With over 2.5 billion active Android users in 190 countries, it’s no wonder that businesses are looking to mobile application development to get into the market. Are you one of them?
Unsurprisingly, creating a high-quality app takes significant time and resources. As a result, many companies are outsourcing mobile developers to create their apps.
Do you think that outsource app development best option for you? If that’s the case, it’s critical that you conduct some study before making any decisions or committing fully to this new trend.
In this article, we’ll help you explore the option of application development outsourcing. Let’s get started!
What is Mobile App Development Outsourcing?
In the early days of mobile app development, companies typically built all of their apps in-house. However, as the demand for mobile apps has exploded, many companies have found that they simply don’t have the internal resources to keep up with demand. As a result, many companies are turning to mobile app development outsourcing.
Mobile app development outsourcing is contracting out the development of a mobile app to a third-party company. While there are many advantages to outsourcing, businesses often appreciate the convenience it offers most of all. When essential mobile software development tasks are outsourced, the company has more time to direct its attention elsewhere.
Sounds good, right? Many business owners may be tempted to outsource mobile app development, but it isn’t for everyone. Aside from having the financial means, mobile app development companies must also fill in the cracks in your company’s operations.
5 Signs That You Need to Outsource Mobile App Development
Now that you know how mobile app development outsourcing works let’s learn the signs that your business needs it. Here are the things that you should watch out for:
1. Your app is not meeting customer’s expectations
Do you often get complaints from customers about your app’s buggy functionality? Your app may not be getting the proper maintenance or could have been poorly coded in the first place. Either way, don’t wait for a time when many of your customers are going inactive before you consider application development outsourcing.
2. You don’t have the resources or manpower to develop an app in-house
Budget and expertise are huge factors when building an in-house development team to develop your app. You’ll need to pay for the initial training and ongoing salary, plus find suitable candidates with specific skill sets and experience. Not only will it be costly, but it will also take a longer time to do. So, as early as now, talk to your accounting team to know if mobile application outsourcing could be a good option!
3. You want to focus on your core business functions
Developing a successful app requires a significant investment of time and resources, and if it’s not your core competency, it can be a drain on your internal IT team. You don’t want them to spread themselves thin and compromise their skills when doing core business functions. If that situation worries you, consider mobile app development services.
4. You need an app developed quickly
Perhaps you have a new product or service that you want to launch, or you need to update your existing app to keep up with the latest trends. Whatever the reason, if you need an app developed in a hurry, it’s a good idea to consider mobile application outsourcing. Many application development outsourcing companies can create a high-quality app in a short timeframe.
5. You’re not happy with your in-house development team’s work
After months of training, spending money, and sacrificing your time in your team’s app development process, they still failed to deliver what you expected. When this happens, take it as a sign to outsource developers. A reputable outsourcing company has the skilled staff that you’re looking for!
The Benefits of Outsourcing Mobile App Development
Do any of the signs above align with your situation in developing mobile apps for your business? If so, outsourcing developers should already be on your mind. To know how this option will be advantageous to you, here are its benefits:
1. Increased efficiency and productivity
Unsurprisingly, the app development process can be both time-consuming and complex, often requiring the involvement of multiple team members with different skill sets. This can make it challenging to complete it on time and simultaneously fulfill their admin tasks. However, outsourcing mobile app development can easily increase your team’s efficiency and productivity.
2. Cost-effective solution
Onix reports that enterprise mobile development costs between $50,000 and $120,000. Companies typically use such software with security and data management features. However, developing a high-quality one may make you spend more than your budget. With mobile app outsourcing, you can get a high-quality app and save money on the development process because there are no incurring the high costs associated with hiring an in-house team.
3. Access to top talent
In hiring outsource app developers, you want to ensure you’re working with the best of the best. One way to do this is by looking at the company’s previous clients, which indicates what their developers can do. When done right, outsourcing can be a great way to tap into the global pool while getting quality software development services at a fraction of the cost.
4. Reduced workload for the in-house team
When a dedicated team of developers is working on the project, they can take all the heavy lifting of creating and maintaining your app, leaving the in-house team free to focus on other tasks. This can be a massive relief for small businesses that might not have the resources to manage a large development project internally. As a result, outsourcing mobile app development can be a smart way to manage development projects and reduce the workload for the in-house team.
