Building Your Own iPhone App

Thinking of building an iPhone app, but not sure where to start? While it's not exactly an easy task, it isn't as difficult as you may think. There are plenty of app developers out there who have launched a successful app and made money...without even knowing how to code! If you've got a great idea for an app but don't know how to get it out there, read on.
The first thing you need to do is refine your idea. Draw it out on paper, so you can see exactly how you want it to look and function. A flow chart is helpful for seeing how your buttons and screens all link to one another. Once you have your app on paper, show it around to several people and get their opinion. Would they buy this app? Does it seem useful? Fun? Does the layout and flow make sense? Does it seem easy to use?
Before you start building your app, you need to apply to the Developer Program so that you can sell your app in the App Store. It can take a few months to get accepted, so it's good to do this ahead of time.
If you're going to write the code yourself, you also need to download the iPhone SDK 3.0 and delve in! But what if you can't write, or even understand code? Don't worry! You've got several options.
If building an iPhone app is something you really want to do yourself, there are several resources written for beginners that can help you understand how to use Objective-C, Cocoa-Touch and other programming languages to develop your app.

If you'd rather not learn any code and you want to get started right away, you can go online and search for companies that specialize in iPhone app development. Many have online development tools and templates you can use to build your app, and others will actually build your app for you. Fees for these services can be a one-time payment for the use of their app building tools, a monthly fee, or a profit sharing arrangement. Alternatively, you can place a job on odesk.com or elance.com and take bids from freelancers. In either case, check references and ask to see samples of their previous work before you give them any money.
No matter how you decide to build, make sure you test your app...and then test it again! You want to be sure all of the bugs are out and it works the way it is supposed to before you submit it to Apple. Once it's App Store worthy, submit it to Apple and also to iPhone app review sites. Building an iPhone app is just the first step...if you want it to sell, you've got to get the word out and promote it!