When you are presented with almost endless options for mobile app developers, choosing the right one can be a tricky challenge. When entering relevant keywords, Google shows you considerable names and web directories with the details of popular app development agencies. However, they all have different levels of experience, each having unique understanding of app development process.
Your app will either be a hit in the market or it could be something that users may un-install quickly. This is why it is important to do research before you entrust someone else with your business reputation. You can pick the top development companies if you have a basic understanding of the process and eye for research.
To help you more, here is vital insight and questions you can ask to choose the right app development partner:
1) Client References:
Isn’t this what you should practically make a top-priority criterion when looking for a perfect app project partner? Exploring company’s portfolio is no doubt the foremost factor that almost decides whether or not to consider the agency for your business app. This is also the best work evaluation technique today. You really want to know more about the brands they have served, challenges they have surpassed, technologies they used and how good they did it all in past.
Client references of their portfolio will give your thoughts of selection a little more push you need to discriminate between the mediocre and the superior.
2) Specialized Consultation:
Mobile app development is more than just UX, features and testing. A qualified app development agency must be able to offer consultation on how to market, enrich and publish the app. Strategic consultation is key to making your business competitive and viable. Before selecting the right development partner, check if they have a resilient mobile app development strategy. This will ensure everything is synchronized and they work in clear directions, with clear expectations.
3) Expect Innovative Features and Outstanding Quality:
The market is saturated with big numbers of mobile app development companies. It is tough for you to pick from the thousands of iPhone app builders and Android app developers. But you can reduce the number on your list by inquiring about their history of innovations in past, quality of their apps and remarkable features they have developed for their clients. Always expect the best since there is a lot going on in the world of technology, and possibilities are infinite.
4) The Right Approach:
In general sense of mobile app development industry, app makers should have knowledge enough to build apps that delight users and fans. App making agencies believe in their own set of principles and methods. Having right mobile app development approach means flexibility, agility and best results. But this is possible only when there are highly experienced peers on their team.
With that said, app developer’s approach should be client-focused. They must understand that each project has its own requirements in terms of process, tools, software, testing and skills. Hence, choose the one who has worked on special projects where team efforts are huge and technical challenges are efficiently met.
Questions to ask:
1.Have you worked for the relevant business/industry?
It always gives you an extra edge in the app development process if you can hire someone who has already tried their hands making the same app as the one in your mind. Ask them if they have built similar apps before. If they have experience, it means they know how to resolve common problems down the path.
This also means that they can start better and work faster than other agency who has still no product to show in that category. Such companies understand your business keenly and can give you competitive results.
2.Where can I download your app?
If it is about your business reputation, you should want to dig deep enough. If you are unable to catch more from their public portfolio, ask them to share with you links to download their apps so that you can scrutinize it yourself.
Once you have an access to their app copies, try fiddling with it on different devices and get the look and feel of the product yourself. Ask them what more they could have done with the existing app and if they can rebuild such apps with even more enhanced features and UX for you.
3.Do you develop cross-platform apps?
Set clear goals and expectations from the very beginning about cross-platform app development. Do you want them to make apps for both iOS and Android? If your app is to function for both OS systems, you can ask them if they can build apps using generic coding that can be used for both OS. Your audience could be the wide demographics that want to access the same app from different devices, which requires cross-platform apps. Talk to your mobile app firm in detail about devices preferences and cross-platform development abilities.
4.What is your idea about app monetization for my app?
You are not making an app just for amusement. Hence, app monetization strategy should be a part of your conversation with app development companies. Ask them what chances your app has to make money via online ad. Will your app keep users coming back to it more often? How to optimize it for that intent? Get clear answers to your curiosity about making money with your app. An experienced app developer must have a few confident responses for you.
5.Do you offer all-round app development services?
Some app development studios limit their services to design elements (UI and UX) whereas others exclude post-deployment maintenance as additional add-on. Even back-end is often comes with extra consideration with some development companies. Also app store submission, ASO (app store optimization) and app marketing are seen as separate chunks off the app development cycle. If you want to get it all done from one agency, make sure you hire someone who is expert in all-round app development capabilities.
6.What kind of communication you prefer during the process?
Communication, as with any business partnership, is the key to ensuring the smooth development process. It establishes clarity and helps keep the client updated about smallest of changes. Make client communication as often – or even daily – as possible via methods you are most comfortable with. You can use Skype, email or intranet methods to keep things transparent and dynamic.
7.How much will the app development cost?
This is the most commonly asked question in app development partnerships. Price is important, but in the market flooded with app developers, you will always manage to find many who claim to build the app in less. However, cost depends on the type of your app and its scope.
If it is for your business, cost should not be a deciding factor. Reduction in cost may make you compromise on quality, app security, coding perfection and even skills and expertise of developers. They won’t do good things in cheap prices. So don’t let the price be the driver of your decision.
Final thoughts:
Once you select an app development partner, there is no going back. It is therefore necessary to be serious about choosing the right app development company. Make your selection process as rigorous as you can by considering all the expectations from your future partner. Your app represents the business and engages customers, thereby bringing more profit. An app designed well can truly make huge difference. Hopefully this guide helps you choose the trusted app development company.