Once you’ve your App product idea in mind, the next most important question you mostly encounter is “How can I hire an app developer or put together an app development team?” The simple answer is – you can hire an App Development Company, or Hire an App Developer Freelancer, or hire An Offshore App Development Team. We’ll go into details of all these options and some more further in this article, so by the time you end up reading you’ll be well well versed in the following: Finding an App Developer, Shortlisting an App developer, hiring an app developer, negotiating on App development cost and much more.

The global count of smartphone users has surpassed three billion and is projected to further escalate in the forthcoming years. This wave in smartphone demand has triggered a parallel wave in the demand for mobile apps and their development.

The requirement for no-cost mobile app construction tools is also currently at a peak, coinciding with the exponential expansion of the market. Numerous bespoke app development firms operate within this market, alongside Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms that facilitate do-it-yourself app creation without the need for coding skills.

According to the data provided by Statista, the quantity of app downloads has consistently shown a year-on-year increase. In 2016, the figure was approximately 140.7 billion, which surged to 230 billion by the conclusion of 2021, showcasing an impressive growth of 63% within a timeframe of four to five years. This serves as an indicator of the substantial demand for apps that the development sector must cater to.

According to information gathered from mobile app developers, the latest available figures are from 2019, indicating a global count of 26.4 million app developers. Among these, approximately 6 million are dedicated to Android development, while 2.8 million are primarily focused on iOS platforms.

As the digital world evolves at a rapid pace, the demand for experienced app developers is increasing quicker than ever. However, it’s essential to recognize that the task at hand extends beyond merely identifying a solitary coding virtuoso.

Successful app development requires the coordinated cooperation of a variety of skills. The symphony includes designers who create the visual tapestry, backend developers who create the technological foundation, testers who guarantee flawless functionality, business analysts who ensure alignment with strategic goals, and in some cases, technical architects who create the blueprint for innovation, beyond an app developer’s coding skills.

Why You Need To Hire An App Developer?

Hire an app developer is a pivotal choice that can enormously help people and organisations the same. Whether you have a particular venture as a main priority or are thinking about the drawn out benefits of having an application for your association, there are a few convincing motivations behind why you could have to employ an application engineer:

1. Specialized Aptitude: Application improvement is a complicated field that requires specific information and abilities. Proficient application engineers are knowledgeable in programming dialects, systems, and devices important to make practical and easy to understand applications.
2. Customization: In the event that you have an exceptional thought for an application, recruiting an engineer permits you to rejuvenate your vision. Designers can tailor the application to your accurate determinations, guaranteeing it meets your particular requirements and goals.
3. Time Proficiency: Fostering an application without any preparation can be tedious, particularly in the event that you’re not knowledgeable about coding. You can send off your application all the more rapidly by employing an application designer, who can essentially accelerate the advancement interaction.
4. Cost-Effective: Even though it may appear to be an initial investment, hiring a professional developer can actually save you money in the long run. They can help you in staying away from expensive mistakes and guaranteeing that your application moves along as expected, in this way decreasing expenses related with application upkeep and investigating.
5. Quality Affirmation: Application engineers are prepared to keep best practices and industry guidelines. They can perform thorough testing and quality affirmation to guarantee your application is sans bug and performs well on different gadgets and stages.
6. Scalability: As your application develops and advances, you’ll have to make updates and enhancements. An accomplished engineer can assist you with scaling your application to oblige expanded client interest and add new highlights on a case by case basis.
7. Cross-Stage Similarity: Application designers can make applications that work on numerous stages (iOS, Android, web) utilizing advancements like Respond Local or Ripple. This augments your application’s range and potential client base.
8. Client Experience: The importance of designing an engaging and easy-to-use user interface is recognized by developers. They can plan and advance the application’s client experience (UX) to guarantee clients find it simple and pleasant to utilize.
9. Security: It is of the utmost importance to safeguard user data and your app’s security. Experienced application designers are knowledgeable in carrying out safety efforts to shield your application and its clients from expected dangers.
10. Long haul Backing: After the underlying turn of events, your application will require progressing upkeep, updates, and specialized help. Employing an engineer guarantees that you have a committed asset to address these necessities and stay up with the latest.
11. Regulations and compliance: Contingent upon your application’s motivation and interest group, there might be lawful and administrative prerequisites to consider. Application engineers can assist you explore these intricacies and guarantee your application agrees with important regulations.

Employing an application designer is fundamental for anybody hoping to make an excellent, tweaked, and effective portable or web application. Their skill, experience, and capacity to rejuvenate your thoughts can have a tremendous effect in the general outcome of your undertaking. Whether you’re a singular business visionary, a startup, or a laid out business, the interest in a gifted application designer can be a shrewd and remunerating choice.

