Many companies go for outsourcing mobile app development rather than using in-house teams. There are myriads of advantages you gain from time-saving to freeing up some time for pre-launch and post-release marketing efforts. Thus, outsourcing your app development really makes sense.
While outsourcing mobile app development, you can oversee all aspects of the development process. And you will guide your team from scratch. Here are some tips that will help you find a good software outsourcing company.
Consider the App Features
Before outsourcing nearshoring mobile app development, you should have a clear representation of what your app will look like and what pains it will serve. In other words, you need to define what app you will get as an outcome. At this stage, there is no need in communication with your app development team. As a rule, you don’t know who you will outsource . It’s time for detailed research and testing similar mobile apps if any.
To outsource an Android or remote iOS developer, you’d better at least talk with potential candidates. Despite the professional regards, you may find difficult to contact a person. And the lack of discussion may result in unsatisfied app quality.
Here are some questions to answer before hiring a development team:
- What type of the app do you want to build?
- What platform are you going to reach?
- What are the features?
- Will it be any in-app purchases?
- Do you want a free or a paid app?
- Will your app be native or cross-platform?
Once you are ready with the answers, you know what your app will do and what operating systems it should support. It’s time to move on looking for developers to bring your app idea to life.
Find App Developers
You have already defined the type of the app you want to develop and the number of platforms to reach. Now you can start a hunting process and look for developers who are skilled and experienced in creating apps similar to yours.
For example, you want to develop an iOS app. It’s evident that you will look for developers with a solid background in building an iOS app. And if you’re going to develop a game, you will look for developers who are experts in gamification issues.
There are lots of ways to find developers to complete a project, but probably, the most simple way is to place an ad on a freelance board like UpWork or Freelancer.com where qualified professionals from all over the globe can bid for your project.
Interview a Potential Developer
To outsource an Android or iOS developer, you’d better at least talk with potential candidates. Despite the professional regards, you may find difficult to contact a person. And the lack of discussion may result in unsatisfied app quality.
There are lots of messaging tools to discuss tasks with developers in real time instead of using email correspondence. Video conferencing is another convenient way to hold an interview face-to-face. Moreover, lots of modern messengers support video calls. While having a video conference, you can meet your potential developers more closely that via email correspondence.
There are certain things to look for in a developer, but you shouldn’t forget about the communication aspects. It’s better to find a developer who is easy to talk with. Moreover, the lack of proper communication often leads to misunderstandings.
It’s a good idea to ask a bidder about the experience in outsourcing app development. And don’t forget to ask for a portfolio. It can become very useful especially when you hire freelancers.
Negotiate the Price
Sometimes a bidder may set a slightly higher price rate, but don’t miss a higher bid while developers, as a rule, have convincing reasons for that. Once a bidder accepts the job offer, she or he may have to pay a fee for a bid.
You have to be open to negotiations. Even is the price is higher, you can still negotiate the price. And if a developer has all qualifications but the rate is higher, consider taking a higher bid.
Set Appropriate Milestones
As soon as you choose a developer, discuss the deadlines and milestones. Milestones are the point in the project where specific tasks need to be completed. With the milestones, you don’t have to get nervous if a developer keeps quiet for a couple of days.
Consider holding meetings with your team regularly. It’ll help you stay updated with the course of the project. For example, if you use UpWork, the site lets you set milestones and pay for each milestone separately.
To add more, milestones let you approve every step of the project. Also, milestones allow testing each module and feature at the stage of their development.
Takeaways
Outsourcing mobile app development has lots of hidden dangers, but still, it’s a great way to develop an app if you don’t need an in-house app development team. Since hiring an in-house team is an expensive way to develop an app. Don’t rush into anything. Take time to evaluate and hire the best app developers.
