Building Apps That People Actually Use
“I have an idea for an app” is a sentence I hear a lot, and it’s genuinely one of my favourite conversations to have. But before any of that idea becomes something people can download, it's essential to know your audience and build an app that they'll actually use. Whether you're a large company or an individual developer (indie), you must have daily or weekly downloads in order to make any money. Especially with a free app showing ads. Google AdMob doesn't pay out until you hit the $100 threshold.
That means you have to have enough ads being viewed before you make any money, and if your app isn't being downloaded and used, you're not earning any money to update that app in a few months.
That's where having a brand partner who has the developers who have the experience getting apps in the stores. You won't have to search for a developer and designer that work well together just to get your app in the store.
You'll have a partner that will build what you want and educate you about monetization and help you to know how to run a real app business.
No more searching on UpWork, simply reach out to me and my team, by completing this client inquiry form. If we're a good fit to work together, book this brand fit call and let's get started with a monthly retainer***.
Please note: ***(Monthly retainer contracts of 3-6 months are required, including a developer cost of $35US/hour - in order to begin Web or App services). Terms of service can be found at this link here: https://www.alihornerdesign.com/terms-of-service/
Recent Work
Client Work
Moonlogic is available for download here:
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/cz/app/moonlogic-moon-calendar-deck/id6446803379
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.MoonLogic&hl=en_CA&pli=1
App design and UI/UX, the part people actually experience
App design, often called UI/UX design (user interface and user experience), is everything about how your app looks, feels, and flows. This covers:
Wireframes and user flow, mapping out how someone moves through your app step by step. Visual design, the colours, typography, icons, and layout that make it feel like your brand. Usability, making sure the app is intuitive enough that people don’t need an instruction manual to use it.
Good UI/UX is the difference between an app people open once and delete, and one they actually keep using. It’s also where a lot of the strategic thinking happens: who’s using this, what are they trying to accomplish, and what’s the simplest possible path to get them there.
App development, the part that makes it actually work
App development is the engineering side, the code that turns those designs into a functioning product. This includes building out the features, connecting to databases, handling app store submission, and making sure everything runs smoothly on an actual device rather than just looking good in a mockup.
Why you need both, not one or the other
A beautifully designed app that doesn’t function is a portfolio piece, not a business. A functional app with confusing, cluttered design is a support ticket generator. Design and development have to work together from the start, not get bolted on at the end, which is exactly why app projects benefit from a team where both sides talk to each other from day one.
How this works at Ali Horner Design
A 3-6 month retainer is required in order to start work on websites or apps.
You can view my apps on the store using this link here: https://apps.apple.com/sg/developer/alexandria-j-horner/id1176153330
Got an idea sitting in your notes app? Let’s talk about what it actually takes to get it into people’s hands.
