There is no shortage of app agencies and developers, but the truth is that many of them provide disappointing results. Knowing how to hire mobile application developer will help protect you from making a decision that you will regret in the long run.
Mobile app development is one of the most expensive processes in technology, with costs often being in excess of $100,000. You don't want to spend that amount of money on someone who lacks professionalism.
Here are the questions we recommend asking a developer before you devote money to them.
1. What Skill Level Do Your Developers Have?
At a minimum, they should possess the basic skills necessary to ensure both functionality and features. Compatibility with current back-end software, as well as the possibility of having ratings and reviews added, are features that are likely necessary. Look for information about the following:
- Resumes and more personalized biographical information
- A portfolio of completed projects and any awards received
- Social media profile links
2. Will I Own the Code?
Even though an agency or developer does the work, professionalism demands respect for your ownership rights. One thing to bear in mind is that if circumstances change and you switch to a different developer, having access to the code will benefit you. The developer or agency should have a plan for how they'll transmit any files to you, as well as delete any data associated with your app.
3. Are You Personally Involved with the Development?
Although this may seem like an odd question, it is an essential one to keep in mind. Some professionals who advertise development services outsource to other people.
Even though there isn't anything wrong with outsourcing in and of itself, using such practices without disclosing them to clients can seem misleading. If you feel that you aren't getting honest answers, you may want to look elsewhere.
One thing that you will need to think about is that developers who outsource is that they may not be presenting an honest picture of what they can produce. Quality is essential, and you don't want it to end up compromised because of a subcontractor with less experience.
4. Where Are Your Previous Apps Available?
Developers with app experience should be able to show you their previous creations, barring an NDA that prohibits them from doing so. If you can access and download their previous apps, you can get a better feel for whether their skills will work for you.
A red flag should always be an app developer who has no finished products to point you towards. Although it is not uncommon for coders to only work with the platform they are most familiar with, they should still have something to show you.
5. What's the Best Way to Reach You?
Working with employees and contractors on a remote basis is an important part of the development process today. After all, sometimes the best talent isn't always local.
It's essential to establish what your means of communication will be, as well as work with any time differences that might be present. If there is any possible language barrier, you will need to think about what you will use for communications tools and whether you need to bring on someone to translate.
6. Will You Submit to App Marketplaces?
A qualified developer will understand the process involved with submitting to app marketplaces. This action is one that should always take place after beta testing to ensure that everything is working as expected.
If the developer you work with is familiar with the submission process, things will work out a lot more smoothly in the long run. You don't want to have to wait for months to have your app start appearing, which makes knowledge of how this process works all the more critical in choosing which developer or agency you'll work with.
7. How Big Are the Companies You've Worked With?
If you're in charge of a large company, you will likely want to use someone who has a similar enterprise experience. By contrast, if you're a startup, you will probably want to work with developers who have similar experience.
One of the essential things to remember is that you want the developer to have a setting where they are comfortable working. Otherwise, he or she will need to get used to too many new things that could serve as a distraction.
8. How Well Do You Know my Company's Audience?
Many would say that it's one thing for a developer to understand a company, and another to understand its customer base. A developer with a solid knowledge of different companies will be able to understand your audience, even without familiarity with the company itself.
A knowledgeable developer should show an active interest in your company and the people most likely to use your products or services. The more enthusiasm they show, the more effort they are likely to put into the project.
9. How Can my App Earn Money for Me?
The agency or developer you work with should understand the different revenue streams used for apps. Even apps that download for free may offer subscription options, in-app purchases, and display ads. Pay-per-download models are also popular in the world of apps with pricing that can vary according to included features.
10. What Type of Phone Do You Most Prefer?
Although the choice of a phone may seem like a minor personal preference, the type of phone a developer uses will influence their platform choice. The possibilities may include:
- Android
- iOS
- Windows
11. Do You Have In-App Purchase Experience?
In-app purchases are a significant part of the experience for many games, especially games played on social media. These features can be an essential revenue stream if used right. A developer with the right experience will know how to make everything work.
12. Will You Provide Maintenance After Launch?
Maintaining an app even after its launch is something you want your developer to be able to do. You won't have to think about learning to do upgrades or similar work. A professional who can maintain the app for its life will be valuable to you.
There are 12 questions that are important for you to ask a prospective developer about. Taking these into account will help ensure you have a winning relationship with your developer. If you want to know more about hiring remote developers, you can use this link.
