Mobile app is a lucrative business. In 2019, it dominated the market, generating almost US $462 billion in global revenues. The figure is expected to go over US $935 billion in 2023. This fact is one of the reasons why the startup scene is dominated by tech-focused businesses intent on creating the best mobile app for consumers all over the world. While coming up with an idea for a mobile app may sound fun, it is an entirely different matter when it comes to creating the product. Mobile application developers have their work cut out for them because they need to consider a lot of things when developing the app.
They need to know what consumers want. Developers need to ensure the app will stand out. They have to know the right and latest technology to use. Lastly, they have to consider the budget, especially when working with startups.
There are millions of app developers in the world (individual freelancers and employed developers), so choosing just one or a few can be challenging. Determining who among them can provide the satisfaction your target market deserves depends on several factors. Here are eight tips that can guide you in finding expert mobile application developers for your startup.
1. Identify your business needs and goals.
What does your startup business need? What are your goals?
If you do not have a dedicated in-house tech or app development team, you can choose to hire developers and contract them on a per-project basis. You’ll find a lot of good and qualified mobile application developers through outsourcing agencies or companies that rent out services for a specific period of time.
If you have an in-house app development team, you could hire some specialists who can help make the project move forward quickly and more efficiently. Perhaps you want to get the services of highly experienced Android developers? You can choose to outsource these positions, especially if you do not want to put a dent in your budget. Outsourcing will connect you with some of the best mobile app developers in the world.
Outsourcing mobile app development is also beneficial if your startup plans to create applications from scratch.
2. Know your target market.
Once you’ve identified your project needs and goals, it is vital to turn your attention to your target market. Developing a product without knowing who it is for is the biggest mistake a business can make in any industry.
Your target market will help shape the direction of your app development project. Likewise, it will guide you in choosing the right mobile app developer, because you can then focus on particular skills and specializations. If you find mobile application developers who have worked for projects targeting the same market, you are guaranteed to get the best out of your investment.
3. Find several software development providers and do some research.
Find good IT or software development providers. You can do this on and offline. Search for good options online by doing due diligence via Google search, visiting company websites, joining forums, and searching for customer reviews. The ideal online platforms, however, are places where developers go to promote their work and experience. Some examples are Upwork and Clutch.
Offline, you can ask friends and peers for suggestions. You can also ask for recommendations from your LinkedIn network. Better yet, join developer conventions, hackathons, and other similar events, as they’re always brimming with knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced developers.
Do research on each of the providers in your list and eliminate as you go on.
4. Check out the mobile app developer’s experience.
Experience is a major factor when it comes to mobile app development. Aside from possessing the skills needed to ensure smooth, efficient, and professional project implementation, experienced mobile application developers also know how to handle difficult situations or development challenges they are bound to encounter.
You should ask about the developer’s past projects (as a team and individually). Check out the projects they’ve done, pay attention to every aspect that you have access to. How do they look? Do they give you a satisfying feeling? Were they done professionally?
The ideal thing to do would be to talk to the developer’s previous clients. This way, you can get detailed inputs on how your chosen mobile app developer works.
5. Go for mobile app developers who can create multiple platform apps.
If you want to make an impression on a wide target market, it should be your priority to hire a mobile app development team that can create apps that run on iOS, Android, and Windows – basically, on all platforms.
6. Hire mobile app developers who value communication.
Communication is an essential aspect of any project. As such, you need mobile application developers who are experts on their field. Regular communication is necessary, particularly in terms of project updates and progress notes. Some developers provide updates every time they complete a phase or stage, while others prefer to send daily updates or snippets of their day-to-day accomplishments.
7. Choose a team that will work with you all the way – from pre-planning to post-deployment stage.
The ideal mobile application developers do not pack their bags right after the app has been launched and placed on Apple’s App Store or Google’s Play Store. The team should stick with you even after the deployment stage is through. You’ll need your developers on standby for post-deployment essentials, such as bug fixes and updates.
8. Consider your budget.
As a startup, sticking to your budget is vital. However, you should not let the developers’ fee cloud your judgment. Pay more attention to quality over price. Your best choice for mobile application developers may cost you some money, but this shouldn’t stop you from hiring them. Treat this as an investment. Every investment you make can hurt a little bit in the beginning, but the rewards will be more than worth it in the end.
Choosing the ideal mobile app developers for your startup can be a challenging process, but it’s something that you need to do if you want to ensure your project’s success. Just follow the tips above and you’ll soon find what you’re looking for.
Photo courtesy of Marco Verch.
