Full Guide on How To Find a Mobile App Developer

App Development
Full Guide on How To Find a Mobile App Developer
Last Updated: October 28, 2024

Finding the right app developer is crucial, as their expertise can directly affect your product’s quality and determine the success of your project. Having a skilled expert on board ensures your app functions smoothly and stands out in a competitive market.

With the help of our experts, we’ll outline essential considerations to keep in mind before hiring an app developer, including key criteria for evaluating potential providers and the specific skills to look for.

4 Key Preparations Before Looking for an App Developer

A group discussion with pen and paper
[Source: Unsplash]

Before collaborating with an app developer, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your project’s concept to ensure alignment of vision and effective communication.

Viktor Osadchii, Marketing Manager at Yalantis, recommends: “Begin by identifying your project requirements, then decide if you need an in-house team or outsourcing. Determine whether a freelancer or an agency is right for you. Search worldwide, scrutinize potential developers, and pick the one that aligns with your project goals.”

Here are essential factors you should consider before starting your search for the right developer:

  1. Define your target audience and their pain points
  2. Validate the problem and the solution
  3. Make your requirements clear
  4. Determine your KPIs
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1. Define Your Target Audience and Their Pain Points

Without knowing who your app is for, there is no point in building it. You should identify people with comparable interests and issues to determine your target audience and what app features would solve their pain points. Begin with basic demographics, such as age, gender, location, language, income, education, and occupation, before delving into more specific factors like behavior, values, and habits.

Lucky Lance Gobindram, General Manager at CXR.Agency, suggests: “Prioritize developers who deeply understand your target audience and industry-specific challenges, as their insights can transform a functional app into a market-leading solution.”

Additionally, when defining your target app user, it's essential to consider the function of your mobile app and the issues it will address.

2. Validate the Problem and the Solution

Before putting your idea to the test in the market, you are merely speculating. You should conduct in-depth research to determine whether a genuine problem exists that your app can solve. You can survey potential customers to ensure that those who experience a specific pain point truly need an app solution rather than making assumptions.

Next, assess your app's uniqueness by comparing your concept to existing solutions. If there’s already a successful project addressing the same problem, creating another one might not be viable.

Consider building a minimum viable product (MVP) to see if your concept satisfies customer demand. Completing this step, along with defining your target audience and their pain points, is also a stepping stone to ensuring solid mobile app monetization when the time comes.

3. Make Your App Requirements Clear

Before looking for developers, you must have a thorough understanding of your app’s requirements. Without specific requirements, developers won't be able to accurately estimate how much time and money will be required to develop your app.

For this reason, it's good practice to create a list of essential features to complete first. This will help developers select the appropriate tech stack and fully understand your needs.

4. Determine Your KPIs

Every business depends on well-defined KPIs, so choosing which ones to track for your project should be one of your first steps.

KPI tracking and measurement are crucial because they demonstrate whether your current strategy is effective. Without tracking KPIs, your decisions will be based more on assumptions and personal preferences than on data.

KPIs help gauge development and identify your product's weak points. They guide your business in the right direction with strategic, data-driven decisions.

The most significant KPIs that every app-based business should monitor are:

  • Customer acquisition cost (CAC): This KPI shows how much it costs to obtain new customers. It’s beneficial because it lets businesses assess the efficiency of their marketing and sales efforts.
  • Customer lifetime value (LTV): LTV analyzes the whole revenue a company can expect from a customer throughout their relationship. Tracking this metric helps in assessing customer retention and long-term profitability.
  • Monthly active users (MAU): MAU is an indicator of the number of unique users who engage with an app each month. It's a key metric for understanding user engagement and growth.
  • Average revenue per user (ARPU): ARPU calculates the average income generated from each active user over a specific period. Monitoring ARPU helps businesses assess the financial impact of their user base.
  • Revenue growth rate: This KPI is an indication of the percentage increase in revenue over a set timeframe. It helps businesses track their overall financial growth and success.
  • Revenue churn rate (RCR): RCR shows the percentage of recurring revenue lost due to customer cancellations. A lower churn rate indicates better customer retention and stability in income.
  • Customer churn rate (CCR): CCR reflects the percentage of customers who stop using the app over a certain period. It's essential for understanding customer retention and identifying potential issues.
  • Monthly recurring revenue (MRR): MRR measures the predictable income a business can expect from subscriptions each month. It provides a clear picture of financial stability and future revenue forecasts.

