You could attempt to design and implement a new app along with your existing team, but you’ll probably end up regretting your decision. Although some platforms make it easy to design an app, implementing and updating it can be a nightmare. Especially if you aren’t particularly tech savvy, or you have enough on your plate already.
You can do yourself and your team a huge favor by hiring a developer to create and maintain your app, as long as you hire the right developer.
Don’t rush the process. Take your time and assess the items on this list to ensure you choose a developer who will create the perfect app for you.
Expertise
Knowledge and expertise are extremely important if you want to build an app. Only someone with experience can guide you towards the right app features to ensure you create a platform that people actually want to use.
How can you tell if the person you are interviewing has experience? The number of years they have spent building apps is a good indication of their experience, but you should also ask them about a few complex aspects of app development to see how they respond.
For example, ask them to provide their opinion on which enterprise monitoring tools they prefer, or ask them to explain how container orchestration tools can speed up your app. Not only will it instill confidence in you that they know what they’re talking about, but you just may learn something new!
Lon-Term Relationship
Building positive relationships with your employees is important. It’s important for your app developer too.
Although you might imagine that you’ll only work with your app developer for a short period of time, the truth is, you want to build a long-term relationship with the person or team who creates an app for your business.
Good apps evolve. New features are added, old features are removed, and bugs are removed. Just because your app is complete doesn’t mean development is over.
Make sure they feel like a member of the team. That means checking in with them regularly, having an open door policy, and including them in company functions. That way they are there for you when you need them.
Examples and References
References are a bit outdated, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth considering. You just shouldn’t ask the app developer directly for a list of references to call.
Instead, ask if they can provide a small list of companies or teams they have worked within the past. Send those people a quick email asking them what their experience was like working with the person you’re interviewing.
Knowing who they have worked with in the past also enables you to check out their app on your own. You can also ask for a list of apps they have created that you can download from the app store.
Price
Price is an important consideration, no matter what you’re buying. Although you may be tempted to go with the cheapest developer you can find, cheaper isn’t always better.
There are a lot of products and services out there that can turn into a disaster if you go with the cheapest option. App development is one of those things. Cheap app developers often build less than stellar apps. They may finish quickly, but you’ll be left with an app that no one wants to use.
That doesn’t mean you have to go with the most expensive developer either! Look for a mid-range developer that provides you with app examples you like.
In the Office or Online
If you’re looking for a way to make app development a little more affordable, think carefully about what kind of employee you want to hire. Although it can be convenient to have a full-time employee in the office, it can be expensive.
Remote workers are more affordable because you don’t have to pay for them to have a spot in your office. You don’t have to worry about paying for benefits or time off either.
Additional benefits of hiring a remote worker include:
- Remote workers undoubtedly feel comfortable with technology, which is good for an app developer.
- They are often able to deliver your project more quickly because remote workers feel more productive.
- You are able to hire the best candidate for the job, regardless of where they live.
It may take a little bit of time, but by choosing your app developer carefully, you can ensure they build the perfect app for your business.