business plan template for app startup

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How to Write a Business Plan for a Mobile App Startup?

Anton Baryshevskiy

Head of Business Development, Co-Founder

Head of Business Development

Get your project estimation!

If you’re on the threshold of launching your mobile app startup, there are numerous things you need to be concerned with: workload, core concept, budget, product implementation area, employees… You need to rightly put all key elements of this puzzle together to provide a clear roadmap for your project — that is, to compile a business plan for mobile app development.

We at Mind Studios know how to make a business plan for an app. Here, you'll find a complete guide to creating a business plan. Also, we’ve added our template to help all stakeholders and investors have a clear and most importantly, equal understanding of your startup idea. So if you don't know how to plan an app yet and where to start, let's find out more about it.

A business plan is a guide that turns your ideas into action

As a rule, you should start with visualizing the project and formulating its key ideas. They will later become the basis of your business plan.

Another vital component of developing your project is writing a product requirements document (PRD) for your app. It consists of three sections: business requirements, user requirements, and software system requirements . The business plan is, actually, a component of the PRD, namely the business requirements part.

All the preceding processes, such as developing a project vision, core ideas, and concepts, creating an app development plan, and drafting a PRD, allow all stakeholders to be on the same page as the startup's founder.

In this post, we’ll go through how to write a business plan for an app startup.

Some statistics

Still not sure if your startup needs a business plan? Numerous studies back up the value of having a well-thought-out business plan for companies on different stages of their business journeys.

According to one study that involved 3,000 company owners from diverse fields, those with business plans were almost twice as likely to succeed as those who didn’t. Furthermore, such strategic-planning companies were more effective in attracting investment or securing loans.

You can find more detailed information in the diagram below:

If your way is developing a mobile application

As of 2021, people have made 230 billion downloads of mobile applications, up by 63% than in 2016. Everyone appears to require mobile solutions these days, so your startup has a lot of room for imagination. You can choose from a wide range of mobile app types. To name a few, it could be a travel, event planner (here's an event app development guide), money management, social networking, or fitness app.

No matter which one you decide to create, a pre-written mobile app business plan can help you seamlessly go through the mobile app development process with its four fundamental stages : discovery, idea validation , design, and actually, development.

A goal without a plan is just a wish

There is a plethora of mobile applications these days. It means, though, that there are hundreds of almost identical apps in each category. Attracting users becomes a task of utmost importance.

Chad Mureta, an app tycoon, says that a developer’s profit directly depends on their knowledge of what’s interesting to the user; that is, to create a successful and profitable application, a developer should think like a user .

Creating a mobile app business plan template based on thorough user analysis will help you explain your business idea to stakeholders. Also, you’ll see a path to a product-market fit. To make that happen, you should determine what your target audience wants, needs, likes/dislikes in competitors’ apps, and tends to expect from using your app.

Therefore, identifying your target audience preferences should be your priority, as it is one of the main drivers of your startup.

Understanding the market is the key to success

The author of the bestseller 4 Steps to Enlightenment. Strategies for creating successful startups , Steve Blank, suggests that very few people understand where their market is. The writer believes it is almost impossible to launch a thriving startup without analyzing the market it’s going to enter.

Before you start writing a business plan, it’s crucial to figure out not only the degree of public interest in your product but also the level of competition in the market you’re going to enter.

Thanks to the preparatory analysis of your rivals and potential app users, you’ll be able to flawlessly identify your product’s objectives, advantages, and unique value proposition (UVP). This will also help you form the basis of a proper business plan.

Review your business plan annually

Steve Blank claims that a business plan is static in contrast to a business model, which is dynamic. A business plan appears to be stable by definition: that’s a document created once and rarely revised after adoption.

But in our quick-to-change world, do you believe there’s anything that could remain static? Especially in terms of business? Investopedia , for example, shares an opposite to Steve Blank’s statement: A business plan should evolve in tandem with a company’s growth.

We at Mind Studios adhere to the last approach and recommend you go through your business plan for an app at least once every year . It will allow you to respond to changes in your users’ demands and assess what goals you have achieved and which ones you still need to accomplish.

Moreover, refreshing a business plan will enable you to keep your finger on the pulse of your startup’s current and upcoming financial needs and, therefore, help you develop efficient strategies to attract investments. Consider it a dynamic document that adapts to your startup’s development path.

Why should you make a business plan for apps?

In addition to helping you get your startup off the ground, a viable business plan acts as an indicator for investors to consider it as a potential asset.

Let’s summarize the main reasons why your mobile app startup needs a business plan:

Both startups and established businesses need business plans, the content of which will depend on the company’s primary goal.

To attract partners, startup owners tend to use a business model canvas — a more flexible model of the traditional business plan. It can seamlessly adapt to the iterative nature of tech startup development, yet providing core information about a project.

However, the business model canvas for an app does not guarantee 100% success; it can only be one of the components that will help your project attract investment. A comprehensive business plan with a detailed description of your company and mobile app, justification of funds use, and coverage of all legal concerns is what can instill trust in all stakeholders of your project.

Is there a difference between a business plan for a mobile app and other software?

There are obvious distinctions between mobile applications, websites, and other software solutions. They significantly contrast in marketing approach, monetization strategy, and feature sets. As a result, business plans for these solutions will differ as well.

A traditional software development business plan might be structured similarly to a business strategy for a mobile app company. However, any document that presents the firm and its product will be distinctive in content. It is reasonable since each project is unique, with its own goals and target audience.

What does a business plan for a mobile app look like?

Your mission is to create a reliable and stable mobile application for either enterprises, individuals, or non-profit organizations. In this case, a business plan will help you pave the road to make your project profitable.

Therefore, when writing a mobile app business plan for startups, you’ll need to estimate the cost of development and commissioning as well as the timing of the return on investment in your project. Only by doing this, will you get a clear picture of your app’s viability.

One of the essential factors in writing a good startup business plan for a mobile app is delivering maximum transparency at each part. Let’s highlight what you should include in your mobile app business plan to make it serve your business in the most effective way possible.

Executive summary

Let’s start with the executive summary . It is the first and most significant part of your mobile app business plan because it’s the first thing an investor will read. The executive summary should be clear and concise, with no detailed information about how your product works. Address the situation in the market, who your target customer is, and what unique problem your application can solve.

Make your proposal unique to distinguish your company from others. In other words, create a unique value proposition (UVP). Use your imagination: consider your executive summary as a movie teaser and your investor as a spectator. Would they like to see your movie?

Specify your goals . These objectives should rely on your business analysis. Investors will examine your aims to see if they satisfy their needs. You also have to determine the ultimate goal of your exit plan . Furthermore, you should establish a list of funding requirements and the proceeds that will be used to boost the attractiveness of your company. One of the essential factors in the startup business plan for your mobile app success is ensuring maximum transparency at each stage.

Make your document convincing . To do this, ensure your product’s concept and goals are crystal clear and do not vary throughout the paper. Provide the reader with accurate data and realistic expectations about your project. Of course, don’t forget to make sure that the name of the person who created the business plan and executive summary and the names of your team members are consistent throughout the documentation.

Business description

Introduce your company in this part, beginning with corporate information and ending with your mobile app concept. This part of your startup business plan will show investors the corporate values of your company, your mission, product vision, and the fundamental factors for your startup success.

This information is vitally important for investors. For example, a technology startup accelerator Y Combinator considers getting money as by far the easiest part whereas working on ideas — the most significant part for any startup in achieving success. In most cases, Y-Combinator-like organizations make compiling a thorough business plan a prerequisite before introducing newly-formed projects to investors.

Company overview

Here you should describe your company’s:

This section should give the reader of your business plan detailed information about your startup: the official name of your company, the location of the headquarters, and its structure, namely the business entity type (LLC, corporation, etc.). Make sure to provide further details about your team, such as the number of workers, their names, job titles, and so forth.

Describe the purpose of your company and the fundamental principles that guide your business in the mission statement. After establishing your mission, outline the primary challenges and solutions your startup can offer.

Company history

Before making any business proposal, describe the history of your company, how your team formed, and how you came up with your idea. In addition, you can talk about the main stages of your company’s development and the experience that precedes the product launch.

Whether you are outsourcing app development process or you have an in-house team, it is often the most significant part of the executive summary because your app development team is the main engine of your project implementation. You should specify each person’s name, position, work experience, and responsibilities in the company. In addition, you can involve an advisory group that will help you make essential decisions. Consultants on your advisory team should have experience in the industry.

Market analysis

Information about the state of the market should be the main factor in your app idea realization. You should be aware of the present situation in your industry, have up-to-date information, and be able to generate a short-term forecast.

To conduct market analysis , you should take several steps:

• Examining existing business environment
• Defining your market research criteria
• Determining your total available market (TAM), service available market (SAM), and service obtainable market (SOM)
• Identifying your direct competitors
• Analyzing your target audience and figuring out the cost per acquisition (CPA) for your niche

No market research in the mobile app industry can be conducted without analyzing Google Play Store and Apple App Store with their ranks for top paid, top free, and top-grossing apps as well as user reviews.

Market forecasts

Forecasting is an integral component of writing a business plan for an app development startup realization.

Forecasts from reputable research firms such as Nielsen and Forrester are of interest when creating any business plan, be it a business plan for an app development, a website, or a traditional software startup business plan. To provide reliable market forecasts, you can:

• Include data on the growth of companies with solutions similar to your mobile app
• Add information on the amount of money poured into similar startups (platforms like Crunchbase or Y Combinator can help with this)
• Enrich your business plan with some forecasts on your target customer behavior

Your goal is to assess whether there’s a real market for your product, whether there are enough customers in the market, and, accordingly, whether those customers are willing to pay money for using your product.

SWOT analysis

A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning method that allows you to present a structured description of your business situation. It can be a great way to evaluate your app startup concept from four perspectives. Namely, its:

• W eaknesses
• O pportunities

It’s natural when a business has weaknesses: knowing about them will serve as a powerful driver for finding solutions and will reduce any risks your company may need to face.

Marketing strategy

An app marketing strategy is a bridge that allows your product to fall into the hands of your customers. You have to convince investors that you have such a bridge. This is an important part of the mobile app strategy.

When drawing up a mobile app marketing plan, you have to define the marketing strategies you intend to use in application promotion. Here are a few examples, along with descriptions of how they work:

Create a landing page

Creating a landing page for your mobile app will help you reach a wider audience by informing users about new features and updates. Make sure your page contains the name of the application, a description of its functionality, promotional videos, and so on.

Launch a website and blog

Launching a website is a great way to promote your application. There, you may, for example, provide more information about your company, its goals and values, and an overview of your future mobile solution.

A website blog is also a helpful thing with your app advertising. You can share news on your upcoming product and publish SEO-optimized articles for better promotion.

Social media marketing

Consider social media marketing while developing a business strategy to promote your app. Describe how you intend to use this form of advertising at various phases of your mobile solution development: before launch while attracting your audience and retaining users.

Estimate your marketing budget

You may estimate the cost of marketing services based on the market analysis you outlined in the preceding section of your business plan. Understanding the marketing budget is essential to all parties: you, the app owner, investors, and other stakeholders.

Product growth

Depending on the type of app startup, growing the user base approach differs, as does the business plan for entering different markets. For example, a massive advertising attack tends to make sense in markets where consumers understand your product or service and its usefulness.

Take, for instance, Uber , which has successfully launched extensive marketing campaigns. The company’s ads have spread globally with Uber localizing advertising for each region.

So, if you’re still working on a business strategy, think about how you’ll expand your user base in advance. This will tremendously assist you in future product growth.

Choose your product launch type

Be sure to indicate the product launch type in your business plan. There are two such types: hard and soft launch . The first one means delivering a finished product to your entire target audience. A soft launch is when you release an MVP or full version of your app, but for a limited audience.

To rightly set out this part of your business plan, you should clearly understand what kind of financing you need to move forward. Moreover, you need to express it as clearly as possible to be sure a potential investor will also understand what funding you need.

The financial model includes, as a rule, a three- to five-year forecast of all the main forecasted indicators, including profit and loss, cash flow, balance sheets, start tables, unit economics calculation as well as your app’s projected revenues and costs. Your financial document has to contain the following components to determine the actual cost and distribution of investments in the best way, with a clear explanation of each.

Startup costs/funding required

Inform your investors about estimated costs. We recommend placing reasonable estimates and leaving room for extra expenses since these numbers might fluctuate.

Designate all types of costs :

• One-time costs (e.g. relocation costs, costs for buying an office space, equipment, servers, software, licenses)
• Fixed costs: they remain unchanged regardless of whether you produce something or not (e.g. rent, insurance, lease payments, fixed salaries)
• Variable costs: costs that change according to the production volume (e.g. wages)

Monetization strategy

It is another section you need to add to your mobile app business plan. By illustrating your monetization model, you’ll demonstrate to your investors and other stakeholders that your project will be profitable and provide a return on investment with positive unit economics. It will also help you be sure that your startup will reach its break-even point.

The most common ways to monetize an application are :

• Advertising
• Charging for the application (if your business model describes a paid application, you need to convince the consumer why they have to pay and what they’re paying for)
• In-app purchases (this is a widespread mobile app business model in iOS and Android applications)
• Subscriptions (this model of monetization is quite popular and works until the user decides to cancel the subscription; in most cases, subscription apps have a free trial period)

One of our prominent projects in which we’ve helped set up a monetization strategy is Fitr. Training , a remote fitness coaching application. Our team analyzed the platform’s performance and discovered we could enhance the conversion rate.

We established a monetization model based on the collected data and customer feedback. Namely, our team launched an efficient subscription option. The results were remarkable: one out of every four coaches now uses the paid membership.

Mind Studios can also assist you in elaborating a potent monetization strategy.

Business plan example for a mobile app startup

We’d like to offer you a business plan template for a startup updated to 2023. Keep in mind that, although this mobile app business plan itself is structured according to all the rules, the calculations are entirely fictional. To complement our business plan, we also provide a mobile app marketing plan template, ensuring a strategic approach to promoting your app in the competitive market. This template includes up-to-date techniques for 2023, guiding you through effective advertising and user engagement strategies.

Download the free PDF business plan template for a mobile app here .

Writing a business plan for a mobile app startup isn’t easy. As a rule, the most challenging part of developing a business plan for a mobile app idea is writing the first page. Many people in this situation rush to find and download a free copy of another company’s business plan. They mistakenly believe that someone else’s business strategy will help them achieve their goals. But it absolutely won’t!

A business plan cannot be a cloned document. It must be one-of-a-kind reflecting your passion and enthusiasm in bringing your idea into life . A successful business plan should demonstrate that your company is viable and financially attractive. The higher the viability, the higher the investment opportunity.

If you need to compile a well-thought-out business plan to attract investments and successfully launch your app, our expert team at Mind Studios is here to help .

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Mobile App Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Business Plan Outline

• Mobile App Business Plan Home
• 1. Executive Summary
• 2. Company Overview
• 3. Industry Analysis
• 4. Customer Analysis
• 5. Competitive Analysis
• 6. Marketing Plan
• 7. Operations Plan
• 8. Management Team
• 9. Financial Plan

Start Your Mobile App Plan Here

Mobile App Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your mobile app business plan.

We have helped over 100,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their mobile app businesses.

Mobile App Business Plan Example

Below are links to each of the key elements of a mobile app business plan template:

• Executive Summary – In the Executive Summary, you will provide a general overview of your business plan including your target market, business model, and how you plan to make your business successful.
• Company Overview – The Company Overview section will provide an overview of your app idea, history of the company, monetization strategy and milestones achieved.
• Industry Analysis – From your market research, you will provide an industry analysis. This will include a discussion of the current mobile app industry landscape, trends, and issues facing your industry.
• Customer Analysis – The Customer Analysis section will describe your target market. This includes information on demographics, psychographics, and behaviors.
• Competitive Analysis – This section includes an overview of your direct and indirect competitors, their market share, your competitive advantage, and how you plan to compete against them.
• Marketing Plan – The Marketing Plan section will describe your marketing strategy. This includes information on your target audience, pricing strategy, and promotional activities.
• Operations Plan – The Operations Plan section of your mobile app business plan will describe your business operations.
• Management Team – The Management Team section will provide information on the management members of your team. This includes their experience, education, and skills.
• Financial Plan – In the Financial Plan section, you will provide the financial model and financial statements for your business. This includes your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.

Next Section: Executive Summary >

Mobile App Business Plan FAQs

What is a mobile app business plan.

A mobile app business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your mobile app business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your mobile app business plan using our Mobile App Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Types of Mobile App Companies?

There are many types of mobile app companies across a variety of categories. There are mobile app companies that focus solely on mobile games. Others are exercise or wellness focused. Some mobile apps provide guidance on specific topics, some offer music streaming, and other apps provide help or assistance on a variety of topics. Many companies have developed company-specific mobile apps to allow users to become more connected with their products or offerings. For instance, most major brands, restaurants and financial services companies have company-specific mobile applications.

What Are the Main Sources of Revenue and Expenses for a Mobile App Business?

The primary source of revenue for mobile app companies are subscription paid by the users on an annual or monthly basis. Advertising (selling ad space to other companies on their app) is another significant revenue sources.

The key expenses for mobile app companies are the costs to advertise and generate users. These expenses are often in the form of targeted social media advertising or online targeted marketing. Some major mobile app companies pay to have their mobile apps advertised on television commercials or music streaming platforms. Another major expense for app companies are office space, employee salaries and technology licensing fees.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Mobile App Business Plan?

A mobile app startup is most likely to receive funding from angel investors and friends and family. Personal savings and credit cards are also often used. Venture capitalists will fund a business plan for an app once it achieves enough traction (e.g., enough users or generating enough revenue).

A well crafted mobile app business plan is essential for attracting any type of potential investor.  Most app startups require funding to get off the ground and cover at least their startup costs.

What are the Steps To Start a Mobile App Business?

Starting a mobile app development company can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Mobile App Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed business plan for an app that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include market research on the mobile app industry and potential market size, information on the mobile app concept, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your mobile app business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your mobile app business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Mobile App Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your mobile app business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your mobile app business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Mobile App Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your mobile app business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your mobile app business.  A mobile app marketing plan includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful mobile app business:

• How to Start a Mobile App Business
• How to Start a Mobile App Development Business

Where Can I Get a Mobile App Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free mobile app business plan template PDF here . This is a sample mobile app business plan template you can use in PDF format.

Why create a business plan for a mobile app?

A business plan is the backbone of any enterprise. Many people like to describe it as a map that assists you in getting from point A (idea) to point B (success) without accidentally venturing into point C (financial failure). You can also think of it as a set of guidelines used to devise app development strategies and manage the budget in a responsible and effective way.

A business plan helps steer the enterprise in the right direction

With a comprehensive mobile app business plan, you’ll be able to use facts and exact calculations to determine the overall direction of the business :

• Gain useful insights into the competition and the current state of the market
• Make informed decisions regarding marketing and communication
• Outline a comprehensive financial strategy
• Evaluate performance and decide on the best allocation of resources

It will also help you to better manage your team :

• Keep everyone in sync and focused on the same target
• Establish clear goals and KPIs, as well as set priorities

And finally, having a business plan is crucial if you want to win over investors and stakeholders.

This is not just our opinion — research confirms the value of writing a business plan. Recently, Palo Alto Software surveyed 2,900 entrepreneurs and discovered that those who create business plans are almost twice as likely to succeed as those who don’t. To measure “success”, Palo Alto used three metrics: business growth, secured investment capital, and secured loans. Find out more information about the study.

This study clearly shows that a business plan isn’t just a formality

What does a mobile app business plan look like?

A typical mobile app business plan is comprised of 8 sections:

• Executive summary
• Products & services
• Company overview
• Market analysis
• Competitive analysis
• Marketing strategy
• Financial strategy

The whole document usually runs 20 to 40 pages including appendices, but this number largely depends on the scale of your project and your goals. A mobile app business plan for a massive product with international presence may well run into hundreds of pages, while an average startup is unlikely to go over 50 pages. 

When writing a mobile app business plan, you should always consider the target audience . Keep everything informative but concise — otherwise, you run the risk of losing the reader’s attention. This is especially important if you’re writing a business plan to raise funds: investors don’t want to have their time wasted. However, it’s crucial not to sacrifice any important information for the sake of hitting a hypothetical 40-page goal.

Things to keep in mind when creating a business plan

Before we dive straight into writing a mobile app business plan, let us give you some tips that will help you along the way.

Before getting started on that Google Doc, ask yourself one question: what are you trying to achieve? The answer to that question defines your priorities. For example, if you’re going to use your mobile app business plan to raise some funds, you’ll want to focus on the reasons you need that money and exactly how you’re going to spend it.

Readability is highly important. This means that the information you present may be complex, but navigating it should be as simple to do as possible. The document should have a coherent structure, with one part logically flowing into another, and clear formatting with headings, subheadings, and enough white space. You can also supplement the numbers you provide with graphs to highlight the most important takeaways .

