Developing an app from scratch may not be a herculean task at present but one has to keep in mind a lot of things before making every step. Now, imagine how it will be like when you are going to develop an Airbnb clone which has got three interfaces in it. Airbnb clone scripts are increasingly used by many startups not only for vacation rental booking but for similar rental services.
You cannot overlook one interface for the other since except the admin app others are used by customers. So it is imperative to give equal focus while developing it.
Before going further let me tell you the reason why Airbnb clone is popular. To compete with global startups it has become a necessity for small startups to have something on par with global standards. App solution is the only thing that can be molded and tweaked to match top apps. Hence many developers use Airbnb as a benchmark to reach the standards.
Now we will see in detail the points to keep in mind while making Airbnb like solution. I tried to give an exhaustive list.
Finding what is a minimum viable solution for it
On-demand apps evolve a lot and many new things are added based on market trends. This is also true for Airbnb like apps. So, you need to release a basic app. After being in the market for a while you shall refine and add relevant functionalities.
Market trends, competitor strategy, and customer feedback are used to upgrade the solution. The basic version of the app like I said before is generally a minimum viable product.
You should possess the knack to find what is a minimum viable solution. You just do market research or competitor research to find it. Make this your first step before starting to build.
Choosing app development method
Native and Hybrid are the two popular app development methods; this is normally followed for Android and iOS. Being a developer I hope you know the pros and cons of both. Take into account your client’s preference and budget since it affects the type of development.
Normally, Airbnb like vacation rental platforms are used by a diverse set of users with different mobile phones. Hence, one needs a customer booking app that suits well in any device and platforms; obviously native development can achieve this. Again, other preferences also play a role.
Maintaining industry standards
Even though you have Airbnb as a benchmark, it is imperative to follow some standards to reach the benchmarking. Below are some standards to follow.
Data retention: Since it is an on-demand app, user data are collected at a constant frequency and in this process unrelated data will be collected. Make arrangements in the app to find and delete such data since it may act as a detriment.
Data encryption: Data transfer between any two or three of the stakeholders should strictly be encrypted and no compromise in it. Especially, active location, address, and phone no. must be masked.
There are more to follow but these two should be a top priority.
Database designing
Selecting the database is vital for on-demand startups since the startup may expand which uses more data. So get all the requirements of data from clients and then start to design the database. MongoDB and MySQL are preferred mostly in the on-demand domain.
Don’t design a database in one go, instead, divide it into packs and then start. Gathering requirement as I said plays a vital role in getting a clear database design. Also, keep in mind the following things.
Data structure
Size of data stored
Accessibility of data
Security of data
UI/UX design
Look, feel, and usability of the app influences the customer like no other factors. In UI/UX too industry standards are followed and I recommend you to go well above the standards so as to make UI/UX a game-changer.
Today users are having diverse mobile devices and hence the interface must be a perfect fit with a responsive and immersive browsing experience.
Simplicity is the key to engage users. Even first-timers must find it easy to get in and out of the app. Follow this for the admin web app and host app also. Competitor research in this area proves to be useful.
Future proofing
Make the app open to new changes and functionalities in the future. Disruption is happening inside the on-demand sector itself. Online vacation rental booking is no different. This year we saw the addition of office space rental into the basic business function. Such major changes require tweaks in many areas right from design to database.
Hence, develop the solution flexible and so build the architecture framework in such a way.
Final say!
I hope you as a developer is convinced with what I have explained. All the details were collected after deliberating much with existing startups and experienced developers. Be sure you connect frequently with your client so as to ensure everything is as per his desire.
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