Pre-requisites Before You Hire an App Developer

Before embarking on the journey of hiring an app developer or an app development team, it’s essential to lay a solid foundation for your project. Here are some crucial pre-requisites to ensure a streamlined and successful app development process:

1. Define Your Project Scope: Begin by defining the scope of your app project. Outline its features, functionalities, and objectives. Seek the support of a competent business analyst if necessary to help crystallize your thoughts and convert them into a complete project scope. Clear project specs provide developers with a road map to follow, reducing misunderstandings and scope creep.
2. Create Wireframes or Sketches: Visualize your app’s user interface and flow by creating wireframes or sketches. Hiring a designer for this phase might improve the quality of your visual concepts dramatically. Wireframes aid developers in understanding your design goals, user interaction pathways, and layout preferences. This clarity helps to speed up the design and development process.
3. Describe Budget and Timeline Expectations: Setting a realistic budget and timeline is crucial. Outline the financial resources available for your project and your desired timeframe for development. Communicating your budget constraints and timeline expectations upfront allows potential developers to evaluate whether they can meet your requirements.
4. Define MVP Phase and Long-Term Vision: Delineate what you envision for the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) phase of your app – the core features that will launch initially. Simultaneously, articulate your long-term vision for the app’s evolution. This dual perspective provides developers with a comprehensive understanding of their short-term goals while aligning with your app’s potential growth trajectory.
5. Specify “Acceptance and Performance Criteria”: Clarify the criteria that will define the successful completion of your app. Specify what constitutes acceptable performance levels, usability standards, and user experience benchmarks. Setting clear expectations regarding app functionality, responsiveness, and user satisfaction ensures that the final product aligns with your vision.
6. Gather and Organize Content: If your app involves content such as text, images, or multimedia, gather and organize these assets. Having content readily available for integration expedites the development process and ensures a smoother transition from design to implementation.
7. Identify Third-Party Integrations: If your app requires integration with external services or APIs, identify these integrations in advance. Early planning for these connectors allows developers to minimize possible bottlenecks and ensure seamless interaction.
8. Establish Communication Channels: Effective communication is the backbone of successful collaboration. Determine the communication channels you’ll use to interact with your developer or development team. Whether it’s through project management tools, emails, or regular meeting recording tools, having established communication protocols fosters transparency and minimizes misunderstandings.
9. Determine Roles and Responsibilities: Clarify the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder involved in the app development process. Whether it’s your internal team, external designers, developers, or project managers, understanding who is accountable for what ensures a smooth workflow and timely decision-making.
10. Create a Test Plan: Start planning for testing early in the process. Outline your testing strategy, including the types of testing (functional, usability, performance, etc.), testing tools, and the scope of testing for different development phases. A well-structured test plan contributes to a high-quality app free from critical defects.

Essential Skills for Hiring App Developers

3 Best Ways to Hire App Developers

When it comes to hiring app developers, there are several common options to consider, each with its own set of pros and cons. Let’s explore three of the most prevalent options:

Option 1: Hire App Developers In-House

When it comes to building a dedicated team for your app development project, hiring in-house app developers is a choice that offers a high degree of control and integration within your organization. In-house designers become a necessary piece of your organization, working intimately with your current groups, and lining up with your way of life and mission. Be that as it may, this choice accompanies its own arrangement of difficulties, including greater expenses and the requirement for extensive ability obtaining procedures.

Pros:

1. Full Control: With an in-house team, you have the advantage of immediate access to your developers. You can communicate with them in person, making it easier to manage and adjust project priorities on the fly.
2. Cultural Alignment: In-house developers can better assimilate into your company culture and become deeply familiar with your brand, goals, and values. This alignment can lead to a stronger sense of commitment and ownership of the project.
3. Immediate Communication: Face-to-face interactions can enhance communication and understanding among team members, leading to more efficient problem-solving and collaboration.

Cons:

1. High Costs: Hiring and maintaining an in-house development team can be costly. You’ll need to budget for salaries, benefits, office space, hardware, software, and ongoing training.
2. Limited Skill Set: In-house teams may have limitations in terms of expertise and skills. This can be a drawback if your project requires specialized knowledge in areas like AI, blockchain, or augmented reality.
3. Recruitment Challenges: Finding and hiring the right talent can be time-consuming and competitive. Additionally, retaining top talent can be a challenge, as developers are often lured away by higher salaries and better opportunities. In case of Executive hiring, it can be more easier with the help of Executive Search Software.

Option 2: Hire App Developers On A Freelance Basis

For projects that demand flexibility and expertise on a per-task basis, hiring freelance app developers can be an attractive option. Freelancers provide a cost-effective way to access specialized skills and scale your development team as needed. Yet, this choice introduces unique dynamics such as navigating a pool of freelancers, managing remote collaborations, and ensuring seamless communication despite geographical and time zone differences. To ensure smooth financial management, an hourly invoice template can be a valuable tool, enabling freelancers to track billable hours accurately and maintain transparent communication about project costs.

Pros:

1. Cost-Effective: Freelancers often offer a cost-effective solution for short-term projects. They typically charge hourly rates or fixed fees, allowing you to budget more efficiently.
2. Flexibility: Freelancers provide flexibility in scaling your development team up or down as needed. This adaptability is especially useful for projects with fluctuating workloads.
3. Diverse Skill Sets: Many times, freelancers bring a variety of abilities and experiences to the table. You can handpick experts for specific tasks or technologies, ensuring a tailored approach to your project.

Cons:

1. Limited Availability: Highly skilled and reputable freelancers are in high demand. Securing their services for your project may prove challenging, especially if they have multiple clients.
2. Communication Challenges: Freelancers may be located in different time zones or regions, leading to communication and collaboration hurdles. Misunderstandings can delay project progress.
3. Lack of Commitment: Freelancers, by nature, might not have the same level of dedication and loyalty to your project as in-house or outsourced teams. Their primary focus is often on completing the assigned task rather than long-term project success.

Option 3: Hire App Developers As An Outsourced Team

Outsourcing your app development to a third-party team can offer a strategic advantage in terms of cost savings and access to a broader spectrum of skills and resources. By choosing to hire best odoo developer, you can ensure that your project benefits from top-tier expertise in this specialized platform. Outsourced teams can bring a wealth of experience to your project, but it requires relinquishing some control over the development process. Effective communication and finding the right outsourcing partner are key factors in ensuring project success.