Pay attention not only to what the document says, but also to what it looks like: with headings, subheadings, and diagrams you create a better document structure

Fact-based estimates

All financial forecasts in your mobile app business plan should be realistic — too much optimism will likely damage your image and lead to lack of trust, not to mention that inflated expectations can ruin the enterprise itself. With that said, all the reports should clearly indicate that there are good prospects for the business and what investors stand to gain if they support the project. If the reports paint a bleak picture, maybe it would be a good idea to test another concept.

External review

Creating a 30-page formal document is a daunting task, and there’s not a single reason why you should face it in solitude. In fact, it’ll be much better if you don’t! As you go, ask other people (preferably experienced) to review it from time to time — this way, you’ll be sure that your plan is logical and makes sense.

How to create a business plan for an app

OK, so we’ve established that a typical startup business plan consists of 8 sections, each equally important. But what exactly do you put in these sections? Let’s find out.

Write an executive summary 

An executive summary is a rundown of the whole document. It describes the current situation in the market, establishes the target audience, as well as puts forward the product’s concept, business goals, and financial projections. Put simply, it answers three big questions:

A well-written executive summary can act as a standalone document. In fact, many investors make their initial decisions after reading this part only, so getting it right is crucial if you want to win over important stakeholders.

The secret is to keep everything clear and concise: you want to convey the message that your app idea has huge potential without overwhelming the reader with 5-page long sheets and abstract ideas. Ideally, the executive summary shouldn’t run longer than 2–3 pages.

The four key components of an executive summary

Prepare the company overview 

In this section of your mobile app business plan, you tell the reader more about your company . Include the following information:

• Mission. It’s a brief explanation why a company exists (take Google, for example: “Our mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful”)
• Vision. It’s a declaration of the company’s potential impact on the world.
• Corporate values
• History and past achievements (if any)
• Competitive advantages

You should also provide detailed information about the team : the number of people you employ, as well as their qualifications and previous experiences.

We recommend dedicating a separate subsection to your top management and key team members to tell about their background and achievements. This will help convince investors that apart from a great app idea , you also have great people behind it.

Make sure to cover the issue of ownership . Does each partner own an equal portion of the business? If not, how exactly is ownership divided?

Potential investors will definitely want to know this information.

Describe your products & services

This is where you really get into detail about your business idea. First, provide some information about the problem you want to solve. To do this, answer 3 fundamental questions:

You need to convince stakeholders that your product solves an important problem. Answering these 3 questions will help

You need to convince the reader that this issue is of importance. You can cite some research or statistics, but try not to oversaturate this section with numbers.

Then, you move on to the actual solution and tell how exactly you plan to tackle the problem. This is where you describe your product or service. Give a brief description of the processes involved, but again, avoid flooding the section with too many technical details.

Finally, give a brief examination of your competitors and highlight how exactly your product is going to surpass the already existing options.

Conduct an audience analysis

In the audience analysis part, you evaluate the current state of play and give justified reasons why you believe your product has a place in the competitive environment. This section includes queries into the target market , customer behavior, current trends , and several important metrics: cost per acquisition (CPA), total available market (TAM), service available market (SAM), and service obtainable market (SOM).

Try to be as specific as possible when talking about the target audience. Consider building customer personas — generalized representations of the people who are going to be interested in your product. To create a persona, conduct several in-depth interviews and organize the obtained information into the following blocks:

• Demographic information — age, gender, income, place of living
• Psychographic information — goals, challenges, motivation, personality type
• Professional activities — qualifications, current job, past job experiences
• Interests and personal tastes
• Needs — why would they need your product?

This is an example of what a customer persona sheet may look like

Carry out a competitive analysis

We’ve already touched on the subject of competition in the executive summary and the products & services section. This time, however, you dive in much deeper and provide a detailed analysis of your direct and indirect competitors, answering the following questions: What are their strengths & weaknesses? What marketing strategies do they use? What is their pricing?

Once you’ve described the competitive landscape, it’s time to show why your product is going to be superior. One way to do this is by conducting a SWOT analysis.

SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It actually doesn’t need to be any more complicated than this: the section names speak for themselves.

In Strengths , you state the advantages that separate you from the competition.

In Weaknesses , you focus on the things your product lacks and resource limitations.

In Opportunities , you describe the prospects for your business, as well as the external factors that can have a positive influence on the enterprise (rising demand, changing attitudes, etc.).

And finally, in Threats , you cite any external factors that can have a negative influence on the enterprise (bad media coverage, changing regulations, and so on).

Conducting a SWOT analysis is important for proper positioning

Outline your marketing strategy

This is where you describe three important things. First, you need to cover the channels you’re going to use to reach your target segments — for example, social media, target ads, or physical ads. Then, you specify the amount of money you plan to spend on marketing activities, and finally, the KPIs you’re going to use to evaluate efficiency.

Describe your financial strategy

We’ve reached the core of any mobile app business plan. A startup needs a financial strategy much like a ship needs an engine or a mast, and this section is where all the crucial number crunching is happening — akin to an engine room. Let’s look at what you need to include in this part of the plan:

• A revenue model, also known as a monetization strategy
• A monthly sales and revenue forecast for the first 12 months and annual projections for the next 3–5 years
• An income statement, which outlines annual net profits or losses
• A cash flow statement, which shows how much money the company operates with in total
• A balance sheet, which lists assets, liabilities, and equity in your company
• Funds needed (how much money you need to gain in investments)
• Use of funds (how exactly you’re going to use gained investments)

Exit strategy

You need an exit strategy if you plan to sell your company some time in the future. Having this subsection is crucial if you want to draw the attention of venture capitalists and angel investors. The most common exit strategies are acquisition, initial public offering (IPO), and management buyout.

Make sure you understand all these terms correctly and can confidently use them when pitching — investors are more likely to trust an entrepreneur who knows their numbers .

A typical balance sheet lists a hefty number of assets, liabilities, and stockholders’ equity. Complicated, but important!

Compile an appendix

This isn’t a mandatory section — you can omit it altogether, if you want. However, it might be a good place for charts, tables, legal notes, licenses, permits, detailed studies, illustrations of your product, and all other miscellaneous pieces of information that can seem a little out of place if you include them in any of the primary sections of your mobile app business plan.

How to fund your app startup

We’ve compared the main sources of funding in the table below.

And now a bit more about every source of funding.

Bootstrapping

Bootstrapping is just a fancy word for using your own money. Unsurprisingly, this is the best way to fund a startup: there are no loans, no interest rates, no bonds, and no contractual obligations. If the idea fails, you’ve got no one to answer to (well, apart from your wallet) — and if it takes off, you get to keep more of the returns. 

Personal networks

The second most desirable source of funding. A personal network is your friends and family — or, in other words, people you have a close emotional connection with. Persuading them to fund your mobile app development project will be much easier than pitching the idea to complete strangers. And in case the startup fails, they will likely give you enough time to recuperate and pay them back. 

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding means turning directly to end-users to get funding for the project, usually via the Internet. This method is very popular among smaller, niche-specific enterprises, but it doesn’t mean that large-scale ventures have nothing to gain from it — some businesses (including app development companies) manage to raise millions of dollars on Kickstarter and other crowdfunding platforms. Pros: you get to build a customer base super early. Cons: failure to deliver the promised product usually leads to court, unless you have exceptionally good PR.   

Angel investors

Angel investors are wealthy individuals who use their own money to support business ideas they find promising. They usually invest in budding projects in the seed stage, when the risks are at their all-time high — hence the name. But here’s the catch: in return, they get a share in the business, or at least a convertible bond. This means that if the idea takes off, they’ll gain a certain level of control over your company and become entitled to a share of your income. 

Startup contests at IT events

The tech industry is packed with conferences that can define the future of your app startup. Many of these events host startup contests with formidable prize funds reaching millions of dollars. Winning a contest like this is a quick way to get a solid influx of money early on — but, of course, there are no guarantees, and the competition is fierce.

Bank loans are your last resort. We recommend using this option only if every other one has failed. Why? Tons of paperwork, strict deadlines, and unfavorable interest rates make it poorly suited for fledgling startups — and don’t forget that failure to return the money on time may lead to severe consequences. It’s much safer to take a loan once you have an established company, but definitely not when you’re just starting out.

Monetization strategies

Deciding how your product is going to make money is one of the most important steps to take when developing a mobile app . There are multiple monetization strategies available, each of them suitable for specific types of businesses. Let’s look at some of the most popular ones.

One-time purchase

This strategy is based on the “pay once, use forever” principle. With this business model , you make your app available only after the customer purchases it, either before or after the download. This model can generate substantial revenue, but only if you offer unique features that are highly valuable to the user — otherwise they will most probably turn to free alternatives. Very common among productivity apps and games.

In-app purchases

The app and its basic functionality are free to use, but users can pay to access more advanced features or nice-to-have bonuses. The most famous examples of this model are probably games like Clash of Clans or Fortnite — you can play all you want for free, but if you want to progress faster or get in-game benefits , you can buy skins and in-game currency. Very lucrative if applied properly, but is mainly limited to the entertainment segment.

Subscriptions

Users can download the app for free, but to enjoy the full range of its features they’ll have to buy a subscription. Usually, this business model includes multiple options : for example, you can subscribe for a month, 6 months, or a year. To increase conversion, developers often offer trial periods that allow customers to fully experience all the advantages of the product before choosing to commit.

This strategy is also known as the freemium business model

Talentum , an app we developed a couple years ago, used a subscription-based revenue model. Users could order food from their favorite chefs without any paywalls, but there was always an option to upgrade their accounts and unlock the full range of features.

Talentum, the app that connects customers with top-notch freelance chefs

A fitness app we developed uses a similar system, but on the vendor side: coaches can buy higher-level subscriptions to take on more customers.

The subscription model is also used in dating applications such as Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge. Users that subscribe receive profile boosts, unlimited likes, advanced filters, and other benefits. Check out our article if you want to know more about dating app monetization strategies .

The most popular business model , which is also easy to combine with others. In this model, you use the app to run ads to generate revenue. There are several formats you can choose from, with some of them being more intrusive (like interstitial ads), and some less (like native or banner ads).

Many developers use this strategy together with a subscription-based model: the free version of the app is monetized using ads, while buying a subscription removes this annoyance and grants other benefits.

Keep in mind that the more intrusive the ad, the less users are going to like it

Commissions

Very handy for marketplaces of all sorts: if a vendor uses your app to sell their goods, you charge a commission for every sale they make at a fixed percentage. Alternatively, you can opt for charging fixed flat fees, but the first option is more widespread. The more vendors you attract to the platform, the heftier your revenue will be.

What is a business plan for a mobile app?

A mobile app business plan is a set of guidelines used to devise comprehensive app development strategies and manage the budget in a responsible and effective way.

How long does it take to create a business plan for an app?

Creating a mobile app business plan may take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month.

Is it possible to create an application without a business plan?

Yes, it’s entirely possible, but in this case you’ll need a reliable partner to help with refining the concept and turning it into a cool product on the go. If you have an idea for a mobile app, reach out to us — we’ll help bring it to life with low development costs.

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How To Create A Killer Mobile App Business Plan [+Template]

September 27, 2022

Adam Hoeksema

If you’re on your way to developing your first mobile app, or you’re looking to grow your mobile app business, you might be considering improving your business plan. If you haven’t got one already, maybe you’re still in need of a little convincing, or the thought of doing it yourself is still overwhelming. 

Fortunately, building a mobile app business plan isn’t all that hard, and with the right approach you’ll end up with a robust document that will inspire investors, woo bankers, or, at the very least, give you valuable insight into where you’re headed and how to get there. 

In this article, we’ve got the whys and the hows of your mobile app startup business plan, as well as a handy template to follow.

Download: Mobile App Business Plan Template

First, though, in case you’re in need of a little push, here’s a little motivation.

Do you Really Need a Mobile App Business Plan? 

The short answer to this is: yes. The longer answer holds the caveat that it depends on how serious you are about succeeding financially with your venture. 

When you’re starting out, you probably won’t know a huge amount about the market or how your product will fit into it. You might have an idea for an app and are willing to just build it and see what happens. 

And this could be fine; if you’re not worried whether or not it’ll be successful, you don’t have a lot to lose, and spending time on a business plan for a hobby project might not be the right choice for you. 

But if you want to compete and actually reach the most people, you do need a plan, and you do need a business-minded approach. You need a business plan. This is true, regardless of whether or not you’re ever going to show it to anybody. 

A business plan can feel a bit like an overwhelming commitment to a certain direction, but in fact, it’s the very vehicle for defining and understanding that direction in the first place. 

Further, your mobile app business plan will be a documentation of your investigation into the industry, and how you’ll be navigating your way through it with your app. This document puts your commitment into writing, and demonstrates to any outside stakeholders your business chops: essentially, how reliable you are as an entrepreneur. 

The importance of a business plan, therefore, is two-fold: Firstly, you’ll be gathering significant information on your company and its position in the industry. This will lead you to accurate projections and enable to you take the right business risks to grow your company. 

Secondly, you’ll be setting yourself up with a reputable document that you can show to investors or loan providers, should you be looking to fund the next growth phase of your business.

Funding Options for Your Mobile App Startup

When it comes to funding in business, there are three main sources. To find the first one, you need to look no further than the end of your nose. Bootstrapping a business, or self-funding it, has many advantages over the more involved options of taking out a huge loan or persuading another individual or company to invest in you. However, it also has its drawbacks. Let’s break down these three options, for clarity:

• Bootstrapping – There’s a good chance your overheads are going to be relatively low with a mobile app startup. If you’re a single person or a small team, you can work from home, and your initial costs could range anywhere from $50 to $500k, depending on whom you ask; the lower end of which is nothing to be sniffed at, but certainly more attainable from the proceeds of a side-gig or savings account. However, if you’re a little farther ahead in your project, or it’s a bigger job, you might need a rapid injection of capital that your wallet can’t handle. In these cases, you could try one of the next two options.  
• Loan – Loans for mobile apps aren’t hard to come by. Getting a good deal takes a little longer, but there are plenty of options from banks to crowdfunding that could provide you with a hefty chunk of capital for your mobile app project. Banks might be faster but more expensive, and crowdfunding might be cheaper but could take a while. Weighing up the pros and cons for the range of options, and consider that if your business fails, you’ll still probably have to pay that money back.
• Investment – For less financial risk, consider an investment. The added benefit of finding the right investor will come with their handy experience in the market, which you may or may not be allowed to make use of. This is one of the most time-consuming approaches to get right, and you’ll have to hand over a significant percentage of your company equity to get a good deal, but you won’t be held financially responsible if you don’t make it. 

So, the benefits and drawbacks of each capital source are related to what you have and what you are willing to give away. Loans and bootstrapping allow you to maintain full equity share but are limited either by additional financial risk, or (typically) lower financial injection, respectively. 

The investment brings with it the opportunity to learn from expert involvement but will take away some of your control in the project. So, this is a personal choice and will depend on your available options. However, there’s one thing that all funding options will require to make a return on your app business, and that’s a solid demonstration that you know your market. 

If you’re looking to scale quickly, and you’re trying to get capital from external sources, you’ll need to be able to provide a good business plan. If you’re not getting anyone else involved just yet, you could still benefit from a business plan simply through the research you’ll need to embark on to build one. The first and most immediately useful data you’ll gather will be on the market.

Market Research for an App Startup Business Plan 

Now we’re segueing into building a business plan, and we’ll have a template for the full mobile app business plan document for you in the next section, but if you’re still not entirely convinced you need one, consider one of the major components to a business plan: The market research. 

Even if you’re paying your own way, and you don’t need to prove anything to anyone, you’re going to want to have some good financial projections to know where you’ll be in five years. Working backward from this, you’ll need strong financial papers to project from, and to form those, from a very short or non-existent financial history, you’ll need to know your market very well, as well as how to find them. 

So, market research is the early investigation to find the data you need to figure out your financial future and plot your path toward it. Market research will alert you to whether you’re launching your app at the right time, what your unique selling point is, and how you’re solving problems for your customers. 

All of this will come in the form of good, hard data, from which you can extrapolate everything from your marketing media to your expected growth rate. We’ll go into a little more detail about how to begin your market research in the mobile app business plan template below. 

In completing your market research, you’ll be completing a significant portion of your business plan, and you’ll have gathered plenty of data to compile much of the rest of it. So, by the time you’ve got this far, you’re already almost there. Take a look at how your business plan might look as a document once it’s laid out. 

Your 7-Page Mobile App Business Plan Template

There are numerous layouts and sections you can add to a business plan, most of which follow a similar template to the one we’re about to go into. You can add sections where you need to if you need to, but the seven pages below make up the basis for a solid plan, and shouldn’t be left out. Let’s see how it breaks down:

Page 1 – The Executive Summary

This is the front page of your document, and it’ll summarize what’s to come. Therefore, it’ll usually be written last. It’s designed to catch the eye and lead the reader to the relevant section to their interests, but it can also be quite a handy reminder of all the work you’ve put in. 

Of course, you haven’t put in that work yet, so keep reading, and compile the next six sections before you come to this. 

Page 2 – The market Analysis 

Here we get into the meat of the issue. All that market research should have given you a deep insight into what’s out there, who the competition is and what they’re providing to your future customers. What is the state of the industry? Who are the heavy hitters and what do they accomplish?

Identify all of these things in the context of your customer profile; who they are, what they like, and what problem they’ve got (that you’re going to solve for them). This page should include statistics, graphics, and a brief overview of the market as a summary. 

Page 3 – The Company Description

Now it’s time to introduce yourself as a solution. Your introduction will cover the next two sections too, beginning with a description of how you plan to address all the issues mentioned in the above section. What is it that you’re providing that will keep you competitive? 

List the attributes that give you an advantage, and point your focus on all the things that make you unique. Cover your history and your mission statement in the context of how you will use these to your advantage in the market. 

Page 4 – Your Organization and Management

Next, break down the way the company is structured. If it’s all you, this shouldn’t take long. If you’ve got some key players, here’s where to show them off. You’ll also put in the legal structure of your company, or, if there isn’t one yet, what you want it to be. 

Management will get a section each, and a link to their resume, with a short blurb on why they’re there and how they boost your standing in the industry. List their responsibilities here, and tie it all together. 

Page 5 – Your products and Services

So, what are you actually selling? Talk about your app, which platforms it’s going to be available on, any copyrights you have, and any upcoming R&D info you’ve got in the pipeline. Follow up with how your product will address the specifics you mentioned in the market research and how it will help your ideal customer. 

You might have two versions of this page, depending on whom you’re planning to show it to. For investors versed in tech, you can list features. For loans or marketers, you might want to focus more on the customer perspective. The things it does for the consumer, from that angle. 

Page 6 – Your Sales and Marketing Strategies

Your revenue streams should have become evident to you during your market research; the strong, low-risk ones and the weaker or higher-risk avenues should be listed as such. You need to have a marketing strategy that reaches your people where they’re looking, and you need to have at least a rudimentary understanding of your sales funnel and where your touchpoints will be. 

If you’ve got someone on your team dedicated to this, they should be able to fill it out for you. If not, do your research and find some marketing and sales templates for inspiration. 

Don’t worry too much about this at the early stages – the important part is to have some idea of your first two or three strategies to focus on. Trial and error will help you complete this section later on. 

Page 7 – Your Financial Planning

In business, this is what it’s all about. Your project will never scale without an ROI, and you need to know what that’s going to be, and how it’ll be affected by market trends, capital injections, and company growth. There are several important financial documents you’ll need to have completed for this, these are the income statement, the balance sheet, and the cash flow statement. Each will help you when it comes to projecting. 

And project you must! We’re going to go into why that’s so important to get this right in the next section, but for now, consider that you’re going to need a projection with which you can manipulate inputs to see what the outcomes of different strategies will be. This is critical for knowing where and when to invest, cut spending, increase spending, and all other long-term financial decisions.

And there you have it. A pretty comprehensive mobile app business plan; the construction of which is almost as significant as its existence.

You can download our free mobile app business plan template here.

More on the Significance of your Financial Documents

This is so important, it warrants its own section. Your financial papers are going to act as the calculator with which to determine how to run your finances. This means you’ll need to be able to enter your proposed investment, and immediately see how long it will take to make a return. Then, you’ll want to add in a pandemic or a tsunami or some other act of god and see if you’ll be able to recover from that. 

You’ll need to know these things for your own benefit, but if you’re ever going to be taken seriously by a bank or investor, you’re going to need to prove to them you’re not dreaming. Projections that are too optimistic are going to be an immediate turn-off. Data that isn’t accurate show that you’re not a diligent business partner. Incomplete documents suggest that your organizational skills aren’t reliable, and investing in your project is taking a risk on an amateur. 

For a professional mobile app financial projection template, check out ours here at ProjectionHub . This template has facilitated accurate projections for over three thousand mobile app businesses and it comes fully customizable with free support and review of your projections to make sure you’re on the right track.

Even if you’re not looking for funding, your mobile app business plan template is a valuable tool for entering the market and staying there. It doesn’t take a panel of experts to build a business plan either; you can do most, if not all of the work yourself. 

Putting in the time to do the right research and gather accurate market data, compiling your financial documents, and designing realistic templates that depict your upcoming financial situation are the major keys to success when building a mobile app startup business plan.

