How To Create A Food Delivery App Like DoorDash In 30 Days

We live in a space where everything runs on convenience. From browsing a multitude of fashion brands and styles with only a few taps on the mobile screens to simply ordering food from the comfort of your home– the options are endless. 

How did it all start? 

A short glimpse into the history of delivery services: 

It all started in 1995, in the San Francisco Bay Area, when Waiter.com initiated the idea of offering meal delivery services from over 60 partner restaurants. After this, many other food delivery companies such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub were the most prominent ones introduced in the market. 

Currently, there are 1.9 billion food delivery app users who find online ordering a feasible option. To speak more clearly, these app users come from DoorDash, which has 45.5% of the market share, followed by Uber Eats at 28.2% and GrubHub at 15.5%. 

Due to this, the market of online food delivery at present holds a total of US $353.30bn and is projected to expand to US $570.40bn by 2029. 

That’s a huge turnover hailing from the food delivery industry alone. Although, do you know what is the number 1 food delivery company in the USA?  It’s the DoorDash app. One of the fastest-growing food takeaway and delivery apps across the United States with an earning estimated to be between $1.5bn and $1.9bn.

Awesome, isn’t it? 

Can you also create a food delivery app like DoorDash? Of Course! 

This blog is a BONANZA!

Here, we will not only help you create a roadmap for your food delivery app but also accelerate the process by giving a 30-day app development solution. 

Market Overview Of DoorDash Food Delivery App

This section is an add-on to what we have discussed in the introduction. DoorDash being the most popular food delivery company includes a variety of more important census demography figures. 

Source

• In comparison to UberEats, DoorDash welcomes a unified list of services apart from food delivery which includes the delivery of Flowers, Groceries, Convenience, Restaurants, Pets Stores, Alcohol, etc.
• DoorDash has its meal delivery services in 4000 cities located in the USA, Canada, and Australia and has a diverse network of more than 350,000 eateries.
• DoorDash gives zero delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, and other orders that meet the subtotal minimum, as shown in the app.
• The online food delivery application empowers and grows local economies by opening the doorways that connect them.
• DoorDash offers package pickup services to its customers who can pick up and drop at local carriers including UPS, FedEx, and USPS.
• The best part about DoorDash is its gift delivery service which comes with a gift card that enables customers to connect with their favourite people through the best of their neighborhood.
• DoorDash also offers convenience in your neighborhood for fresh groceries, household essentials, and more.

That’s the entire concept of DoorDash that makes the company popular in its own time. It’s time to create your own Food delivery app like DoorDash in 30 days. 

Can You Build An App in 30 Days? 

If this is the question you need the answer to next then here it goes! 

30 days is enough time to create a fully functional mobile app for your business. However, it also depends on the type of app and its complexity. In case you need to start your MVP development, then 30 days is more than enough. 

What is involved in these 30 days? 

• Idea discovery 
• Discussions on the app development with the team 
• Preparing the basic design infrastructure 
• Development of the app which hardly takes 10-15 days
• Quality assurance and testing 
• Launch of the app
• Support and maintenance which is not included in the 30-day app development lifecycle. 

Let’s start with the process to understand the food delivery app benefits for businesses!

Steps To Develop The Food Delivery App Like DooDash

1. Understand the Market of Food Delivery

The food delivery industry has experienced exponential growth in recent years, fueled by changing consumer preferences, advancements in technology, and the convenience economy. 

According to recent statistics, the global online food delivery market is projected to reach a staggering $200 billion by 2025, highlighting the immense opportunities present in this sector.

One of the key insights to glean from the market analysis is the diverse and dynamic nature of the target audience. From busy professionals seeking quick and convenient meal options to families looking for hassle-free dinner solutions, understanding the varying needs and preferences of your potential users is paramount. 

Conducting thorough market research will enable you to identify your target demographic, analyze competitors’ strategies, and uncover untapped opportunities for differentiation and innovation within the market.

Furthermore, examining the strategies and successes of industry leaders like DoorDash can provide invaluable insights into the key factors driving user adoption and retention. 

