WeChat applet is a lightweight application that can be run internally on WeChat, providing users with convenient services and interactive experience.
1. Planning and Design
- Requirements Analysis: Clarify the target users, core functions and expected results of the mini program.
- Prototyping: Draw a page layout sketch of the applet or use tools to create interactive prototypes.
- UI Design: Design the visual style of the mini program, including color scheme, font selection, etc.
2. Development environment construction
- Register a developer account: Register as a developer on the WeChat public platform.
(To register as a WeChat developer and create a mini program: it is necessary to note that for certain subject types, a certification fee may be required to complete the registration process.)
Visit the official website of WeChat public platform:
- Open the official website of the WeChat public platform:
Login/Register:
- If you already have a WeChat account, you can log in directly using your WeChat account.
- If you don’t have a WeChat account, you need to register a WeChat account first.
Enter the mini program management interface:
- After logging in, select "Mini Programs" in the homepage navigation bar, and then click "Register Now".
Fill in basic information:
- Follow the prompts on the page to fill in your basic information, including email address, password, etc.
- As the login account, please ensure the validity of the email address, because subsequent operations will send emails to this email.
Verify email:
- After successful registration, the system will send a confirmation email to the email address you filled in.
- Log in to your email address and click the link in the email to complete the email address verification.
Select the subject type:
- After completing email verification, you need to select the subject type, including individuals, businesses, media, governments, etc.
- Different types of subjects need to submit different information.
Fill in the subject information:
- Fill in the corresponding subject information according to the subject type you selected.
- For enterprises, they may need to upload business licenses, legal person ID cards and other documents.
- For individual developers, they usually only need to upload their ID card and other personal information.
Fill in the applet information:
- After completing the main information, you need to fill in the information of the applet, including the applet name, introduction, category, etc.
Sign the agreement:
- Read and agree to the relevant agreement.
Submit for review:
- After submitting the above information, your application will enter the review stage.
- The review time may vary depending on the completeness and accuracy of the submitted materials, usually taking several working days.
After the review is approved:
- Once the review is passed, you can start using various functions provided by the WeChat public platform, such as creating mini program projects, managing materials, etc.
- Install development tools: Download and install the development tools provided by WeChat.
(To download and install the developer tools provided by WeChat, you can follow the following steps:)
Visit the official website of WeChat developer tools：
- Open the browser and access the official website of WeChat developer tools:WeChat developer tool download address and update log | WeChat open document
Choose the right version to download：
- On this page, you will see the developer tool versions corresponding to different operating systems. Currently supported operating systems are Windows and macOS.
- Please select the corresponding version according to your computer operating system to download.
Download the installation package：
- Click the download link of the corresponding version to download the installation package to your computer.
Install developer tools：
- After the download is complete, find the downloaded installation package and double-click to open it.
- Follow the installation wizard to complete the installation process.
Launch the developer tool：
- After the installation is complete, you can launch the WeChat Developer Tools through the desktop shortcut or from the Start menu.
Create a new project：
- After starting the developer tool, you can select “Create a new project” to start a new applet development.
- You need to fill in the relevant information about the project, such as project name, project path, etc., and select AppID (if you do not have an AppID, you can choose "No AppID" to develop first).
Start development：
- After creating the project, you can start using developer tools to develop, debug and preview applets.
- Create a project: Create a new applet project in the development tool and configure basic information.
3. Coding implementation
- Framework structure: Build the basic framework of the mini program based on the design draft.
- Writing code: Developed using WXML (similar to HTML), WXSS (similar to CSS) and JavaScript.
- API calls: Use the API provided by WeChat to implement specific functions, such as payment, sharing, etc.
- Cloud development: If backend support is required, you can use WeChat cloud development service.
4. Test and debug
- Simulator test: Use emulators in WeChat developer tools for preliminary tests.
(Using an emulator for preliminary testing in WeChat developer tools is a very important step to help you discover and fix problems before actually deploying. Here are the specific steps for testing with the emulator:)
start upWeChat developer tools：
- Open the installed WeChat developer tools.
Open the project:
- Select the applet project you want to test in the developer tools.
Select the emulator:
- In the top menu bar of the developer tools, select Preview or use the shortcut keys Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac).
- In the pop-up menu, select "Open with WeChat Developer Tools".
Set emulator parameters:
- In the pop-up emulator window, you can choose different device models, such as iPhone X, iPhone 11, etc.