About the Author

Adam is the Co-founder of ProjectionHub which helps entrepreneurs create financial projections for potential investors, lenders and internal business planning. Since 2012, over 50,000 entrepreneurs from around the world have used ProjectionHub to help create financial projections.

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How to Write a Business Plan For Mobile App Startup

Tech Editor and Content Team Lead

Tech Researcher and Writer

Table of content

Idea, plan, and implementation. These are 3 cornerstones of any project’s success. In the constantly changing modern IT world, it’s impossible to forecast success with 100% confidence. However, if you pay enough attention to each of these cornerstones, your chances to reach the top grow.

However, some entrepreneurs skip the stage in which they should create an app business plan. These people often believe practice to be a better way to reach the expected results, hoping spontaneous decisions can build the road to the top manufacturers' list. Unfortunately, this type of approach leads nowhere.

We have carefully analyzed issues that our clients and partners have come to us with, measured the performance of their projects and analyzed how a tech startup business plan impacts the overall company’s success. Today, we will explain the importance of a business plan and guide you through the main steps of developing your own.

Why You Need a Business Plan for Your Mobile App

Mobile apps brought an unexpected revolution to the digital era. The number of unique and useful apps increases daily.

Just a year ago, the number of applications available on the App Store exceeded 2.2. million.

The mobile industry is forecasted to bring in almost $190 billion of revenue in 2020.

If you would like to join this beneficial industry, and already have a great app idea, it’s time to take the next step towards your goals and bring into being a great app business plan.

But first, let’s clarify why you actually need a brilliant business plan for an app .

Attracting great minds and great investments

Depending on the type of business model you want to use, you have to decide between startup co-founders or investors. In some cases, you need to attract both. An application business plan is your sole way to fulfill this task quickly and proceed with more significant steps towards your company’s growth.

Reducing the risks

Recent reports show that writing a business plan will bring you closer to your goals and ambitions. Entrepreneurs with extensive business plans are more likely to develop their company and increase their revenue than those who without a plan.

Planning is a simple way to secure loans and investments.

Keeping to the defined strategy

In a world full of interruptions, it’s hard not to miss the important things. Every day you, as a startup owner, will face new issues and obstacles. But a set of points on your blueprint will act as a quick reminder of why you started it and where it should take you.

Preparing properly

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” ― Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin wasn’t involved in software development, but these words highlight the app business plan significance. By writing a plan, you are enhancing your knowledge about the market you plan to break into. This will clarify your goals, set your priorities and help you build more accurate forecasts. It’s your chance to reveal possible risks and find your own voice in the industry.

Managing and delegating effectively

Being a good manager is an art. A mobile app business plan is your tool for creating a masterpiece. It provides a vision of critical tasks, helping you delegate each of them to the responsible person.

An App Business Plan Template

Now that you know how meaningful a business plan is for any project is, let’s find out what it actually is. Typically, a business plan is a set of:

bullet points describing your vision.

some statistics providing real numbers about the industry you plan to enter.

tables with defined steps and strategies you would like to implement to reach your goals.

Is the product viable? Does it have the potential to bring new experiences to the user and measurable benefits to its founders? Those are 2 primary questions your app business plan should answer. Include the following components to make your triumph inevitable.

Section 1. Executive Summary

This is the introduction to your business plan. This is the first thing your potential investor will see when becoming acquainted with your idea. Make it clear and remarkable, and answer these questions in your summary:

What problem do you want to solve?

Even though the market is chock-full of different solutions, consumers always face some obstacles and complications. You need to find these problems and identify the one that you can solve. Analyze your target audience’s needs at the moment, why the existing solutions do not satisfy these needs, and what you can offer to solve this problem.

What is your solution?

First of all, make sure your project is capable of addressing this problem. Then, introduce your idea but do not dive into details. This is not the right moment to introduce the functionality to investors. It’s time to generally highlight what your app will do to make app users happy. 

How will your app change the market? 

Answering the first question, you have possibly come to the conclusion that similar solutions already exist. Provide proof that your app is better than other apps. Share facts, numbers, and forecasts; avoid using clichés and make your answer as profound as you can. 

What goal are you pursuing? 

The primary goal of any business is financial return. In this section, you need to explain what your goal looks like, provide your vision of the app’s future, state how many users you expect to download your app, and what profit it will bring. Visualize your short-term plans and enhance your answer using metrics.

Section 2. Make a Business Description of Your Company

Create an attractive overview to increase interest. This section is how you get closer to potential partners by presenting the following things:

Basic info about your organization

Either your company is an LLC or another entity, the potential investor should know this. The company’s structure defines the way processes will be organized in the future.

Location is essential. If your team works remotely, mention it, too. And don’t forget to emphasize the reasons you have decided on this location or opted for remote collaboration.

A few words about the history

People like storytelling. So explain the company’s history. How did you come up with the idea of founding your own business? What did you start with? Make your story short but catchy so you can win the reader’s attention.

Team introduction

The app startup business plan should include details about your team so you could get even closer to the reader. By adding a few words on the company’s specialists, you can turn a boring description into a virtual introductory meeting.

Tell the potential investor about your managers. Provide information about the engineering team. Specify names, positions, experience, and even hobbies. Writing your app business plan, make the readers feel like they know the people you talk about.

One more actionable tip is to provide details about your advisory team. These experts help you with decision making, and their names can make a difference in the local market.

Section 3. Market analysis

To launch an app startup, you should know everything you can about the industry you are entering. By understanding its past and present, you can impact its future. This stage moves a hypothesis to real statistical data.

How big is the market?

To answer this question, you must analyze the following factors:

Total Available Market, or market demand for your app.

Serviceable Available Market, or the number of users you are able to reach out to.

Serviceable Obtainable Market, or the segment of your first users.

How does the market change?

Compare and analyze the market size 5 years ago and now. What has changed? How many influencers have broken into the market? How many failed? The amount of money spent in the industry will make your own potential income clearer.

What is the customer persona?

The only way to develop a legendary app is to look at it through your customers’ eyes. This is why you need to understand the target audience and create a portrait of your customer. A customer persona is a detailed description of what users that install your app look like. Define gender, name, occupation, education, hobbies and daily challenges they face. This is a portrait of the real person your app will serve.

Section 4. Marketing strategy

A solid mobile app business plan should describe how your app will get to potential user smartphones. Let’s have a glance at our step-by-step guide on how to build a successful marketing strategy:

Identify the channels you can acquire customers from

Today, social media marketing is considered the most effective way to promote a product. But will it be enough for your app? Go back to the research phase and find out how many potential users you are able to meet on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Provide the readers with information on what channel may be most profitable.

An app landing page is an excellent way to reach out to your target audience, too. Develop an engaging mockup and provide the partners with information on how many customers will find out about your product from a landing page.

Decide on metrics

During the beginning stages, your success will be measured with the number of installations or conversion rates, not with financial revenue. So decide what metrics will be useful for your project’s evaluation.

Consider participation in referral programs

Referral programs could become your growth fuel. Decide on which companies to collaborate with and explain to the app business plan readers why this cooperation is expected to be fruitful.

Don’t forget to optimize your website and mobile application to improve SEO. And remember:

“Be undeniably good. No marketing effort or social media buzzword can be a substitute for that.” - Anthony Volodkin, Hype Machine founder

Section 5. Define Your Competitors

If you are not Elon Musk, you definitely have competitors. And if you have competitors, you should learn from them. Make sure your business offers unique functionality and has the ability to cater to users’ wishes like no other tool could. But at the same time, be aware that there will always be someone doing something similar.

Know your competitors. Study the market and increase your awareness of potential rivals, as well as their history and capabilities. Study their weaknesses and brainstorm how to turn these into your strengths.

Section 6. Choose a Monetization Strategy

As we reach the finish line of your app development business plan template building, we will talk about finances. Running a non-profit project is good, but when it comes to mobile apps, which have a market of billions of dollars of revenue annually, the monetization strategy deserves exceptional attention.

How can you turn your efforts into financial profit?

• Use advertising

You can simply advertise other products with your mobile app. This is one of the fastest and easiest ways to monetize it. However, you should have an impressive number of active users to implement this strategy.

• Charge a fee for installation

There are so many free apps all over the web that users ignore the paid ones. Be ready to demonstrate unique features to convince users to install your app.

• Add a Paid Account option

Offering a free trial is an attractive option. After the trial period ends, allow an account upgrade. If your app demonstrates good performance and powerful functionality, it is very likely that users will be ready to pay for it.

Choose your strategy before you start your sample business plan. Potential partners and investors will not support your idea unless the monetization strategy is well-defined and clear. So be ready to answer questions about what financial profit you expect to make from this app.

Section 7. Startup Costs & Funding

Did you know that one of the key reasons startups fail is financial issues?

29% of companies simply run out of cash and 18% of companies have other types of cost issues. Now, when you are closer to your first technology startup business plan example than ever, consider the importance of costs and funding for your business.

Why is the financial component of planning so important?

It is vital for you to understand what type of funding you need to get your app up and running.

Your potential partners must know how much money you need.

Your startup financial model should reflect the forecast for the next 3-5 years. Add the following data to your plan:

Talk about required funding

You have a rough estimation of how much money you need. Try to foresee possible issues. A backup financial plan may be useful, too.

Specify payment frequency

Some costs should only be paid once. Other costs, like salaries or maintenance costs, are repeatable. A detailed financial plan is the final thing you need to provide in your application business plan.

In Conclusion

Strive to create an excellent app business plan, keeping in mind the following tips:

Make it simple and clear.

Be professional and realistic.

Avoid slang.

Proofread, then proofread it again. Also, don't neglect grammar checkers like Grammarly . Such a tool will not only correct your spelling or grammar but also advise you on the style of your writing.

Isn’t it exciting? Now you know how to write a business plan for an app! Now you are one step closer to fruitful business relations and considerable funding to bring your idea to life. And now you are one great step ahead of your competitors.

We have seen dozens of business plans on our path. Now we can say for sure which plan is the right first step to great achievements in the future.

Want to know more about the project cost?

How to write a business plan for your app startup

Table of Contents

Executive summary

Company description , market analysis, market size, projections, competitors, swot analysis, unique selling point (usp), marketing strategy, customer acquisition strategy, social media, startup costs and funding, monetisation strategy, final thoughts…, manage your finances better.

Writing a business plan is the first step to developing your app. It helps you clarify your vision and identify the steps you need to take to reach your goals. 

This guide will show you how to write a business plan for your app startup to help you attract investors, secure funding, and guide your overall efforts. 

You’ll need to include:

• Company description
• Unique selling proposition (USP)
• Monetisation plan

Every business plan should answer whether it’s profitable to produce the product and invest in the business. Use the following sections to get that point across.

This section is the first thing potential investors will see when reading your business plan, so make sure it packs a punch. 

Your executive summary should hook the reader and entice them to keep reading your plan –– and invest in your app startup.  

Make your summary clear and memorable, and answer the following questions:

• What problem do you want to solve with your app?
• What is your solution?
• How will your app change the market? 
• What goal are you pursuing? 
• Why will you succeed?

While your executive summary comes first in a business plan, it’s best to write it last to ensure it highlights all key aspects of the document. You can learn more about how to write an executive summary here .

This section introduces your app startup and app concept to help potential investors understand more about you. Who are you, and what makes you unique?

When describing your business and app, share the following details:

• Business structure (is it a sole proprietorship or limited company ?)
• Company location 
• Information about you as the owner
• Problem your app will solve
• Business mission (why you created your app startup)

Quick tip: People love a good story, so use your company description to tell yours. Explain how you came up with your app idea and why you think it’s important. Keep it short and catchy to win the reader’s attention quickly.

Next, investors need to know how your app will fit into the market. After all, you’re trying to convince them that you’re worth investing in.

First, research what the current market looks like. There are three key parameters to base the market size:

• Total available market (TAM) – the maximum demand for a solution in the commercial market.
• Serviceable available market (SAM) – the portion of the total available market you can target through sales and marketing.
• Serviceable obtainable market (SOM) – this defines the segment of the serviceable available market that includes the first people to use your product or service.

How likely is your app to succeed in the market?

Research firms like Nielsen or Forrester can help you understand your target market size and your industry’s potential for growth . Use success stories of similar businesses to give readers proof that your idea can be profitable.

Key point: Only include statistics that relate to your business. For example, if your app will only serve the local market, try to find local statistics. 

Also research your competitors to demonstrate how your app measures up against other solutions. What makes you different?

Study other app businesses in your industry, including their niche, branding, app functionality, audience size, pricing, marketing, and so on. 

Identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats ( SWOT ) to define where you stand in the market and against your competition. 

Demonstrating your strengths and opportunities shows potential investors why your app startup is a worthwhile investment.

And highlighting your weaknesses and threats shows investors that you know your limits and have a plan to overcome challenges you might face.

Your unique selling point (USP) is what differentiates your app and business from others in your industry. How is your app better than your competitors’?

Explain who you’ll do differently that will make people download your app instead of another, similar one. 

When considering how to write a business plan for your app startup, think about how you can prove to potential investors that you have a plan for promoting your business. 

You want to write a section that details your marketing strategy , including the following aspects:

Lay out your strategies for acquiring new customers, talking about each channel and tactic you plan on using to attract them. 

Try to estimate how much it will cost you to acquire one customer from each channel. For example, if you plan on using paid advertising, how much do you think you’ll need to spend on it?

It’s important to have numbers to show investors to give them an idea of how much money you might need.

Social media marketing is one of the most effective ways to promote a product these days. When developing your marketing plan, find out how many potential customers you could reach through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and so on. 

Provide readers with details about what channel you believe will be most profitable and why. Remember, you want them to want to invest in you.

Include a reasonable estimate of how much it’ll cost to get your app startup up and running. Investors want to know where their money will go. 

Mention one-time costs, recurring charges, fixed costs, and any other expenses you think you’ll incur. Give an estimation of how much money you’ll need and why. 

This section explains how you’ll generate revenue from your app. The most common ways to monetise an app are: 

• In-app ads – your app is free for people to use, but other brands pay to advertise their solutions to your users. 
• Paid app – this is where users pay a small fee to download and use your app. 
• In-app purchases – here, you offer a basic version of your app for free and encourage people to pay for more features or other privileges.
• Subscription – you can charge monthly or annual fees for people to use your app. Netflix is an example of a subscription app. 

Knowing how to write a business plan for your app startup isn’t always easy. The idea is to prove that your idea is a worthwhile investment by demonstrating:

• Your knowledge about the market.
• Your understanding of your target audience.
• Why your app will succeed in the current market.
• That you’ve done your research to support your concept.

Once you’re done with your research and have written your business plan, remember to proofread it . Use writing tools like Grammarly to make sure your spelling, grammar and style are spotless.

Now that you have a better idea of how to write a business plan for your app startup, you’re one step closer to bringing your idea to life!

You can improve almost every aspect of your business with new technology, including your business bookkeeping. That’s why hundreds of app startups use Countingup to make their financial admin easier. 

Countingup is the business current account and accounting software in one app. Keep your money where you can see them, and your financial data easily accessible whenever you need it. 

• Counting Up on Facebook
• Counting Up on Twitter
• Counting Up on LinkedIn

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How To Write A Business Plan for Your App Startup

New app startups usually write their business plan for one of two reasons. Either they think it's beneficial for aligning the founding team around a shared strategy (and it's what they were taught to do in school), or they want to raise funding.

If you’re in the first camp, we actually recommend you don't write out a comprehensive, formal business plan. Instead, you should create a business model canvas . A business model canvas is a more focused and agile form of the traditional business plan. One of its advantages is that it can easily adapt to the pivots and iterations that are common in tech startups. Read more about what startup expert, Steve Blank, has to say about business plans here .

This article is for people writing a business plan in hopes of securing funding. All startups are different, especially if they are competing in the mobile app space, so tailor each of these sections to work for you.

Business Plan Template

1 - executive summary.

This is the first and most important part of your business plan. Your executive summary will be the first thing any investor reads, so it’s crucial that you’re clear and concise; less is more.

1.1 - Problem

A problem is a difficulty a consumer has that either has no current solution or the available solution has shortcomings. Successful businesses identify these gaps in the market and fill them with their products or services:

1. What is your target customer dissatisfied with in the current market? 2.  How big of a problem is this for your target customers? 3.  What are they currently doing to solve this problem?  

1.2 - Solution

The solution is where you introduce your app. Don’t go into feature details on how your app works, instead, stay true to the problem that you just identified. List exactly how your product solves the problems you identified.

1. What does my app allow people to do that they couldn’t before? 2. How will my app change the status quo people are dissatisfied with? (identified above)

1.3 - Unique Value Proposition

Your unique value proposition is the factor that differentiates your company from other businesses. Ideally, your company should be the only entity in the world that can claim it.

You should not claim that you are simply “better” than the existing competition. To be better than everyone else you will need lots of money and time, resources you may not have a lot of.

Example: Dollar Shave Club ships amazing razors and world-class grooming products for just a few bucks.

1.4 - Objectives

This section is where the investor will check to see if their portfolio goals align with your goals. There are two things you should include here:

Success Definition  (Keep this to a shorter time frame [1-3 years]) -  What metric or accomplishment would let you know that you succeeded? For example, this could be a revenue target or an ideal number of customers.

Exit Plan -  What is the end goal of building up your company? This could be an IPO, acquisition, or a personal cash flow.  

2 - Company

For some investors, the company section of your business plan is the most important. It’s often the case that what you are writing about now will not be what your business eventually becomes. This is why accelerators like Y-Combinator base most of their decisions on the founding team and company potential.

2.1 - Company Overview

This first section is where you should answer the key facts about the current structure of your company (legal and otherwise).

What kind of entity is your company?

• Are you an LLC, C-Corp, or another corporate entity?
• In what state was your company formed?
• When did you form your company?

Where is your team based?

• Are you in a startup hub like Silicon Valley or New York City?
• Do you have a remote team?
• Are you working from an apartment, office, or coworking space?
• How many employees are on your team so far?

2.2 - Company History

Explain the history of your company. Talk briefly about the idea that motivated you to start the business, then go on to explain what your team has been doing since you came up with the idea. List key milestones in your progress such as major pivots, early hires, changes in location, product launches, or anything else relevant to your experience.

2.3 - Management Team

This is often the most important part of the whole company section. For every person on your management team, list their name, degrees, relevant work experience, and their responsibilities in the company. Here’s an example:

John Smith - Head of Design & Development

• Oversee internal development teams
• Create and manage app architecture
• Maintain and update database schema
• Optimize internal agile processes
• Oversee and approve all product designs

John previously worked at Rapptr Labs, a top New York City area app development agency. He was a senior developer, responsible for system architecture, database management, and API development. He also managed a team of junior and intermediate developers.  John has a BS in Computer Science from New York University.

2.4 Advisory Team

Most successful startups have an advisory team that helps them with key decisions. People on your advisory team should have experience in the industry in which you’re competing. When describing each member, include their current positions, level of involvement with your startup, and which parts of your business they're involved in.

Entrepreneurs must be very knowledgeable about their industry. They need to know what the current climate is like and what the latest projections say about the next five years. Make sure you convey deep market knowledge in this section.

3.1 - Market Size

When startups speak about the size of the market they are competing in; there are typically three numbers that they must know:

1. Total Available Market (TAM) = total market demand for your product or service. 2. Serviceable Available Market (SAM) = segment of the TAM that you can reach through your sales channel 3. Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM) = segment of the SAM that is most likely to be comprised of the first people to use your product (the early adopters)

This article  by TechStars walks you through the process of finding these numbers.

3.2 - Market Projections

This section should include projections on your industry from reputable market research firms like Nielsen  or Forrester . Include the growth rate for the number of companies in your industry, and the amount of money spent on your industry.  If you’re only competing in a domestic market, be sure that you don’t include statistics on the global economy.

3.3 - Competitors

A model that investors like to see is the 2x2 matrix. Another market research firm, The Gartner Group , popularized this model. They provide in-depth instructions on how to use it here .

You can choose any variables that accurately slice your competition for the X and the Y-axis. Some examples that may work for you are level of functionality, niche or broad focus, customer base size, and pricing.

Never place yourself in the top right corner of the matrix. Investors will see right through this. Think about how you want to position your company. It’s unrealistic to be the best at everything when you’re competing with existing companies.

3.4 - SWOT Analysis

The SWOT analysis is your opportunity to objectively weigh how you stack up in the market and against your competitors.

SWOT = Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

Be as forward as you can with your weaknesses and threats. No business is perfect. If you make it known that you are aware of all your potential problems, investors will acknowledge that you are aware of and working to minimize any risks your company may have.

4 - Marketing Strategy

In your marketing strategy, investors will be looking for a realistic plan that will get your product into the hands of your customers/users. Most marketing plans are iterated many times, so the most important thing to convey is that you are thinking realistically about how to achieve growth.

4.1 - Customer Acquisition Strategy

If you need strategic advice on this section, check out our article: 35 Actionable App Marketing Tactics for Explosive Growth .

Here, you can lay out your general strategies for acquiring new customers. Talk briefly about each channel or tactic you plan on acquiring customers through. Give a realistic expectation of how much it will cost to acquire one customer (CAC) from each channel. It’s important to be as quantitative as possible here. Most of the funds you obtain will go towards growth, so investors need to know how much risk your growth plan has.

