Things To Consider When Selecting Mobile App Development Firm For Your Project

By Author: Amit Tiwari
Total Articles: 17

Obviously, you want to hire a professional team, but how do you know which one is right for you? If you aren’t well-versed in application development, all of the firms you research will sound relatively the same.

You don’t have to know everything about tech or design to pick a good mobile dev team. You just have to understand the fundamentals of mobile app development and make sure that the firm you decide to work with is capable of bringing your vision to life. After all, the app you make and team you work with will reflect back on your company when it’s released to the world. You don’t want to invest in the wrong team and wind up with a product that doesn’t achieve.

Understand Where You Are in the Process
You may just have an idea for an app that you need a professional to bring to life; you could have a design already drafted with the basic features, concepts and even look of your app in place. Your safest bet is to look for an agency that specializes in end-to-end mobile development. When you work with a team like this, you’ll ensure that every facet of your app is covered by a dedicated team of both designers and developers.

Avoid people who insist that they can do everything, e.g., freelance mobile app developers. Unless they have a killer portfolio that demonstrates their talent, you may wind up with a lackluster app that’s riddled with bugs and only looks good but doesn’t perform its task.

Mobile app development requires art directors, web designers, front and back-end developers. There are so many unseen, moving aspects to a mobile app that require a particular knowledge base and skill set to get right. Small firms that only offer software development and not full-service mobile application can wind up costing you a lot of money for a terrible end result.

Make sure that you understand what you need from a firm and ask them targeted questions during a consultation. For example, if your app’s framework has been done by a freelancer or in-house, ask, “Can you show me some examples of development-only projects that didn’t require design?”

Be Selective
A flashy website and solid copy won’t guarantee a good app. Make sure you communicate with the firms you’re considering and check out their organization on LinkedIn. Schedule a consultation, which should be free, and make sure you speak to someone directly before you ever make the choice to hire.

Protect Your Vision
If your app idea is sensitive or you’re worried about it being stolen, ask for a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before you reveal project details. An NDA can protect your business idea while an agency looks over your concept in detail and decides whether or not they’ll send you a design and development proposal.

When possible, meet face-to-face or at least via video chat. It’s much easier to gauge a person’s level of interest, degree of knowledge and professionalism through physical contact than it is over messages.

What you send online can be seen by anyone, so take precautions and ensure that you fully trust and believe in the firm you’re going to work with before you divulge the most important details of your app.

Making the Final Choice
Consult with at least three firms before you make a final decision. If you can get a proposal from each, do so and thoroughly go over the projected time-frame and cost before agreeing. If a firm has a good price but can’t start developing your app for five months, then you’re missing out on expanding your business and might have to delay many important objectives.

Consider the importance of the app in your overall business strategy, and find ways to promote through content and create hype before a launch. Always give yourself more time than estimated to tailor an app to perfection, and ensure that the mobile app developers you work with are people you not only like to work with but also trust with your business.

Amit Tiwari is a Digital marketer & blogger with over 4 years of experience and a wide variety of knowledge in multiple areas of the industry.