What To Look For in an App Developer

When choosing an app developer, it’s important to assess key qualities that will determine the success of your project. The right developer will not only possess technical skills but also bring unique traits that align with your goals.

Here are some essential qualities to consider:

  • Creativity: Strong foundational skills are essential, but it’s equally critical that your app developer isn’t overly rigid or stuck on following rules. Flexibility and a willingness to experiment can lead to more innovative app solutions.
  • Multi-faceted programmer team: Hiring a developer proficient in only one language limits your options. Developers should be comfortable with multiple programming frameworks and web technologies to ensure the app is versatile and future-proof.
  • Good communication skills: Effective communication ensures that all parties are aligned throughout development. This prevents misunderstandings and keeps the project on track toward achieving its goals.
  • Innovation: It’s crucial to find a developer who stays updated with the latest trends in app development. Technology is constantly evolving, and your app should be built to adapt to future changes. A developer who embraces continuous learning and improvement ensures your app stays competitive and relevant in a fast-moving digital landscape.

Natalia Sokolova, Head of Communications at dev.family, suggests checking the following criteria to find the ideal app developer:

  • “Tech stack: React Native and Flutter for cross-platform; Swift and Kotlin for native development.
  • Portfolio: Are there good animations? Does the app state when something is wrong? Onboarding? Screen transitions?
  • Experience in the right niche: When you need an app for a restaurant, it’s better to go for food tech developers, not fashion.

The design of app pages in the stores affects the conversion rate on installation.”

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How To Find an App Developer in 5 Steps

App developers looking at laptop
[Source: Pexels]

Follow these five steps to choose the right fit for your needs:

  1. Evaluate their portfolio
  2. Check their clients’ testimonials
  3. Look into their development approach and technologies
  4. Learn about their company culture
  5. Talk with their team and assess the communication openness

Step 1. Evaluate Their Portfolio

Before hiring an app developer, examine their work history and portfolio to see how well they performed on previous projects. Simply skimming through their previous case studies can tell you much about whether they can tackle your project. Moreover, you should seek a solid track record of developing products within your industry.

Karan Mehta, Co-Founder and CEO at Squillion Technology, confirms the importance of app developers’ portfolios: “A crucial standard for selecting an app developer is their proven ability to understand and translate your vision into a functional app, evidenced by a diverse portfolio and positive client testimonials.”

Slam Sarymamedov, Co-Founder of Ubunzo, agrees and adds: “A developer’s portfolio showcasing a successful project history is a testament to their expertise and reliability, making it a key factor in the decision-making process.”

Additionally, you can learn about app developers’ capabilities by browsing DesignRush company pages.

Step 2. Check Their Clients’ Testimonials

Checking an app developer’s client testimonials offers valuable insights into their performance and reliability. Reviews from previous clients highlight the developer’s ability to meet deadlines, communicate effectively, and deliver quality results. Positive feedback often signals a strong working relationship, which is crucial for a successful project.

Testimonials also reveal how well the developer handled challenges during the process. Seeing how they responded to client concerns or project setbacks provides a glimpse into their problem-solving skills. This helps you assess whether the developer can adapt to your project’s unique needs.

In addition, verified testimonials give you a clearer sense of what to expect regarding collaboration and overall satisfaction. Reading about specific results, such as improvements in app performance or user experience, allows you to gauge their level of expertise. These reviews ultimately help build confidence in your choice of developer.

Step 3. Look Into Their App Development Approach and Technologies

To find the right app developer, your development methodologies should be compatible. App developers organize their work according to the software development life cycle to ensure a smooth process and different development teams use various strategies and approaches.

You should check to see whether the app developer you want to hire is qualified for your project. Consider these questions:

  • Is your application web-based?
  • Which programming language are you going to need?
  • Do you need a complex or straightforward graphical user interface?
  • Will your app need cloud application development for cloud storage?

The answers to these questions will help narrow down your search for candidates. Remember, you want to hire an app developer who is knowledgeable about the specific technologies required for your project.

Step 4. Learn About Their Company Culture

Although many decision-makers overlook it, company culture is a crucial factor when hiring an app developer. App developers work in different environments. For instance, some businesses employ a top-down management style, where higher-ups give orders to their staff members.