500 Startups published a great video about how to "run growth like a hedge fund"  to give you an idea of what investors are looking for:

4.2 - Product Driven Growth

If your business model requires a large mainstream user base, it’s important to build a referral program into your app to leverage network effects. Two apps that have done this successfully are Uber  and Houseparty. With Uber, you get a coupon on your next ride for referring friends, and your friend also gets a coupon for their first ride. Houseparty has built their entire app design around the process of inviting your friends to chat.

4.3 - Key Metrics

It’s easy for startup founders to focus on what’s called “vanity metrics” or metrics that make it seem like you’re doing well, but in reality, you’re not on a route to a sustainable business.  Pick one or two metrics that you plan on focusing on that matter specifically for your business. For example, if you’re a social app, daily active users might be more important than your total number of downloads.

5 - Financial Plan

After your investor has read through the other sections of your business plan, it’s time to show them exactly what kind of capital you need.  Make sure your investor knows exactly where their money is going.

5.1 - Monetization Strategy

Some of the most common ways to monetize an app are:

• Advertising : Are you a large social app? Do people spend time scrolling through your news feeds? If so, advertising may be a great way to monetize.
• Paid : Most apps nowadays don’t rely on paid models. People have a high aversion to paying for an app up front; they like to download first and pay for extra features later once they know it’s worth it. If you have a paid app business model, explain how you will get over this hurdle.
• In-App Purchases :  In-app purchases are a very common monetization model. We see these most common in games and other apps that involve gamification.
• Subscription : Subscription models work because they continually bill people until they decide to stop the subscription. Headspace is an example of a very popular subscription-based app.

5.2 - Startup Costs

Your investor needs to know what their money will be used for. While it may be difficult to know the exact numbers, be sure that you present reasonable estimates and leave some room for emergency costs that you will undoubtedly face.

Make sure you specify the payment frequency and the price stability of each expense in your list:

Payment Frequency

• One time Costs : Something that you’ll only pay for once (i.e., incorporating your business)
• Recurring Costs : Something you'll have to pay for on a recurring basis (i.e., rent, inventory, insurance)

Price Stability

• Fixed Costs : A price that will remain the same no matter what the state of your business is (i.e., rent, utilities)
• Variable Costs : Something that will change quickly as you scale (i.e., employee salary)

5.3 - Funding Required

Finally, the last section is where you will ask for the funding that you need. Answer these questions about the structure of the deal:

1. How much money do you need? 2. What percent of equity are you proposing you give up? 3. Will this be a convertible note or preferred stock? 4. How long will this money last you before you need another investment round?

Once you've created a business plan, it's time to take the next steps . See how to maximize your app's success with our blog post on " 6 Steps You Need to Take to Prepare Your App Idea for Investors ".

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• Building A Startup

How To Write The Best Investor-Ready Mobile App Business Plan

When it comes to launching an app startup, having a strong mobile app  business plan  is important. In the beginning, an app startup business plan helps you plot out your ideas and view your business across several perspectives. During the funding stage, having a business plan becomes a key piece in showcasing the details of your app startup to investors. Writing a business plan can seem difficult – there are many factors to consider and it isn’t easy turning it all into one cohesive strategy. A Google search on business plans pulls up a million different opinions, and 5,000 different templates. Selecting which is the “right” template to use can prove to be tricky, and taking the wrong advice can prove harmful to your funding efforts.

Here at ThinkLions, we’ve written hundreds of mobile app business plans and have worked with entrepreneurs across the world to develop strategies that have raised millions of dollars in seed funding. If it’s one thing we know, it’s business plans for apps – and we want to teach you everything there is to know! While it would take us years to write up everything we have learned over our many years of business, in this post, we’ll give you some really awesome tips to help you draft the perfect mobile app business plan.

Do I Need A Mobile App Business Plan?

While opinions vary on whether app startups need business plans, in our experience, it’s  always  useful. In essence, a business plan will effectively present your app idea and tie together multiple operational elements to create the story of how your business will grow from an idea to success. Business plans come in handy across many situations when trying to present your app idea to another person. Here are a few examples of previous clients who were definitely happy that they went through the mobile app business planning process:

• James was a solo entrepreneur when he asked us to write his app idea business plan. When he hired us for business planning services, his goal was to submit his business plan to a local  startup incubator  that would help grow his business. The incubator rejected him because they only accepted teams with two or more founders. James was later introduced to an interested tech-entrepreneur who already had two mobile applications launched in the market. Chris, the entrepreneur, was interested in James’ idea and asked him for his business plan so he could understand it better. Luckily for him, James already had one handy. James never made it to the incubator; instead, Chris partnered with him 50/50 and funded the launch of his app idea!
• An app startup team approached us last year with the idea of launching an app in the financial space. Initially, they wanted a financial app business plan so that they could understand their business and market better. After the plan was completed, they submitted it to gain entry into a Pitch Competition. With some consultation, they landed first place in the competition and earned $10,000 towards developing their app. Furthermore, an investor in the audience was so impressed with their pitch and  pitch deck , that they offered a  seed funding  of $75,000 in exchange for early ownership in the business.
• Kelly had launched a bare-bones app for pet owners, along with 6 of her friends. While they all had invested money, they had no idea what to do going forward. Members of the team were spending money irresponsibly on any trendy marketing technique, and they had no cohesive strategy to move forward. After working with ThinkLions, Kelly was able to clearly identify a niche market and come up with a plan to reach this market with her app. With a plan, the team was quickly able to stay on track and increased registrations to their app by over 100% in less than 60 days. After updating their document with new achievements, Kelly’s team was able to secure a seed funding investment of $25,000 from a local investor.

A business plan ensures that you know specific things about your business, before seeking funds or going into the development stages. Writing the best business plan early on can save you the headache of rushing to write one when an interested investor says, “Sounds good, let me see your plan!”

The Main Components

Sometimes, specific business plan layouts are required when seeking funding from investors, incubators, and banks. Some require different information to be present and may require  different formats . Generally, however, there are several particular sections that will be included in some form, no matter what the layout. Even with our international clients, we have found that these informational categories are still pertinent.

You won’t be hard-pressed to find a business plan template online. Instead of simply giving you the structure of an app startup business plan, I thought it would be more informative to use my experience and summarize the thought process  of each of these sections. Knowing how to approach this information will help you feel more confident when you begin writing out the details for your own business plan.

Executive Summary

Although written last, most plans begin with an executive summary. By most definitions, an executive summary would be a short version of each section of your business plan. I agree… sort of. A great executive summary DOES summarize all the important details of your business into just a couple of pages, but furthermore, it should also be a persuasive and informative  sales pitch . What are you selling, you ask?  You are selling your worthiness for their attention .

Your executive summary should say, “This is a great app business. It’s bound to grow, it’s fun, it’s exciting, and it’s everything that you want to be a part of.” It should do this by the way, without exceeding two pages. The payoff for an executive summary is rarely an investment into your app business, but instead, it is an attention magnet to make readers curious for more.

Put all of your best details into the executive summary. Avoid any fluff. Make sure to highlight the business’ current achievements. Think of the executive summary like the back of a novel. Does it leave you anxious to dive in and read the rest of the book?

Business Description & Information

Use this section to explain your mobile app concept and introduce your business. This section includes information related to corporate values, objectives & goals, product description, and key success factors. The point of this section is not only to describe your business but to explain what your business has accomplished and what they plan to accomplish in the future.

Stick to the facts, but make sure the facts are worthy enough to put on the paper. It’s easy to go on and on about your idea and to explain 20 different functions that your app will have. In an app startup business plan though, stick to the things that make your app different or better suited to the market. Describe the problem that your consumers face and make sure that you implicitly show how your app will solve this problem.

Think of this section as the “What?” Every following section will be “How?”. Tell them what your app idea is in this section, and in the following sections, we’ll tell them how you’ll get that idea to the market, and eventually, to success.

Market, Customer Analysis

This research section is where you provide the background for your story. In this section, the mobile app business plan shifts from what you believe your app business is, to the hard data that proves your business is viable and that there is actually a need and demand for your solution.

Analyze your market through secondary research, industry surveys, market reports, and most importantly, first-hand primary research. Use your research to estimate how large your market is (by revenue or number of consumers, for example), and try to discover how the industry is performing, trending, and transitioning. During this process, we typically take the following steps:

• Customer Profile:  First, we plot out who our target consumers are. We don’t just explain them, we give them a face and a name. We imagine who they are, what their life is like, what they do for a living, how much money they make, and the challenges they face. We also analyze how our solution can be used to help that specific customer – how they would find the app, why they would use it, how they would use it, etc. This allows readers to easily visualize what type of consumer we serve and how the app would fit into their life.
• Research:  Now that we know what customers we serve, we move into the research phase. We take any pre-existing knowledge we have of the market and combine it with industry research to form a profile of the total market. We seek to identify how many people face the problem that we are trying to solve, where they seek information, how they currently solve their issue, and how much money they spend each year. With this information, we perform a TAM-SAM-SOM analysis to help us identify not only how many people are in our market, but how many of them we can realistically reach with the mobile app solution.
• Insights:  Finally, we consider how all this research pertains to our app idea. Is there a real market? Are there enough people in the market, spending enough money? Would people pay to have their challenge solved? The entire point of the research section is to prove that a need exists for your particular app – have you proven it?

Marketing Strategy

At this point in your plan, you’ve detailed your awesome mobile app concept, identified a niche market, and proved a sufficient need within that market. Using this information, you now must decide how you will reach potential users, introduce them to your app, and persuade them to download and use it.

Investors want to know that there is a clarified  growth strategy  in place for getting your app to the market. The better you can explain this plan with clear steps, backed with accurate data, the more likely you are to persuade an investor to help fund the development of your app.

There are many marketing strategies and techniques available from PPC to social media, and beyond. Choosing which one is right for your business can be difficult. Start small,  perform a SWOT analysis , introduce new solutions, and test your ideas. Over time, as you identify techniques that are working on a small level, scale them upwards and eliminate the strategies that aren’t showing potential.

Furthermore, look at your competitors and identify how they are successfully reaching consumers. The more you know about what has and has not worked for your competitors, the easier it will be to avoid the obstacles that they may have faced previously.

Competitive Analysis

If you haven’t heard this before, let me stress a very important point:  No matter how innovative your app is, there ARE competitors.  Maybe no other app offers exactly what you offer, but there is some other app, process, product, or service that consumers are currently using to solve their problem.

Knowing who your competitors are is important, but knowing their position and operation within the market is a vital key to building a successful business. Investors will want to know that you have detailed knowledge of your competitors and that you have identified valid methods to exploit their weaknesses through your product strengths; creating a path to position yourself ahead of them.

Operational Strategy

To be effective, it is vital to consider how your startup company will operate on a day-to-day basis and how you will build and maintain customer relations. This section will contain information related to how customer service will be handled, how quality assurance will be maintained, how your app will be developed, who will manage the business, and more.

In addition, this section will highlight the user process – how the user will behave from the moment they learn about your app until they spend their first dollar. One of the largest components of this section is the personnel plan, which outlines when and how employees will be hired; how their salaries will be expensed; and how their positions will help progress the business.

Management & Advisor Bios

As mentioned previously, investors heavily consider the abilities of the “team” behind the app startups that they fund. In this section of the mobile app business plan, these team members can be showcased, and their skills can be highlighted to prove that the team has what it takes to propel the startup to success. In addition to co-founders and board members, this section will allow you to explain different advisor relationships you have secured; valuable relationships with non-executive members who are successful in related fields who have agreed to consult and advise the founders as they launch and grow their business.

Financial Model

Once all of this information has been compiled (excluding the executive summary), the financial model can be prepared.  App entrepreneurs  often find preparing their financial model to be difficult and beyond their comprehension. However, if you have prepared all of the previous information correctly, you should know exactly what you will need to fund in order to push the plan forward.

With this model, you will be able to forecast revenues, costs, growth, and other important financial factors. The financial model should include a 3-5 year projection of all the essential forecast models, including Profit & Loss, Cash Flow, Balance Sheet, Startup Table, and Valuation.

Winning Business Plans Aren’t Just Words And Numbers

That finishes the easy stuff. Many entrepreneurs mistakenly think that a mobile app startup business plan is just about plopping down some words on a page. They rush off to download a free business plan program, answer a few questions, or fill in a few blanks, and believe that they now have a business plan that will help them reach their goals.

What your business plan says, is important; but how you deliver the message may be the determining factor to whether you win or lose at  securing funding for your app . These three elements are what we refer to as the ‘secret sauce’ of business plans.

• Passion : I must admit, I’ve been suckered into more late-night infomercial products than I care to admit. On another occasion, I allowed this great door-to-door salesman to convince me to buy a huge box of steaks that were tougher than leather and tasted like Alpo Dog Food. Passion and enthusiasm sell… in a business plan too. It’s not just the words on a page, it’s the passion that is felt behind those words. Passion and enthusiasm are contagious traits, and your enthusiasm alone may be enough to make someone else passionate about what you are doing. Don’t write your plan to simply fill in paragraphs in a “template”, make every word count and make every thought express your tremendous passion for your business, brand, and app idea.
• The Story : Innovative apps are cool, but an app startup with a story… well, that’s captivating! What situation happened that led the founders to come up with the app idea? What problem did it solve for them specifically, that they know it will also solve for others? It’s not just about having a story, it’s about having a story that is relatable to the reader (or investor) – one that aligns with their experience or differs you from your competitors. Consider a company that is building a GPS device for dogs, where owners can use their mobile devices to track exactly where their dog is at any moment, in case they get lost. Maybe the founder lost the dog that she had for 10 years and looked at as her own child. Maybe she invented the device and app to ensure that no other pet owner would ever have to go through the heartbreak that she did after never recovering her companion. An investor who has gone through a similar situation would be able to relate instantly and would be more prone to have an interest in the idea than they would if the story was never told.
• Viability:  Is the plan you present truly viable? Could you actually reach the goals that you have set forth? It’s more than just having a “dreamer’s vision” here, it is about truly showcasing that your idea has legs to stand on. The single most important factor for most investors is whether they will make money. They don’t want your dreams, they want evidence, and the more your plan showcases this viability, the more potential you have to strike an investment deal.

Getting Started With Your Strategy

The hardest part of writing a mobile app business plan is writing the first page. Many people quit their business plan before they even get started on it. Writing a business plan for apps isn’t easy; there is a lot that needs to be known about your business, a lot of research that needs to be accomplished, and a lot of specialized knowledge needed to properly transform your thoughts into a successful document.

Check out our infographic below for more tips on creating an awesome mobile app business plan.

If you’re finding it tough to write your own app startup business plan, we have an expert team ready to help you get on track! Check out this app business plan example to see how our business plan writers put these insights into real plans each and every day. 

Do you have any other awesome tips on how to write an app business plan or a phone app business plan example that you’d like to share? Tell us about it in the comments below!

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Sample Mobile App Business Plan

Download our Ultimate Mobile App Business Plan Template

Having a thorough business plan in place is critical for any successful mobile app venture. It will serve as the foundation for your operations, setting out the goals and objectives that will help guide your decisions and actions. A well-written business plan can give you clarity on realistic financial projections and help you secure financing from lenders or investors. A mobile app business plan example can be a great resource to draw upon when creating your own plan, making sure that all the key components are included in your document.

The mobile app business plan sample below will give you an idea of what one should look like. It is not as comprehensive and successful in raising capital for your mobile app as Growthink’s Ultimate Mobile App Business Plan Template , but it can help you write a mobile app business plan of your own.

Example – AppInnovate Solutions

Table of contents, executive summary, company overview, industry analysis, customer analysis, competitive analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.

Welcome to AppInnovate Solutions, a trailblazing mobile app company nestled in the vibrant heart of Miami, FL. We are dedicated to revolutionizing the local mobile app market by offering a comprehensive suite of bespoke development services. Our expert team specializes in Mobile App Development, UI/UX Design, App Testing, Quality Assurance, and ongoing Maintenance and Updates. Additionally, we provide Consultation and Project Management to ensure our clients’ visions are seamlessly brought to life. Leveraging our deep understanding of both the local and global market, we are committed to creating intuitive, engaging, and technologically advanced apps that meet the highest international standards of excellence.

Our foundation for success is deeply rooted in the vast experience of our founder, combined with our commitment to delivering superior apps at competitive prices. Since launching on January 4, 2024, as a Limited Liability Company, we’ve made significant strides, including establishing a strong local presence in Miami and developing a unique brand identity. These initial steps have positioned us as a leading contender in the mobile app industry, with our dedication to quality, innovation, and affordability setting us apart as the go-to choice for mobile app development in the region.

The Mobile App industry in the United States is experiencing explosive growth, currently valued at over $120 billion. This growth is driven by an increasing dependency on smartphones and tablets, with a notable shift towards personalized and user-friendly apps. AppInnovate Solutions is uniquely positioned to capitalize on these trends, focusing on custom mobile apps that cater to the specific needs of Miami’s residents and businesses. Furthermore, the rise of mobile commerce presents an exceptional opportunity for us to provide innovative solutions to businesses aiming to engage in this lucrative trend, ensuring our competitive edge in the fast-paced mobile app market.

Our initial market penetration strategy targets local residents and tourists in Miami, offering them innovative app solutions to enhance their daily lives and travel experiences. By tailoring our app’s features to meet the needs of Miami’s diverse population, we ensure a wide range of functionalities from local service recommendations to event discovery. Additionally, we aim to serve local businesses by offering advertising opportunities and business tools within our app, fostering a beneficial relationship that enhances visibility for businesses while providing valuable, localized offers to our users.

Our main competitors are Pixels Media Inc, SDSol Technologies, and Business Site Designer, each offering a range of digital services. Despite the strengths of these companies, AppInnovate Solutions stands out for our ability to deliver high-quality, affordable mobile applications. Our competitive advantage lies in our innovative development techniques, cost-effective pricing, and deep understanding of the Miami market. This unique combination enables us to offer applications that are not only financially accessible but also resonate well with our target audience, ensuring high user engagement and satisfaction.

AppInnovate Solutions offers a comprehensive range of services, including Mobile App Development, UI/UX Design, App Testing, Quality Assurance, and ongoing Maintenance and Updates. Our pricing strategy is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of clients, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality or functionality. Our promotional strategy is centered around online marketing, leveraging social media, SEO, and email marketing to build a strong digital presence. Additionally, we plan to engage with the local community through events and partnerships, complemented by a referral program to organically grow our user base. This multifaceted approach aims to not only attract but also retain customers by establishing a strong brand presence and fostering community engagement.

To ensure the success of AppInnovate Solutions, we will engage in continuous market analysis, provide exceptional customer support, regularly update our app based on user feedback, and maintain rigorous quality assurance standards. Our operational strategy also includes targeted marketing campaigns, careful financial management, and fostering partnerships with other businesses. Crucially, we will focus on compliance, security, and fostering a collaborative work environment. Upcoming milestones include securing initial funding, finalizing product development, achieving operational stability, reaching 1,000 active users, and generating significant monthly revenue. These steps are designed to systematically reduce risks and establish a stable foundation for our long-term success.

Under the leadership of our CEO, Dylan Torres, AppInnovate Solutions boasts a management team with unrivaled expertise and a track record of success in the mobile app industry. Torres’s extensive experience and strategic vision are instrumental in navigating the complexities of app development and market penetration. His leadership ensures that our team remains focused on innovation, user experience, and scalability, driving AppInnovate Solutions towards achieving our ambitious goals.

Welcome to AppInnovate Solutions, a pioneering mobile app company catering to the vibrant community of Miami, FL. As a local mobile app business, we pride ourselves on filling the void in high-quality local mobile app services in the area. Our dedication to innovation and excellence sets us apart, ensuring we meet the diverse needs of our customers with unparalleled precision and creativity.

At AppInnovate Solutions, our offerings encompass a comprehensive suite of mobile app development services designed to bring your digital visions to life. Our expertise in Mobile App Development is complemented by our deep understanding of User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design, ensuring that every app we create is not only functional but also intuitive and engaging for users. We are committed to excellence through our rigorous App Testing and Quality Assurance processes, ensuring that every product we deliver operates flawlessly. Additionally, we provide ongoing App Maintenance and Updates to keep our clients’ applications at the forefront of technological advancements. Understanding the complexities of app development, we also offer Consultation and Project Management services to guide our clients through every step of the development process, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey from concept to launch.

Located in the heart of Miami, FL, AppInnovate Solutions is strategically positioned to serve the vibrant and diverse community of this dynamic city. Our deep understanding of the local market, combined with our global outlook, enables us to create apps that resonate with local users while meeting international standards of excellence.

Our unique position for success is rooted in the rich experience of our founder, who has a proven track record of running a successful mobile app business. This experience, combined with our commitment to creating superior apps at affordable prices, positions us as a formidable competitor in the mobile app industry. Our dedication to quality, innovation, and affordability makes us the preferred choice for mobile app development in Miami, FL.

