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 15+ 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