5. Improve customer satisfaction
If you’ve received several negative feedback on your current Android app, you should choose to update it or create an entirely new one. Outsourcing agencies can assure that your app is handled by experts with the necessary skills and experience. This means your app will be developed and aligned with the latest trends and technologies, ultimately leading to higher customer satisfaction and attracting your target audience.
6. Enhance brand reputation
A buggy digital solution may damage your company’s reputation. This is where outsourcing mobile app development can be beneficial. By working with a development company with a track record of building high-quality apps, rest assured they can help create a positive impression on potential customers.
7. Streamlined project management
When it comes to managing your project, there are a lot of moving parts. You must keep track of deadlines, milestones, budgets, and scope. If you’re not careful, everything can quickly become overwhelming. One way to streamline the process is to outsource mobile app development. They have remote project management practices that help keep the project on track and within budget.
8. Faster time to market
Outsourcing app development lets you work with a team of experienced developers to handle the technical details, and you’ll get your app to market faster. Also, development teams can provide valuable insights and feedback throughout the process to help ensure your app is successful!
The Steps of Outsourcing Mobile App Development
Outsourcing your app development project might be one of the quickest and most efficient methods you can use to have it done, but there are a few procedures that should be followed to guarantee a successful outcome. Here’s how you can start:
1. Define the project and name it
Start with having a clear vision of your app idea. Defining your app development project may seem like a simple task, but it’s actually surprisingly difficult to translate it into concrete terms. After all, there are endless possibilities for what an app can do.
So, how do you define your app? Here are a few tips:
Research the competition
Before you outsource iPhone app development, research the competition first. You can check out the App Store and see similar apps, or Google your app idea and see what comes up.
A simple business analysis will help you understand what’s already out there and how your app can stand out from the crowd. With this information, you’ll be in a better position to develop a truly unique app.
If you don’t know how to start, you can consult with an app development company to help you understand the market and what your app would need to succeed!
Flesh out and name your app
To flesh out your app project, start by brainstorming the different features and functionality you want to include. Then, narrow down your list to the most essential elements.
Once you know what your app will do, you can start thinking about potential names. With mobile apps nowadays, you can always stand out by choosing a name that reflects its purpose and core functionality.
For example, if you’re building a to-do list app, you might want to consider names like “To-Do List Pro” or “Task Master.”
Provide a mockup of your app
Creating a mockup can help you to fine-tune your idea and get feedback from your application development team. At this stage, try to focus on the core functionality of your app and ignore minor details.
Try using a free mobile development tool online or draw it! Remember, the goal is not to create a perfect product but to get feedback and improve your application development process.
2. Outline the specifications and requirements of your app
A good requirements specification will help mobile developers understand your vision for the app and enable them to provide an accurate quote for the work. Be sure to keep the following in mind as you work on your app:
The app platform
The platform you choose for your app will determine which mobile devices it can use. The three most popular platforms for app development are:
- Apple iOS
This platform is for Apple devices, such as the iPhone and iPad. It’s considered a more stable platform than Android and is known for its high-quality apps.
- Android
This platform is for devices that use the Android operating system, such as Samsung or Huawei phones. An Android app is considered a more flexible platform than iOS and is known for its wide range of apps.
- Windows
This platform is for devices that use the Windows operating system, such as Microsoft Lumia phones. It’s a more business-oriented platform than iOS or Android and is known for its productivity apps.
Type of app
When it comes to developing a mobile app, there are three main routes you can take. These are Native apps, Hybrid apps, and Progressive Web apps. Let’s take a look at each option in turn:
- Native App
Native apps are for iOS and Android app development. They are written in the native language of the platform and have access to all of the device’s features. The downside of native apps is that they can be more expensive to develop than other types of apps.
- Progressive Web App (PWA)
Progressive web apps (PWAs) are similar to native apps in that they are designed for specific platforms. However, they are not actually installed on the device; instead, they are accessed through the web browser. An outsourcing app development company makes it much easier to develop and distribute but limits its functionality.
- Hybrid App
Hybrid apps are a mix of native and web-based app development. They’re usually developed using HTML5 and JavaScript and packaged into a native wrapper so they can be distributed through an app store. Hybrid apps can offer the best of both worlds—affordability and better user experience than web-based apps.
