How to Finalize an App Development Company?

So, you have taken the first step into the process of developing an app for your business. You have made a complete list of mobile app development companies that are enjoying the limelight, after all the research and market search. And now, with this handful of companies in your bucket, you have to take a […]

Updated 2 February 2024

Ajay Kumar
Ajay Kumar

CEO at Appventurez

So, you have taken the first step into the process of developing an app for your business. You have made a complete list of mobile app development companies that are enjoying the limelight, after all the research and market search. And now, with this handful of companies in your bucket, you have to take a life-changing decision – the one associated with how to finalize an app development company.

Well, I know it’s not an easy task. All the companies appear just the right partner to you, and of course, you can’t hire them all.

So, how to take the decision? How to ensure that you find an app partner that meets your needs and requirements?

This article will help you out. Here, we will watch out for various factors that you should keep an eagle’s eye upon for screening the right company and get started with your mobile application development process.

So, here we begin.

Things to Consider Before Finalizing an App Development Company

Factors to Consider while finalizing an app partner

Expertise

When we talk about how to finalize an app development company, expertise is the most important factor to be considered. This is because your app idea is the baby of your imagination and hence, should not be handled by a development company that is not holding the perspective which you wanted for your app.

Remember, you have neglected many app development companies and selected a few in the process of finalizing a company to handle your app development process. Therefore it is absolutely mandatory to ensure if the company is even able to build the actual features and functionality in your app exactly the way you want.

By stressing on this point, the company will tell you how they will be implementing proposed features along with suggesting and pouring frameworks they might use while developing your app. Knowing about the expertise of the company, you will be sure of what kind of quality, quantity, services you will be getting at the end of the day. And this clarity will let you make the right decision without any chaos.

Remember, it is better to measure the depth of the sea before swimming. Ask anything and everything in order to get a proper overview of their expertise and knowledge.

Tech Stack

With the advent of new technologies and tools, the mobile market trends are changing. This is making it imperative for startups and established businesses to introduce the latest technologies and frameworks into their processes. Or better say, connect with the mobile app developers who have an expertise and experience of working with advanced tech stack. So, look forward to considering this factor.

Tech stack

Before finalizing the firm, ask them a few questions like “which programming language they will be using for your project”, “which technology are they using for now”, etc. These questions will give you a clear idea of their awareness towards mobile app market trends, which will eventually give a hint of the type of application you will get.

Platform

As the world is moving from the idea of ‘a single platform’ to making a presence on both the platforms’, the idea of opting Cross-platform app development process over native approach is also increasing. [Read more about Native vs Cross-platform development here: Native vs Cross-Platform: The Best App Development Approach for Startups]

In such a scenario, finalizing a mobile application development company that provides you the best services as per your choice is also necessary. It is necessary to hire a company that carries deep understanding and knowledge of the guidelines in order to develop an app for both Android and iOS. After this, choose a company that can serve the same thing according to your needs. So, do not miss out checking this factor.

Portfolio

The portfolio is like the soul and the essence of the company. Without it, you will be like ordering the dish without looking at the menu. A portfolio is the first and foremost thing that gives you a solid proof of the quality of work they perform and the type you will get.

So, look ahead to checking their portfolio and even try some apps they have launched on App Store/Play Store. Ask them a few questions like- “can I view your portfolio”, “do you have any app in the app store”, etc, make sure to read the comments as well as the testimonials in order to gain a better insight of the company.

Following this basic step will clear the clouds and let you decide which company is apt and a perfect cup of tea for your project. Do not skip even the minimalistic detail of the firm as you will be investing a good amount of money on the project.

Portfolio

Client reference

Another factor that plays a pivotal role in the process of how to finalize an app development company is Client reference.

A client who has already worked with the company will give you inside scoops and help you to determine things that are not showcased on the portfolio, such as the communication experience, quality of app project, etc.

So, look forward to ask the company for some client references. Remember, the right companies do not find any issue in directing to their previous clients and projects.

User Experience

Your app is a failure if users are not liking it. User experience is the most important aspect in the mobile app development process. And this is the reason, designers are meant to develop the app accordingly.

Before hiring the app development company, always remember that you have made your application for the users and they are the ultimate king. Make sure to hire the company that is well sound with end-user expectations along with good knowledge about the latest trends in the market.

*Tip- It is good to get an idea about the prototyping tools that app development agencies use for creating great UX design. For the same, refer to this blog: Top Mobile App Prototyping Tools

Time-frame

If we talk about how much time does it take to develop an app , the answer may vary. Sometimes all it takes is 6 weeks, sometimes 8 weeks and sometimes more than that. Well, among many mobile app development companies, you have chosen a few. Now there is no chance of going back at any cost, hence ask the chosen firm about the estimated project timeline.

There are high chances that your chosen firm must be working on multiple projects, hence it is important to ask them about their availability for your project.

Ask them “how many projects they are handling”, “how much time is your app going to take”, “when can they deliver your project”, etc. This step is important in order to forecast unforeseen challenges of your project. So, do not miss out this step. Make sure to consider this step while finalizing a reliable app making company. In this way, it will become easier and better for you to get dedicated resources, developers and experts in developing mobile apps

Mobile App Development Methods

The method used for creating a mobile application makes a major difference in the outcome of the process. For example, Agile brings better flexibility and outcomes than Waterfall, which serve as a reason why to choose agile methodology for mobile app development

So, pay attention to the type of application development methodology app companies are opting. Ask them questions like “which development process do they use”, “which development process they will be strictly using for your project, etc”. And ultimately, choose the one that is working with Agile, and not still stuck with Waterfall development methodology.

