Your business hasn’t got an app yet? Why not?
Apps account for over 80% of mobile usage. In three years, mobile app downloads increased to 204bn. Global app revenue rose to $462bn in 2019.
Maybe you do want an app for your business but don’t know who to trust.
Every tech company offers an app development service, it seems. Are they much the same or what makes one stand out? What about Android and Apple? There are so many questions!
Here’s a straightforward guide to help you when hiring the right app developer.
Does My Business Need an App?
Perhaps you have a website that is working well. Do you really need a dedicated app?
At the least, your website should be responsive so it appears like an app on a phone. But dedicated apps don’t just promote a business. They are used by all sectors to create services like:
- Search directory, e.g. engineers
- Property management
- Car service appointments
- Wealth management
- B2B eCommerce with automated pricing
- Mobile eCommerce
If your business can sell these services then tap into the mobile market—your competitors certainly will. A strong web presence combined with a dedicated app provides the best customer experience.
Although many apps are easy to use developing them is complex. That’s why most businesses outsource to an app developer.
App Development Service Outsourcing
This question usually crops up first: how much does it cost to develop an app?
It depends on what you want from your app, the platforms you want it on, and where the developer is located.
An experienced US iOS developer can charge $140/hour while in Eastern Europe it’s $40/hour. Yet communication in the development cycle is vital. If there are language barriers then rates offer a false economy.
Quality features such as geo-location take 32-48 hours of development. Still need that interactive map feature?
The rule of thumb is the more features the more cost.
Initial Contact
When contacting an app developer, questions will arise like native or framework development? Android or iOS? Mobile or Web? React, Angular or Vue? What UI and UX do you need?
And that’s the first phone call.
Even if you have IT experience, you probably don’t know these terms. No problem—help is here.
Jargon Buster
IT types not only write computer languages but speak them as well. When you discuss your requirements with an app development team, certain words will crop up.
Full-Stack developer
Someone who can do everything. They understand planning, design, programming, databases, configuration, the lot. Be warned. A good full-stack developer has expertise in all fields, not only basic knowledge.
MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
A basic version of the app you can play with and test and very useful for the first stage of development. This will be the building block everything is built on so make sure you’re happy before moving on.
Native or Framework App Development
How the team will develop your app.
Native apps are written for a particular brand of devices. iOS will only work on Apple products, Android for Google’s platform. Unfortunately, the code doesn’t transfer to both, so two distinct apps need to be made.
Frameworks such as Ionic or React Native work a little smarter. One codebase is used but several apps are produced. This means more apps for your buck and less hassle of maintaining double the code.
UI (User Interface)
How your customer uses your app.
Think buttons, images, links, tabs etc. We’ve all had poor UI experiences where it’s impossible to find what we want. Good UI should be invisible. It will work without us noticing.
UX (User Experience)
How does your customer interact with your business? How does it make them feel? Does using your app make them want to search for a competitor? Or will they share it with their friends?
Front-End
The app your customer sees. Front-end development is a mixture of UI and UX and is created by a designer. How those features work is then programmed separately. If information like an order needs to be saved, it’s stored in the back-end.
Back-End
The backbone of the app your customer doesn’t see. This could include a database, an administration area where you can add app information, and analytics for reporting.
Although some apps may not need a massive back-end, you will still need to evaluate its success.
What Is the Process When Developing an Application?
There are six steps a good developer will guide you through to develop your application.
1) Discovery
You pitch your idea, they listen. There should be lots of questions on both sides. The result will be a workable roadmap with specific milestones. A minimum viable product (MVP—see the Jargon Buster) is the goal.
2) Design
How will your app look? How will your customers use it? Wireframes and mock-ups will be shared and you approve the look and feel of your app. A flowchart should show how all the screens and features will work together.
3) Development
The geeky bit. You won’t see any coding unless you want to. However, as each module is completed, you should have access to see it in action.
4) Testing
Internal testing is done by the app developer. The coder tests it then passes it on to quality control. Edits are made, and the cycle continues until it comes to you.
Try to be part of this process directly. If you aren’t happy with the experience, your customers won’t be either.
5) Launch
The testing cycle works between stages two and four until blast off!
If it’s a native app, your development team should have experience in submitting it to Apple or Android. You will be required to prepare keywords for the app store and a description. The team gets bonus points if they can offer this service too.
6) Assessment & Growth
Once your app is live, you need to review its success. Good business application teams offer secure analytics to review. Those should tie with online marketing spend if you want to promote your app.
User feedback and reports on app crashes should filter through the developers. Ensure that you have access to them and problems get fixed.
As your app builds traction so too should its features. Users want a better experience over time so ensure the team you choose can support this in the future.
Choose the Right Team Today
Selecting a developer you can trust ensures your app has the best chance for success.
They need to have expert knowledge, an outstanding portfolio and be able to communicate in clear English. Research their company and clients. Download and test their apps. Do they match your expectations?
An app development service is best left to the professionals so choose the right team today.
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