DoorDash’s emphasis on user experience, expansive restaurant network, and strategic partnerships have contributed to its meteoric rise in the food delivery space.

2. Planning Phase

With a thorough understanding of the food delivery market under your belt, it’s time to transition into the planning phase of your app development journey. 

The first step in the planning phase is to establish clear and achievable goals for your app. Whether you aim to capture a specific market segment, optimize user experience, or maximize revenue generation, defining these goals upfront will provide a guiding light throughout the development process. 

Moreover, breaking down these overarching goals into smaller, actionable objectives can help you track progress and stay on course within the tight 30-day timeline.

Simultaneously, creating a detailed timeline for development is essential to ensure that you make efficient use of your resources and meet your deadlines. Divide the development process into manageable milestones, each with its own set of tasks and deliverables. 

By allocating sufficient time to each phase of development, from design and coding to testing and deployment, you can maintain momentum and mitigate the risk of delays.

Next, it’s time to identify the key features and functionalities that will differentiate your app and resonate with your target audience. Drawing inspiration from successful apps like DoorDash, consider essential features such as user registration and authentication, restaurant listings and menus, order placement and tracking, secure payment processing, and customer support channels. Additionally, think outside the box and brainstorm innovative features that could set your app apart and delight users.

Throughout the planning phase, communication and collaboration are paramount. Whether you’re working solo or as part of a team, establishing open channels of communication and leveraging project management tools can streamline collaboration and keep everyone aligned with the project’s objectives. Regular check-ins and progress updates will ensure that everyone stays on the same page and that any potential roadblocks are addressed promptly.

3. What Technology Stack Should Be Included In a Food Delivery App Like DoorDash?

Selecting the right technology stack is a critical decision that will shape the foundation of your food delivery app. A well-chosen stack not only facilitates smooth development but also ensures scalability, security, and performance. Here’s a breakdown of the key components to consider:

Frontend Development: 

The frontend of your app is what users interact with, so it’s essential to prioritize a seamless and intuitive user experience. Consider using modern frontend frameworks such as React.js or Vue.js, which offer powerful tools for building responsive and interactive user interfaces. 

These frameworks are well-suited for dynamic web applications and provide ample support for state management and component-based architecture.

Backend Development: 

The backend of your app is responsible for handling business logic, data storage, and communication with external services. When choosing a backend technology, factors such as scalability, flexibility, and ease of development are paramount. Popular choices include: 

• Node.js
• Django
• Ruby on Rails

Each offers robust frameworks and libraries for building scalable and secure backend systems. Additionally, consider leveraging cloud-based services like AWS or Google Cloud Platform for hosting and managing your backend infrastructure, providing scalability and reliability as your app grows.

Database Management: 

Efficient data management is crucial for a food delivery app, which relies heavily on real-time data processing and retrieval. Consider using relational databases like PostgreSQL or MySQL for structured data storage, as they offer ACID compliance and robust querying capabilities. Alternatively, NoSQL databases like MongoDB or Firebase can be suitable for handling unstructured or semi-structured data, offering flexibility and scalability for rapidly evolving data needs.

API Integration: 

Seamless integration with third-party services is essential for enhancing the functionality of your app, from payment processing to location tracking and push notifications. Choose APIs and SDKs that align with your app’s requirements and offer comprehensive documentation and support. 

For example, integrating with payment gateways like Stripe or Braintree can streamline the checkout process, while leveraging mapping services like Google Maps or Mapbox can enable real-time order tracking and delivery route optimization.

DevOps and Deployment: 

Streamlining the development workflow and ensuring smooth deployment are crucial for maintaining productivity and minimizing downtime. Consider adopting DevOps practices such as continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) to automate testing and deployment processes, allowing for rapid iteration and deployment of new features. 

Also read: Top CI/CD strategies used by custom software development companies

Containerization tools like Docker and orchestration platforms like Kubernetes can further enhance scalability and reliability by abstracting away infrastructure complexities and enabling seamless deployment across multiple environments.

By carefully selecting and integrating the appropriate technologies for your food delivery app, you can lay a solid foundation for development and ensure that your app meets the demands of both users and stakeholders.