The features you want to include
Your app will need to have certain features and functions for it to be successful. Some of the things you’ll need to consider include:
- Login
How will users log in to your app? Will they use their existing social media account or create a new one just for your app?
- Profile
What information will users need to include in their profile? Will they be able to upload a photo or video?
- Navigation
How will users move around your app? Will a menu bar be at the bottom of the screen, or will they swipe between screens?
- Interaction
How will users interact with the content in your app? Will they be able to like, share, or comment on it?
- Notification
How will users know when new content is available in your app? Will they receive a push notification or an email?
3. Identify the players of your outsource app development team
You’ll need a solid outsourced team of professionals working together to develop your app. Here are the roles that you want to be filled in by experienced app developers:
UX/ UI Designer
They create the look, feel, and overall user experience of your app. You’d need someone with a strong understanding of human behavior and how people interact with technology.
Project Manager
They oversee the development process to ensure deadlines are met and communication is maintained. They should have excellent communication and organizational skills.
Backend Developer
Your backend developer builds the software that powers the app, including the server, database, and API. They have advanced coding skills and a solid understanding of scalability issues.
Frontend Developer
Aside from the backend app developers, you also need a frontender in charge of developing the frontend application that users interact with. They should have a good eye for design and a knack for creating smooth user experiences.
Quality Assurance (QA) Tester
They conduct QA testing services to ensure the app is free of bugs and errors. You’d need someone with attention to detail and patience to thoroughly test all aspects of the app.
4. Find a reputable development team that meets your needs
Assessing what you need from an app development outsourcing company will save time and money for both parties. Do you need a team of developers who can handle the entire process from start to finish? Or do you just need someone to take care of the coding for you?
Follow these tips to find a reputable mobile app development company that fits your needs:
Use Google
When starting your search, look up “cost of MVP development,” “cost of app design,” or “how much it costs to build an app.” This will generate a list of development companies that can provide this service. However, only consider options on the first page; don’t go further than that.
If you’re interested in offshore mobile app development, include the country in your initial search so you end up with a list of the best companies from where you want to get service.
Search for an agency in listings
Only outsource application development from trustworthy websites like GoodFirms, G2, and other reputable review websites to find your new team. These sites can provide a wealth of information about various app developers, including their contact information, portfolios, and client reviews. Reading through these listings, you can better understand each developer’s strengths and weaknesses.
Get recommendations
When choosing an app development outsourcing company, it’s always best to get recommendations from your network. Chances are, someone you know has already gone through the process and can give you a good idea of what to expect. They can also point you to app developers who will do the job correctly. So, before you start your search, ask around and see if anyone has any referrals.
5. Allocate an outsource mobile app development budget
More often than not, many businesses get their app development cost overlooked. Developers and designers charge an hourly rate based on the time they spend developing your app. On average, you can expect to pay $50-$100 per hour if you outsource app development.
How do you strictly keep your cost within your budget plan? You should know the average cost of the type of app you want to create. Here’s Onix’s list of different mobile software development and their average cost:
- Offline standalone app ($12,000 to $25,000)
Apps with more features and functions will generally be more expensive to develop. However, creating a well-designed app that is appropriately advertised and supported may give organizations a significant investment return.
- App with moderate online connectivity ($10,000 to $45,000)
An app of this nature will likely need a backend server and may be restricted to function on one platform, such as iOS or Android.
- Chatbot app ($20,000 to $50,000)
These types of app solve businesses’ customer service and support tasks by automating them.
- IoT or wearable application ($20,000 to $60,000)
Social media applications of this sort are generally used to keep track of and analyze certain information or activities.
- A messaging application ($10,000 to $100,000)
A text or multimedia messaging application of this sort is used to communicate via text and images.
- Augmented reality/virtual reality app ($40,000 to $70,000)
Outsourcing companies can help you create an immersive experience for users if you want an AR/VR app.
- On-demand app ($50,000 to $100,000)
An app like this lets users get services or products immediately, whenever they want.
- Mobile commerce apps ($30,000 to $80,000)
A mobile app that allows users to conduct transactions on their phones.
- Social networking app ($30,000 to $90,000)
This app allows people to stay in touch with loved ones and friends using a social network.
