is critical for adapting to user needs and ensuring the app grows in the right direction.
