MVP Features for Startups and App Development Cost Estimation
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December 17, 2024
If you're not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you launched too late.
This quote from LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman hits hard. It challenges every startup founder who hesitates to show the world an "unfinished" product.
Launching an MVP isn't about perfection but speed and learning. An early MVP lets you keep your mobile app development costs low and gain valuable feedback. Yes, the first version may feel rough, but that's the point. The sooner you launch, the faster you can adapt and improve. This approach keeps you moving and gives you a head start on the competition.
Your first users aren't just customers—they're your early believers. They don't need perfection; they need your vision distilled into the simplest, most powerful version possible.
For example, if your friend creates a study app that still has bugs, and you start using it because you believe it will help with learning, you’re an early believer.
Steve Blank, a Lean Startup guru, nailed it: "You're selling the vision and delivering the minimum feature set to visionaries, not everyone." Cut every non-essential feature and focus on a version that meets the core features identified in an app development cost estimate. Launch with only what captures your concept so it works.
Take Instagram’s early days as an example: they focused on just photo sharing, likes, and comments. They left out the filters, stories, and messaging until later. This razor-sharp focus kept their development costs low, tested the core idea, and allowed them to scale based on real user demand.
Choosing the right features for an MVP is essential for smart resource use and market testing. Here’s how:
- Choose features that solve the biggest issue for users.
- Make a list of “Must-Have” and “Nice-to-Have” features.
- Pick the 20% of features that will give 80% of the value.
- Get feedback to understand what people actually need.
- Choose features that are useful but also easy to build first.
An app cost calculator is invaluable here, providing an app development cost estimate for each feature so founders can see what fits the budget.
Here’s your blueprint for building the perfect MVP. Follow these steps, and you’ll shape a powerful, lean feature set that brings your unique app to life.
How to Choose the Right Features for Your App: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choosing Core MVP Features for Your App
When building an MVP, less is more. The goal is to focus only on the most valuable features—no fluff. Here’s how to get it right:
1. Start with the App’s Purpose
Think about what your app needs to do. For example, a social app’s purpose is to connect people. So, focus on features that make connecting easy.
Learn more about pre-development market research from our lead PM here.
2. Picture the First User Experience
Imagine a user’s first moments in the app. What do they need to see and do right away? They’ll need to sign up, set up a profile, and see content for a social app. So, user registration, profile management, and content Feeds are must-haves.
3. Deliver Instant Value
Your MVP should immediately offer something valuable. A Content Feed provides instant engagement, and basic messaging lets users connect. These core features allow people to interact with your app from day one.
4. Say No to Non-Essentials
Fancy extras like themes or advanced notifications? Save them for later. For now, focus on the basics. This approach keeps development simple and budget-friendly.
5. Think About Retention
You want users to come back. Basic notifications do the trick, reminding users about new updates without needing much customization.
Following this approach keeps your app lean and impactful. You get a powerful, focused MVP that’s ready for real-world testing.
As you prioritize, it's natural to ask, how much does app development cost for each feature? Understanding these costs helps you make strategic choices that keep your MVP budget-friendly.
Step 2: Prioritizing Essential MVP Features for Maximum Value
Now that we have our basic functionality let’s divide it into “Must-Have” (essential for the MVP) and “Nice-to-Have” (which can be added later). This step helps focus on the minimal features needed for launch and reduces initial costs.
Example of a Social Networking App
Starting with the “Must-Have” features is all about laying a solid foundation. These essentials, like basic registration and a simple content feed, give users exactly what they need to start using the app without overcomplicating things. By focusing on this app development cost breakdown, we’re prioritizing features that make the app functional and easy to use from day one.
Then there are the “Nice-to-Have” features. Social login or personalized recommendations, for instance, would definitely make the app more engaging, but they’re not necessary for the first launch. By holding off on these, we keep development lean and focused, saving costs and time.
This choice lets us test the core experience first and then, based on real user feedback, decide which extras are truly worth adding. In the end, this approach isn’t just about saving resources—it’s about building an app that grows in the right direction, shaped by what users actually want.
For a detailed look at building an MVP after your mobile app's technical specifications are approved, check out our guide here.
Step 3: Apply the 80/20 Rule to Select High-Impact MVP Features
The 80/20 Rule (or Pareto Principle) suggests that a small set of high-impact features—roughly 20% of total possible features—will bring the majority of Value (around 80%) to users. Using tools like a Mobile App Development Cost Calculator can help you identify which features offer the best return on investment.
Here’s how to use this principle to select the essential features for your MVP, with a step-by-step thought process:
1. Clarify the App’s Core Purpose
Think about the single, most crucial problem your app is designed to solve. This question helps reveal the core purpose and ensures that the selected features align directly with solving that problem. An accurate app development cost estimate at this stage allows you to see which features fit within your budget and deliver the most value.
Ask yourself: “What’s the one function users need for the app to be useful?”
For example:
- In a fitness app, the core purpose is to help users track their workouts.
- In a meditation app, it’s to provide guided meditation sessions.