Since our inception on January 4, 2024, AppInnovate Solutions has made significant strides as a Limited Liability Company. Our journey began with the creation of a distinct logo and the careful selection of our company name, which reflects our mission and values. Finding an ideal location in Miami has enabled us to establish a strong presence in the local market. These foundational steps mark the beginning of our journey towards becoming a leader in the mobile app development industry.

The Mobile App industry in the United States is currently booming, with a market size of over $120 billion. This industry has shown consistent growth over the past few years, and is expected to continue expanding at a rapid pace in the coming years. With the increasing reliance on smartphones and tablets for everyday tasks, the demand for mobile apps is only expected to rise.

One of the key trends in the Mobile App industry is the shift towards personalized and user-friendly apps. Customers are now looking for apps that cater to their specific needs and provide a seamless user experience. This trend bodes well for AppInnovate Solutions, as their focus on creating customized mobile apps for customers in Miami, FL aligns perfectly with this growing demand for personalized solutions.

Another trend in the Mobile App industry is the rise of mobile commerce, with more and more consumers using apps to make purchases and manage their finances. This presents a great opportunity for AppInnovate Solutions to tap into this market and offer innovative solutions for businesses looking to capitalize on the mobile commerce trend. By staying ahead of industry trends and providing top-notch mobile app development services, AppInnovate Solutions is well-positioned to thrive in the competitive Mobile App industry.

Below is a description of our target customers and their core needs.

Target Customers

AppInnovate Solutions will target local residents in its initial market penetration strategy. These customers are the backbone of the application’s user base, seeking innovative solutions to enhance their daily lives. The app will tailor its features to meet the specific needs and preferences of Miami’s diverse population, covering a wide range of functionalities from local service recommendations to event discovery.

The company will also focus on Miami’s vibrant tourist population. Visitors to the city are always in need of reliable, easy-to-use tools that can help them navigate the local scene, discover hidden gems, and manage their travel logistics effortlessly. By integrating features that cater to this segment, AppInnovate Solutions is set to become an indispensable travel companion for those exploring Miami.

Furthermore, AppInnovate Solutions will extend its reach to local businesses looking for innovative ways to connect with customers. By offering advertising opportunities and business tools within the app, it will create a symbiotic relationship that benefits both the businesses by increasing their visibility and the app users by providing them with tailored, local offers and services.

Customer Needs

AppInnovate Solutions meets the growing demand for high quality and functional mobile apps among Miami residents. Customers expect seamless, intuitive user experiences from their applications, which can range from everyday utility tools to complex business solutions. Our commitment to excellence ensures that each app we develop not only meets but exceeds these expectations, providing users with reliable, cutting-edge technology at their fingertips.

In addition to quality and functionality, there is a significant need for apps that are tailored to the specific lifestyles and interests of Miami’s diverse population. AppInnovate Solutions addresses this by offering customized apps that cater to various demographics, including tourists seeking to explore the city, locals in need of convenient service apps, or businesses looking to enhance their operational efficiency. By focusing on the unique needs of each segment, we ensure our apps provide relevant and valuable solutions for all users.

Moreover, with the increasing concern for digital security, AppInnovate Solutions prioritizes the protection of user data and privacy. Customers can trust that the apps they use are not only efficient and personalized but also secure against digital threats. This commitment to security fosters a trustworthy relationship between AppInnovate Solutions and its users, making it a go-to source for mobile app solutions in Miami.

AppInnovate Solutions’s competitors include the following companies: Pixels Media Inc, SDSol Technologies, and Business Site Designer.

Pixels Media Inc offers a wide range of digital services, including mobile app development, web design, and digital marketing. Their products target small to medium-sized businesses looking for comprehensive digital solutions. The price points for their services vary depending on the complexity and scope of the project, with custom quotes provided to prospective clients. Pixels Media Inc generates revenue primarily through project-based work and ongoing support contracts, with annual revenues estimated in the mid-range for the industry. The company operates primarily in the Miami area but has also served clients across the United States. Key strengths include a strong portfolio of successful projects and a multidisciplinary team. A potential weakness is their focus on a broad range of services, which might dilute their expertise in mobile app development specifically.

SDSol Technologies specializes in custom software and mobile app development. They offer solutions tailored to the needs of startups, small businesses, and large corporations. Their pricing model is project-based, with costs reflecting the complexity and custom requirements of each project. SDSol Technologies has a notable presence in Miami, Florida, but also caters to clients nationally and internationally. The company boasts significant annual revenues, indicating a robust client base and a successful business model. A key strength of SDSol Technologies is their extensive experience in developing innovative technology solutions. However, their high focus on custom projects may result in higher price points, which could be a barrier for smaller businesses with limited budgets.

Business Site Designer provides website design and development, mobile app development, and e-commerce solutions. They cater to small and medium-sized businesses, offering competitive pricing for their services. The company’s revenue comes from a mix of project-based fees and ongoing maintenance contracts. Business Site Designer operates primarily in Miami, FL, serving clients both locally and across various regions in the United States. Their strength lies in offering affordable solutions for businesses looking to establish or enhance their online presence. However, their focus on affordability might impact the customization and advanced features available in their mobile app development services.

Competitive Advantages

At AppInnovate Solutions, we understand the critical role that mobile applications play in today’s digital-centric world. Our core competitive advantage lies in our ability to create superior applications at a price point that is highly affordable for our clients. This unique positioning allows us to cater to a broad spectrum of businesses, from startups to established enterprises, ensuring that every organization can leverage the power of mobile technology without breaking the bank. Our commitment to quality and affordability does not mean a compromise on features or functionality; instead, we use innovative development techniques and efficient project management to deliver top-notch applications that meet our clients’ specific needs.

Beyond our competitive pricing and high-quality development, another of our key advantages is our deep understanding of the local market dynamics in Miami, FL. This localized insight enables us to design and develop applications that resonate well with our target audience, fostering greater user engagement and satisfaction. We also place a high emphasis on user experience (UX) design, ensuring that our apps are not only functional but also intuitive and enjoyable to use. This focus on UX is complemented by our dedication to incorporating the latest technological advancements, such as AI and machine learning, to enhance app functionality and provide a more personalized user experience. Through these concerted efforts, we ensure that our clients stay ahead of the curve in a highly competitive digital landscape.

Our marketing plan, included below, details our products/services, pricing and promotions plan.

Products and Services

AppInnovate Solutions emerges as a comprehensive service provider in the realm of mobile application development, catering to the diverse needs of businesses aiming to enhance their digital footprint. Through a blend of technical expertise and innovative strategies, AppInnovate Solutions offers a range of services designed to bring ideas to life and ensure their successful implementation in the competitive market.

At the core of its offerings, Mobile App Development stands out as a pivotal service. AppInnovate Solutions specializes in creating custom mobile applications tailored to the specific requirements of each client. Whether for iOS, Android, or cross-platform solutions, the team leverages the latest technologies and methodologies to deliver robust, scalable, and high-performing apps. Clients can expect to invest an average of $20,000 to $50,000 for a comprehensive mobile app development project, depending on the complexity and features required.

User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design services are critical to ensuring that the applications not only perform well but also offer an intuitive and engaging user experience. AppInnovate Solutions places a strong emphasis on designing interfaces that are visually appealing and user-friendly. By understanding the target audience and business goals, the team crafts UI/UX designs that enhance user satisfaction and drive engagement. These services are typically priced from $5,000 to $15,000, reflecting the scope of the design work and the intricacies involved in creating a seamless user experience.

Ensuring the quality and reliability of mobile applications is paramount, which is why App Testing and Quality Assurance form an essential part of the service lineup. AppInnovate Solutions employs a rigorous testing methodology to identify and rectify any issues, ensuring that the final product is of the highest quality. This process includes functional testing, performance testing, usability testing, and security audits. The cost for app testing and quality assurance services ranges from $3,000 to $10,000, varying with the application’s complexity and the depth of testing required.

App Maintenance and Updates are crucial for keeping applications relevant and functioning optimally post-launch. AppInnovate Solutions provides ongoing support to address any technical issues, incorporate new features, and adapt to evolving user needs or technological advancements. Clients can expect maintenance and update services to cost between $1,000 and $4,000 per month, depending on the level of support and frequency of updates needed.

Lastly, Consultation and Project Management services are offered to guide clients through the development process, from conceptualization to launch and beyond. AppInnovate Solutions acts as a strategic partner, offering expert advice on market trends, technology selection, and project execution. This holistic approach ensures that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the client’s satisfaction. Consultation fees are typically charged on an hourly basis, with project management services priced between $10,000 and $25,000, based on the project’s scale and complexity.

Through its comprehensive suite of services, AppInnovate Solutions positions itself as a key player in the mobile app development industry, committed to delivering high-quality solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses in today’s digital landscape.

Promotions Plan

AppInnovate Solutions, focusing on captivating the mobile app market in Miami, FL, embarks on a strategic journey to draw customers through a blend of innovative promotional methods. Online marketing stands at the forefront of these strategies, leveraging the power of social media, search engine optimization (SEO), and email marketing campaigns to create a robust digital presence. AppInnovate Solutions will utilize social media platforms to engage with the community, share insights about the app’s features, and provide value to potential users. By crafting content that resonates with the target audience, the company expects to foster a loyal following that eagerly anticipates app updates and releases.

In addition to social media, AppInnovate Solutions will employ SEO techniques to ensure that its website ranks highly in search engine results, making it easier for potential customers to discover their app. This approach includes optimizing website content with relevant keywords, improving site speed, and ensuring mobile-friendliness, all critical factors in enhancing online visibility.

Email marketing campaigns will serve as another pillar in AppInnovate Solutions’ promotional strategy. By collecting email addresses from interested users, the company will send out regular newsletters that provide exclusive insights, tips, and offers related to their mobile app. This direct line of communication will help in building a community of engaged users who are more likely to advocate for the app within their circles.

Beyond online marketing, AppInnovate Solutions will tap into local events and partnerships within Miami, FL. Participating in tech expos, local meetups, and community events will allow the company to demo their app directly to potential users, gather instant feedback, and enhance brand visibility. Collaborating with local businesses and influencers who share a similar target audience will amplify the app’s reach and credibility through co-marketing efforts.

Referral programs will also play a crucial role in attracting new customers. By incentivizing current users to refer friends and family, AppInnovate Solutions expects to grow its user base organically. These programs will not only increase the number of app downloads but also foster a sense of community among users.

In conclusion, AppInnovate Solutions embarks on a comprehensive promotional journey, leveraging online marketing, local engagement, and referral programs to attract customers in Miami, FL. Through these methods, the company expects to establish a strong digital presence, build a loyal community, and drive app downloads, ensuring its success in the competitive mobile app market.

Our Operations Plan details:

• The key day-to-day processes that our business performs to serve our customers
• The key business milestones that our company expects to accomplish as we grow

Key Operational Processes

To ensure the success of AppInnovate Solutions, there are several key day-to-day operational processes that we will perform.

• Market Analysis: Conduct continuous market research to stay updated on industry trends, customer needs, and competitor activities. This ensures that AppInnovate Solutions can adapt and evolve to meet market demands.
• Customer Support: Provide exceptional customer service, including a responsive help desk, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides. This helps to resolve user issues promptly and maintains high customer satisfaction.
• App Development and Updates: Regularly update the app for performance improvements, new features, and bug fixes, based on user feedback and technological advancements.
• Quality Assurance: Implement rigorous testing processes for every update and new feature release to ensure the app remains reliable, user-friendly, and free of bugs.
• User Feedback Collection: Actively seek and analyze user feedback through surveys, app reviews, and social media engagement to understand user needs and preferences better.
• Marketing and Promotion: Execute targeted marketing campaigns to attract new users and retain existing ones. This includes social media marketing, email campaigns, and local advertising in Miami, FL.
• Financial Management: Monitor and manage the company’s finances, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, to ensure sustainable business operations and profitability.
• Partnership Management: Cultivate and maintain partnerships with other businesses, such as tech suppliers, marketing agencies, and other relevant stakeholders, to enhance service offerings and expand market reach.
• Compliance and Security: Ensure the app and its operations comply with legal and regulatory requirements, including data protection laws. Implement robust security measures to protect user data and privacy.
• Team Collaboration and Communication: Foster a collaborative work environment with regular meetings, clear communication channels, and team-building activities. This ensures that all team members are aligned and motivated.
• Performance Monitoring: Use analytics tools to monitor app performance, user engagement, and operational efficiency. This data will guide strategic decisions and operational adjustments.

AppInnovate Solutions expects to complete the following milestones in the coming months in order to ensure its success:

• Secure Initial Funding : Acquire seed funding or early-stage investment to cover initial operational costs, including development, marketing, and staffing. This is critical for getting the business off the ground and to support activities leading up to and following the launch.
• Finalize Product Development : Complete the development phase of the mobile app with all intended features functioning as planned. This involves iterative testing, user feedback incorporation, and ensuring the app is fully operational for public use.
• Acquire Necessary Licenses and Permissions : Depending on the nature of the app, certain permissions or licenses may be required. Ensuring all legal and regulatory compliance is met before launch is crucial to avoid any operational hiccups.
• Launch the Mobile App : Officially release the app on relevant platforms (e.g., Apple App Store, Google Play Store). This milestone marks the transition from development to operational status and begins the process of user acquisition.
• Implement a Marketing Strategy : Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing plan that includes social media, content marketing, paid advertising, and possibly influencer partnerships to increase app visibility and attract users in Miami, FL.
• Achieve Operational Stability : Ensure that all backend systems (e.g., server infrastructure) are robust and can handle increasing loads. Operational stability also involves establishing customer support channels to handle queries and feedback.
• Reach 1,000 Active Users : Achieve a user base of at least 1,000 active users. This milestone is critical for validating the app’s market fit and serves as a foundation for scalability.
• Establish Partnerships with Local Businesses or Organizations : For an app serving customers in Miami, FL, partnerships with local businesses or community organizations can enhance the app’s value proposition and drive user growth.
• Get to $15,000/Month in Revenue : This financial milestone is crucial for proving the business model’s viability. Achieving this level of revenue signifies a healthy demand for the app’s offerings and supports further investment in growth.
• Expand the Team : As the business grows, expanding the team to include roles critical for scaling, such as sales, marketing, and product development, is necessary to support and sustain growth. These milestones are designed to systematically reduce the risks associated with starting and scaling a new mobile app business, ensuring a stable foundation for future success.

AppInnovate Solutions management team, which includes the following members, has the experience and expertise to successfully execute on our business plan:

Dylan Torres, CEO

Dylan Torres brings to AppInnovate Solutions a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in the mobile app industry. As a seasoned entrepreneur, Torres has previously spearheaded a mobile app business, demonstrating not only his capability to navigate the complex landscape of app development but also his skill in leading a tech company to achieve its strategic goals. His experience is vital in guiding AppInnovate Solutions through the various phases of growth, from product development to market penetration. Torres’s leadership is foundational to the company’s ambitions, ensuring that the team stays focused on innovation, user experience, and scalability to achieve lasting success.

To achieve our growth objectives, AppInnovate Solutions requires $316,000 in funding. This investment will be allocated towards capital investments such as location buildout, equipment, and initial working capital, covering essential operational costs like staff salaries, marketing, and insurance. This strategic financial planning is crucial for supporting our activities from development through to launch, ensuring a smooth trajectory towards profitability and long-term success.

Financial Statements

Balance sheet.

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Income Statement

[insert income statement]

Cash Flow Statement

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Mobile App Business Plan Example PDF

Download our Mobile App Business Plan PDF here. This is a free mobile app business plan example to help you get started on your own mobile app plan.  

How to Finish Your Mobile App Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your mobile app business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

How To Write a Winning Mobile App Development Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for mobile app development businesses looking to improve their strategy or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every mobile app development business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Mobile App Business Plan Template

What is a Mobile App Development Business Plan?

A mobile app development business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Mobile App Development Business Plan?

A mobile app development business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Mobile App Development Business Plan

There are a few key components of a successful mobile app development business plan.

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a mobile app development business plan is a one- to two-page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your mobile app development company
• Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your mobile app development business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your mobile app development firm, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen mobile app development business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a mobile app development business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the mobile app development industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, a mobile app development business’ customers may include small businesses that need an app to increase their customer base and reach new markets.

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or mobile app development services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. Or you may promote your mobile app development business via word-of-mouth or by exhibiting at trade shows.

Operations Plan

This part of your mobile app development business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

You also need to include your company’s business policies in the operations plan. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a mobile app development business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include developing new products or services, launching a new website, hiring new employees, and so on.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific mobile app development industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you ar e missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Mobile App Development Company

Balance sheet.

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Mobile App Development Company

Cash flow statement.

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Cash Flow From Operations
• Cash Flow From Investments
• Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup mobile app development business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Mobile App Development Company

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your mobile app development company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

A well-written business plan is essential for any mobile app development company. It can attract investors, provide clarity and direction, and keep you organized and on track as you grow your business.

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Free Startup Business Plan Templates and Examples

By Joe Weller | May 6, 2020

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In this article, we’ve rounded up a variety of the top, professionally designed startup business plan templates, all of which are free to download in PDF, Word, and Excel formats.

Included on this page, you’ll find a one-page startup business plan template , a business plan outline template for startups , a startup business planning template with a timeline , and a sample startup business plan .

Startup Business Plan Template

Download Startup Business Plan Template - Word

Word | Smartsheet

This startup business plan template contains the essential components you need to convey your business idea and strategy to investors and stakeholders, but you can customize this template to fit your needs. The template provides room to include an executive summary, a financial overview, a marketing strategy, details on product or service offerings, and more.

One-Page Startup Business Plan Template

Download One-Page Startup Business Plan Template

Excel | Word | PDF

This one-page business plan is ideal for startup companies that want to document and organize key business concepts. The template offers an easy-to-scan layout that’s ideal for investors and stakeholders. Use this plan to create a high-level view of your business idea and as a reference as you flesh out a more detailed roadmap for your business.

For additional resources, visit " Free One-Page Business Plan Templates with a Quick How-To Guide ."

Simple Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan Template for Startups

Download Simple Fill-in-the-Blank Business Plan Template for Startups

This comprehensive fill-in-the-blank business plan template is designed to guide entrepreneurs through the process of building a startup business plan. This template comes with a customizable cover page and table of contents, and each section includes sample content that you can modify to fit the needs of your business. For more fill-in business templates, read our  "Free Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan Templates"  article.

Lean Business Plan Template for Startups

Download Lean Business Plan Template for Startups

This Lean business plan template takes a traditional business plan outline and extracts the most essential elements. Use this template to outline your company and industry overview, convey the problem you are solving, identify customer segments, highlight key performance metrics, and list a timeline of key activities.

Business Plan Outline Template for Startups

Download Business Plan Outline Template for Startups

You can use this business plan outline as a basis to create your own business plan. This template contains all the elements of a traditional business plan, including a title page, a table of contents, and information on what to include in each section. Simplify or expand this outline based on the size and needs of your startup business.

Startup Business Planning Template with Timeline

Download Startup Business Planning Template with Timeline

Excel | Smartsheet

As you create your business plan, this business planning template doubles as a schedule and timeline to track the progress of key activities. This template enables you to break down your plan into phases and provides space to include key tasks and dates for each task. For a visual timeline, shade in the cells according to each task’s start and end dates. The timeline ensures that your plan stays on track.

Business Plan Rubric Template for Startups

Download Business Plan Rubric Template for Startups

Excel | Word | PDF | Smartsheet

If you’re starting a business and want to keep all your ducks in a row, use this rubric to evaluate and score each aspect of your startup business plan. You can tailor this template to the needs of your specific business, and can also highlight areas of your plan that require improvement or expansion. Use this template as a tool to make sure your plan is clear, articulate, and organized. A sharp, insightful, well thought-out plan will definitely get the attention of potential investors and partners.

For additional resources to help support your business planning efforts, check out “Free Startup Plan, Budget, and Cost Templates.”

What’s the Best Business Plan Template for Startups?

The template you choose for your startup business depends on a number of factors, including the size and specific needs of your company. Moreover, as your business grows and your objectives change, you will need to adjust your plan (and possibly your choice of template) accordingly. 

Some entrepreneurs find it useful to use a Lean business plan template design in order to jot down a business concept and see if it’s feasible before pursuing it further. Typically one to three pages, a Lean business plan template encourages you to highlight core ideas and strategic activities and remain focused on key points.

Other entrepreneurs prefer a template with a more traditional business plan design, which allows you to go into greater detail and ensure you include every detail. A traditional plan can range from 10 to 100 pages and cover both the high-level and granular particulars of your overall concept, objectives, and strategy.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but the following section outlines the minimum that your business plan template should include in order to gain buy-in from potential investors.

What to Include in a Startup Business Plan

Whether you choose to use a template to develop your startup business plan or decide to write one from scratch, you need to include the following elements:

• An overview of your company and the industry in which it operates
• The problem you are solving and the proposed solution
• A description of your product or service offerings, including key features
• The existing alternatives that customers use and your competitive advantage
• The target customer segments and the channels you will use to reach them
• The cost structure and revenue streams associated with your business
• A financial plan, including sales and revenue projections (ideally 3-5 years)
• If applicable, the financial requirements to get your business running, including how you will source and allocate funds

Each of the following sections provides an example of a business plan that you can use for reference as you develop your own.

