Eric Schmidt says, “Mobile use is growing faster than all of Google’s internal predictions.”The statement is justified by the increasing use of smartphones in almost all areas of life, including shopping, business management, booking, and more.
That said, developing a mobile app is not a luxury anymore but a necessity for startups and enterprises, if they aim to survive the competitive market.
App development agencies like Applify Labs have their plate full trying to meet the increasing demands for mobile apps from different businesses around the globe. With the vast number of development companies available, however, it can be challenging to find the one that meets your requirements.
Here are some things you can ask a mobile app development agency to determine if they are the right fit for you::
The development processes the agency follows determines the cost and timeline of development. So, it’s essential to ask the potential developers on your list to share their development process.
Agile methodology is an ideal development process. As the name suggests, it offers faster delivery of the app and swift fixing of bugs and other concerns that arise post-launch.
Additionally, knowing how the company works will help you better understand their requirements for development and how they improvise in the face of unexpected problems.
What Services are Included in Their Package?
Mobile app development includes the design phase, production, then testing, and post-launch services. Before hiring your development agency, you need to ask if the cost will cover these services or not.
It is essential to test the app before launch to ensure the best user experience possible. If the agency does not offer beta testing services, you might want to look for other options. Ideally, the development agency will provide the following services for every project:
- App Development (including MVP development)
- Business Analysis
- Quality Testing
- Deployment in App Stores
- Post-Launch Maintenance
Anessential item that will help you decide which agency is the right fit for you is their portfolio of past projects. Ask the potential development company to share their work history. It will give you an idea of the kind of work they do, the quality they provide, the complexity, and whether they meet your business requirements.
Ask for Previous Client References
After reviewing the portfolio, ask for client references. Talking to previous clients and analyzing their satisfaction will help in determining if the company is genuine in their work responsibilities.
Additionally, asking for client references is a pretty natural question to ask from developers. So, if the agency acts a bit defensive and apprehensive, consider it a red flag and a warning to look for other development companies.
Do They Understand Your Business Model?
The company you hire for developing your mobile app must understand your business model and your customerbase. For a smooth work relationship, both parties need to be on the same page when it comes to app development.
So, before signing the contract, be sure to discuss what you need and expect out of your mobile app. Ask the development agency whether they can customize the software to fit your company niche and better target your consumer-base.
The agency’s portfolio will also help here; you can check to see if they’ve worked for a similar user-base before, which means they’ll have a much easier time working on your project.
How Much of Your Involvement Would They Allow?
It is your app idea; therefore, your involvement and feedback in the process is a must. Without it, how will you ensure if the app is as you expected? Ask the development agency if and how much of your participation will they allow.
From designing the prototypes, the wireframes to the complete, functioning app, your feedback is essential in every stage of development. If the mobile app company says otherwise, I suggest you move to the other names on your list.
What Platforms Will They Work On?
Depending on your target audience, you want to develop an app for iOS, Android, or both. Ask the agency what platform their developers are experienced in before you hire them.
Coding for Android OS will not work for iOS and vice versa. Additionally, while cross-platform coding can work for both platforms, it has its set of pros and cons that can affect your business goals.
Therefore, you need to be sure the company will prioritize your app business plan when choosing the platform for your mobile app.
Ask for an Estimated Timeline for Your Project
The development agency you hire will also have other projects on their plate. So, if you want your mobile urgently, be sure to ask them for an estimated timeline, before you finalize the deal.
A timeline will not only help keep things on track, but knowing how many projects they are working on will give you an idea of how long it will take to start on your app. Additionally, if their developers are over-worked, you can determine how focused and dedicated they will be with your app.
Will They Launch the App on App Stores?
Not all companies offer to publish the app after completing the development. So, when hiring a development company, be sure to ask them if they will submit the app to the app stores following their guidelines.
Both the App Store and Play Store have a different set of submission guidelines. Your developer should know how to tailor the app so it conforms to each rule and passes the review.
What Services do They Offer Post-Launch?
The work of a development agency doesn’t end with the launch of the app; it continues post-launch well after deployment. From fixing bugs to adding upgrades, new features, and more, there is much to do.
Ask the company their policies for post-launch maintenance and support, as well as the cost for:
- Bug Fixing
- Updates
- New Features
- Cost per Each New Release
Who owns the App?
For your branding and independence from the agency, you need ownership of the app; before hiring the agency, clear all doubts on who owns the app. You might not be directly involved with the development phase, but you will be the one paying for their services. Therefore, the code should rightfully belong to you.
There are app developers that keep the code to themselves. So, when searching for a mobile app development agency, ask for the ownership of the app. From the code to the wireframes, all belong to once the project ends.
If the company does not hand over the right to the app, it leaves you dependent on them. Where you could get your in-house team for any updates, you are forced to contact the development agency.
Hire a Development Firm
The increasing use of mobile phones is the start of the evolution that will revolutionize how businesses operate. After websites, apps are the best way to engage your users, increase your revenue, and your target audience.
With such an influence of mobile apps, you must hire the right agency to develop your app. Consider the questions above and screen the companies in the list keeping in mind factors like experience, technical qualifications, accountability, communication, portfolio, and understanding the user-base.
Author Bio
HaziqaIshtiaq is a Digital Content Producer at Applify Labs, a web and mobile app development company headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.A. She has a passion for writing and has expertise on Blockchain,AI, marketing strategies, and more.
Author: 9TP
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