Pros:

1. Cost Savings: Outsourcing can often lead to cost savings compared to maintaining an in-house team. You only pay for the services rendered, avoiding expenses like salaries, benefits, and infrastructure.
2. Specialised Expertise: Outsourced teams are typically well-versed in various technologies and development practices. They can bring specialised skills and best practices to your project.
3. Scalability: You can easily expand or contract the outsourced team based on project needs. This scalability ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, preventing over staffing or under staffing.

Cons:

1. Limited Control: You may have less direct control over the development process when working with an outsourced team. Less visibility into daily operations can lead to concerns about project progress.
2. Communication Challenges: Time zone differences, language barriers, and cultural differences can sometimes lead to miscommunications and slower response times. Effective project management and communication strategies are crucial.
3. Potential Quality Variations: The quality of work can vary depending on the outsourcing partner you choose. It’s essential to conduct thorough due diligence in selecting a reliable provider to ensure the quality aligns with your standards and expectations.

Contingent upon the requests of your specific task, your spending plan, and your drawn out goals, you could decide to select application designers inside, on an independent premise, or as a rethought group. Your decision should be based on your company’s objectives and the particular requirements of your app development project. Each option has disadvantages and advantages. Settling on the most ideal choice for your association will be made more straightforward with cautious idea and arranging.

The 10-Step Guide to Hiring App Developers

One of the most important steps in bringing your mobile app idea to reality is hiring app developers. The 10 steps we’ve outlined provide a good framework for the hiring process. Let’s break down each step in more detail:

• Step 1: References from a Friend or Colleague

Start by reaching out to your network for recommendations. Friends, colleagues, or acquaintances who have worked with app developers can provide valuable insights and referrals.

• Step 2: Explore the Recruitment Platforms

Explore online platforms like LinkedIn, Upwork, Toptal, or specialized job boards to find app developers. These platforms often have a wide pool of talent. To find specialized talent, consider tools that provide indirect sourcing alternatives. For instance, methods like scraping LinkedIn’s sales navigator can help you collect leads and streamline your recruitment process by identifying industry professionals quickly and efficiently.

• Step 3: Review the Portfolio of the App Developer

Examine the developer’s portfolio thoroughly to determine the calibre of their prior work. Look for projects that align with your app’s scope and objectives.

• Step 4: Review Client Feedback

Read client testimonials and reviews about the developer or development company. This can give you a sense of their reputation and the quality of their services.

• Step 5: Determine the Specific Technologies

Ensure that the developer is proficient in the specific technologies and platforms you require for your app (e.g., iOS, Android, web development, database systems).

• Step 6: Check for Additional Services They Provide

Find out if the developer offers additional services like UI/UX design, testing, and ongoing maintenance. These services can be helpful for a big app development project.

• Step 7: Explore the Company’s Organizational Culture

If you’re considering hiring a development company, assess their company culture, values, and work ethic. Compatibility in these areas can contribute to a successful partnership.

• Step 8: Discover Their Development Approach

Understand the developer’s approach to app development. Are they Agile, Waterfall, or follow another methodology? Ensure it aligns with your project’s needs.

• Step 9: Engage in a Conversation with the Team

Organize meetings or gatherings with the engineers or improvement group to examine your undertaking, check their comprehension, and survey their relational abilities and responsiveness.

• Step 10: Maintain Transparent Communication

Maintain open and transparent communication throughout the hiring process and the development project. Clear communication is essential for a successful partnership.

Remember that hiring app developers is just the beginning. Cooperative and powerful correspondence, project the executives, and progressing input are urgent for the outcome of your application advancement project. To safeguard your intellectual property and project confidentiality, you should also take legal considerations into account, such as contracts and non-disclosure agreements.

Challenges to Hire the Perfect App Developer

Hiring the best app developer is a pivotal step in bringing your app idea to life. Navigating the recruiting process, on the other hand, comes with its own set of obstacles and concerns. Here are some of the key challenges you might encounter when searching for the ideal app developer:

1. Scarcity of Skilled Developers: The demand for skilled app developers far outweighs the supply, leading to a scarcity of top-tier talent. As a result, finding developers with the proper mix of technical expertise, experience, and project alignment may be difficult.
2. Identifying the Right Fit: Beyond technical skills, identifying an app developer who aligns with your project’s vision, values, and work culture is essential. The challenge lies in gauging this compatibility during the hiring process.
3. Balancing Budget and Quality: Budget constraints often force entrepreneurs to seek cost-effective solutions. However, striking a balance between affordability and the quality of work can be challenging. Opting for lower-cost developers might result in compromises on the final product.
4. High Attrition Rates: The tech industry is notorious for high attrition rates. After investing time and resources in training a developer, the risk of them leaving for a better opportunity can disrupt your project timeline and continuity.
5. Assessing Technical Proficiency: Evaluating technical skills from resumes and interviews alone can be insufficient. Accurately assessing a developer’s ability to solve real-world problems and produce high-quality code requires a more comprehensive evaluation.
6. Keeping Up with Technology Trends: The technology landscape evolves rapidly. Making sure your chosen developer is up to date on the newest tools, frameworks, and development practises is critical for creating a future-proof product.
7. Communication and teamwork: A successful relationship requires effective communication and teamwork. Finding a developer who can seamlessly integrate into your team, provide regular updates, and offer constructive input can be challenging.
8. Navigating Freelance Platforms: While freelance platforms offer a wide range of developers, sifting through numerous profiles to find a reliable, skilled, and available developer can be overwhelming.
9. Overcoming Geographical Constraints: With app developers available globally, navigating time zone differences, cultural nuances, and language barriers can be a challenge when working with remote developers.
10. Ensuring Long-Term Commitment: App development is an ongoing process that requires continuous updates, improvements, and maintenance. Ensuring that the developer you hire is committed for the long haul is crucial for the app’s sustained success.
11. Mitigating Risk of Intellectual Property Theft: Sharing your app idea with potential developers exposes you to the risk of intellectual property theft. Ensuring that proper legal agreements are in place to protect your idea can be complex.
12. Handling Project Delays: Unforeseen challenges can lead to project delays. Finding a developer that can handle unanticipated obstacles while staying on schedule is critical for minimizing setbacks.

