In the current app-economy, where everyone either has or is developing an app that is “the next BIG THING,” it is helpful to understand some of the most common ways to get started in developing your idea into an app.

The following are five different approaches to getting your app idea kick-started.

Learn to code

Yes, you heard it right! Learn the art of coding through platforms like Udemy or Codecademy, and get started with your relatively simple app idea. This is a time-consuming method ideal for those with much time on their hands, but no funds. It can take anywhere from 3 – 10 years to become reasonably good at coding and able to create a good app on your own.

Explore the DIY platforms

Are you looking to build a simple app with no sophisticated features, but don’t want to learn hardcore coding and are hindered by a lack of investment? Do-it-yourself app-building tools like Appmakr, AppInstitute, and AppInventor may just be the right thing for you. These tools make use of pre-built templates to quickly and easily create your app. Even better, many of them don’t even charge for using the service.

Build a virtual team

In this scenario, you build your team of developers, architects, UX designers, and testers through outsourcing platforms.

A number of websites like Upwork.com, Freelancer.com, and Guru.com provide easy access to a large pool of app developers from across the world. Cloudpeeps.com is a good one to find a higher-quality digital team. There is an obvious cost advantage to this approach. However, you had better be a good project manager as the buck stops with you. Coordinating people around the world will take more time and effort than you might originally think—especially if this is your first time doing it.

BYOT: Build Your Own Team

If you are really confident about the success potential of your app idea—say you’re convinced to have the next Uber or Airbnb—and you have secured some good funding, you may build up your own development team and management structure.

This approach is typically for those who have been down this path before building successful businesses, are funded, or know how to raise millions in investment. This approach is probably the most expensive but the quickest and where you have the most control. You can also find good programmers who will build the app for equity in your business. It is not easy though as good programmers often either work on their own idea or get paid really well by tech companies. This is another example where your sales skill can help to sell the value of your app and have someone to quit their job to join you as a partner to build your idea.

Find a development partner

An experienced app development firm can act as your development partner to help you get your app from the idea stage to the profitability stage. Entrepreneurs looking for holistic support must perform due diligence before partnering with an app development firm to obtain the highest level of quality, reliability, and promptness. This approach is for entrepreneurs who have a budget to get the project off the ground, and typically well suited to those who are running another business or performing a “day job” while the app development is happening in parallel.

Entrepreneurs looking for holistic support must perform due diligence before partnering with an app development firm to obtain the highest level of quality, reliability, and promptness. This approach is for entrepreneurs who have a budget to get the project off the ground, and typically well suited to those who are running another business or performing a “day job” while the app development is happening in parallel.

Ultimately, the best app kick-starter approach depends really on the resources you have—time, skills, and money, and how advanced your app is. Building your own team or using a reputable development partner increases your chances of success. Although virtual teams and freelancers may work out as a cheaper option, I am yet to find any success stories using those approaches.

If you are an Entrepreneur looking for resources to build your App business, here’s a step by step guide, Create your App and Grow Rich written by B Kris – Founder, Appomate.