One-Page Lean Business Plan Example

This Lean business plan example displays a visually appealing and scannable one-page illustration of a business plan. It conveys the key strategies you need to meet your main objectives. Each element of this concise plan provides stakeholders and potential investors with links to resources that support and expand upon the plan’s details, and it can also serve as an investor pitch deck.

Startup Business Plan Sample

This business plan sample contains all the aspects of a standard business plan. Using a fictional food truck business as the basis for a startup business plan, this sample will give you all the ideas you need to make your plan outstanding.

Download Startup Business Plan Sample - PDF

When the time comes that you need more space to lay out your goals and strategies, choose from our variety of  free simple business plan templates . You can learn how to write a successful simple business plan  here . 

Visit this  free non-profit business plan template roundup  or of you are looking for a business plan template by file type, visit our pages dedicated specifically to  Microsoft Excel ,  Microsoft Word , and  Adobe PDF  business plan templates. Read our articles offering  free 30-60-90-day business plan templates  to find more tailored options.

Top 10 Tips to Create a Startup Business Plan

Putting together a business plan can be overwhelming and time consuming, especially if you aren’t sure where to begin. Below, we share tips you can use to help simplify the process of developing a startup business plan of your own. 

• Use a business plan template, or begin with a business plan outline that provides all the elements of a standard plan to get your ideas down on paper in a structured manner. (You can choose from the selection of templates above.)  
• Remove sections from your outline that aren’t relevant or that aren’t necessary to launch and operate your business.
• Compile the data you have gathered on your business and industry, including research on your target market and product or service offerings, details on the competitive landscape, and a financial plan that anticipates the next three to five years. Use that information to fill in the sections of your plan outline. 
• Get input and feedback from team members (e.g., finance, marketing, sales) and subject matter experts to ensure that the information you’ve included in the plan is accurate.
• Make certain that the objectives of your plan align with marketing, sales, and financial goals to ensure that all team members are moving in the same direction.
• Although this section of the plan comes first, write the executive summary last to provide an overview of the key points in your business plan.
• Prepare a pitch deck for potential clients, partners, or investors with whom you plan to meet in order to share vital information about your business, including what sets you apart and the direction you are headed. 
• Who are the founders and management executives, and what relevant experience do they bring to the table?
• What is the problem you are solving, and how is your solution better than what currently exists? 
• What’s the size of the market, and how much market share do you plan to capture?
• What are the trends in your market, and how are you applying them to your business?
• Who are your direct competitors, and what is your competitive advantage?
• What are the key features of your product or service that set it apart from alternative offerings, and what features do you plan to add in the future?
• What are the potential risks associated with your business, and how do you plan to address them?
• How much money do you need to get your business running, and how do you plan to source it?
• With the money you source, how do you plan to use it to scale your business?
• What are the key performance metrics associated with your business, and how will you know when you’re successful?
• Revisit and modify your plan on a regular basis as your goals and strategies evolve.
• Use a work collaboration tool that keeps key information across teams in one place, allows you to track plan progress, and captures updates in real time.

Successfully Implement Your Startup Business Plan with Real-Time Work Management in Smartsheet

Empower your people to go above and beyond with a flexible platform designed to match the needs of your team — and adapt as those needs change. 

The Smartsheet platform makes it easy to plan, capture, manage, and report on work from anywhere, helping your team be more effective and get more done. Report on key metrics and get real-time visibility into work as it happens with roll-up reports, dashboards, and automated workflows built to keep your team connected and informed. 

When teams have clarity into the work getting done, there’s no telling how much more they can accomplish in the same amount of time.  Try Smartsheet for free, today.

Discover why over 90% of Fortune 100 companies trust Smartsheet to get work done.

Go for Gold! Download this FREE App Startup Business Plan Template

If you have a Mobile App Idea and you are considering developing it one of the first things you would do is to create a Business Plan .

In this post, we take you through what is a business plan, why you would need a business plan and what exactly should go into a Business Plan with a handy downloadable App Startup Business Plan Template.

What is a Business Plan for an App Startup?

The main idea and concept behind a Business Plan for an App Startup is to critically evaluate whether it will be profitable to develop your unique and disruptive Mobile App Idea Concept. 

A Business Plan for an App Startup would traditionally include all the details required for an investor to obtain  firm grasp as to the commercial viability and ROI of the proposed Mobile App Idea Concept.

Your Business Plan should showcase your knowledge, skills and experience in the proposed business activity and also reveal insights from research findings that highlight the existing and future potential of your Mobile App Idea Concept very clearly. 

The more clarity and information provided that higher the chance to secure funding and investment.

A business plan is a formal document containing the goals of a business, the methods for attaining those goals, and the time-frame for the achievement of the goals. It also describes the nature of the business, background information on the organization, the organization’s financial projections, and the strategies it intends to implement to achieve the stated targets. In its entirety, this document serves as a road-map (a plan) that provides direction to the business.

Why would an App Startup need a Business Plan?

The core requirement for a Business Plan for a Mobile App Startup would be to secure funding and investment.

Potential investors, funders, backers, supporters and other stakeholders can all obtain information, data and insights they require to make a decision from a Business Plan.

A fully fledged business plan also helps provide your Mobile App Idea Concept with a structure, outline and plan that matches your expectation and vision.

By simply developing a Business Plan Mobile App Startups can have a clear and in depth understanding about the viability of their Mobile App Idea Concept, the existing and future conditions of the market and also raise and highlight areas that need to be looked into further and fleshed out in detail.

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What Goes into a Business Plan for an App Startup?

Below we feature the outline of a typical Mobile App Startup Business Plan:

App Startup Business Plan Template

• Table of Contents
• Executive Summary
• Provide some Statistics and Describe the Existing Problem
• Describe your Solution and Technology (How is it unique)
• Validation of the Concept (How will this Mobile App Idea Concept disrupt the market)
• Describe your Target Market and Size
• Describe your Marketing and Sales Strategy (How you will connect and convert your target market)
• Monetisation Strategy (How you will make money)
• Discuss the Funding Requirement and the Revenue Goals and Important Financial/ ROI Milestones briefly 
• Company Overview
• History of the Company
• Vision, Mission, Values
• Details of Incorporation
• Description of the Core Activities (Products and Services)
• Details of Key Assets, Branches and Locations
• Organisational Structure and Description 
• Introduction to the Core Team and Management
• Description of the Knowledge, Skills and Expertise available 
• SWOT and PEST Analysis
• A Detailed Description of the Company’s Revenue Streams
• Financial Highlights
• Key Success Factors
• Future Roadmap
• Market (Industry) Analysis
• Description of the Existing Market and Demand for your Mobile App Concept including statistics, facts and figures obtained from Primary Marketing Research
• What kind of Existing/Similar/Alternative products are available 
• What is the Future Market Growth Forecast
• Customer Analysis
• Who is the Target Market (demographics and psychographics) including statistics, facts and figures obtained from Primary Marketing Research
• How will you Reach and Acquire them
• What are their Spending and Purchasing Habits
• What do they Like and Dislike
• What will be the Pricing Structure and Strategy
• Competitor Analysis
• Who are the Main Competitors including statistics, facts and figures obtained from Primary Marketing Research
• What is their Performance and Market Share
• Porter’s Five Forces Analysis of the Competitive Environment
• What is your Competitive Advantage
• Marketing Strategy
• Describe the Marketing Objectives
• What Communication Channels will be used
• What will be the Key Marketing Message
• Describe the Digital Marketing Strategy including Social Media
• What is the Marketing Timeline, Phases and Milestones
• Pre Launch > Launch > Post Launch Marketing Activities
• How will Success be Measured
• Operational Plan
• Details about the Daily Operations of the Company
• Highlight Key Operations Managers and Coordinators
• Describe Operational systems, procedures, protocols and policies 
• Outline the Roles and Responsibilities of Operations Function
• Details of the future Operational Strategy of the Company
• Present Financial Position of the Company in Detail
• Balance Sheets / Profit & Loss Statements / Cash Flow Forecasts
• Company Assets Register
• Detailed Breakdown of Funding/Capital Required (Budget by Activity)
• How it will be Spent
• Monetisation Model (Premium, Freemium, Subscription etc.)
• What is the expected ROI
• Forecast of Future Revenue Streams and Expectations
• References and Bibliography

Download this App Startup Business Plan Template for FREE:

Success Checklist

• Be Simple and Clear
• Do Your Research and Gather Data
• Address all Topics
• Make your Business Plan sound Convincing
• Invest in an Attractive and Eye-catching Design
• Obtain the services of a Professional when Drafting
• Obtain the Feedback of Internal Stakeholders
• Edit and Improve
• Finalise and Share Widely

If you are serious about developing your Mobile App Idea Concept then a Business Plan is a must. It provides potential investors and backers all information they require to make a firm decision at a glance.

A thorough and comprehensive, well thought out and structured Business Plan can be just the solution to drive and progress your Mobile App Concept to the next level.

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Mobile App Business Plan Template

Writing a successful business plan for your mobile app business + template.

If you’re looking to start or grow a mobile app business, you need a business plan. Your plan will outline your business goals and strategies, and how you plan on achieving them. It will also detail the amount of funding you need, and if needed, present a case to investors and lenders regarding why they should invest in your business.

In this article, we’ll explain why you should invest the time and energy into creating a mobile app business plan, and provide you with a mobile app business plan template that includes an overview of what should be included in each section.

Why Write a Business Plan For a Mobile App Business?

There are many reasons to write a business plan for a mobile app company, even if you’re not looking for funding. A business plan can help you see potential pitfalls in your business strategy, as well as identify opportunities you may not have considered. It can also help you track your progress and adjust your plans as needed.

That said, if you are looking for funding, a business plan is essential. Investors and lenders want to see that you have a solid understanding of your industry, your customers, and your competition. They also want to know that you have a realistic view of your financial situation and how much money you’ll need to get started.

How To Write a Business Plan For a Mobile App Business

While every business plan is different, there are 10 essential components that all mobile app business plans should include:

Executive Summary

Company description, industry analysis, customer analysis, competitor analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to tailor this information to your specific type of mobile app business, but these 10 components should be included in every plan.

The executive summary is the first section of your business plan, but it’s often written last. This is because it provides an overview of the entire document.

In the executive summary, briefly explain what your business does, your business goals, and how you plan on achieving them. You should also include a brief overview of your financial situation, including how much money you’ll need to get started.

For organizational purposes, you could create headings for each main section of your business plan to highlight the key takeaways.

For example, your mobile app executive summary might look something like this:

Company Overview

[Insert Company Introduction / Short Summary]

Business Goals

[Insert Business Goals & How You Plan To Achieve Them]

Industry Overview

[Insert Industry Statistics on the Size of Your Market]

Competition

[Insert Overview of Competitors & Your Competitive Advantage]

[Insert Information About The Marketing Strategies You Will Use To Attract Clients/Customers]

Financial Overview

You can add and/or remove sections as needed, but these are the basics that should be included in every executive summary.

The next section of your mobile app business plan is the company description, where you’ll provide an overview of your business.

Include information about your:

• Company History & Accomplishments To Date

Mission Statement and/or Company Values

With regards to the company overview, here you will document the type of mobile app company you operate. For example, there are several types of mobile app companies such as:

• Developers (those who design and build apps)
• Publishers (those who market and sell apps)
• Enablers (those who develop the technology or platform that powers apps)

For example, a mobile app company description might look something like this:

We are an X type of mobile app company.

Company History

If an existing company: Since launching, our team has served X customers and generated $Y in revenue.

If startup: I conceived [company name] on this date. Since that time, we have developed the company logo, found potential space, etc. 

This is just an example, but your company description should give potential investors a clear idea of who you are, what you do, and why you’re the best at what you do.

The next section of your business plan is the industry analysis. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of the industry you’re in, as well as any trends or changes that might impact your business.

Questions you will want to answer include:

• What is the overall size of the mobile app industry?
• How is the industry growing or changing?
• What are the major trends affecting the mobile app industry?
• Who are the major players in the mobile app industry?

For example, your industry analysis might look something like this:

The size of the mobile app industry is expected to reach $XX billion by 20XX.

It is currently growing at an annual rate of XX% and is predicted to continue this growth in the future.

Major trends affecting the industry are:

– The continued growth of global smartphone usage

– The ever-changing landscape of the app store algorithms

– The rise of in-app purchase models

– The popularity of subscription-based models

How We Fit Into The Industry

This is just an example, but your industry analysis should give potential investors a clear idea of the overall industry, and how your company fits into that industry.

The next section of your mobile app business plan is the customer analysis. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of who your target customers are and what their needs are.

• Who are your target customers?
• What are their needs?
• How do they interact with your industry?
• How do they make purchasing decisions?

You want a thorough understanding of your target customers to provide them with the best possible products and/or services. Oftentimes, you will want to include the specific demographics of your target market, such as age, gender, income, etc., but you’ll also want to highlight the psychographics, such as their interests, lifestyles, and values.

This information will help you better understand your target market and how to reach them.

For example, your customer analysis might look something like this:

Target Market & Demographics

The demographic (age, gender, location, income, etc.) profile of our target mobile app customer is as follows: 

– Age: 18-24

– Gender: Male

– Location: Urban

– Income: $50,000-$100,000

Psychographics

Our core customer interests are as follows: 

– Technology: Mobile apps, smartphones, new technology adapters

– Music: Listening to music and going to concerts

– Lifestyle: Progressive and open-minded

– Values: Innovation, creativity and self-expression

– Gaming: Mobile and online gaming

In summary, your customer analysis should give potential investors a clear idea of who your target market is and how you reach them.

The next section of your business plan is the competitor analysis. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of who your major competitors are and their strengths and weaknesses.

• Who are your major competitors?
• What are their strengths and weaknesses?
• How do they compare to you?

You want to make sure that you have a clear understanding of your competition so that you can position yourself in the market. Creating a SWOT Analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) for each of your major competitors helps you do this. 

For example, your competitor analysis might look something like this:

Major Competitors

XYZ Company is our major competitor. Its offerings include this, this and this. Its strengths include XYZ, and its weaknesses include XYZ.

Competitive Advantage

Your competitor analysis should give potential lenders and investors a clear idea of who your major competitors are and how you compare to them.

The next section of your business plan is the marketing plan. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of your marketing strategy and how you plan on executing it.

Specifically, you will document your “4 Ps” as follows:

• Products/Services : Here is where you’ll document your product/service offerings.
• Price : Detail your pricing strategy here.
• Place : Document where customers will find you and whether you will use distribution channels (e.g., partnerships) to reach them.
• Promotion : Here you will document how you will reach your target customers. For instance, mobile app businesses often reach new customers via promotional tactics including online ads (e.g., Google AdWords), PR, social media marketing, etc.

For example, your marketing plan might look something like this:

Products/Services

We offer the following products/services: 

We will use a premium pricing strategy to establish ourselves as the highest quality brand.

We will serve customers directly and through a partnership with XYZ company.

As you can see, your marketing plan should give potential investors a clear idea of your marketing objectives, strategies, and tactics.

The next section of your business plan is the operations plan. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of your company’s day-to-day operations and how they will be structured.

• What are your company’s daily operations?
• How are your company’s operations structured?
• Who is responsible for each task?

Your operations plan should be detailed and concise. You want to make sure that potential investors have a clear understanding of your company’s day-to-day operations and how they are structured.

You will also include information regarding your long-term goals for your operations and how you plan on achieving them.

For example, your operations plan might look something like this:

Daily Operations

Our company’s daily operations include XYZ.

Operational Structure

Our company is structured as follows:

• Department 1
• Department 2
• Department 3

Each department is responsible for XYZ tasks.

Long-Term Goals

Our long-term goals for our operations are to achieve the following over the next five years.

Date 1: Goal 1

Date 2: Goal 2

Date 3: Goal 3

Date 4: Goal 4

Your operations plan should give readers a clear idea of your company’s day-to-day operations, how they are structured, and your long-term goals for the company.

The next section of your business plan is the management team. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of your management team and their experience.

• Who is on your management team?
• What are their qualifications?
• What is their experience?

Your management team ideally includes individuals who are experts in their respective fields. You want to make sure that lenders and investors have a clear understanding of your management team’s qualifications and experience, and feel they can execute on your plan.

For example, your management team might look something like this:

Our management team is comprised of the following X individuals with the following experience.

Team Member 1: 

Team member 1’s qualifications and experience include XYZ.

Team Member 2: 

Your management team should give potential lenders and investors a clear idea of who is on your team and how their qualifications and experience will help your company succeed.

The final core section of your business plan is the financial plan. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of your company’s financials.

• What are your company’s projected revenues?
• What are your company’s projected expenses?
• What is your company’s projected growth rate?
• How much funding do you need and for what purposes? For example, most startup mobile app businesses need outside funding for things like initial app development costs, marketing, and operations.

Your financial plan should give potential investors a clear understanding of your company’s financials. While you may include a summary of this information in this section, you will include full financial statements in the appendix of your business plan.

For example, your financial plan might look something like this:

Our company’s projected revenues over the next five years are $XYZ.

Expenses & Net Income

Our company’s projected expenses and net income over the next five years are $XYZ.

Uses of Funding

This is just an example, but your financial plan should give potential investors a clear idea of your company’s financial projections.

The final section of your business plan is the appendix. In this section, you’ll need to provide any additional information that was not included in the previous sections.

This may include items such as:

• Full financial statements
• Resumes of key management team members
• Letters of reference
• Articles or press releases
• Marketing materials
• Product information
• Any other relevant information

By including this information in the appendix, you are allowing potential investors and lenders to learn more about your company.

In summary, writing a mobile app business plan is a vital step in the process of starting and/or growing your own business.

A business plan will give you a roadmap to follow. It can also help you attract investors and partners.

By following the tips outlined in this article, you can be sure that your business plan will be effective and help you achieve your goals.

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Mobile App Development Business Plan

Start your own mobile app development business plan

Value Proposition

AppHero provides cutting-edge, tailor-made app development solutions to businesses, helping them expand their reach and boost customer engagement through seamless, user-friendly mobile applications.

The Problem

Businesses seeking to enhance their digital presence struggle to find reliable, affordable, and high-quality app development services that can deliver customized mobile applications that meet their specific needs.

The Solution

AppHero offers comprehensive app development services, including consultation, design, development, testing, and maintenance, to deliver fully customized, high-quality mobile applications that cater to each client’s unique business requirements and target audience.

Target Market

The primary market for AppHero is small and medium-sized businesses looking to establish or improve their mobile presence. The secondary target market includes startups in need of app development services to launch their innovative ideas into the market.

Small and medium-sized businesses are the primary target market:

• They require affordable yet high-quality app development solutions.
• They want a reliable partner to guide them through the app development process.
• They need customized mobile applications that cater to their unique business needs and audience preferences.

Competitors & Differentiation

Current alternatives.

• Freelance app developers
• Other app development agencies
• In-house app development teams

AppHero stands out from the competition by offering fully customized app development solutions, a dedicated team of experienced professionals, and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. Our transparent pricing model, coupled with our efficient project management approach, ensures that clients receive high-quality mobile applications within their budget and timeline.

Funding Needs

AppHero requires $100,000 in initial funding to cover operating expenses, marketing efforts, software and hardware purchases, and other startup costs.

Sales Channels

• Official AppHero website
• Social media platforms
• Networking events
• Referrals from existing clients

Marketing Activities

• Content marketing through blog posts and articles
• Social media campaigns
• Google Ads and targeted advertising
• Partnerships with industry influencers

Financial Projections

• 2023: $250,000
• 2024: $375,000
• 2025: $525,000

Expenses/Costs:

• 2023: $175,000
• 2024: $225,000
• 2025: $300,000
• 2023: $75,000
• 2024: $150,000
• 2025: $225,000
• Secure initial funding – June 1, 2023
• Launch official AppHero website – July 15, 2023
• Acquire first 10 clients – September 30, 2023
• Complete 20 app development projects – December 31, 2023
• Expand team with additional developers – March 1, 2024
• Reach $500,000 in annual revenue – December 31, 2025

Team and Key Roles

Ceo & lead developer:.

Oversees overall business operations, client management, and leads the app development team.

Project Manager:

Coordinates app development projects, ensuring timely delivery, and efficient resource allocation.

UI/UX Designer:

Creates visually appealing, user-friendly app interfaces that meet client requirements.

Marketing Manager:

Develops and executes marketing strategies to attract new clients and enhance brand visibility.

Partnerships & Resources

The purpose of these partnerships and resources is to enhance AppHero’s capabilities, reputation, and reach in the app development industry. Collaborating with these organizations and leveraging their expertise will allow us to deliver more comprehensive solutions to our clients, stay updated on the latest industry trends and technologies, and contribute to the growth of our brand.