- You can also set up network environments such as Wi-Fi, 4G, etc.
- The emulator also provides settings such as geographic location, Bluetooth status, etc., which can be adjusted as needed.
View page effects:
- Once the emulator is loaded, you can view the performance of the applet on different devices.
- Use the buttons in the simulator to simulate various operations, such as sliding the screen, clicking the button, etc.
Debug code:
- If you find any problems or errors, you can use the debugging feature in the developer tool.
- Select the "Debug" tab to view console output, edit code, set breakpoints, etc.
- You can also use performance analysis tools to check the performance of applets.
Save and reload:
- After making the modifications, save the code changes and reload the page in the simulator to see the effect.
Multi-device testing:
- Try testing applets at different devices and resolutions to ensure they are very compatibility.
Simulate real scenes:
- Use various functions of the simulator to simulate the user's behavior in real usage scenarios, such as network switching, location changes, etc.
Recording the problem:
- If any problems or bugs are found, record them for subsequent fixes.
Repeated tests:
- Repeat the above steps until you are satisfied with the performance of the applet.
- Real machine debugging: Check the actual effect through the real machine preview function.
- Performance optimization: Optimized for loading speed, user experience, etc.
5. Submit for review
- Version Management: Ensure all functions are stable and reliable.
- Submit for review: Submit the mini program to the WeChat platform for review.
- Review Feedback: Adjust the code based on feedback until it passes the review.
6. Release online
- Officially released: After the review is approved, the mini program will be released for users to use.
- Monitoring feedback: Collect user feedback and continuously improve products.
7. Post-maintenance
- Update iteration: Update functions regularly according to market changes and technological development.
- Promotion and operation: Develop marketing strategies to attract users and increase activity.
(Update iteration and promotion operation are two very important aspects in the life cycle of mini-programs. The following are the contents of these two to you in detail:)
Update iteration
Market research:
- Regularly pay attention to industry trends, competitive product analysis and user feedback to understand changes in market demand.
- Investigate the development trends of new technologies and evaluate whether they are suitable for introduction into mini programs.
Develop an update plan:
- Based on the results of market research, a detailed functional update plan is formulated.
- Set the development cycle, key functional points and expected goals for each version.
Functional development and testing:
- Develop new features as planned while ensuring the stability of existing features.
- Carry out rigorous testing, including unit testing, integration testing and stress testing, etc., to ensure the quality of new functions.
Version release:
- After preparing the new version, submit it to the WeChat platform for review.
- After the review is approved, a new version will be officially released.
User feedback collection:
- After the release, we actively collect user feedback and use it for improvements in the next iteration.
Data Analysis:
- Use the data statistics function of the mini program to track user behavior data, such as visits, retention rates, etc.
- Analyze data results to identify potential growth opportunities or existing problems.
Promotion and operation
Brand building:
- Establish a unique brand image, including LOGOs, slogans, etc., and enhance users' brand awareness.
- Maintain a consistent brand image in all promotional materials and channels.
Content Marketing:
- Produce high-quality content, such as tutorials, guides, etc., to improve user stickiness.
- Share valuable content on social media to attract more followers.
Social Media Promotion:
- Use WeChat official accounts, circle of friends and other social platforms to promote.
- Combining hot events, plan interesting activities to increase exposure.
Cooperative marketing:
- Find partners for joint promotion, such as working with other brands or KOLs.
- Attract more users through mutual promotion, coupons, etc.
Advertising:
- Post advertisements on WeChat advertising platforms or other advertising networks to accurately locate the target user group.
- Through data analysis, continuously optimize advertising delivery strategies and improve ROI (ROI).
User incentive mechanism:
- Design reward mechanisms such as points systems and hierarchies to encourage users to participate in interactions.
- Carry out various activities, such as signing in, inviting friends, etc., to improve user activity.
Customer Service:
- Establish an effective customer service system and respond to user inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
- Build a word of mouth through good customer service and promote the spread of user word of mouth.
Data analysis and optimization:
- Regularly analyze various operational data of mini programs, such as user growth, activity, etc.
- Adjust promotion strategies based on data analysis results to optimize user experience.
Through continuous iteration and upgrades and effective promotion and operation, we can ensure that the mini program can adapt to changes in the market and technology, while also attracting more users and increasing user activity. In this process, continuous learning and innovation are very important.