With thousands of app development companies in existence choosing the right one can be a daunting task. Finding the right partner is more important than saving a few hundred or thousand dollars in building your product. The right partner can add value in more ways than just development, which will help you maximize revenues for your app business. Below are the key aspects in what you should look for in an app developer to make the right decision for your application.
1. Look for a developer interested in your business, not just the development.
A good development company should be able to not only guide you through the process of development, but also give you creative input based on their experience with similar apps. The good ones know what works and what doesn’t on the app store because they’ve worked with many clients. A developer that shows genuine interest in your app and wants to see it succeed as badly as you do is always a great place to start. Having an app developer who truly has interest in the success of your app allows for great collaboration and success.
2. Assess their portfolio.
A good developer should also have excellent U/UX skills. When looking at a portfolio, keep an eye out for easy to navigate apps with excellent user interfaces. A vast percentage of your application is about how a user interacts with it.
3. Check client references.
Look for developers who will readily extend client contact information so that you can get real feedback on their company. A developer that has case studies, blogs, and client reviews on their site is a great resource for vetting a potential partner to build your app.
4. Choose someone you can build a relationship with.
Mobile app development is not a one-time activity. Apps have to go through many evolutions and cycles based on constant user feedback. Look for a developer who will stick with you through the lifecycle of the product and not abandon ship once the initial development is done and the app is hosted. Developers who offer continued support throughout the lifecycle of your app show a willingness to help your app succeed long term.
5. Don’t let price drive you.
Do not, and I repeat, do not select a development partner based on a price quote. You need a great product, not the cheapest product. Every startup or entrepreneur has a budget. But often the lowest cost option can turn out to be more expensive in the long run, if, say, for example, it’s necessary to redo the app with another developer because it didn’t turn out as expected. Always verify with your developer where their staff is located. If you want access to the team doing your development make sure all developers are local and are accessible for feedback.
6. Make design a top priority.
How a website or an app looks is as important as how it works. Go a step further and look at partners who can add value to the usability aspect of your website or mobile app, which will define how users interact with your product. Be prepared to invest a portion of your budget up front to build out wireframes, or a branding guideline to help the development of the app go as smoothly as possible. Focus on the priorities of your app and you’ll have a better shot at choosing the right app developer. It’s vital to the success of your app. The realization of your vision is often in your developer’s hands. A great relationship is key to delivering a vision and ultimately a successful app to your customers. Choose wisely.