As with any industry, the mobile application development space has become incredibly competitive in the past two decades. Unlike in the past where only a few companies dominated the market, you’ll now find hundreds of app developers, some even working from home.
This can make things a little challenging when trying to choose the best developer for your apps. How do you separate the wheat from the chaff?
Thanks to our many years of experience, we’ve been able to narrow down five factors that should inform your decision to hire a developer;
- Their portfolio
This is always the first place to check. Look at the kind of apps the developer has worked on in the past to see whether the apps appeal to you. Do they look like what you want? Would you purchase any of them? Where possible, you should even ask the developer if you can “test drive” some of those apps. Only move to the next step if you’re impressed with the quality of work they do.
- Find out their specialty
Believe it or not, a single developer cannot be great in everything. Don’t even be misled by the ads and marketing hype. In mobile app development, developers choose what specialize in; you need to find a developer that specializes in the type of apps you’re looking to purchase. This is especially true when developing apps for a particular OS. Make sure that the developer specializes in apps for that operating system.
- Talk to past clients
From time to time, you may be able to hire a developer just by looking at the kind of work they’ve done in the past. But, in some cases, it helps to take an additional step and speak to those who’ve worked with the developer in the past. You want to know two things; whether the developer is trustworthy and the ease of doing business with them. If most past clients seem happy with the developer’s work, it might be worthwhile giving that developer a chance.
- Consider warranty
The best developers are those that offer some form of warranty. If the developer you’re considering doesn’t back their products with a warranty, you should look elsewhere. That’s because in case the app doesn’t work or breaks down a few weeks after deployment, you’ll have no one to turn to. Additionally, try to find companies with lengthy warranties that cover a broad scope of eventualities.
- Make sure you’re getting value for money
It goes without saying, but you also need to ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth; not just regarding the quality of the app but also concerning customer services and support. The developer should be willing to listen to your needs and keep communication channels open so you can follow up on the progress of the project. The company should also be transparent enough with their pricing, so you don’t end up with unforeseen fees.
Above all, keep in mind that there are also conmen out there who are out for nothing else other than to take your money and disappear. Do not fall victim to their traps.
