It’s not difficult to find an app developer nowadays; the real challenge lies in finding the perfect developer to understand your business’ needs. If you know anything about building an app and working on software projects, defining the priorities is crucial for your product’s success. And you’ll have to partner with the perfect app developer to get this crucial part right. The right developer will not only build the app of your dreams.
They will also add value in several other ways so your business can maximize revenue from your app. And this is why you need to take your time and carefully check different elements and features before settling for an app developer. Look at seven essential factors you need to look out for when looking for an app developer for your next software project.
1. Portfolio
First impressions always last longer, and you would want to begin evaluating your prospective app developer by looking at some of the recent works they produced. It is perhaps the quickest way to learn if an app developer is a right fit for your project. Do they have a professional portfolio? Can you find any active apps developed by them in the app store?
If yes, you want to check their app users’ reviews and determine the rating their apps received. Ideally, you want to stir clear developers with no proven portfolio or apps hosted by any app store. For instance, if you’re considering a Xamarin app development company, choosing a firm with a long history of successful apps and quick delivery will help you avoid many unforeseen challenges.
2. Communication
Inquire about the level of communication they’ll need to complete the project. Some questions you can consider are:
- What communication channels do you use before beginning, during, and after a project?
- How often will you have to communicate with me?
- When and how will they offer their input?
You should be interested in any developer that provides project updates no less than once a week. This type of communication pattern will ensure that you remain aware of the progress of work. The right app developer will not compromise on communication. Though communication might not sound as technical as other aspects of app developments, it’s no less crucial for your project’s success.
3. Design Expertise
Developing an app involves other things apart from coding. You also need to complete a functional design that offers a remarkable user experience. That’s why your app developer needs to know and use the most popular and updated user experience principles to build your app. Consequently, you want to determine the user experience strategies and the design principles they deploy when creating apps.
Take a close look at the previous designs of the developer and look for patterns. Or you may ask them to explain the approach they took to design the interface of previous apps. Furthermore, try to be as detailed and transparent as possible when describing your project to prospective developers, so they fully understand the kind of design you want.
4. Timeline
As far as previous work goes, it’s advisable also to evaluate the time it took them to complete work in the past. If a design company is fond of delays and misses deadlines, this is when you’ll find out. The idea is to avoid any surprises down the road. Therefore, you want to be a thorough ask.
So don’t hesitate to ask them about how long they think it can take them to complete your project practically. Then compare the timelines of their previous work to learn if you can trust their estimation. Most businesses forget that developers are usually working on other projects. Hence, find out how many projects they are presently working on completing.
5. Maintenance
Your app will likely need updates and maintenance after its release. So you’ll have to understand the policy of your developer concerning post-release support and maintenance. For instance, find out if and how you’ll pay for app maintenance.
Some app developers charge by the hour; others will receive a monthly fee. Therefore, you need to determine which options will favor your budget before signing on the dotted line. Also, ensure that you clearly understand the details of their maintenance policy, such as:
- How much each app release costs
- Their approach to fixing bugs
- The duration of post-launch support
There are many details to consider, and it’s easy to overlook these minor aspects of the development process. However, maintenance shouldn’t be an afterthought.
6. Solo Developer vs. Teams
If you’re all about affordability, browsing a freelance site might be all it takes to find a suitable and single developer for your project. But you may learn that it’s also the riskiest option. You don’t have to look far to find several stories of unsatisfied clients who paid good money for sub-par apps.
Even worse, some simply couldn’t contact their developer the moment they made payment. Some freelancers will even abandon your project the second they land a more lucrative gig. Not to sound pessimistic, but these are the realities of the freelance world. That’s why there are some advantages to trusting an established company with years of experience.
7. Price
Price comes last, and rightfully so, not because it’s the least important. But the fact remains that you shouldn’t let the money talks cloud your judgment. Before sitting down with any app developer to discuss your project, you’ll need to do your homework and determine the industry’s standard charges.
This will give you a fair idea about how much your project should cost. It’s always better to finalize the price after both parties understand the project and what it will involve.
Conclusion
You’ll quickly find yourself overwhelmed by the number of different options available in today’s app development market. That explains why you need to thoroughly assess your choices before doing business with any app developer. You’ll have to consider different aspects like technical expertise, communication skills, previous works, accountability, and motivation to narrow down the list. Your app developer plays a central role in the proper realization of your app idea. Therefore, you can’t afford to choose unwisely. With these seven tips, you should well be on your way to forming a profitable and lasting partnership with the perfect app developer for your business.