Communication

Wise people say communication is the key to success. Do not neglect this quote while finalizing the app development company. Most of the time, the app development agency simply rejects the idea of communicating that could have helped you with optimizing your app idea timely as well as getting access to the status of your application. Therefore, hire the company who agrees to communicate with you throughout the app development process – even where there’s a time zone difference.

Team Size

Various companies take app projects and forward it to some local developers, interns or freelancers. As a result of this, you find it hard to get quality work and even get the changes implemented in real-time.

In such a scenario, it is extremely important to have insight into their workforce.

So, invest your efforts into inquiring about the workforce and development team along with having the insight of experience and knowledge they are carrying. Meanwhile, after that, make sure to ask “how many people will be working on your project” how many people will be handling your project” etc.

Team size

Knowing all these things will give you an idea if the company is capable enough to deliver you the project exactly the way you want it with all perfection.

Non-disclosure agreement (NDA)

Imagine, you have discovered some theory and someone else patented it with their name. How will you feel? All your hard work, time, cost, resources will simply go in vain. Similar is the story of your app. Your app is your brainchild and you would not like to share it with your competitors for sure.

So, before nodding yes to a company, make sure to sign the Non-disclosure agreement with the company. And if they breach any of the conditions in any way, they will be liable to all your loss and will be sentenced to given punishment.

Non-disclosure agreement

Because, cheap things do not come with a label, this is the reason, many fraud app development companies do not agree upon NDA. By signing up an NDA with a reliable and trustworthy app development agency, you will be safeguarded from all kinds of forgery or cheat.

App Cost

While choosing the app development company, do not let the cost drive you. Sometimes, in order to get the best product, it is ok to spend a few more bucks. Meanwhile, if you are going ahead with your own budget constraints, let the quality and expertise of the company’s delivered work decide if they are the perfect fit for the job.

It is obvious, the more you order, the more you need to pay. Similar is the concept of the mobile app development process. If you want an additional and complex feature in your application, you should be aware of how much it costs to develop an application along with knowing other aspects.

Meanwhile, apart from discussing your mobile app development budgets parameter, remember to ask about the method of payment and also payment trends. Ask them “if they will be charging all at once”, “if they are okay with installments”, “if they will be charging according to the addition of features” etc. Be aware of the additional cost that might occur in the development process.
Always remember, mobile app development cost varies according to the features in the app along with other complexity and functionality. Be clear about what you want in your app before assigning the job to the agency.

Maintenance and Update

After the app development process, once your app gets launched in the app store, it always requires updates, time to time maintenance along with fixation of bugs and errors along with the addition of new features and functions.

According to Clutch, for most app development companies, the cost of app maintenance is usually incurred about 30% of the actual app cost. Hence, for the same reason, it is definitely mandatory to know the company’s policy about its app maintenance and support later.

Meanwhile, if possible, it is recommended and favorable to ask whether the company will be charging on an hourly basis or monthly for app maintenance.

Be blunt and clear about your concern before assigning the job of building the app to the company.

Code Ownership

Many a time, in the excitement, Entrepreneurs often forget to ask the company about code ownership. As a result, when they look forward to modifying their application, they are left with no option other than contacting the same company – even when they offered low-quality services.

So, make sure not to skip this point at any cost in order to avoid code ownership issue.

App launch and Marketing

There are various mobile app development stages which are precisely divided into different stages. After the completion of developing an app, there comes the task of promoting and marketing the same.

It is a sort of thumb rule to spend the same amount of time for promoting, the same you used in developing an app. There are stages for promoting an app which is also important in order to reach the target audience. There are many app development companies, who do marketing for your app by charging a few extra bucks.

So, feel free to ask the company if they will be offering additional marketing services and if they nod yes, the situation will be all yours.

So, these are a few pointers that can change the whole game of how to finalize an app development company. Make sure to consider these factors in order to get the best in class service along with timely delivery of the project.

Now, as we are done with what steps you should take while finalizing a mobile application development agency, let’s move forward to what mistakes you should not skip and neglect when it comes to lookout for app development companies. Some of them are as follows:-

  • Not being specific and clear about the things you want in your app
  • Not sure of the platform to indulge in
  • Sticking to the constrained budget
  • Most importantly, not doing proper homework while researching
  • Not being knowledgeable about your own app and features you want in your app
  • Not sure of the latest trends and technology
  • Incomplete knowledge and understanding of your app
  • Giving limited time to an app development company
  • Not considering outsource app development process
  • Lack of communication with team of developers and firm
  • Not getting prepared for the additional amount you might need to incur in the app development process
  • Not asking for after launch services
  • Not opening the scope of fixing bugs, updates and other services after the launch of the app

So, as we have covered so far, there are various factors you should consider during the process of how to finalize an app development company and so are the mistakes to avoid. By considering them while making a decision, you can make a lifetime choice and add value to your business.

So, look ahead to it. And in case, you find yourself still confused upon any of these pointers, feel free to contact our experts. Our proficient team will not just solve your query, but also help with making the best of the opportunity and rule the mobile market.

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    Ajay Kumar
    Ajay Kumar

    CEO at Appventurez

    Ajay Kumar has 15+ years of experience in entrepreneurship, project management, and team handling. He has technical expertise in software development and database management. He currently directs the company’s day-to-day functioning and administration.