Designing the UI/UX Of The Food Delivery App

Creating a seamless and intuitive user experience is paramount for the success of your food delivery app.

User Interface Design Principles:

Begin by understanding the needs and preferences of your target audience. Keep the interface simple and intuitive, minimizing cognitive load and reducing the learning curve for users. Utilize familiar design patterns and conventions to ensure consistency and predictability throughout the app.

Wireframing and Prototyping:

Before diving into the visual design, start by creating wireframes and prototypes to outline the layout and flow of your app. Tools like Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD can be invaluable for quickly iterating on design ideas and gathering feedback from stakeholders. Focus on key user journeys, such as browsing restaurants, placing orders, and tracking deliveries, to ensure a smooth and intuitive user experience.

Visual Design:

Once the wireframes are finalized, shift your focus to visual design elements such as color scheme, typography, and imagery. Aim for a clean and modern aesthetic that reflects your brand identity while prioritizing readability and accessibility. Use color sparingly to draw attention to important elements, and choose fonts that are legible across different screen sizes and devices.

Responsive Design:

With the proliferation of mobile devices and screen sizes, it’s essential to design your app with responsiveness in mind. Adopt a mobile-first approach, ensuring that the app functions seamlessly on smartphones and tablets. Use fluid layouts and flexible grids to adapt to various screen sizes, and prioritize content based on screen real estate.

Iterative Design Process:

User experience design is an iterative process, and feedback from real users is invaluable for refining and improving your app. Conduct usability testing sessions with representative users to identify pain points and areas for improvement. Iterate on your designs based on user feedback, making incremental adjustments to enhance usability and accessibility.

Accessibility:

Ensure that your app is accessible to users with disabilities by adhering to accessibility standards and guidelines. Provide alternative text for images, ensure proper contrast ratios for text and background colors, and design with keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility in mind. By prioritizing accessibility, you can ensure that your app is inclusive and welcoming to all users.

The Development Of The App

Now that you have a solid plan in place and a well-designed user interface, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive into the development phase of creating your food delivery app. 

Setting Up the Development Environment:

Begin by setting up your development environment with the necessary tools and technologies. Install and configure your chosen frontend and backend frameworks, IDEs, and development libraries. 

Establish version control with Git and set up a repository to track changes and collaborate with your team, if applicable.

Implementing Core Features:

With your development environment in place, start by implementing the core features and functionalities of your app. This includes user authentication and registration, restaurant listings and menus, order placement and tracking, payment processing, and customer support channels. 

Break down each feature into smaller, manageable tasks and prioritize them based on their importance to the overall user experience.

Testing at Each Stage:

Testing is an integral part of the development process and should be performed at each stage to ensure the reliability and quality of your app. 

Implement unit tests to verify individual components and functions, integration tests to validate interactions between different modules, and end-to-end tests to simulate real-world user scenarios. Identify and fix bugs and issues as they arise, and maintain thorough documentation of test cases and results.

Iterative Development Process:

Adopt an iterative development process, releasing early and often to gather feedback from users and stakeholders. 

Build and deploy prototypes or minimum viable products (MVPs) to solicit feedback and validate assumptions before investing time and resources into full-scale development. 

Iterate on your designs and features based on user feedback, making incremental improvements with each iteration.

Scalability and Performance Optimization:

As your app grows in popularity and user base, scalability and performance become increasingly important considerations. 

Design your backend architecture with scalability in mind, utilizing cloud-based services and horizontal scaling techniques to handle increased traffic and workload. 

Implement caching mechanisms, database optimizations, and code optimizations to enhance performance and responsiveness.

Security Considerations:

Security is paramount when handling sensitive user data and financial transactions. Implement robust authentication and authorization mechanisms to protect user accounts and ensure data privacy. 

Encrypt sensitive information during transmission and storage, and regularly audit your codebase for security vulnerabilities. Stay abreast of security best practices and updates to mitigate emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

Integrate Third-Party Services

Integrating third-party services is essential for enhancing the functionality and user experience of your food delivery app.

