If you are running a business and think that it is time to have a mobile application, or you just have an idea of how to make people’s lives better, you start asking the following questions. Can I develop an application myself? What are my steps? How much does an MVP cost?
All these questions are certainly daunting, especially if you are not really tech-savvy. It is better to let professionals handle all the challenging technical issues, while you can focus on marketing, promotion, and other business-related activities.
However, even if you have decided to let professionals work on your future mobile application, you still need to find the best mobile development agency. And it is another challenge. Luckily, we have some tips for you in this article. Let’s jump straight to the point.
Why do you need a mobile app development agency?
First of all, let’s talk about the purpose of hiring an agency. At this point, you may think that the development of an application is a step where you can save some funds. Maybe, you have a friend who is a developer, and you can ask him/her to do you a favor. Well, you may want to think again.
No matter why you decide to launch your mobile app — to kickstart your business or expand it — you need a good mobile application. This shouldn’t be something created in free time. Mobile solutions are getting more popular, and your customers will likely judge you based on your app rather than your site. Thus, you need it to be as good as possible.
Agencies that focus on mobile app development have plenty of experience and high-skilled team members that can provide you with the best results – says Slava Vaniukov, expert and CEO of Softermii.. It is totally worth paying them for your app, as you will earn more if it works smoothly and offers a great user experience to your customers.
Steps towards your perfect agency
As we discussed why you need a team of professionals to work on your project, you are probably expecting us to reveal the comprehensive step-by-step guide on choosing the best development agency. So, here you are.
Step 1. Know your budget
It sounds pretty obvious, but a lot of people tend to forget about it. It is an essential part of the whole process as it significantly simplifies the search. Money is a determining factor — no sugar coating here. Do not expect that mobile app development will be cheap. Nevertheless, you can still find cost-effective options if you thoroughly calculate your budget.
Step 2. Know the process
It is better to discuss every step of development before you sign a contract. Search for an agency that is ready to walk you through each part of the process, describe their vision and possible deadlines. This simple conversation will save you lots of nerves in the future.
Step 3. Pay attention to case studies
Professionals are not afraid to showcase their work. If the agency is reputable, it usually has a section called “case studies” on their website. There, they describe the work they conducted on previous projects with other customers. They are not just boasting — case studies are powerful tools when it comes to choosing a team. You may want to check these projects so that you know their approach.
Step 4. Consider several agencies
Perhaps, you have been planning to do so without our tip, but just in case: talk to a couple of agencies before closing the deal. It does not have to be dozens of agencies, but talking to at least three should work. You will be able to compare not only their pricing, but also their views on your project, ideas, and timing. Take as much time as you need to decide. Picking a mobile app development agency is an important step.
Step 5. Do not forget about the contract
Yes, you need to sign a deal with an agency. A contract should include all the necessary clauses like deadlines, pricing, remedies. Do you want an agency to sign an NDA? Do not forget to include it in your agreement. There is nothing wrong with signing a contract — just make sure you and your chosen agency find common ground. A written agreement will protect both you and the team of developers.
What should I do next?
Once you have chosen a development agency, the journey does not end. Actually, it just starts! Now, it’s time to consider all the details.
When you were choosing the agency, you probably had a general idea of what your app should look like, how it should work. Now, it’s time to be more precise. Of course, you are still limited in terms of creativeness at this stage. Besides, you should remember about your budget. However, there are things that need to be sorted out after the work has started.
Staying in touch with the agency will become a part of your professional life. Of course, it does not mean that you should make everyday calls, but an occasional check-up is always nice. You need to be ready to communicate with your development team. However, if you want to trust your agency completely, you are also welcome to do so. Just do not forget that it may affect budget and deadlines, so think about it in advance.
In conclusion
In this guide, we discussed why it is important to hire a professional team for your mobile app and how to do so. Since more people are using smartphones, the IT market is full of agencies that can create the best mobile application for you. It is okay to be a bit lost — just do not forget the essential steps. And, of course, trust your gut feeling — it is a powerful tool when it comes to making decisions.