• Technology Partners: Aligning with leading technology companies such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft will allow AppHero to access the latest developer tools, resources, and training programs. These partnerships will enable us to stay up-to-date with the latest platform updates, ensuring our apps remain compatible and optimized for various devices and operating systems.
• Design Agencies: Partnering with design agencies will help us provide an exceptional user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) designs for our clients’ apps. These collaborations will ensure that our apps not only function flawlessly but also deliver visually appealing and user-friendly experiences.
• Digital Marketing Firms: Collaborating with digital marketing firms will enable AppHero to offer our clients end-to-end solutions, including app promotion, user acquisition, and engagement strategies. These partnerships will help our clients maximize the potential of their apps, driving downloads and user engagement.
• Industry Associations: Joining app development industry associations such as the Application Developers Alliance or the International Game Developers Association will provide AppHero with networking opportunities, access to industry events, and valuable resources. These memberships will also increase our credibility and showcase our commitment to delivering high-quality app development services.
• Educational Institutions: Partnering with local colleges and universities can help AppHero recruit talented graduates and interns, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled app developers. These partnerships may also present opportunities for collaborating on research projects or offering guest lectures, further strengthening our ties to the local tech community.
• Mentorship & Incubator Programs: Participating in mentorship programs and joining startup incubators can provide AppHero with valuable guidance, resources, and networking opportunities. These initiatives can help us refine our business strategy, connect with potential clients or investors, and gain insights into industry best practices.

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How to Start an App Business in (2024): Step-by-Step Guide

Matthew Khalili

19 Min Read

Are you a startup enthusiast with a brilliant business idea? Or do you want to expand your current business by getting digital?

Well, whatever your motivation is, developing an app is a promising way to translate your business idea into a successful business.

An average American adult spends nearly 88% of their total phone time on mobile apps. This leaves ample space for mobile app businesses to flourish, grow and develop.

Now, don’t let your lack of technical expertise stop you from starting an app. It is possible to not only start an app business but turn it successful if you follow the proper way.

If you are wondering how to start an app business, this blog is a perfect guide.

So without any further ado, let’s get started.

How much money do you need to start a mobile app business?

The cost of starting a mobile app in the US varies between $38,725-$267,850 and more. However, the cost can extend up to $500,000 or more depending on the complexity and scope of your SaaS app.

These costs are highly influenced by factors such as development costs, the complexity of the app, location, and much more.

Pros and Cons of Starting a Mobile App Business

Starting an app business is indeed a rewarding venture. However, like every business, there are both pros and cons to starting a mobile app company.

• Global reach: Easier to tap into the international market and capture a worldwide audience.
• Scalability: Easy scalability to accommodate more features, users, and new trends.
• Low overhead: Less operational and overhead expenses.
• Competition: Intensely competitive marketplace with millions of existing apps.
• Rapid technological changes: Demands constant updates to stay relevant.
• Monetization challenges: The easy availability of free apps makes vcc3 monetization difficult.

A Complete Guide to Starting an App Business

Table of contents.

• Research and validate your app idea
• Brainstorm a mobile app name
• Create an app business plan
• Secure seed funding for your app business (optional)
• Choosing a mobile app development platform
• Develop an app
• Register your app business
• Apply for business licenses and permits
• Get business insurance
• Apply for a bank account & business credit cards
• Pre-launch and mobile app marketing strategy
• Develop a monetization plan
• Build a team as you grow
• Make your app available in app stores
• Release timely app updates

Developing an app might be easier. However, starting a successful app business isn’t. Let’s uncover every detail that goes into starting an app business, right from idea validation to gathering user feedback to testing new ideas.

1. Research and validate your app idea

The first step in creating a sustainable cutting-edge application is to conduct a thorough market research. The quality research at this step will essentially lay the foundation for the success of your mobile application.

Ensure cover a detailed analysis of the following to create a fresh, innovative, and problem-solving solution for your audience:

• Target audience: Identify your target users and analyze their pain points with current solutions. Assess the market size for your solution and determine your targeted available market (TAM).
• Competitors: Identify your potential competitors and assess their standing in the market. Discover problems with their mobile apps and see if your solution fills the gap.
• Failed application analysis: Don’t only choose a successful app for your analysis. Look after failed applications and see where and what they did wrong to avoid the same mistakes in your application.

At this step, simultaneously, you will also work on validating your mobile app idea. The idea behind this entire analysis is to ensure that you chase a problem that’s real and demands a solution.

Instead of jumping in with the first idea, it is better to ideate, analyze, and then finalize an app idea that is better than the rest. Remember to give every idea an equal chance before scraping it off entirely.

Find an appropriate product-market fit for the validated idea and rework the areas where there is a scope for improvement.

Now, with your validated idea move ahead and brainstorm a name for your mobile application.

2. Brainstorm a mobile app name

Before you move to complex parts and start development, finalize the name of your mobile application. However, finding the right name is a struggle in itself.

Now, if you are already operating as a successful business, launch your app with the same name. This will make it easier for your existing customers to find you.

However, if you are launching a new business, here are a few suggestions that can help you brainstorm the perfect name for your app development company:

• Brainstorm the keywords that reflect your business offering. For instance, if you are launching an app in the health and fitness segment, include related keywords in your app name.
• Choose a simple, easy-to-recall and easy-to-spell name.
• Choose a short name. Different app stores have character limits. So better brainstorm the ideas within that range.
• Don’t use heavy jargon or phrases in the name.
• Use online name generators to find name ideas.
• Ask for suggestions from creative people in your social circles to finalize a perfect name.

Overall, keep your brand values and its value proposition in mind and find a name that’s a reflection of those values.

Also, ensure that the name is unique and is available for registration. If you are planning to register the business with some other name, finalize that as well.

Want a Unique Name for your Mobile App Business?

Generate a brandable and catchy business name in seconds with our free business name generator for mobile app businesss.

3. Create an app business plan

From determining the business strategy to executing app development to financing to launching the application and marketing- a lot needs to be planned, executed, and monitored while starting your own app.

Creating a mobile app business plan ensures that you understand the market thoroughly and have every step figured out to withstand the changing tides of the mobile app industry.

Moreover, if you are planning to raise funds for your mobile application, having a well-crafted app plan will give you the edge over other app developers.

Wondering what goes into writing a comprehensive app plan? Here are the most crucial components your business plan must include:

• Executive summary
• Business Overview
• Mobile app industry analysis
• Mobile app services
• Marketing and sales strategy
• Operations plan
• Key management team
• Financial plan

Writing a cohesive actionable business plan is a taxing job. It requires in-depth detailing to present your business idea thoroughly.

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4. Secure seed funding for your app business (optional)

Now, you need money for app development and other activities to turn those ideas into a reality.

Assess your monetary position and check if you require additional funds to start with the mobile app development. If so, how much?

Seek out a small loan from family members and friends to avoid any burden of repayment and high-interest rates initially. However, if that’s not the choice, identify the available funding sources and determine the best options for your needs.

Here are a few options for you to consider:

• Crowdfunding
• Angel Investors
• Venture Capitalist firms
• Credit card financing

If you are planning to seek funding from investors, you need to present a pitch of your business idea. For a certain stake in your business, they will provide you with equity.

However, you can always start small and seek funding from outside as you scale the app further.

5. Choosing a mobile app development platform

To begin the app development, first, finalize the ideal platform for your mobile app. All the mobile apps in the market have used one of these 3 app development processes to create apps:

Native apps

Native applications are developed to run on specific devices and operating systems. Such apps have access to the native device’s API, thereby, allowing you to build high-performance apps with a highly refined interface.

These apps are expensive to develop since you need different outputs for different operating systems. But they can be found easily by your target users for downloading. For reference, 80% of mobile traffic is generated through Native mobile apps.

Undertake the market research to gather an in-depth understanding of both the app stores- Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Assess the number of Android apps and iOS apps and the market share and revenue position of these platforms to make an informed choice.

For instance, as of 2023, there were more than 3.6 million Android apps and 1.8 million iOS apps on Play Store and Apple Store respectively.

Identify if your potential app users use Android or Apple devices and also consider the suitability of your native app with a respective operating system.

PWA (progressive web apps)

PWA is a hybrid of web pages and mobile applications. It is a web app that offers users a similar kind of experience to native apps.

These apps require no download and are indexed on search engines. They don’t require access to native device APIs to perform and are perfect for app businesses that require frequent updates.

It’s easier to target more customers with PWA than a native app and it is comparatively cheap to develop.

However, since the PWA’s don’t use native device’s API, it has a comparatively low performance in terms of features compared to native apps.

Lastly, there is an option of hybrid apps for you to consider. An app builder will help you build a cross-platform app for both platforms simultaneously using the same code.

Successful app business launches both Android app and ios app of their app to cater to a larger target audience.

Now allocate the resources depending on the app development method you choose.

6. Develop an app

Have you planned to develop a native app? If so, are you planning to develop an Android app, or iOS app, or both?

After choosing between native, PWA, and hybrid apps, it is now time to gather the resources and start working on the app development.

Here are 3 different methods to choose your development method:

Build your own app

This is perhaps the best method of cost-effective development, if you have proficiency in different programming languages, prior experience in building your own apps, and some time to invest.

Hire a freelancing app developer/ app development agency or an in-house team of app developers

If you are someone with no technical background, you need a bunch of people to undertake the development of your app ideas.

This method is costly. However, you can expect to have complete control over your product and its development.

Use an app builder

Similar to content management systems like WordPress, an app builder allows you to build a website without writing a single line of code. Watch how the user interface of your app turns out while the app builder builds it in real time.

As much as you focus on development, also draw your attention towards delivering a delightful user experience. Hire designers to help you attain a modern and intuitive user experience.

It takes anywhere between 6-10 months to turn your app ideas into a successful product. Follow this app development process to get a structurally correct product:

• Develop a minimum viable product
• Develop a wireframe
• Choose your programming language
• Start the coding
• Work on app design
• Test the app

Now, create a timeline for the launch and get the actual product ready.

7. Register your app business

Now, it’s time to give your mobile app business a legal identity. Register your business in these easy steps:

Select a business entity

A business entity is the legal structure of your business. The business structure you choose will determine the taxes, liabilities, and state regulations of your business.

Here are a few different entities you can choose for your mobile app business:

• Sole proprietorship
• LLC (Limited Liability Company)
• Partnership
• Corporation

Now, each of these entities has its own benefits and cons. Identify the suitable entity structure for your mobile application after thorough consideration.

LLCs and Corporations are more suited for businesses in a way that separates you from your business and keeps your liabilities under control.

Also, consider what are the prevalent business structures if you want to acquire funding from investors.

Apply for tax registration & business EIN

Now, quickly proceed with tax registration and get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through an IRS portal .

The 9-digit EIN is like a social security number that allows you to open business bank accounts, apply for credit cards, fill the tax forms, and pay salaries.

Once the registration is complete, you go ahead and acquire the essential licenses and permits.

8. Apply for business licenses and permits

Business licenses and permits ensure that your mobile app business is legally compliant and sound. Depending on the nature of your app, its industry, functionality, and the area of operation; research and identify the essential licenses for your business.

Here are a few licenses and permits you must acquire for the mobile app business:

• Industry-specific licenses: Depending on your industry, i.e. gambling, healthcare, beauty, fashion, etc. get the licenses required in that specific trade.
• Zoning permits: If you are getting a commercial place for your app business, get essential building permits. Even if you are going to operate from home, check if your state requires zoning permits for home businesses.
• Software development license: Depending on your state of operation, you may be required to get a software development license to commence development.
• Sales tax permit: To sell physical and digital products, you may need a sales tax permit to accept and remit sales tax.
• Data protection and privacy compliance: Since you will be collecting personal and sensitive information from the users, you will be required to follow data privacy compliances applicable to your business—for instance, CCPA, GDPR, etc.

Hire a professional to look after these matters. Non-compliance with any rule may lead to extremely high penalties and fines.

9. Get business insurance

Insurance is not essential for compliance. However, it will safeguard your business against potential casualties and risks involved in the business.

Here are a few insurance you must consider getting:

• General liability insurance: If there is one insurance you must get, it is this. It offers protection against property damage, injuries, and a variety of business aspects that require coverage.
• Professional liability insurance: If you are going to provide services with your app, get yourself this insurance. It will protect against claims of professional negligence.
• Worker’s compensation insurance: For an app development business that will hire employees on a salaried basis, this license is mandatory. It’s a coverage plan for your employees.
• Cyber liability insurance: Since your business is going to operate in a digitized space, you need a license that protects your business in case of a security breach or leak of information.

Consider your requirements and acquire industry-specific insurance for your mobile app business.

10. Apply for a bank account & business credit cards

Set up a separate accounting system to keep your business and personal expenses separate. This will help you maintain your finances and will also ease the process of filing taxes.

Using that EIN number open a business bank account. Determine the best banking system that will work for your business. And also, apply for a business credit card.

Consistent credit card use will build your credit history and will help acquire loans in the future.

11. Pre-launch and mobile app marketing strategy

Making a perfect app is not enough. It needs to be marketed to the right audience through the right tactics to get traction and downloads.

Start working on your branding and marketing strategy before your app hits the app store. All the buzz and hype you create at this stage will help you when the app actually makes a launch.

Here are the marketing elements you should get in line with before launching your app on the app store:

• Clearly define your branding elements. What kind of image would you like to create in the market? Develop the app’s logo, designs, colors, and overall user interface keeping the branding in mind. Also, ensure that you deliver a consistent brand image through all your marketing channels.
• Identify where will you find your target audience. Will they be more responsive to social media or emails? Do they prefer written content or video content? Are they approachable through any offline channels?
• Create a landing page to promote the app and its features. A well-built landing page with correct strategic placements can be an invaluable asset in getting the desired outreach.
• Get in touch with influencers from your industry and collaborate with them to market your app.
• Create a content bank of content that can be reused for multiple purposes.
• Participate in industry-specific events and seminars to get in touch with your people.

Be generous with the marketing budget and put your app marketing plan into action.

Lastly, never put all your eggs in one basket. Try different marketing strategies and eliminate the non-useful ones as you monitor and analyze the results.

12. Develop a monetization plan

Are you planning to make money directly or through your app? If that’s the case, start thinking about a suitable app monetization model.

Here are a few methods popularly followed by other apps on iOS App Store and Play Store.

• In-app purchases: In-app purchases are for businesses that aim to sell physical or digital products through apps. Consider them as e-commerce apps that facilitate sales for your products.
• Freemium: These are downloadable free apps on the app store. However, only certain contents of these apps are free.  In this method, you earn when a user pays for paid content after using the free version.
• Subscription: You generate weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual revenue by getting repeated subscriptions for your services.
• Paid apps: These apps aren’t available for free download. The user pays a certain fee to download the app and access its content.
• In-app ads: You can generate revenue by renting out advertising space on your app. However, ensure that you don’t sacrifice the user’s experience in this chase.

Each of these monetization models has its advantages and disadvantages. Identify the monetization methods used by your competitors or applications offering similar services. And plan your strategies accordingly.

13. Build a team as you grow

Don’t build a large team right from the beginning. Ideally, get the basic development of your app through freelancers or remote app developers.

Depending on whether you plan to launch an app on the Apple app store or Google Play Store, you will hire professional experts in respective programming languages.

Focus on a small but highly qualified team. Get the work like accounting, legalities, and marketing outsourced.

App development is a costly affair. You better plan the entire development process hourly to keep track of project completion.

14. Make your app available in app stores

You have come a long way. From undertaking market research for your app idea to preparing MVP and developing the app, you finally have your app ready to be launched.

Now you work on your app store optimization to make the app discoverable on app stores. The app market is intensely competitive. Whether you plan to launch an app on Apple’s app store or Google Play store, an optimized app stands a higher chance of being organically visible.

Here are a few things to consider while performing app store optimization:

• App name: Optimize your unique app name within its character limit. The character limit for an iPhone app is 50 while that for an Android app is 30.
• Keyword optimization: Add the relevant search terms of your app to make it easily discoverable.
• App icon: Use a clear distinct icon to your app to create a recalling power.
• Description: Add a captivating description of your app describing its features and benefits. Use bullet points, headers, and subheadings to keep the information easily scannable.
• Screenshots: Add important screenshots from your app design to help users understand what they can expect.
• Video: Add a video of your web app defining its clear purpose, message, and value proposition to connect with the users.

Manage your app store optimization by understanding the requirements of different platforms and making your apps available on app stores.

15. Release timely app updates

Launch the app as soon as your MVP is ready. Don’t wait for the development to end so that you have all the features ready. Focus on essential features and deliver them with your MVP.

Test the app on early adopters and gather the user data for performance on different mobile devices. It will provide invaluable user feedback from further development.

Launching the app is not the end of your app-building process. You need to regularly roll out updates, fix the bugs, and run beta testing of new features to stay ahead in the app market.

Ideally, an app development company should roll out new updates every 3 to 4 months.

Related Mobile App Resources

• Cost to Start an App Business
• Mobile App Business Plan

Time to take the first step and validate your app idea. Already validated? Well, let’s build a solid foundation for your business idea by writing a stellar app business plan.

Writing a plan will ensure that there is no oversight in app planning and you get a clear direction to run your app business.

Upmetrics offers 400+ sample business plan examples for businesses from varying industries. These examples are perfect for writing a detailed and comprehensive business plan.

Now use our Upmetrics app business plan sample and get started.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks, AI-assistance, and automatic financials make it easy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need technical skills to start an app business.

Yes, you can start an app business without any technical skills. There is a variety of app maker that allows you to build an app with simple drag-and-drop options. Moreover, you can always hire a technical partner to look after app development and its complexities.

What platforms should I target for my app (iOS, Android, both)?

Whether to make an Android or an iOS app or launch an app on both platforms, depends largely on your target audience. Conduct research and understand whether your app users will belong to the Android or iPhone cohort. If you can generate a reasonable user base from both platforms, you can consider making a hybrid app.  

How do I create a business plan for my app startup?

To create a business plan for your app startup, begin by undertaking thorough and detailed market research. Now, translate your ideas onto a paper covering the key fundamentals of a plan. Writing a plan can be difficult. So, it’s better to use templates and plan builders that will help you write a compelling actionable plan.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when starting an app business?

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when starting an app business:

• Working on too many ideas
• Delaying the launch
• Not marketing it enough
• Not paying enough attention to the user interface

How can I secure funding for my app startup?

Apart from personal savings, here are a few funding options for you to consider:

• Venture Capital Firms
• Credit line
• Friends and Family

How can I monetize my app and generate revenue?

Here are a few ways to generate revenue through your mobile app:

• Offering a freemium model.
• Offering in-app purchases for additional access and services.
• Making it a paid app.
• Generating revenue through ads in your business.
• Getting sponsorships on the app.

About the Author

Matthew Khalili is an experienced business planning expert and the founder of The Plan Writers. With over a decade of experience in the field, he has helped numerous entrepreneurs in creating investor-ready pitch decks and business plans. Matt has enabled 5000+ startups to raise over $1 billion through his business plan, market research, and financial modeling services. Read more

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Popular Templates

Mobile App Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

Mobile App Business Plan

If you have a mobile app startup or want to expand your current mobile app business, you clearly need a business plan.

The following mobile app business plan template and example give you the key elements to include in a winning plan.

You can download the Mobile App business plan template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.

Mobile App Business Plan Example

Below are links to a sample of each of the key sections of a solid business plan for a mobile app development company:

• Executive Summary – The Executive Summary provides an overview of the mobile app business and its goals. If you are seeking funding, this is the first section that a potential investor or lender will read, so it should be compelling.
• Company Overview – In this section of your business plan, you should provide a detailed description of your mobile app business including the history, mobile app concept, business model, mission statement, and the company’s growth plan.
• Industry Analysis – In the Industry Analysis section, you will describe the mobile app industry including recent developments, market research and trends, and the competitive landscape.
• Customer Analysis – The Customer Analysis section of a business plan for an app will provide details about your target audience including their demographics, needs, and preferences.
• Competitive Analysis – In the Competitive Analysis section, you will provide information about the strengths and weaknesses of your direct competitors (other mobile app businesses) and how you will establish your competitive advantage to gain market share.
• Marketing Plan – The Marketing Plan will detail the monetization strategy for your mobile application and how your company will promote your mobile apps and/or development services. This includes a comprehensive digital marketing strategy to reach your target customers on multiple platforms (Google Play, Apple Store, etc.).
• Operations Plan – The Operations Plan outlines the day-to-day operations of your mobile app business. This includes information about how you will manage your team and develop, launch, and support your mobile applications.
• Management Team – In the Management Team section, you will outline the qualifications and experience of your executive team members and advisory team.
• Financial Plan – The Financial Plan section will include a 5-year financial model and projections (income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement). This is important to show potential investors and lenders that you have a viable plan for the mobile app business.

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Mobile App Business Plan Outline

More From Forbes

How To Start Writing A Business Plan That Works

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For the entrepreneur, knowing how to start writing a business plan can be as exhilarating as it is overwhelming. The business plan is a foundational document and the blueprint of your business and is critical for securing funding, setting clear goals, and communicating your vision to the world.

Let’s explore the significance of a business plan, the essential elements it should include, and strategies to forge a plan that resonates with stakeholders and steers your business toward success.

Whether you are about to launch your first business or need to revitalize an existing business strategy, a business plan provides the foundation that supports your entrepreneurial journey.

Why a Business Plan Is Needed

A business plan is not solely for the benefit of a bank manager or an investor . The business plan is a document that helps bring clarity to your vision and can guide every decision and strategy within your company.