Mapping and Location Services:

One of the core features of a food delivery app is real-time order tracking and delivery route optimization. Integrating mapping services such as Google Maps or Mapbox enables you to provide accurate location data, display interactive maps, and calculate optimal delivery routes. Utilize APIs provided by these services to access geolocation data, display maps within your app, and provide turn-by-turn navigation for delivery drivers.

Payment Gateway Integration:

Seamless and secure payment processing is crucial for facilitating transactions within your app. Integrate with popular payment gateways such as Stripe, PayPal, or Braintree to enable users to make payments using credit/debit cards, digital wallets, or other payment methods. Implement secure tokenization and encryption mechanisms to protect sensitive payment information and comply with PCI-DSS standards for data security.

SMS and Push Notification Services:

Keeping users informed and engaged throughout the order lifecycle is essential for a positive user experience. Integrate with SMS and push notification services such as Twilio or Firebase Cloud Messaging to send order confirmations, status updates, and promotional messages to users in real-time. Customize notifications based on user preferences and order status to provide timely and relevant updates.

Restaurant and Menu APIs:

Integrating with restaurant and menu APIs allows you to expand your app’s offerings and provide users with access to a wide variety of cuisines and dining options. Partner with restaurant aggregators or leverage APIs provided by individual restaurants to fetch menu data, restaurant details, and availability in real-time. Implement search and filtering functionalities to help users discover new restaurants and dishes based on their preferences.

Analytics and Monitoring Tools:

Monitoring user behavior and app performance is essential for optimizing your app and making data-driven decisions. Integrate analytics and monitoring tools such as Google Analytics, Firebase Analytics, or Mixpanel to track user engagement, retention, and conversion metrics. Monitor app performance and server health using tools like New Relic or Datadog to identify and address performance bottlenecks and issues proactively.

Customer Support and Chat Services:

Providing timely and responsive customer support is critical for resolving user queries and issues effectively. Integrate with customer support and chat services such as Zendesk, Intercom, or Freshchat to offer live chat support, ticketing systems, and knowledge bases within your app. Implement chatbots or virtual assistants to automate common support tasks and provide instant assistance to users.

Read what top features your food delivery app needs to succeed in the US market!

Implement Advanced Features To Capture the Eyes Of The Users

Now that your app has a foundation, let’s enhance the food delivery app by adding some advanced-level features which is trending on the internet today. 

1. Real-Time Order Tracking: Keep users engaged by allowing them to track orders in real-time, from placement to delivery, using mapping services and push notifications.
2. Reviews and Ratings: Foster user engagement and trust by enabling them to leave reviews and ratings for restaurants and dishes, prominently displayed for informed decision-making.
3. Promotional Offers: Drive user loyalty with discounts, offers, and rewards. Create targeted campaigns and push notifications to promote special deals.
4. Social Sharing and Referral Program: Leverage users as brand ambassadors by integrating social sharing features and a referral program, incentivizing both the referrer and the referred user.
5. Advanced Search and Recommendations: Enhance user experience with intelligent search algorithms and recommendation engines that consider preferences, past orders, and location for personalized results.
6. Multi-Language and Multi-Currency Support: Expand your user base globally by offering support for multiple languages and currencies, simplifying the ordering process for users worldwide.
7. Dietary Restrictions Filter: Cater to diverse dietary needs by implementing a filter for dietary restrictions such as vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free options, ensuring users find suitable choices.
8. Scheduled Orders: Allow users to schedule orders in advance, providing convenience for planning meals and events, and enhancing user satisfaction.
9. Virtual Kitchen Integration: Partner with virtual kitchens or cloud kitchens to offer a wider range of cuisines and specialty dishes, expanding your app’s offerings and attracting new users.
10. Voice Ordering: Embrace voice technology by enabling users to place orders using voice commands, providing a hands-free and intuitive ordering experience.

In case you are also wondering about adding all the universal services of DoorDash which we have mentioned in the market overview section, then here it goes! 