To summarise, the route to finding the ideal app developer is not without its difficulties. Each stage demands careful study and strategic planning, from the shortage of competent developers to guaranteeing compatibility, financial concerns, and maintaining good communication.

Overcoming these obstacles necessitates extensive study, effective communication, and a dedication to selecting a developer that shares your project’s aims and aspirations.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an App Developer?

The cost of hiring app developers can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the complexity of your project, the location of the developers, their level of expertise, and the platforms (iOS, Android, web, etc.) you want to target. Here’s a breakdown of some key factors that influence the cost of hiring app developers:

1. Project Complexity: The more complex your app idea, the higher the development cost. Apps with advanced features, intricate design requirements, or integration with external systems will generally cost more to develop.
2. Developer Location: The location of the app developers is a significant cost factor. Developers in regions with a higher cost of living, such as North America and Western Europe, tend to charge more than those in countries with lower living costs, like India or Eastern Europe. Latin America is also one of emerging IT outsourcing hubs. For the cost optimization purpose, many companies opt for software development in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina etc.
3. Type of Developers: The level of expertise and experience of the developers you hire also affects the cost. Senior developers with a proven track record usually charge higher rates than junior developers.
4. Platform: Developing for multiple platforms (iOS, Android, web) will increase costs compared to targeting a single platform. Cross-platform development frameworks like React Native or Flutter may reduce expenses.
5. Design: High-quality, custom app design adds to the cost. A well-designed user interface and user experience can make a significant difference in the overall cost.
6. Features and Functionality: The more features and functionality you want in your app, the more time and resources it will require, consequently increasing the cost.
7. Testing and Quality Assurance: Rigorous testing and quality assurance processes can increase the cost but are essential to ensuring your app functions correctly and is free of critical issues.
8. Maintenance and Updates: Don’t forget to budget for ongoing maintenance and updates after the initial development. This can be a recurring cost over the lifespan of your app.
9. Legal and Licensing: Expenses related to legal matters, including contracts, licenses, and intellectual property protection, should also be considered.

To get a more precise estimate of the cost of hiring app developers for your project, it’s recommended to request quotes from several developers or development companies. Give itemised project necessities and talk about your assumptions to get exact recommendations.

Even though cost is an important consideration, it should not be the only one in your decision. Your hiring decision ought to also take into consideration the developer’s experience, the quality of their work, and their capacity to accomplish the objectives of your project. Also, consider long haul costs related with upkeep and updates to guarantee the manageability of your application.

Agicent: The Best Place to Hire App Developers

Agicent is the best app development company for your project, here are some potential reasons why hiring app developers at Agicent might be the best option for you:

1. Proven Track Record: Agicent have a strong track record of successfully delivering high-quality mobile app projects. Their portfolio showcase a range of apps that demonstrate their expertise and capabilities.
2. Expertise in Your Niche: Agicent specializes in your industry or niche, it can be a significant advantage. They have a profound comprehension of your market, contest, and client assumptions, which can prompt more successful application improvement.
3. Cutting-Edge Technology: Agicent stays updated with the latest technologies and trends in the app development industry. This can translate into modern, feature-rich, and competitive apps.
4. Client Testimonials: Positive testimonials and reviews from previous clients indicate a high level of satisfaction with Agicent’s work. It proposes that they have a past filled with following through on their commitments.
5. Responsive Communication: Agicent excels in communication and collaboration. Clear and responsive correspondence all through the improvement interaction can prompt a smoother and more effective venture.
6. Competitive Pricing: Agicent offers competitive pricing for their services, it makes them an attractive option, they provide excellent value for the cost.
7. Comprehensive Services: Agicent offers a wide range of services beyond development, such as UI/UX design, testing, and ongoing support and maintenance, it streamlines the entire development process and reduce the need to engage multiple vendors.
8. Client-Centric Approach: A client-centric approach means that Agicent prioritizes your needs and goals throughout the project, aiming to create a customized solution that aligns with your vision.
9. Transparency and Trust: Agicent emphasize transparency in their dealings, providing detailed project plans, regular updates, and honest feedback. Trust is vital in a successful client-developer relationship.
10. Long-Term Partnership: Agicent values long-term partnerships and demonstrates a commitment to supporting your app beyond the initial launch, it is a strong indicator of their dedication to your project’s success.
11. Legal and Ethical Considerations: Agicent have sound legal practices, including clear contracts and respect for intellectual property rights, ensuring that your project’s legal aspects are well-handled.

Conclusion 

In the ever-changing landscape of app entrepreneurship, the quest to hire the perfect app developer is like choosing the right toppings for your pizza – it can make or break the entire experience! As you embark on this whimsical journey, it’s crucial to recognise that app development is not just about summoning a coding wizard; it’s more like assembling a squad of multidisciplinary superheroes who join forces to craft a knockout app.