This focus narrows down the list of must-have features to just those that address the app’s main function.
2. Identify Features with the Highest Impact on User Satisfaction
Now, consider which 2-3 features directly fulfill the core purpose and provide immediate Value to users.
The 80/20 rule here means you’re not adding every feature that’s “nice to have”—just those that bring maximum Value with minimum complexity.
Examples:
In a fitness app, the most valuable features might be workout logging and progress tracking. These cover the app’s core need while keeping development costs manageable.
For a meditation app, audio playback and a basic timer deliver the primary experience users expect with minimal development effort.
Each feature you add beyond this core increases costs and time. By focusing only on the 2-3 features that fulfill the app’s core purpose, you deliver maximum impact to users without over-investing.
Step 4: Balancing Feature Value and Development Effort for an Effective MVP
To build a smart MVP, let’s look at each feature and decide if it’s worth including from the start. We’ll think about two things:
1. Value to the User: Does this feature really help users or solve their main problem?
2. Development Effort: Is this feature quick and easy to make, or will it take a lot of time and resources?
Here’s an example for a social media app MVP.
Think About User Needs
Start by asking, “What do my users absolutely need?” For a social app, users need to create accounts, see posts, and interact. So, things like User Registration, Content Feed, and Like/Comment are high-value—they’re must-haves for an engaging experience.
Consider Effort Required
Next, consider how long it will take to build each feature. For example, User Registration and Like/Comment are moderate to low effort, making them easier to add quickly. However, Messaging requires more backend work, making it high effort.
Decide What to Include
Now, look at each feature’s value and effort. The goal is to find the features that add the most value with the least effort, and start with those.
- Include: User Registration, Profile Setup, Content Feed, and Like/Comment are valuable and reasonable to develop, so they go into the MVP.
- Defer: Messaging and Notifications add value but are complex to build, so we can leave these for a future version.
By following these steps, you’ll end up with an MVP that includes the most essential features without overloading development. This way, you can test your app, get feedback, and add more advanced features later.Boost the accuracy of your app cost estimates. Click here for expert tips on using our calculator effectively.
Step 5: Gather User Feedback to Shape Your MVP Features
Once your MVP is live, gather user feedback to see what they want. Here’s how to do it:
1. Ask Early Users Directly
Reach out to early users through email or in-app messages. Ask simple questions like, “What do you find most useful?” or “Is anything missing?” Their answers will give you a clear picture of what works and doesn’t.
2. Use Quick Surveys
Set up short surveys that users can complete quickly. Keep it simple, with a few questions about their experience and any suggestions they have. This helps you collect more responses.
3. Analyze User Behavior
Use analytics tools to see how users interact with the app. Check which features they use the most, where they spend the most time, and where they tend to leave. This data shows what’s valuable and where improvements are needed.
4. Encourage Reviews
Invite users to leave ratings and reviews in the app store. Reviews often give honest opinions. If you see similar feedback from multiple users, pay close attention—it might be something worth improving.
5. Create a Feedback Loop
After each update, ask users for feedback again. This helps you stay in tune with what they want as the app grows. Repeat this process to build an app that keeps getting better.Getting feedback helps you make smarter choices about future updates and keeps your app aligned with users' needs.
Step 6: Improve Your MVP with User Feedback Iterations
Once you’ve gathered feedback, it’s time to act. This step is about making smart changes based on what users actually need. Here’s how a developer would approach it, step-by-step:
1. Look for Patterns and Set Priorities
Go through all the feedback and find common themes. If a lot of users mention the same issue, it’s likely a top priority.
Group similar feedback and rank changes based on how often issues are mentioned. Focus on tweaks that will have the biggest impact with the least effort. These small changes can make a big difference.
2. Start Small with High-Impact Updates
Tackle smaller changes first. They’re quicker to do and give you visible results fast.
Choose a couple of impactful fixes, like improving loading time or simplifying navigation. Release one change at a time. This way, you can see what works best without overwhelming users or yourself.
3. Release and Watch the Results
Each update is like a test. You release it, see how users respond, and adjust as needed.
Track what users do after the update. Do they spend more time on the app? Are they using the new feature? This data tells you if the change worked—or if it needs more adjustment.
4. Repeat the Cycle Based on New Feedback
This isn’t a one-time process. Each round of feedback fine-tunes your app a little more.
Use the newest feedback to choose the next changes. Repeat the process. Each improvement keeps your app fresh, focused, and better for users.
Iteration is about steady improvement, not perfecting everything. With each update, you build an app that aligns more with what users need. Small, meaningful changes create a product that users love, step by step.
Key Factors Influencing MVP Development Costs in 2024
Understanding what drives costs is essential to keeping your MVP budget on track. Here are the key factors that impact MVP development and price comparisons for each.
Feature Complexity
Some features are simple to build, while others require more work. The more complex a feature, the longer it takes to develop—and the more it costs.
- Simple Features: Basic push notifications or user logins are quick to develop and cost around $500 to $3,000 each.
