There are two kinds of apps:

- Native apps that are written for specific operating system (Apple, Android, etc.).  This type runs faster because it runs on the device.  These are downloaded from the app store for devices.

- Web apps that run on a device's web browser.  This type can run slower if there is a slow connection.  It is not found in the app store for devices.  It has to be downloaded from a website.

Getting Apps Developed: 
There are two ways you can get apps developed: the do-it-yourself method or by outsourcing it.

Do-It-Yourself: 
One way to get apps developed is to do it yourself if you're technically inclined.  You can use do-it-yourself tools such as:

- Appery.io
- AppInstitute
- Apple Developer Platform
- AppyPie
-Bubble
- Eachscape
- Google Developer Platform
- Microsoft Developer Platform
-Snappii
-Titanium
-Tree House

Oursourcing: 
The best way to hire someone to develop an app for your business is to use a service where developers have to compete to win your project at the lowest price.  This will ensure that you get your product developed with the least amount of cost. 

The way these services work is by having you post project and establish your budget and contractors/freelancers compete to win your project and develop your app for you by telling you what their price is.  Contractors/Freelancers try to out bid each other with the lowest bid.  You then get to pick the lowest bidder as the winner to develop your app.  Once you've offer the contract to a contractor/freelacer the money is placed in escrow and the contractor gets paid when the job is done and you approve the completion of the project.

To keep cost low be very clear and specific about what you want.  Provide as much information as possible including data and photos to be used in app.

App development can cost anywhere from $500 to $255,000 to get developed.  Some developers work on a per hour basis where they charge anywhere from $24.00 to over $100 per hour.  Cost will depend on the complexity and resources needed to make the app work.  A bidding service will provide you the best source to get your app developed at the lowest cost.

Once the App is developed your developer can help you get the app posted in the store where users can download  and use it.  If the user have to pay for the app payment will be made to the store and you will split the payment with the app store.  Some app developers will take a portion of the price instead of an upfront charge.

Uploading the App to App Stores: 

Once you're done developing the app you have to get it uploaded to the app stores where people can find, buy and download it.  The three major app stores where people buy apps from are the Apple App Store, Google Play Store and the Windows Apps/Phone Store. 

Uploading the app to the app stores where they can be purchased is a difficult task.  It requires very technical skills.  If you're not technically inclined it is highly recommended that you hire someone to do this task.  You can clilck here to download the steps required to upload your app to the app stores (Apple, Google, Windows).

This is the best approach that a small business should take:

1.  Signup to utilize one of the app development platforms above.  You want to have this account in your name and under your control so that in the future you can hire others to develop apps for you while maintaining a central management point for all of your apps.

2.  Hire an app developer (see below) to develop your app, but make them use your app development platform.  You will have to provide them with the username & password to access your development platform.  Use one of the app development platform other than Apple, Google or Microsoft.  These 3rd party platforms gives you the ability to export the unique app packages so that they can be uploaded to all three app stores.  The Apple, Google and Microsoft developer platforms only allow you to develop app packages unique to their app stores.

3. Gather this information about your apps.  It will be required to upload your app and make it available for purchase.

4.  Sign up for an app store account at the three major app stores; Apple, Google, Microsoft.  You want to have your own account so that you can continue to retain control of your apps in the future.  Don't let your app developer upload your app in their accounts.

5.  Develop detail description of the app.  the template for Apple, Google and Microsoft.

6.  Create your app icons.  and follow these instructions.

7.  Hire someone to perform the upload tasks for you.  Provide them with the app store account information so that they can sign on and perform the task, and give them the app description.

8.  After you're finished working with an app developer change the passwords to your app development accounts and your app store accounts.

Before you get started develop an app strategy.

Utilize any one of these services to get your app developed.