As of January 2017, Apple had 2.2 million mobile apps available for download on its various iOS platforms.
With the explosion of smartphone usage and the increasing demand for effective content available at our fingertips, apps continue to provide entertainment and information for people around the world.
If you’re in the works of app publishing, you’ll need the right strategies and resources to stand out from the competition. Let’s get into the tools you need!
StackOverflow
StackOverflow operates as a question-and-answer forum that provides information about programming concerns.
If you’re just getting your feet wet with app publishing, this is a great springboard for learning more about this process.
The platform is meant for the exchange of objective and factual information. Because of this, the site currently prohibits opinion-based questions. If you are the one asking the question, you can use up to 5 tags to target your specific subject.
Similar to many message boards, the best answers are voted up and naturally rise to the top. The individual asking the question can then “accept” the answer, indicating that the advice worked.
Sketch
Ready to start designing and launching the app of your dreams- without outsourcing a designer and spending all your hard-earned money? Sketch prides itself on offering a toolkit built to help you innovate and display your best work. No graphic design experience necessary.
Sketch provides comprehensive design elements ranging from pixel precision to vector editing to code export to prototyping.
If you’re working with a team of developers, the Libraries option allows collaboration and sharing among your team. This makes it easy for continuous access from start to finish.
New users can currently try out Sketch for free. The exclusive Mac license is $99 with the option to renew annually.
Axure RP
Want to see what 87% of Fortune 100 companies use to create their most vital software projects? Who doesn’t?
Axure RP provides comprehensive app design for professional designers. With this program, you can access dynamic prototypes without any need for coding.
You have the option to create limitless designs ranging from animations, flowcharts, mockups, math functions, and adaptive views.
They also allow multiple people to work on the same file at the same time, which makes team collaboration easy and enjoyable.
New users can try Axure RP for 30 days. Pro plans start at $29 per user per month, team plans start at $59 per user per month, and enterprise plans start at $99 per user per month.
Tuts+
Are you a visual learner? Need someone else to instruct or demonstrate exactly what you need to do to solve a problem?
If this is you, this site has you covered. With over 1,170 video courses and free tutorials, you can learn how to code, design and illustrate, and create beautiful content- without spending a fortune.
The site hosts several how-to tutorials, ebooks, and courses available for novice and established entrepreneurs.
Starting at just $16.50 per month, you can join Envato Elements– an extension of the Tuts+ program.
With Enavo Elements, you can access to nearly a million graphic and presentation templates, course and ebooks, design assets, fonts, and add-ons. Welcome to limitless design options.
iOS Dev Weekly
If you’re planning to engage in app publishing on Apple (and who isn’t?), this is a great resource for pertinent information related to the everyday changes technology and its users face.
Once subscribing, you’ll receive fresh, up-to-date content about relevant trends delivered to your inbox each week.
This hub essentially “rounds up” the best iOs development links each week. The site also archives all articles. Join thousands of entrepreneurs and receive cutting-edge information that you can apply to your own development strategies.
No payment. No spam. No questions asked.
Inspired UI
Are you in need of some #designinspiration? Looking for some aesthetic role models to spark your motivation and interest in app development?
Inspired UI is a simple but dynamic site that serves that role model position. Think of it as Pinterest- but for app designers. Generally speaking, this website showcases the very best mobile app designs across all platforms.
You can search by category options that include:
- activity feeds
- check-in
- coverflow
- logins
- sign up
- sidebars
- walkthroughs
If you’re finding that you’re feeling stuck with your app’s design patterns, this is the place to revitalize that passion.
Proto.Io
With Proto.Io, you can create dynamic, engaging prototypes that work exactly how you want without any fuss or complications involved. There is no coding required, as you’ll design your protype directly within their portal. Due to the simplicity, Proto.Io represents the perfect design option for individuals with limited design or coding background.
After the initial design states, you can create your app’s flow with integrated screen transitions. Its innovative timeline feature allows you to animate and alter any layer as you see fit. Finally, you can preview your prototype on any device or browser. Rest assured that you can save and share your work- at any time and with anyone.
Final Thoughts on The Best Resources for App Publishing
Creating and launching your own app can be both an exciting and stressful process. With the right strategies and resources under your belt, you’ll be well on your way towards viral success!
Are you interested in creating responsive content that comes alive with audio and video? Stuck between not wanting to DIY (because that’s hard!) and also not wanting to hire a developer (because that’s expensive!).
At MagLoft, we specialize in app publishing that allows users to create their own HTML 5 Online Magazine Web App. Check out our affordable options and get started today.
