Mobile applications can be a big investment. Having them built properly isn’t a cheap exercise, and nor should it be if you want the best product. But whether you’ve got a revenue making idea or you simply need an app to bridge the gap between your business and your customers, there’s a few things to consider when choosing a mobile app development company.
The bottom line is you can waste a lot of time and money by making a bad choice, so it’s worth knowing what to look for. Ensure you consider the following factors when choosing a reliable mobile app development company.
Cross-Platform Expertise, with Individual Specialists
When you’re looking for mobile app developers, you really want a multi-skilled team. In many cases you’ll be looking to develop an app for both iOS and Android. A quality mobile development team will feature experts in both platforms, rather than one person doing both.
Building an app isn’t a job for a single person, and that’s why you need a software company who can provide you with a development team. Always approach with caution if a company tells you they’ve got one developer who can handle all aspects of your project. Very rarely are people skilled in every discipline required to build a great mobile application.
A Proven Track Record of Success
Reputation is everything when it comes to mobile application development. It’s not to say the new kids on the block don’t have the necessary skills, it’s just whether you can afford to take the gamble. It’s not cheap to build a mobile app, and you want to make sure your project is entrusted to a team of professionals who have had extensive experience.
An even better option is to find a company who can show you evidence of mobile apps they’ve built within your industry. This shows a knowledge of your business, and a proven record of success.
Financial Stability and Solid Business Model
A mobile app isn’t something you’ll build once and just forget about. You’d know yourself how many times you need to update apps on your device – that’s because the app owners are constantly making improvements.
This is where the financial stability of a mobile app development company comes into play. Why? Simply because you want them to still be around in the future. If they’re a reputable, solid business, chances are they’ll always be around to help you work on your app.
The Quick and the Dead
Mobile app building isn’t a quick process. Any mobile development company who promises super-quick results isn’t going to deliver you a quality product. Not only is there the preparatory work such as business research and market analysis, but the actual development of an app takes time. Then there’s testing, and eventually the launch phase. Beware of developers offering speedy results.
Low Prices, Low Quality
Like anything in life, you get what you pay for. Mobile app development companies who offer cut-price services tend to ring alarm bells. The fact is, it can be a lengthy process, requiring hours upon hours of work by qualified, skilled and experienced professionals who know what they’re doing. You simply can’t achieve great results at a bargain-basement price.
You don’t need to find the most expensive development company, as that probably also doesn’t represent good value for money. But you definitely want to stay away from the cheapest.
Willingness to Understand Your Business
Finally, the best mobile app development companies display a willingness to learn about the ins and outs of your business. Sure, you’ll probably have a list of things you want the app to do, but that shouldn’t be the end of it.
A development team, or at least a designated member of the team, should spend time learning what you do, who your customers are, and the trends in your industry. This allows them to make a more valuable contribution to the functions and features of your app, rather than just giving the bare minimum you’ve asked for.
MRU Consulting provide professional, reliable and honest partnerships with businesses needing mobile app development. We understand the importance of connecting with your customers, and how a mobile app can help grow your business. Contact us today for a risk-free quote and see how we can help with your mobile app development needs.