The challenges and insights we’ve traversed in this blog unveil the hidden treasures of the hiring process. From sketching out your project blueprint and scrutinising technical prowess to balancing budgets, dissecting portfolios, and gazing into the crystal ball of long-term visions – each step is akin to picking the right emojis for your digital masterpiece.

But wait, there’s more! In the grand circus of app development, it’s essential to remember that the quest for an app developer is akin to searching for the Robin to your Batman. It’s not just about finding someone who knows the code; it’s about discovering a partner who gets your vibe, understands your dreams, and can join the adventure to build an app that’s not just a tool but a tale.

While freelance app developers and app developer teams do have their shining moments, the spotlight illuminates when you factor in the entire app galaxy. An app developer team is like assembling the Avengers of app development – they bring skills, expertise, and a harmonious symphony of teamwork to the table. They’re the ones who blend design, coding, testing, and project management into a recipe that’s more satisfying than a bottomless bowl of your favourite comfort food.

In the ever-evolving carnival of apps, choosing the right developer is like picking the right dance partner at a masquerade ball. By considering the pros and cons, sketching out your app’s blueprint, and jiving with an app developer team that dances to the rhythm of your dreams, you set sail on a voyage that’s more exhilarating than a roller coaster ride.

As you embark on this odyssey, remember that crafting a stellar app is more than just finding a developer; it’s about forging an alliance that thrives on innovation, embraces challenges, and pirouettes to create an app that writes its name in the digital stars.

So, armed with your newfound knowledge, strategic maneuvers, and a pinch of humor, your app development journey is primed for a grand finale that will have users cheering for an encore!

Frequently Asked Questions

The post How to Hire an App Developer: Step-By-Step Guide for 2025 appeared first on Agicent.

Contact us if you are ready to hire the perfect App developer for your startup. Simply enter your contact details with some project brief and we’ll setup a discovery call with you!

Also, exploring options is a good investment of time because things can go wrong if you don’t have the right developer.

I’m sure you have already heard and read a lot about this topic, and probably ended up finding yourself flustered so we are here to help you solve this by presenting different options.

In the words of Edward R. Murrow:

“Anyone who isn’t confused doesn’t really understand the situation.” 

Your confusion means that you are in the right direction. You understand the challenges of going ahead with your startup’s business plan. With a little clarity, you’ll be on course.

These questions will help you get off on the right foot. At least from now onwards!

• What type of developers do you need? What technical skills are required for your startup’s app?

• How would you want to engage the app developers? Do you want to build an in-house team? Or are you looking to outsource app development?

• Where to find an app developer? Are you confident enough about online sources? Do you need to make in-person efforts?
• How to find an app developer that does justice to your startup’s idea?

There are chances you may be familiar with the technical aspects of app development. You’ll need to balance your tech-skill requirements, budget, and the time available to find the developers. That’s of course after you decide how many developers you need and the engagement model. Follow this by deciding the region you want to source from and domain expertise.

So, if technical terms don’t scare you, we suggest you skip to the relevant section by using the Table of Contents below. Time’s precious! 

Before how to find an app developer. What to find in an app developer?

App developers are techies. They live by their technical skills which you need. It’s great if you have already figured out the tech-stack you’ll need for your startup’s app. That will determine the skills that your app developers should possess. 

At the basic level, the app development tech stack should comprise:

• Framework
• Programming Language
• Database
• Web Server
• Operating System

Before finding app developers, you’ll also need to finalize the type of app you want for your startup. Do you need a native app or a hybrid app? In case you need a native app, which one do you want to begin with, iOS or Android?

Making a list of the technical skill requirements for your app’s first version is a step in the right direction.

Soon after, it’s time for the roads to diverge! You’ll have to make the most important decision about your startup’s app development. To build an in-house team or to outsource?

How to find an App Developer for In-house or Outsourced App development?

Imagine a team of devoted app developers working their hearts out. Brainstorming ideas, improvising, and working on the minutest of details to achieve perfection. An in-house team your competitors envy. Your startup dream becoming a reality under your direct supervision. 

Who wouldn’t want that? 

Unfortunately, an efficient team of in-house app developers remains an ambition for most early-stage startups. 

Hard truths, ground realities, and forthcoming challenges push us to make decisions we wished we never would have to! 

Should your startup ignore the idea of building an in-house team and look elsewhere?

Let’s get the basics straight and see!

Developing your startup’s app in-house is about building a team. 

Outsourcing app development is about building relationships with individuals and Mobile App Companies.

Now, let’s weigh up the options!

Find In-house App Developers

To dispel any misconceptions, ‘in-house’ does not mean ‘in-office’. In-house means within the company. Therefore, you can have a completely remote in-house team! (a trend accelerated by the pandemic and still in vogue.)

In-house app developers will join your existing startup team. They will become a part of your growing organization. In-house developers work closely with your other team members on a day-to-day basis. As an entrepreneur, you can oversee their functioning and reorient their efforts any time.

You will need to treat your in-house developers like your employees, providing them with benefits, perks, insurance covers, etc. You can exercise complete control over the app development process owing to easier communication, flexibility, and adaptability.

If you are choosing to go ahead with in-house app developers, be ready to hone your team-building skills. Building a startup team is a challenge and with an in-house team of developers, you’ll have to be extra attentive. Besides Human Resources Managers, you’ll need to take part in team-building activities yourself.

Benefits of Finding and Hiring in-house App Developers

• In a growing startup, a Find a team of in-house developers helps in building a culture for a fully-fledged organization.

