From Idea to App Store: A Founder's Complete Checklist

How to Use This Checklist

This is a practical, battle-tested checklist built from shipping and operating our own apps across iOS and Android. Use it to track your progress from idea to live on the App Store.

Not every item applies to every app. Use your judgment — but be honest about what you're skipping and why.

Stage 1: Validate the Idea

• Written down the core problem in one sentence
• Identified who specifically has this problem
• Spoken to at least 10 people who have this problem (not family or friends)
• Confirmed they would use a solution
• Checked the App Store for existing solutions
• Identified why your approach is different or better
• Written a one-paragraph product brief

Stage 2: Define the MVP

• Listed every feature you want
• Deleted everything not required for the core user action
• Written user stories for core features ("As a user, I want to...")
• Chosen a platform (iOS only, Android only, or both)
• Decided on tech stack
• Set a launch date (and committed to it)

Stage 3: Design

• Sketched key screens (even on paper)
• Stood up a working Flutter prototype of the core flow on a real device
• Tested the prototype with 3-5 real users on their own phones
• Fixed critical UX issues from testing
• Designed app icon (1024x1024 PNG)
• Chosen brand colours and typography
• Created all required screenshot sizes

Stage 4: Build

• Set up version control (Git)
• Set up project management (Notion, Linear)
• Built core features only
• Integrated crash reporting (Firebase Crashlytics or Sentry)
• Integrated analytics (Firebase Analytics)
• Implemented in-app review prompt
• Tested on real devices (not just simulator)
• Tested edge cases (no internet, low storage, interruptions)
• Fixed all critical bugs

Stage 5: App Store Preparation

• Created Apple Developer account (£99/year)
• Created Google Play Developer account (£20 one-time) if shipping Android
• Written app name (include primary keyword)
• Written subtitle / short description
• Written full description (keyword-optimised)
• Prepared keyword field (iOS: 100 chars, no spaces after commas)
• Created screenshots for all required sizes
• Created privacy policy (hosted at a public URL)
• Created terms of service
• Set up app in App Store Connect / Google Play Console
• Configured app signing (iOS: Xcode, Android: keystore)
• Submitted for review

Stage 6: Launch

• Told your network about the launch
• Posted on relevant communities (Reddit, IndieHackers, ProductHunt)
• Set up social media presence (at minimum a landing page)
• Responded to first reviews within 24 hours
• Monitored crash reports daily for first week
• Shipped first update within 2 weeks

Stage 7: Grow

• Set up retention tracking (Day 1, 7, 30)
• Reviewed keyword rankings after 30 days
• Tested new screenshots via A/B test
• Responded to every review
• Identified top requested feature for Version 2
• Shipped Version 2