How to find an app idea that works

If you’ve got loads of ideas in your head but aren’t sure which ones are worth pursuing, this guide is for you. I’ll present a tried-and-tested method that will help you identify and validate ideas for mobile apps that have the potential to become profitable and sustainable businesses.

How do I get started?

The first step in coming up with an idea for an app is to analyse your everyday life. We start by jotting down the problems I encounter on a daily basis in a notes app on my phone. For example, when you notice a problem with vaping (using e-cigarettes) in your surroundings, you can assume that this is a common problem for others too. This is how the idea for the Puff Count app came about, which currently generates 120,000 zlotys a month. The key is to identify a problem that is not only personal but also widespread amongst the general public.

Market research

Once you’ve identified the problem, it’s worth carrying out some market research. You can do this by searching social media to see what’s currently popular and what issues people are reporting. In addition, it’s worth visiting app marketplaces such as Flippa and Acquire to see which apps are successful. These platforms show which apps are generating significant revenue, which can be a great starting point for inspiration for your idea.

Flippa and Acquire

On Flippa, you can search through apps and sort them by profitability. This allows you to see which apps generate the highest profits. For example, a sports betting app generates 414,000 PLN a month, which could inspire you to create a similar solution. Similarly, on Acquire, you can search for apps by annual revenue. It’s an excellent tool for market analysis and generating ideas.

Validation of the idea

Once you’ve got an idea, it’s time to validate it. You can do this by using tools such as Sensor Tower to see how much similar apps are earning. It’s also important to check Google Trends to see if interest in your idea is growing. Ideally, you should look for products that are on the rise, rather than those that are losing popularity.

Marketing mindset

One of the key factors that contributed to the success of Puff Count was a marketing mindset. Understanding how people will find your app is crucial. Even if your app isn’t perfect, but you’re able to promote it effectively, you can still achieve success. We recommend using TikTok, for example, to research which videos related to quitting vaping are gaining the most traction. By identifying videos that have millions of views, you can be more confident that your product will be popular.

Feasibility of the idea

The final step in this process is to assess the feasibility of your idea. Consider whether it is a simple application that does not require significant resources to create a minimum viable product ready for launch. In the case of Puff Count, creating a simple tool to track vaping usage was technically feasible. Spot on!

Get going!

Finally, no matter how well you carry out your research and planning, the most important thing is to take action. If you have an idea you can’t stop thinking about, go ahead and take the plunge. Even if you’re not sure it will be a success, it’s important to take a risk and learn as you go. Interest in the app might not be high at first, but with marketing – for example, on Facebook or TikTok – there’s a good chance that will change quickly.

Summary

To sum up, the process of identifying and validating ideas for mobile apps involves analysing everyday problems, researching the market and validating ideas using the tools available. A marketing mindset and an assessment of an idea’s feasibility are also key. Don’t be afraid to take action and experiment – success will come in time.

If you need help developing or validating your idea, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’d be delighted to help you on your journey into the world of apps. Do check out our YouTube channel