• In-house developers share common goals, purpose, and motivation, which improves the quality and customer-orientation of the product.

• In-house teams help in brand building.

• Better communication and free flow of ideas bring the best out of collective efforts.

• Individual and team knowledge grows fast, equipping the startup to handle tougher challenges.
• In-house app development teams can be efficient in maintenance of apps, launching updates, adding new features, and catering to customer demands.

Downsides of Finding and Hiring In-house App Developers

• Hiring in-house app developers is time consuming.

• An in-house team of developers costs more. Besides paying for office space, the startup will have to bear the costs of paying higher salaries, taxes, and employee benefits, etc.

• In-house teams require Human Resources Managers, which adds to the costs. Besides, entrepreneurs have to work with them directly, which can be an extra burden.

• It’s hard to up-scale with in-house teams.

• In-house teams have limits to their skill-set and experience, which can impact startup’s growth.

• In-house teams are less capable of handling large and complex projects.
• Holding together the in-house team requires extra effort. It’s difficult to find replacements and the hiring cycles become longer as the startup grows.

In-house App Developer Team Models

You can choose any of the following In-house App Developers’ team models:

Co-located In-house App Developer Team

A Co-located In-house app development team will require a Project Manager, and maybe a CTO too. In-house app developers work as a close-knit unit under your direct supervision.

In-house app development teams can communicate more often and stay motivated. You can prioritize tasks, regulate the project’s pace, and attend to finer details. 

In case brand identity is your priority, then you should find app developers willing to join you in the office. Also, if you are working with sensitive data, look to build a team of on-site in-house app developers.

Remote In-house App Developer Team

There’s no doubting the fact that remote work is on the rise, even after the pandemic. Startups can build remote in-house teams much more easily than ever. With the right motivation and team spirit, remote teams can function as efficiently as Co-located teams.

Finding remote app developers and hiring them into your startup is a good idea. It allows wider access to talent while being cost-effective compared to setting up a team of Co-located app developers. 

Remote in-house app developers are good for startups that want to build an efficient team but cannot afford office rent. This model also suits companies that want to tap into a broader talent pool across time zones. Interestingly, this approach isn’t just limited to development roles. Many Managed Service Providers (MSPs) have successfully scaled using remote recruitment strategies. For startups needing reliable tech support staffing, there are specialized MSP recruitment solutions that can assist in sourcing qualified professionals from around the globe. These services are particularly beneficial when trying to strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and high-caliber expertise. Choosing the right recruitment partner early on can significantly reduce the risk of mismatched hires in a critical growth phase.

Table: Comparing Co-located and Remote In-house Teams

Mixed In-house Team

An in-house team that has both office based and remote app developers can show great flexibility if managed well. It can bring together the benefits of Co-located teams and remote teams to boost productivity, communication, and problem-solving.

Very often, mixed teams are not a choice, but a compulsion owing to a lack of space or funds. However, growth stage startups that began with a Co-located team of developers can experiment with mixed teams. 

When to opt for in-house app developers for your startup?

Find in-house app developers for your startup if:

• You have no shortage of funds. 

• You are sure of ample funds in the future.

• You value stability and consistency over money.

• You have an excellent HR and recruitment team.

• You want to build a brand from the beginning.

• Your customers often demand new features.
• You are not confident about data security while working with a third-party.

When to avoid in-house app developers for your startup?

Don’t look and find for in-house app developers if:

• You are facing or likely to face budgetary constraints before finding an app developer.

• You don’t have professional HR managers and recruiters in your team.

• There’s a lack of local IT talent.

• Your startup team is full of all-rounders.

• There are possibilities of early up-scaling.

Find an App Developer in an  Outsourcing Agency

Outsourcing app development means hiring an individual/s or an organization to carry out app development without joining your organization. You will be contracting third-party app developers or an app development agency. The contractors will use their human and technical resources to develop your app.

While outsourcing app development, you have limited control and influence over app developers. There’s no scope for overseeing their day-to-day work. 

The outsourced project is often divided into assignments. Each assignment carries detailed specifications of work you expect to be accomplished. Project specifications, deadlines, and task details matter more than discussions and flow of ideas.

The chief aim of outsourcing is to hire specialists with experience and necessary skills that your app’s development demands. These specialists may be programmers contacted through social media, app developers found on freelance platforms, or specialist app development agencies.

When you outsource, you may not build a team, but you can still extend your in-house team! App development shows the highest outsourcing rate for US-based companies. US Companies outsource over 70% of app development. Outsourcing app development tops the list. Over 50% of these companies outsource a larger part of their app development.

Benefits of Outsourcing App Development

• Outsourcing saves costs and provides the option of getting app developers from regions offering services at lower rates.

• By outsourcing, startups can hire app developers with a wider skill-set and relevant app development experience. 

• Scaling the team of app developers is possible and easy.

• Many contracted app developers aim for permanent positions, so they are more productive.

• Access to a better talent pool. Thanks to the long-pandemic, app developers are refusing to commit to stricter routines!

• Outsourced app development can be round-the-clock and therefore faster. So your app development continues even while you sleep!
• As a startup, outsourcing allows you to devote your time, money, and efforts to building your core business.

Downsides of Outsourcing App Development

• There is little control of entrepreneurs over third-party app developers. They are more likely to work for money than for the startup idea.

• Outsourcing carries information security risks until you put proper mechanisms in place and sign an NDA.

• Differences in time-zones may reduce the opportunities of communication.

