The mobile app market is going to reach $717 billion by 2030. Startups and businesses around the world realizing the importance of mobile apps have fueled this growth.
Planning a business strategy with an app helps you set your expectations. You should list services and information you want to be part of the app to search for and hire a relevant app developer. The services you want to offer will decide how complex an app you will need. The average app cost and required developer expertise will depend on your goals.
First of all, you have to choose between a native and web mobile app. Native apps have greater customizations while web apps are cheaper and work on all platforms. If you go for a native app, you will have to choose between iOS, Android or both. The choice has to be based on the target market, budget and business goals.
Mobile app development has three major options to choose from.
In-house app development is a good idea for businesses with focus on the digital market. Employing a team of developers involves high costs in salaries and benefits but also advantages. Full time experienced developers can focus on your app and regularly improve it. Moreover, it helps in having direct control of project management and maintaining corporate culture. In-house app development may not be suitable for businesses centered around offline services which is when you may want to hire app developer from outside.
If you don’t have an in-house team, you can look for developers through local ads in newspapers and on job-searching websites. If you have an in-house team, you may need to discuss any further requirements with the department and look for experts based on their demands. Conduct interviews with focus on your business goals and vision for the mobile app.
Outsourcing app development is preferable for all kinds of businesses that don’t want to go for in-house development. Expert app development agencies can offer comprehensive services for all kinds of apps. You also get a wide range of options including onshore and offshore app development agencies with different rates.
For business in North America and Europe, agencies in their own country or nearby ones are onshore agencies. These agencies can provide high quality apps with local talent. An advantage of outsourcing app development to onshore agencies is the cultural and time zone closeness. These become important to the success of a long-term project. The drawback is usually the rates which are way above those of offshore agencies.
App development agencies in developing countries can be a great alternative for western businesses looking to save on app development costs. Offshore app development companies in countries like India can offer the expertise and communication required for a successful project. The costs can be ten times cheaper which more than offsets the inconvenience of time zone gaps.
You can do a simple Google search to get the list of top app developers in your area or in a foreign country. LinkedIn is a great place to go through various app development companies and their work. Many app development agencies operate through online platforms like Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer. You can easily get ratings, portfolio and reviews for verified agencies through these sites. Focus on agencies that have worked in your sector as that will provide the expertise you will require.
Freelance app developers can be a good option for small businesses looking for basic apps. Freelancers often have lower costs and can offer greater control over the app development. You can go for a freelancer from the developing world and save on the costs as well.
The concern with hiring freelancers is often about managing the project. Hiring one freelancer might not be enough and getting multiple freelancers to collaborate can be a headache. If you have the time and resources to handle it, freelancers can be a good option.
You can hire app developer as a freelancer in multiple ways. You can ask for references from friends, surf LinkedIn, or marketplaces like Upwork, Freelancer and Fiverr.