An incredible 85 percent of American adults own smartphones, so it makes sense that companies everywhere are attempting to develop mobile apps. With an app, you won’t have to worry about the challenges of having clients navigate websites on their phones, and downloading an app is a sign of commitment from your customers.

 

With that said, you still have to develop the mobile app. If you don’t have a team in-house with the skills to do so, you’ll have to hire someone. Doing so can be a challenge, so we’re here with seven tips to keep in mind while hiring an app developer. 

Should You Hire a Company or a Freelancer?

The first decision you'll likely have to make is hiring a mobile app development company or a freelancer. While we’re all about supporting freelancers and small businesses, we generally recommend going with a decently sized, well-established company. 

 

There are a few reasons for this:

 

• A freelancer is just one person. No matter how skilled they are, the team that a company can afford to support will have a broader range of expertise. 

• Companies are more likely to support your app after it’s released. 

• Companies are more likely to have insurance, which is essential in the face of unexpected problems. 

Check Out Testimonials From Past Clients

Hiring a mobile app developer is a big investment. You might spend a significant amount of money to do so, and the finished product will represent your company. You need your investment to be worthwhile and to make a good impression on your clients.

 

Always look for testimonials and reviews from past clients before hiring a developer. A lack of testimonials might indicate that the developer is just starting their career. However, it might also signify that none of their past clients have said anything they want to share with you. 

Consider the Question of Operating Systems

A smartphone’s operating system (OS) is the software that lets it function. The two primary ones are Apple iOS and Google Android. Both control roughly half of the mobile OS market share. 

 

You need to know whether you want your app to work on one or both. Different developers have different skillsets, and some are more comfortable working with one OS than the other. Find someone whose specialization matches your needs. 

Will Your App Need In-Depth Development?

Some apps are simple, while others are incredibly complicated. Before you hire a mobile app developer, ask yourself which your app is likely to be. 

 

Some companies use templates to help speed up the development process. If you want a simple app, and you want it fast, that’s fine. However, if your app will require more development, make sure the developer you hire can provide it. 

Pay Attention to Potential Candidates’ Portfolios

Barring nondisclosure agreements, which occasionally appear within the mobile app development industry, an experienced company or freelance developer will have an extensive portfolio of past work for you to browse. 

 

You want a developer whose portfolio reflects what you’re looking for in an app. In some cases, you’ll be able to download and test past apps the company or individual has created, and you should be able to look at reviews on the app store.

Look for Clear Communicators

Communication is critical across industries, and mobile app development is no different. When you sound out potential developers, pay careful attention to how they communicate. You will have to explain how you want your app to function and what it should look like. Miscommunications and misunderstandings there can be costly.

 

How a developer communicates is also an indicator of the customer service experience you’re going to have. For example, if a company offers post-launch support, it takes them three days to email you back, which might signify that they will not promptly resolve future problems. 

 

Because mobile app development is a global industry, you might encounter developers operating in different time zones. That shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s something to be aware of in terms of delays in responses. 

Keep Your Budget in Mind

Our last tip for hiring a developer is to keep your budget in mind. As with products in other industries, you get what you pay for when hiring a developer. However, it’s not always worth hiring the most expensive option you can find.

 

Do a cost-benefit analysis before you hire a developer. How much revenue do you expect the app to generate? Does the amount justify how much you would have to spend to have a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and helpful app?

 

It’s also worth looking at typical industry prices for app development. If a potential hire’s quote is much higher or lower than you expected, it’s worth asking them why that’s the case. 

 

An excellent mobile app developer can transform how you do business and connect with customers. Unfortunately, a poor hiring decision can potentially cost your company tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. We hope these tips help you in your search, and we wish you the best of luck!