• Outsourced app development may lack originality owing to limited communication and engagement between developers and your core team.
• If your Business Idea is unique, outsourcing carries the risk of leaking the idea.

Outsourcing to Freelancers

43% of US startups rely on freelancers. Freelance app developers come in handy when you have to plug the skill gap and don’t have time for hiring. For example, your frontend team has a JavaScript expert, but you need an HTML expert. Urgently and for short-term!

There’s no dearth of sources to find freelance app developers. Many talented app developers offer their services freelance to enjoy greater freedom, earning opportunities, and exposure. Freelance app developers can create fresh apps or carry out app maintenance tasks at low rates. Many startups opt for freelance experts for bug-fixing and UI testing. 

A lack of accountability and control will always linger while working with freelance developers. You can find app developers for your startup on reputed freelance platforms. but that only solves the problem of availability. The main problems with outsourcing app development to freelancers like reliability, project understanding, and communication remain.

Find a freelance app developer for your startup when you need a very specific skill. Your current team may lack such expertise and hiring may take time. 

You can choose to work with freelance developers if you want to devote personalized attention to an app development task. In such a scenario, you can let your core team of app developers continue their work without interruption.

Outsourcing to Agencies

Outsourcing to agencies means contracting a third-party to develop your startup’s app. For startups, outsourcing mostly means Offshoring Outsourcing. The app development agency will assemble and provide the human and technical resources for app development. 

When startups outsource app development to an offshore location, they do that to benefit from the lower developer charges. 

Unlike outsourcing to freelancers where you have to find individual app developers, with agencies you get ready-made teams. When you outsource to agencies, you get expert white-label software developers, UI/UX designers, QA engineers, back-end developers, and project managers, etc.

A dedicated team of developers brings its experience and specific skill set to your project. In fact, they may share ideas and suggestions to make your product or service better. You pay for the app development work, but you also get lessons, ideas, suggestions, and improvements as a bonus. Additionally, offshore Ionic developers can offer cost-effective solutions and diverse perspectives to further enhance your project.

Agencies are accountable for the work they perform, so outsourcing app development ensures better quality. App development companies are bound legally to complete the development project within a set timeframe and without compromising on standards. They are also bound to ensure information security and to protect your startup idea. 

Scalability and continuity are huge advantages of working with app development agencies. As a startup, you will be building an app that will scale later. You can always re-engage the agency when you want to add new features to the app. Similarly, since you don’t have to pay upfront, you can pause the project anytime.  

With clear and regular communication, a team of app developers from an agency is as good as a remote in-house team. If the agency has built apps similar to your startup’s, then their team of app developers may even be better. At less than half the costs!

Table: Comparing Outsourcing Agencies and Freelancers

When to Outsource App Development or hire App Developer from an App Company? 

Find an app development company to outsource to when:

• You have budgetary constraints that don’t allow you to maintain an office and pay employee salaries and benefits. It may be the case that your startup idea is unique and requires aggressive marketing and a big sales team. In such a scenario, you can keep an in-house marketing and sales team while outsourcing app development.

• You want to save long-term costs because of errors or difficulties in understanding other team’s or developer’s code.

• You cannot compromise on the functionalities, features, and UI/UX quality.

• There may be a dearth of local talent. Your region may not have many skilled app developers. The few available may charge too high.

• You are unsure that your list of app features will make you competitive. So you need a team of developers for inputs and immediate scaling.

• Your startup app is complex. In such a scenario, you require experts that have technical and industry experience from developing a similar app in the past.

• The whole app development plan is not final and you would need flexibility. Agency- based app developers are experts in carrying out projects with an agile approach.

• You want to avoid the hassle of managing a team and project.
• You have to launch the MVP, the app, its new features, or upgrades in a strict deadline.

When to avoid Outsourcing App Development?

Rethink outsourcing app development to an agency if:

• You want to supervise app development down to the minutest details.

• You are unsure about the list of development tasks that will make up the whole project. In such cases, you may end up paying hidden costs.

• Your startup idea is absolutely unique and you cannot afford to expose it to a third-party from another region.

• You have sensitive data that will require sharing over the internet with the app development company.

Whether you want to build an in-house team or outsource before beginning to find an app developer for your startup? Be sure of it before you begin!

Let’s see the options.

Where to find an App Developer for your Startup?

Hiring Platforms

You’ll need the right hiring platform to find an app developer for your startup. Starting from Google search can be time consuming and overwhelming. So we are listing the online sources available for hiring app developers.

Freelancer platforms are best if you want to find a developer to fill the gap in your existing team.  

If you are looking to outsource app development, then your search shall begin on websites that list IT vendors. 

How to find Freelance App Developers

There are two types of freelancer platforms to find app developers for your startup. 

• Platforms to find freelance Developers
• General Freelance Platforms 

Platforms to Find Great App Developers

Agicent, Toptal, Gun.io, Turing, TopCoder, and YouTeam are some of the best platforms to find app developers for your startup. On these platforms, you can find developers, designers, project managers, and product managers. 

Freelance developer platforms use a vetting process involving in-depth testing of technical skills, language, and personality. They also ensure that the freelance developers on their platform are project-ready and possess problem-solving skills.

Agicent

How about enjoying accountability and robust processes of a proper Company blended with the freedom of working with the developers team as closely as you want? Well, that’s what Agicent offers here as App Dev Teams for $ 2900/ month.