- Complex Features: Advanced features, like real-time messaging or location tracking, require more setup. For example, real-time messaging needs constant data updates and secure backend connections. These can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more per feature.
Start with simpler, essential features to keep costs low. Adding complex features is great, but it will quickly push up the budget.
Tech Stack Choices
The tech stack is the tools and frameworks used to build your app. Your choice can impact both cost and speed.
- React Native: This cross-platform framework lets you build for both iOS and Android from one codebase. It’s efficient and affordable, often costing $20,000 to $60,000 for a basic MVP.
- Flutter: Similar to React Native, Flutter is fast and flexible for MVPs. Pricing is about the same as React Native, generally $20,000 to $60,000.
- Native Development (Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android): Native development offers top performance but requires separate code for each platform. This can double your budget, ranging from $40,000 to $100,000+ for a similar MVP.
Cross-platform frameworks (React Native or Flutter) are more budget-friendly for MVPs. Native development is best for high-performance apps but is costlier since you must build two versions.
Team Composition
Who builds your MVP matters. You can work with an in-house team, freelancers, or an agency. Each option has its own cost and quality trade-offs.
- In-House Team: An in-house team offers close collaboration but is usually the most expensive choice. Salaries can range from $80,000 to $150,000+ per year for each developer, making this option costly for short projects.
- Freelancers: Freelancers are flexible and often cheaper, charging $25 to $150 per hour. Building a basic MVP with freelancers might cost between $10,000 and $30,000, though managing them can be more hands-on.
- Development Agency: Agencies bring a full team and structured process, which can be a solid middle ground. Depending on complexity, agencies usually charge $30,000 to $80,000 for an MVP.
In-house teams and agencies deliver reliable quality, but they cost more. Freelancers are more affordable, but you must manage them closely to meet deadlines and quality standards.
FAQ: Common Questions on MVP Development Costs and Process for Startups
What is the purpose of an MVP?
An MVP’s purpose is to test a product idea with minimal investment. It allows you to validate core features, gather user insights, and reduce development risks. Launching an MVP lets you learn from real users, refine your idea, and make informed decisions for the next stages of development.
How much does it cost to develop an MVP?
The cost of developing an MVP can range from $10,000 to $100,000, depending on factors like feature complexity, tech stack, and team choice. Simple MVPs with basic features may cost around $10,000 to $30,000, while more advanced ones can exceed $100,000.
How long should an MVP take to build?
Building an MVP typically takes 2 to 4 months, but it can vary based on complexity and the team's efficiency. Simple MVPs might be completed in 6-8 weeks, while more complex ones could take up to 6 months.
What is the best MVP development company?
The best MVP development company depends on your project needs, budget, and goals. Some reputable companies with strong MVP experience include Ptolemay, Netguru, and Intellectsoft. Look for companies with industry expertise, positive client reviews, and a proven portfolio.
What is an MVP in startup development?
For startups, an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is a basic version of a product that includes only core features. It allows startups to test the market, attract early users, and gather feedback to refine the product before full-scale development.
Is an MVP necessary to get funding?
An MVP can significantly increase your chances of securing funding. It demonstrates to investors that you have validated the product idea and that there is potential in the market. Investors often prefer seeing an MVP with user feedback as it reduces the risk of investing in an untested idea.
How is the cost of an MVP calculated?
MVP costs depend on several factors:
- Feature Complexity: More advanced features require more development time.
- Technology Stack: Native development is often pricier than cross-platform options.
- Team Choice: Costs vary depending on in-house, freelancer, or agency models.
- Design Requirements: Complex UI/UX design can raise costs.
- Development Timeline: Longer timelines mean higher expenses.
By analyzing these factors, you can estimate the MVP's cost more accurately.
How much will it cost to build an MVP in 2024?
In 2024, building a basic MVP is expected to cost $15,000 to $60,000, while more complex MVPs could exceed $100,000. Advances in development tools and cross-platform technologies might slightly reduce costs but expect them to stay within this range.
Should I charge users for my MVP?
Charging for an MVP depends on your product type and market. If your MVP offers enough value, charging can validate the market’s willingness to pay. However, many startups offer their MVP for free or use a freemium model to attract early users and collect feedback.
Plan Your MVP Like a Pro: Essential Features and Accurate App Cost Estimates
So, when you're building your MVP, it's all about focusing on the features that matter most to your users while keeping costs in check. By zeroing in on what truly adds value, you're setting your app up for success without overspending. Tools like a mobile app development cost calculator can give you a clear picture of your expenses, providing an accurate app development cost estimate to guide your planning.
If you're curious about what your MVP might cost, why not give our app cost calculator a try? It's a handy way to see the breakdown and make informed decisions for your project. Check it out here and start bringing your MVP vision to life!
Meet Our Expert Flutter Development Team
Our full-cycle Flutter development team at Ptolemay specializes in building high-quality, cross-platform apps from start to finish. With expert skills in Dart, backend integrations, and seamless UX across iOS and Android, we handle everything to make your app launch smooth and efficient.
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