Table of content
Did you know there are nearly 2.7 billion smartphone users, with another 1.4 billion tablet users, in the world? Research shows that these people check their mobile device every 10 minutes or so. The need for a quality mobile app has never been higher.
If you’re considering having one built, you need a developer you can trust from start to finish. There are going to be a lot of factors and moving parts playing into the development of your mobile app. Keep in mind, you might also need them for the long-term if you plan on properly maintaining your mobile app.
To make your search for the right mobile app development company, we’ve assembled all of the most important and valuable characteristics you should be looking for in a developer. Let’s take a look!
1. Previous Work Experience
When it comes to developing a mobile app, experience is everything. First, you’ll want to ensure they have the proper knowledge, training, and credentials to bring your app to life. Secondly, you’ll want to inspect some of their most recent work to ensure their finished products will meet your standards.
Most companies will display their projects on their website or in their portfolio, so don’t just skim through these. Study them carefully and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
For example, ask them why they did certain things if you notice something you don’t like about one of their projects. Sometimes, they might agree with you — but their client might not. When you’re too quick to judge, you could miss out on important information.
Finally, browse through their customer feedback and reviews. This will give you valuable insight into what it’s like to work with the company from someone in your shoes.
2. Don’t Forget About Your Budget
When shopping around for a developer, you’ll want to keep in mind that it’s just like any other service — you will get what you pay for. Always keep your budget in mind and stay realistic about your goals. Sometimes, it’s best to settle for something now and make improvements later.
Furthermore, being open about your budget can actually play in your favor. Some companies might be willing to build your mobile app for something in return — like the right to display it in their portfolio or free advertising on the site. If you really enjoy their work, but can’t afford the entire bill, see if they will work something out with you.
3. Software & Features
Chances are you already have a good idea of the different features you’ll be looking for in your mobile app. You’ll also have several decisions to make in regards to what software system you want it built for — iOS and Android. These will likely be decisions you won’t want to compromise with.
When looking at different developers, be open about what you expect out of your mobile app. There’s nothing worse than hiring a developer just to find out they aren’t capable of building what you need.
Even when they say they can support your idea, ask to see examples of them doing it in the past — if they can. For example, if you want a login/logout feature on your app, have them show you an example of when they did that for a previous client.
Want to start your own startup?
4. Quality Assurance & Testing
One of the most crucial parts of the mobile app development process is quality assurance and testing. When this step is missed, your mobile app could experience significant issues once you release it out into the world.
Make sure your development company will take the necessary precautions to ensure your app is actually ready to roll when they say it is. This will save you from the embarrassment, frustration, and headache.
5. Communication & Maintenance
Throughout the development process, you’ll need effective means of communication between yourself and the team you hire. Whether you have new ideas, need to make changes, notice an issue halfway through, or just simply need an explanation for something, your developer should be able to make themselves available.
You’ll also want to make sure your development company will support a long-term relationship. When you own a mobile app and want to release an update, that process will be made much simpler if you have the original developer to help you.
6. Non-Disclosure Agreement
If you’ll be sharing valuable, sensitive, or secret information with your development team at any stage of the process — even during the interview stage — you’ll want to consider having them sign a non-disclosure agreement. This will stop them from sharing any of the information with anyone outside of the circle.
As you can see, there’s a lot you’ll want to factor into your decision when choosing the right mobile app development company. With over 4 billion mobile users worldwide, your idea has a lot to benefit from tapping into this demographic. If that’s not enough to persuade you, mobile users spend 90% of their mobile time on apps.
When you’re ready to take the next step in the mobile app development process, contact us today and we’d be glad to help!
—
Photo by Olivier Le Moal on AdobeStock