Expansion into Multiple Delivery Services like DoorDash

With the foundation of your food delivery app in place, consider expanding its reach by incorporating additional delivery services beyond just food. This strategic expansion not only broadens your user base but also positions your app as a one-stop solution for various delivery needs. Here are the key delivery services you can integrate into your app:

1. Flowers Delivery Services:

Partner with local florists to offer flower delivery services for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Enable users to browse and select from a diverse range of floral arrangements and bouquets, with options for same-day or scheduled delivery.

2. Groceries Delivery Services:

Tap into the burgeoning online grocery market by partnering with supermarkets and grocery stores to offer grocery delivery services. Allow users to shop for groceries from the comfort of their homes, selecting items from a comprehensive catalog and specifying delivery preferences such as delivery time slots and preferred brands.

3. Convenience Items Delivery:

Offer convenience item delivery services for everyday essentials such as toiletries, household supplies, and personal care products. Partner with convenience stores and pharmacies to provide users with a convenient and hassle-free way to restock essential items on demand.

4. Restaurants:

In addition to traditional food delivery, expand your app’s restaurant delivery services to include a wider range of cuisines and dining options. Partner with a diverse selection of restaurants, ranging from local favorites to popular chains, to offer users an extensive array of dining choices.

5. Pets Stores Supplies:

Cater to pet owners by integrating pet store delivery services into your app. Partner with pet supply stores to offer a range of pet food, toys, accessories, and grooming products for delivery, ensuring that users can easily access essential supplies for their furry friends.

6. Alcohol Delivery Services:

Enhance the convenience of your app by incorporating alcohol delivery services. Partner with liquor stores and beverage retailers to offer users a selection of beers, wines, spirits, and mixers for delivery, with options for age verification and delivery restrictions.

Testing And Quality Assurance of the App

Thorough testing and quality assurance are essential before launching your app. Conduct unit, integration, and end-to-end testing to validate functionality. Perform performance and security testing to ensure optimal performance and protect user data. 

Gather feedback through usability testing and ensure accessibility for all users. 

Finally, test cross-platform compatibility to guarantee a seamless experience across devices. By rigorously testing your app, you can identify and address any issues before deployment, ensuring a smooth and successful launch.

Deployment & App Launch

After completing testing and quality assurance, it’s time to deploy your app and launch it to the public. Here’s how to prepare for a successful deployment and launch:

1. App Store Submission: 

Prepare your app for submission to app stores like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Ensure compliance with store guidelines regarding content, design, and security.

2. App Store Optimization (ASO): 

Optimize your app store listing with relevant keywords, compelling descriptions, and high-quality visuals to maximize visibility and downloads. 

3. Beta Testing: 

Consider conducting beta testing with select users to gather feedback and identify any last-minute issues before the official launch.

4. Launch Preparation: 

Coordinate marketing activities, update your website and social media channels, and generate buzz around your app’s release. Ensure support channels are in place to handle user inquiries.

5. Launch Day: 

Announce your app’s official launch to your target audience and app store platforms. Monitor app store reviews and user feedback closely and be prepared to address any issues that arise.

Now you must be wondering what shall be the cost of building a food delivery app like DoorDash. Well, it all depends on the features and services you plan on integrating in your app. 

However, on average, building a basic food delivery app with essential features could start from $50,000 to $100,000. However, for a more comprehensive app with advanced features and customization, the cost could range from $100,000 to $500,000 or more.

It’s essential to work closely with a reputable development team or agency to determine the specific requirements and get an accurate cost estimate tailored to your project’s needs and goals. Additionally, consider factors such as scalability, reliability, and user experience to ensure the long-term success of your app.

Final Thoughts

So when someone asks “What percentage of the market is DoorDash?” you must know the answers. While adding to your food delivery services that are a replica of DoorDash itself. 

With careful planning and execution, you can create a compelling and successful product that meets the needs of your users. With the global food delivery market continuing to expand. There has never been a better time to enter this lucrative space.

If you’re ready to turn your vision into reality, consider partnering with DianApps for Food delivery app development services in the USA. With our expertise and experience, we can help you bring your app to life. And succeed in the competitive food delivery industry.