Startups in the modern day may very well find developing a mobile app to be key to their enterprise’s success or longevity. But developing a business app is truly easier said than done. A good business companion app ideally needs to be innovative, well-designed, and user-friendly.
But with so many app development partners out there, how do you find the right one for your business?
Naturally, the development partners you choose will have a big impact on the success of your business, so it’s crucial to take your time and find a team that’s a good fit for your company. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you search for the perfect app developer for your startup.
Consider What Kind of Services You Need
With over 6.5 million applications available in the leading app stores (Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store), mobile app development is definitely a highly competitive endeavor. Even if your app is backed by a great idea and a winning design, it can still be surprisingly difficult to stand out in such an oversaturated market. So how can you make sure your app development project is successful?
Before you begin your search for the right app developer for your startup, it is important to take a step back and consider what kind of services you need with regards to your app’s development.
Do you need someone who can help you with the entire process from start to finish, or do you just need someone to develop the app itself? Will you need expert input with regards to your app’s user journey map, or are there any aspects of your app’s offerings to app users that you may need to run by an outside marketing team?
Your app designs can greatly improve with a little collaboration and outsourcing, so long as your development efforts stay firmly under budget. Once you have a clear idea of your needs, however, you can start to look for app developers, UX designers, and other professionals who specialize in the areas you feel you may need an expert eye on.
Consider the Cost
Speaking of your budget, you absolutely need to make sure you get quotes from several developers and any other specialists in order to compare their rates. Whilst it may be tempting to go with the cheapest option if you’re on a tight budget, doing so may very well result in a subpar product. It’s important to strike a balance between cost and quality for this reason.
Development costs can vary significantly depending on the size and complexity of the project, so be sure to get quotes from several developers before making your decision. By taking the time to do your research up front, you can be confident that you will find the right app developer for your startup.
With so much at stake, it’s worth taking the time to find the right app developer for your startup and potentially even be willing to push your budget to ensure that you aren’t sacrificing on quality.
What Is The Turnaround Time?
When it comes to developing a successful app, the quality of the code is just as important as the speed of the turnaround time. For startups in particular, time is definitely of the essence, as every day that you spend on app development is another day that any of your competitors who are already post-launch are getting ahead in your market.
Although working with a developer who can move quickly is essential, sacrificing quality for speed can also definitely lead to problems down the road. It’s important to find a balance between the two when choosing a developer for your startup.
One major way to do this is to look for a developer with experience in building apps similar to the one you have in mind. By taking the time to find the right app developer, you can ensure that your startup has the best chance for success.
How Much Experience Does The Developer Have?
A good developer will have the experience and expertise to take your idea and turn it into a fully fleshed out reality. They’ll also be able to work with you to ensure that your app meets your specific business needs.
Consider the developer’s experience. How long have they been in business? What kind of apps have they developed in the past? The more experience a developer has in the particular market niche that you’re looking to hit, the more likely they are to be able to deliver a high-quality product.
It’s also well worth taking a thorough look at their portfolio. Does it feature any apps or designs that are similar to what you’re looking for? Even going with a developer who has worked with a similar style or format to what you’re hoping to achieve can make a world of difference with regards to your own app’s development.
Check Their Reviews
Checking reviews is a great way to get an idea of what others think of any of your potential app developers. Ideally, you’ll want to find someone who has a lot of positive reviews and who seems to really understand the unique production needs of startups.
One of the best places to start is by asking for recommendations from people you know who have developed successful apps themselves. If you don’t know anyone personally, you can check online forums and review sites for developers who come highly recommended in your industry.
Google reviews can be a helpful starting point. By reading through reviews, you can get a sense of each developer’s strengths and weaknesses. You can also learn about their communication style and what range of services they provide.
It’s important to take Google reviews with a grain of salt, however. Keep in mind that people are more likely to leave a review if they have had a negative experience.
Meet Them in Person
Finally, one of the best possible ways to get a sense of whether or not a developer is a good fit for your team is to meet them in person.
This will give you a chance to see how they communicate and collaborate, and it will give them a chance to learn more about your project. If you’re able to establish a good rapport with a potential developer, that’s a good sign that they’re someone you can work with.
Final word
Finding the perfect developer for your app development project may initially feel just as arduous a process as developing your app itself. If you are feeling a little bit overwhelmed with the process, all we advise is that you stick with your recruitment process, as taking extra time to find the perfect developer or other specialists to work on your app will likely ensure that your finished product is aligned with your original design plans.