Others allow their staff members to exercise their creativity with minimal oversight, while others operate on a team basis, where everyone is encouraged to speak up and contribute regardless of rank. As a result, even if a company has exceptional talent, its culture might not be a good fit for your needs.

To find a good match, determine your values, ethics, expectations, goals, and personality and confirm that the developers you hire share those values. Being on the same wavelength in this regard will lead to better understanding and collaboration.

Step 5. Talk With Their Team and Assess the Communication Openness

You should conduct interviews with team members, regardless of whether you hire an app development team remotely or in person. Testimonials and portfolio case studies are not enough if the app developer is difficult to work with on a personal level. Be aware of any potential issues or character flaws, as these can lead to unexpected conflicts in the future.

One challenge of hiring independent contractors or full-time remote employees is that communication is often limited to email and teleconferences. This can be harder if team members are in different time zones.

Make sure that these logistics do not hinder communication. Partner with a developer who can align with your schedule and can provide regular updates when both parties are available.

Lastly, always make sure your communication is open and transparent. App development agencies should be honest about their capabilities, restrictions, and payment terms. Don’t work with anyone who seems to be withholding information.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire an App Developer?

Hiring an app developer can cost anywhere from $10,000 to over $100,000, depending on the project’s complexity, location, and expertise required.

Simple apps with basic features are generally less expensive, falling closer to the lower end of the range. On the other hand, apps with advanced functionality, integrations, or custom designs will push costs higher. Additionally, long-term projects that require ongoing maintenance or updates will add to the overall budget.

Location also plays a role, as developers in countries with lower living expenses may offer lower rates. Lastly, the developer’s experience level impacts pricing. Senior developers or agencies with extensive portfolios tend to charge more when developing a mobile app.

Where To Look for App Developers?

When searching for app developers, there are several platforms and resources to consider. Popular marketplaces, specialized agencies, and networking opportunities each offer different benefits, depending on your project’s needs and budget.

Here are a few key places to start your search:

  • Freelance platforms: Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal connect you with developers from around the world. These platforms let you compare portfolios, reviews, and rates.
  • Development agencies: For a more structured approach, agencies like Fueled or Savvy Apps offer teams of experienced developers who work together on larger projects.
  • Tech communities and forums: GitHub, Stack Overflow, and Reddit’s tech-focused subreddits are great places to find developers who are actively engaged in coding communities.
  • B2B marketplaces: A B2B marketplace such as DesignRush can connect businesses with agencies through ranking lists and recommendations so they can find top-rated teams tailored to their needs.
  • Referrals and networking: Word-of-mouth referrals from trusted colleagues or attending tech conferences can help you connect with reliable developers.

Should You Hire an App Developer or Outsource Development?

When developing a mobile app, you’ll have to decide whether to hire an in-house app developer or outsource the project to an external team. Each option has its pros and cons, so understanding your project’s specific needs is key.

Let’s explore both options to you choose the best path for your project:

Hiring an In-House App Developer

Hiring an in-house mobile app developer allows for direct collaboration and seamless communication. Your developer can quickly adapt to changes and provide real-time feedback during the development process. It also gives you full control over the project’s direction while ensuring they’re fully aligned with your company’s vision and goals.

However, hiring an in-house developer can be expensive, with salaries, benefits, and training adding to your expenses. Retaining talent might also be challenging, especially if your area’s demand for skilled developers is competitive.

Additionally, relying on a single developer or small team may slow down development or limit your ability to scale the project efficiently.

Outsourcing Development

Choosing to outsource your app development brings with it flexibility and access to a wider range of expertise. It lets you get into a global talent pool and find specialists with the precise skills needed for a given project.

Additionally, outsourcing application development often reduces costs, as you can hire experts temporarily so you can manage your budget more effectively.

On the downside, outsourcing can lead to communication challenges, especially when working with remote teams in different time zones. Managing the project from a distance may also reduce your control over daily operations, and alignment on goals may take longer to establish. Lastly, ensuring timely progress can sometimes be more difficult with an external team.

How To Find an App Developer: Final Thoughts

By following the steps and expert advice in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to find the perfect app developer to bring your mobile app vision to life. Remember, a successful app starts with a clear concept and a developer who can translate your ideas into a user-friendly reality.

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