6. Be clear and concise when you talk to an app development team
It’s natural to feel anxious when pitching your app idea to a potential development outsourcing company. However, you can help ease those nerves by preparing yourself with knowledge. Beforehand, be clear about what kind of app you want to be developed.
To help you get started, here are a few tips that you can do:
Highlight the benefits of the app
Your app should be designed to solve a specific problem or meet a need. When you can articulate this to the development team, it will be easier for them to understand your concept and what you want to achieve. Furthermore, highlighting the benefits of your app will help persuade them that your project is worth taking on.
Make sure you have all the relevant materials ready
Be sure to have sketches, wireframes, and other documentation ready to help the outsourcing development companies understand your vision. These will help them understand what you want your app to look like and how it should function. It can also prevent any misunderstandings and help keep the project on track.
Note: ensure that you have a non-disclosure agreement when you meet with an app development company.
Be prepared to answer any questions the team may have
Project managers want to know everything about your app to know if they have the right skills and experience to build it properly. Some may even ask for a wireframe or prototype to see how it works. Be prepared to answer any questions so that both sides clearly understand the project’s requirements.
7. Test beta versions of the app and make changes as needed
Any development outsourcing company will tell you that testing is essential to the success of any software project. That’s why, when developing and releasing a new app, it’s always a good idea to test a beta version before making it available to the general public.
Here’s how you can go about doing that:
Take a look at the app’s overall design and functionality
Is it easy to use? Are all the features accessible and intuitive? If not, you’ll need to make some changes before proceeding. Make sure that all the features should be working properly and as intended.
Test the app on different devices
It’s important to test the app on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Outsourcing companies will help ensure that it works well on all platforms.
Make changes when issues arise
Inform your development team immediately if you find any bugs or errors during user testing. Ensure that your contract with the outsource app development agency indicates maintenance and fixes.
8. Stay involved during the development process
Working with offshore developers is not easy, but you should know that your agency will likely have a project manager who will be your main point of contact. However, don’t forget that you’re ultimately responsible for the app.
The more involved you are with your outsourcing partner, the better the chances that your app will be exactly what you want. Follow these tips on how you can keep track of your mobile application:
Establish regular check-ins
Depending on your preference, schedule regular check-ins with your project manager to track the progress of your app. It could be weekly or biweekly phone calls or video conferences.
Set up an online management tool
Asana and Trello are some reliable project management tools that are free to use. They are easy to use and allow you to see what tasks they’re working on and how close they are to completing them.
Ask for progress reports at regular intervals
When you outsource application development, always ask for reports that should include an overview of the work that’s been completed and any challenges or issues that have arisen.
Outsource Mobile App Development from Us!
As the app development market matures, more and more businesses are turning to mobile development outsourcing to build their dream apps. With so many options out there, how do you know which one is right for you?
At StarTechUP, we specialize in helping enterprises with our mobile development outsourcing. We are a mobile app development company offering Android or iOS app development with experienced developers who can help turn your app idea into reality!
We’ve worked with businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprises, and we’re confident we can deliver the best outsource app development for your project.
Are you looking to outsource mobile app development? Contact us today!
FAQ
Yes, you can outsource app development. In fact, many businesses choose to do so to save time and money. When outsourcing, partnering with a reputable and experienced development team is important. Doing so will help ensure that your app is developed correctly and meets all your expectations.
The cost of outsourcing an app can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of app you want to be developed, the features it includes, and the size of the development team. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50,000 to $120,000 for an enterprise mobile app.
There are a few potential concerns when outsourcing app development. First, partnering with a reputable and experienced development team is crucial to avoid any issues. Second, you’ll want to make sure that you’re clear about your expectations for the project. Finally, you’ll need to stay involved throughout the development process to ensure that your app turns out precisely as you want.
There are a few key factors to consider when outsourcing app development. First, you’ll want to consider the project’s cost and ensure it fits within your budget. Second, you’ll want to consider the timeline for the project and make sure it’s realistic. Finally, you’ll want to consider the skills and experience of the development team and make sure they’re a good fit for your needs.
There are a few ways to find a reputable app development agency. You can start by asking for recommendations from friends or colleagues. You can also search online for reviews of app development agencies. Finally, you can contact a few different agencies and ask them questions about their process, experience, and rates.