A well written business plan forces you to put your goals and ideas into concrete, manageable steps. It cuts through the noise, ensuring you stay focused on what truly matters for your business’s growth.

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For startups looking to secure that critical initial investment, a business plan is often the first point of reference for potential backers. It’s a chance to sell your vision, show your financial acumen, and demonstrate a roadmap to profit.

Identifying potential pitfalls early is a vital aspect of proactive business ownership. A good business plan helps you prepare for the unexpected and develop strategies to mitigate risk and safeguard the longevity of your business.

Setting clear, measurable goals in your business plan provides a framework for tracking your progress. This will give you the insight needed to pivot or double down on strategies as the market dictates.

Creating Your Story

Before you start drafting sections and compiling data, step back and consider the story of your business. Your plan should be like a good book, with a clear narrative arc that compels the reader from the first sentence to the last.

Any good story is rooted in an understanding of the world it inhabits. Your business's narrative begins with a comprehensive analysis of the industry in which you operate, as well as the consumers you aim to serve.

Think about how you define your unique selling proposition (USP) . What sets your business apart from competitors? All good stories have a unique twist, and your business plan should articulate what makes your venture different from, and better than, the competition.

Introduce your team into the story. Highlight their expertise, experience, and any relevant achievements that lend credibility to the business’s ability to execute on its vision.

Writing Your Business Plan Is Just the Beginning

A business plan can span from a quick roadmap sketched on the back of a napkin to a hefty document carefully crafted to align with industry standards. Regardless of size, it should contain certain fundamental elements .

The act of writing a business plan, while pivotal, is just the first step in an ongoing process of refinement and execution.

Here’s how to make sure your business plan is a living document:

1. Regular reviews and updates

Markets shift, consumer behavior changes, and your business will grow. Your plan must evolve with these factors, which makes regular reviews and updates a must-do.

2. Be realistic

It’s essential to be both ambitious and realistic in your plan. Don’t over-inflate projections or underestimate costs. An unrealistic plan is as unattractive to investors as a lack of vision and ambition.

3. Seek professional input

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Experienced business advisors, accountants, and mentors can provide invaluable feedback and spot issues you may have missed.

4. Start small

Your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. Write down your initial thoughts, outline your ideas, and refine them over time. Starting with a large plan can be intimidating but working on it gradually can be a more manageable and effective approach.

The bottom line is that writing a business plan can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach and attention to detail, you can create a document that not only articulates your vision but actively works to make that vision a reality. It’s a living, breathing narrative that outlines your business’s course of action, and should be treated with care and enthusiasm.

Melissa Houston, CPA is the author of Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Creating a Profitable Business . She is the founder of She Means Profit, which is a podcast and blog . As a Finance Strategist for small business owners, Melissa helps successful business owners increase their profit margins so that they keep more money in their pocket and increase their net worth.

The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace any professional or expert accounting and/or tax advice whatsoever.

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50 Startup Templates to Guide Your Startup Journey

Starting a new venture can be both thrilling and challenging, and having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ve curated a collection of essential templates designed to simplify every aspect of your startup journey. Whether you’re in the initial planning stages or navigating growth and innovation, these startup templates are here to streamline your processes, boost efficiency, and set you on the path to success.

Templates for Situational Analysis

Startups can use the following templates to gain valuable insights into their business environment, enabling them to make informed decisions and develop effective strategies for success.

Learn how to conduct an effective situation analysis with our easy guide to performing an situation analysis .

1. SWOT Analysis

SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool used to identify and understand the internal and external factors that can impact your startup. It helps in identifying areas of advantage, areas needing improvement, potential opportunities for growth, and potential threats to success.

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2. PESTLE Analysis

PESTLE stands for Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental factors. A PESTLE analysis is a framework used to analyze the external macro-environmental factors that can impact a business. It helps in understanding the broader context in which a business operates and identifying potential risks and opportunities arising from these factors.

3. Customer Journey Map

A customer journey map is a visual representation of the steps and stages a customer goes through when interacting with a product, service, or brand. It helps startups understand the customer experience from initial awareness through to post-purchase support, enabling them to identify pain points, opportunities for improvement, and moments of truth.

4. Buyer Persona

A buyer persona is a fictional representation of a typical user of a product or service. It is based on research and data about real users and helps businesses understand the needs, goals, behaviors, and preferences of their target audience. Buyer personas are used to inform product development, marketing strategies, and user experience design.

5. Perceptual Map

A perceptual map is a visual representation of how consumers perceive competing products or brands relative to each other based on certain attributes or dimensions. It helps businesses understand their position in the market and identify opportunities for differentiation.

6. BCG Matrix

The BCG (Boston Consulting Group) Matrix is a strategic planning tool used to analyze a company’s portfolio of products or business units based on their market growth rate and relative market share. It categorizes products or business units into four quadrants: Stars, Cash Cows, Question Marks, and Dogs, each requiring different strategies for management.

7. Competitive Analysis

Competitive analysis is the process of identifying, evaluating, and understanding the strengths, weaknesses, strategies, and performance of competitors in the market. It helps businesses identify competitive threats and opportunities, benchmark their own performance, and develop effective strategies for differentiation and competitive advantage.

8. Customer Segmentation

A customer segmentation template is a tool used to divide a market into distinct groups of customers with similar characteristics, needs, behaviors, or preferences. It helps businesses tailor their marketing strategies, products, and services to better meet the needs of different customer segments.

Templates for Business Planning & Development

These planning and development templates provide structured frameworks for organizing and executing various aspects of launching and growing a new business. And they help entrepreneurs outline their business goals, strategies, and operational plans in a systematic manner.

9. Lean Canvas

A one-page business plan format that helps startups quickly and efficiently define and communicate their business model, focusing on key elements such as customer segments, problems, solutions, unique value propositions, channels, revenue streams, cost structure, and key metrics.

10. Business Model Canvas

Business model canvas is a strategic management and entrepreneurial tool that allows businesses to describe, design, challenge, invent, and pivot their business model in a visual format. It includes nine building blocks: customer segments, value propositions, channels, customer relationships, revenue streams, key resources, key activities, key partnerships, and cost structure.

11. Business Plan

A comprehensive document outlining the startup’s mission, vision, target market, value proposition, marketing strategy, financial projections, and other key aspects of the business. You can use the business plan template when preparing to launch the startup or seeking funding, to provide a detailed roadmap and justification for the business strategy and financial projections.

12. Organizational Chart

A graphical representation of the startup’s structure, illustrating the hierarchy of roles and reporting relationships within the organization. It can be used when hiring employees or scaling the team, to define roles and responsibilities and establish clarity in reporting lines.

13. Process Map

The process map visual representation of the startup’s workflows and processes, detailing the sequence of steps involved in delivering a product or service or internal service. Use it to visualize and document key processes within the organization when optimizing operational efficiency or onboarding new employees.

14. Budget Planning

A tool for business planning and managing the startup’s finances , including revenue projections, expense forecasts, and allocation of funds across various categories. It comes in handy when setting financial goals, creating budgets for different departments or projects, or tracking expenses to ensure financial health and sustainability.

15. Profit and Loss Statement

Profit and loss template is a financial statement that summarizes the startup’s revenues, costs, and expenses over a specified period, resulting in either a profit or loss. Use it when evaluating the financial performance of the startup, monitoring profitability, and making informed decisions about resource allocation and business strategy.

16. Marketing Plan

This outlines the startup’s marketing objectives, strategies, tactics, and budget allocation to reach and engage with its target audience effectively. The marketing plan is useful when launching a new product or service, entering new markets, or scaling marketing efforts, to create a cohesive and data-driven plan for reaching and converting customers.

17. Social Media Strategy

A framework for planning and implementing the startup’s social media marketing efforts, including goals, target audience, content strategy, and performance metrics. You can use it when establishing or optimizing the startup’s presence on social media platforms, to build brand awareness, drive engagement, and generate leads or sales.

18. Content Calendar

Content calendar template is a schedule outlining the creation and publication of content across different marketing channels, ensuring consistency and alignment with the startup’s overall marketing strategy. It’s used to plan content creation and distribution, to maintain a consistent presence and engage with the target audience effectively over time.

19. Business Roadmap

A Business Roadmap is a visual representation or strategic document that outlines the goals, initiatives, timelines, and milestones a startup plans to achieve over a specific period. It serves as a guiding framework to align the organization’s efforts toward achieving its strategic objectives.

20. Business Outcome Concept Map

A tool for visualizing and communicating the desired business outcomes and the strategic initiatives required to achieve them. You can use this when defining strategic objectives and initiatives, to ensure alignment across the organization and focus efforts on driving meaningful business results.

21. Business Case

A business case template is a document that outlines the rationale, potential benefits, costs, and risks of a proposed business initiative or project. It is used when a startup wants to evaluate the feasibility of a new project, investment, or strategic initiative. This template helps in making informed decisions by providing a structured analysis of the proposed venture.

22. Business Proposal

A business proposal template is a formal document that presents a solution to a problem or opportunity, including a description of the problem, proposed solution, implementation plan, and financial considerations. It is used when a startup wants to pitch ideas, products, or services to potential clients, partners, or investors.

23. Contingency Plan

A contingency plan outlines how the startup will respond to unexpected events that might disrupt its operations or slow it down. Startups use it when they want to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities and develop proactive strategies for mitigating or managing them.

Templates for Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

These types of startup templates provide structured frameworks that help entrepreneurs make informed decisions and solve complex problems. By using these templates, you can analyze situations, identify options, evaluate alternatives, and implement solutions.

The 5 whys template is a problem-solving technique used to identify the root cause of a problem by asking “why” repeatedly. The 5 Whys template provides a structured format for conducting this analysis, helping teams to uncover deeper insights into the underlying causes of issues and develop effective solutions.

25. Decision Tree

A graphical representation of decision-making processes, mapping out different possible outcomes and the associated probabilities, costs, and benefits to aid in choosing the best course of action.

26. Force Field Analysis

The force field analysis is a framework for analyzing the driving forces (factors supporting change) and restraining forces (factors resisting change) related to a decision or problem, helping startups understand the dynamics at play and develop strategies to overcome resistance.

27. Six Thinking Hats

The six thinking hats technique is a method for exploring a problem or decision from different perspectives, represented by six metaphorical hats (e.g., white for facts, red for emotions, black for risks), to encourage holistic and creative thinking.

28. Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa Diagram)

The fishbone diagram is a visual tool for exploring the various factors contributing to a problem, categorizing them into categories such as people, process, equipment, environment, and management (the 5 M’s), to identify potential causes and solutions.

Templates for HR and Team Management

Here are some pre-designed templates to help assist startups effectively manage various aspects of human resources (HR) functions. These templates provide a structured approach to tasks such as hiring, onboarding, performance management, and employee relations.

29. Employee Performance Review

The performance review template structures performance evaluations for employees, including criteria, feedback, goals, and development plans, facilitating constructive discussions and goal setting for continuous improvement.

30. Employee Onboarding

The employee onboarding template is a structured document or checklist that guides the process of integrating new employees into a startup. It outlines the steps, tasks, and activities required to ensure a smooth transition for new hires and helps them become productive members of the organization as quickly as possible.

31. Expense Report

Employees use expense report template to itemize and submit their business-related expenses. Using this template, they can provide details of business expenses, such as travel, meals, or supplies, along with receipts or supporting documents.

32. Skills Inventory

A skills matrix template , also known as a competency matrix or skills inventory matrix, is a visual tool used to assess and track the skills and competencies of individuals or teams within an organization. It is commonly used during workforce planning, performance evaluation, training needs analysis, project staffing, and succession planning.

33. Employee Journey Map

An employee journey map is a visual representation of the various stages, touchpoints, and experiences an employee goes through during their tenure with a company, from recruitment to departure. Startups use this template to understand and improve the employee experience by mapping out key interactions, emotions, pain points, and opportunities for engagement or improvement at each stage of the employee lifecycle.

34. Roles and Responsibility

An employee roles and responsibility template is a tool used to clarify and communicate the roles and responsibilities of individual employees within an organization. It outlines the specific tasks, duties, and areas of accountability for each employee, ensuring clarity and alignment in their respective roles. This chart helps employees understand their responsibilities, promotes accountability, and facilitates effective collaboration and coordination among team members.

35. Team Charter

A team charter template is a document that outlines the purpose, goals, roles, responsibilities, and expectations of a team. It serves as a blueprint for how the team will operate and collaborate to achieve its objectives. Teams can use this to align their efforts, clarify expectations, and work together more effectively to achieve their goals.

36. Career Growth Plan

A career growth plan template is a structured document that helps individuals outline their professional development goals and the steps needed to achieve them. Using this template they can take a proactive approach to their professional development, set clear goals, and chart a course for success in their careers.

37. OKR Goal Setting

An OKR (Objectives and Key Results) goal setting template is a structured framework used by individuals or teams to define and track their objectives and key results. Teams can use this to set ambitious yet achievable goals, track progress transparently, and drive continuous improvement and innovation in their work.

38. 9-Box Model

The 9 box model template, also known as the performance-potential matrix or the talent matrix, is a visual tool used for talent management and succession planning. Organizations can use this to gain insights into their talent pool, identify future leaders, and strategically invest in talent development initiatives to drive long-term success and growth.

Templates for Effective Meetings

Use these meeting templates to streamline meeting processes, improve communication and collaboration, and make sure that meetings are purposeful, productive, and aligned with organizational goals and priorities.

39. Meeting Agenda

A meeting agenda template outlines the topics, discussions, and objectives for a meeting, making sure that all participants are prepared and aligned on what will be covered. Use this template before every meeting to set clear expectations, prioritize agenda items, and keep discussions focused and productive.

40. Event Planning

An event planning template is a comprehensive document that outlines all aspects of organizing an event, such as conferences, seminars, product launches, or networking events. Use this template when planning any type of event for your startup. It helps make sure that all details are considered, tasks are delegated, deadlines are met, and resources are allocated effectively to create a successful and memorable event.

41. Workshop Template

A workshop template is a structured framework for conducting interactive and collaborative sessions for achieving specific learning objectives, skill development, problem-solving, or ideation. You can use it when organizing workshops for your startup, whether for internal training, team building, innovation sessions, or client engagement.

42. Brainstorming

A brainstorming template provides a structured format for generating and capturing ideas from participants during brainstorming sessions. You can use it when conducting brainstorming sessions to tackle challenges, explore opportunities, generate creative solutions, or foster innovation within your startup.

43. Ice Breaker Template

An ice breaker template consists of fun and engaging activities or questions designed to help participants relax, build rapport, and establish a positive atmosphere at the beginning of a meeting, workshop, or team event. Use this template at the start of meetings, workshops, or team gatherings to break the ice, encourage interaction, and create a sense of camaraderie among participants.

Templates for Managing the Projects

Use these project management templates to effectively plan, execute, and monitor startup projects, ensuring successful delivery and alignment with business objectives.

44. Project Proposal

A project proposal template is a document that outlines the scope, objectives, deliverables, timeline, budget, and resource requirements of a proposed project. It provides stakeholders with the necessary information to evaluate the project’s feasibility and make informed decisions.

45. Work Breakdown Structure

A work breakdown structure templates are hierarchical decomposition of project tasks and deliverables into smaller, more manageable components. It provides a visual representation of the project scope and serves as the basis for project planning and scheduling. Use it to identify all the work required to complete the project and organize it into a structured framework for better management and control.

46. Project Plan

A project plan template details the activities, resources, timelines, and milestones required to complete a project. Use this template to create a roadmap for project execution, helping to manage tasks, dependencies, and resources efficiently.

47. Kanban Board

A kanban board template is a visual tool used to manage and track the flow of work in a project or team. I It enables teams to visualize work progress, identify bottlenecks, and prioritize tasks.

48. Eisenhower Matrix

An Eisenhower matrix template , also known as the Urgent-Important Matrix, is a prioritization tool that categorizes tasks based on their urgency and importance. It helps individuals or teams focus on tasks that are both urgent and important, while delegating or eliminating tasks that are less critical.

49. Project Charter

A project charter template formalizes the initiation of a project, outlining its objectives, scope, stakeholders, constraints, and high-level timeline. Use this template at the beginning of a project to gain agreement and alignment among stakeholders on project goals and scope.

50. Stakeholder Map

A stakeholder map template is a visual representation of project stakeholders and their relationships with the project. It identifies stakeholders' interests, influence, and level of involvement in the project, helping to manage stakeholder expectations and communication.

From planning business strategies to managing projects, these templates will help you streamline processes, improve efficiency, and foster success in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. Need more templates? Check out our diagram community to explore 1000+ templates spanning across use cases and industries.

Join over thousands of organizations that use Creately to brainstorm, plan, analyze, and execute their projects successfully.

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Amanda Athuraliya is the communication specialist/content writer at Creately, online diagramming and collaboration tool. She is an avid reader, a budding writer and a passionate researcher who loves to write about all kinds of topics.

This startup believes mobile apps for businesses should work more like consumer apps

Have you noticed the massive gap between consumer and business apps on your phone? While consumer apps are both beautifully designed and easy to use, business apps are simply painful to use.

A European startup is developing a suite of B2B apps that are designed for mobile first because phones have become the main computers for most people. And they’re calling their company … the Mobile-First Company .

When you download an app from this company, you can create an account from your phone (that’s not always the case for B2B apps) and perform everything from the device in your pocket. Too many companies that offer B2B tools treat mobile apps as companion apps and second-class citizens.

But the European startup doesn’t want to re-create Salesforce, Asana or Workday on mobile. Instead, the company plans to focus on small and medium businesses and address their needs one app at a time. Small companies don’t need a complicated enterprise software solution. They need one app to perform a set of tasks extremely well.

And the Mobile-First Company has plenty of ideas, such as building an app to create a quote, or another one to track expenses, or an app dedicated to managing the inventory in your workshop or small warehouse.

“The idea is really to build a suite of applications. It will not be an all-in-one app and that will be the main difference with other players. We don’t believe in the all-in-one model because people are scared of technology,” co-founder and CEO Jérémy Goillot told me.

A first app to track your inventory

Ignacio Siel Brunet , the co-founder and CTO of this new project, previously worked as VP of Engineering for Pomelo , a fintech infrastructure company in Latin America with 200 engineers working for the company.

While Siel Brunet is more experienced with the needs of large companies, he has also seen how B2B apps don’t work well with small businesses. “I know how to help big companies solve big problems. But on the other side I had this problem with my family. They own a furniture company but they have issues with invoicing, inventory, etc.,” he told me.

Many small companies simply rely on consumer apps to fill their needs. “They use Instagram as the showcase, WhatsApp as the CRM, a personal bank to run their financial aspects,” Goillot said. “Our DNA is to keep this B2C style of applications with this friendliness and mass-market appeal while also solving problems.”

The Mobile-First Company’s first app is Amoa , a mobile app to track your inventory. For instance, many garages rely on spreadsheets to track the number of spare parts they currently have in stock. But workers don’t usually spend their workday in front of a computer.

With Amoa, they can open an app, add parts by scanning a barcode, add other information such as pricing details, and start using the app as the source of truth. When they pick something up from the shelf, they can remove the item from Amoa and move on.

Even if you don’t sell goods, managing an inventory can be useful. For instance, if you’re a wedding photographer, you might want to create an inventory of all your camera lenses and gear to make sure that you don’t leave anything behind. Similarly, nurses want to make sure they have everything they need before driving to the first patient.

Acting like a mobile gaming company

Amoa may or may not work. The idea is that the Mobile-First Company will develop, ship, iterate and kill ideas that don’t work so they can focus on the most promising ones. In my discussion with the founders, it felt more like talking with a casual mobile gaming company than a B2B software company. Eventually, the company plans to monetize the most promising apps with premium features that you can unlock with a paid subscription.

That’s because Goillot already knows a few things about product-market fit, as he previously worked for spend management startup Spendesk as head of growth. He was the fourth employee at the French fintech company that quickly became a unicorn.

When he left Spendesk, he spent some time traveling and looking at tech products and how they’re used outside of Europe and the U.S. “I traveled to Africa a lot, from Nigeria to Ghana and Kenya because I wanted to see other types of products. I traveled a lot in Latin America too,” Goillot said.

“And I was impressed by other types of companies. We are a huge fan of Indian companies — Zoho is one of them. We are a huge fan of Treinta as well — it’s a Colombian company.”

Since being incorporated in December, the Mobile-First Company has raised €3.5 million ($3.8 million at today’s exchange rate) in a pre-seed round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Emblem — the company is announcing the round today. Many angel investors also participated in the round, including Xavier Niel (Kima Ventures), Thibaud Elzière (Hexa), Jean-Baptiste Hironde (MWM) and Rodolphe Ardant (Spendesk).

Now the company wants to move quickly. “For the end of the year, our goal is to release six applications to have this high velocity of trying, killing, trying, killing to really upgrade the knowledge of the company,” Goillot said.

“We are able to build an application in two weeks. We are able to bring thousands of downloads a day,” he added. So let’s see how long it takes before The Mobile-First Company ships an app that you can spot in the wild when talking with a small business owner.