Agicent, as a name, signifies agile intelligence. Living up to its name, Agicent curates, nurtures, and deploys top-notch talent, always keeping the team of the crème de la crème of professionals. You can find exceptional on-demand developers, designers, and experts on Agicent. No wonder it’s the go-to choice for organizations seeking to bridge urgent talent gaps with quality and speed.

TopTal

TopTal as per them, means top talent. As the name suggests, they accept only the top 3% of the applicants. You can find the best on demand developers and designers on TopTal. No wonder it is the top choice of organizations when they need to fill the talent gap urgently.  

TopCoder

TopCoder works on a community-based model which allows it to provide hard-to-find skills to organizations. Their model has been delivering successfully for over two decades. If there’s some rare skill that your team is lacking, TopCoder is for you!

Gun.io

Gun.io focuses on matching freelance developers with the right organizations. It can be a good option for building an in-house team in case you find long-term prospects in a freelancer. You can hire them as your employees directly from the platform. Though you’ll have to pay a fraction of the first year’s salary you offer.

YouTeam

YouTeam is another place to find freelance developers and engineers for your app. They focus on helping companies and startups hire offshore contractors.

General Freelance Platforms

There are plenty of freelance platforms with experts offering a broad range of skills. Developer supplier platforms like Agicent, Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, PeoplePerHour, and We Work Remotely can help you find app developers for your startup at reasonable rates. 

If your startup’s app is not complex and doesn’t require advanced technical skills, then these platforms are a good option. They are also useful for finding low-cost freelance developers for basic technical tasks.

Unlike the platforms devoted to hiring coders, you can find app developers for startups at lower rates from these websites. However, the reliability and accountability of developers from these websites may be lower than coder dedicated platforms.

In case you have wasted your time finding freelance app developers, we have a way out. You can hire app developers on a monthly fee.

Table: Comparing Developer specific and General Freelance Platforms

To find Agencies for Outsourcing

Clutch, TheyMakeApps, AppFutura, and GoodFirms are some of the best websites to find IT service providers. If you want to outsource to a ready-made team of expert app developers, then these review sites are for you. These companies run background checks for authenticity before listing app development agencies on their websites. 

IT services and app developers’ listings outline the company’s strength, areas of expertise, and past projects, etc. They also provide the minimum project value with the listings. You can read reviews from past individuals and organizations who have worked with any provider listed on the websites. To ensure that startups engage with and outsource to only the best developers, they carry out a review verification, too.

Check these websites if you are looking to outsource your startup’s app development to an agency.

Clutch

Clutch solves business challenges by listing various IT service providers in a B2B marketplace. Their carefully vetted short-list ensures that you choose from only the very best in business. You can look for app developer agencies based on the services, your budget, hourly rates, and reviews.

Company listings on Clutch include detailed profiles, portfolios, and verified client reviews. Once you find the right company for outsourcing app development, you can also start a conversation on the platform itself.

TheyMakeApps

As the name suggests, TheyMakeApps is a listing website for companies into app development. The UI/UX is as simple and straightforward as it gets. Justifying the name, perhaps! This website showcases app developer agencies and their portfolios with minimum navigation. You can search by location or by your budget.

TheyMakeApps provides the option of directly contacting the app agency, but it doesn’t provide client reviews. However, you can see the past projects and how much the agency charged for them.

AppFutura

AppFutura is a developer review and project listing platform. It helps you find the right mobile or web app development company. You can post your app development project along with ideas and specifications and wait to hear. You can also view the listings and find the agency that suits your requirements. 

AppFutura works closely with IT service buyers and providers and runs a thorough review verification process. Concentrate on client reviews and ratings and check company profiles. If you find an agency that fits your needs and budget, you can contact them directly from the website. 

Don’t let the rankings provided by the platform mislead you. They don’t reflect the quality of services.

GoodFirms

GoodFirms is a review platform for IT Services and Software. You can find app developers for your startup based on the type of app you need. The good thing about GoodFirms is that it speeds up your selection process. On each profile, you can see the agency’s focus based on three important criteria. 

Each agency’s experience is reflected by the percentages of different services offered, business sizes, and industries of clients. GoodFirms also provides elaborate client reviews and an interview with the company’s CEO.

Job Portals

Freelancer, remote employees, or Co-located team members, job portals are the evergreen place to find talent. Job Portals are designed for job seekers. They can help you find an expert with a particular skill or a whole team of app developers.   

Platforms like Dice focusing on tech job seekers are a great source of reliable app developers, or you may consider broader remote job boards with candidate databases like HireBasis where there are over 9,000 IT and Development professionals including hundreds of app developers from around the world.

Wellfound focuses on Startups, helping them build fresh teams or up-scale their existing teams. They also offer some tools to save hiring time and effort.  

If you want to assemble an efficient in-house team quickly, check Blind, which brings the advantage of a vast professional community. 

Websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, and SimplyHired etc. are visited by millions of skilled professionals looking for the right opportunity. Your startup could be that right opportunity. All you have to do is post a job! 

Mention the skills, experience, engagement type and other relevant details to receive resumes. You can start the selection process simultaneously or wait for a date to receive all the applicants. 

B2B Directories for IT and Software

B2B directories like DesignRush, BusinessofApps, and WADLINE etc. are extensive directories of IT and Software companies. Check these websites if you are planning to outsource app development to an agency. 

IT and Software focused B2B directories are designed specifically for businesses looking for tech service companies. Their aim is to help organizations find the right agency to onboard for their IT services and software development tasks. Startups can explore these options to find the right app development company.

Each agency profile carries the services offered, industries served, and reviews from past clients. Unlike agency hiring platforms, you cannot directly contact the agency through the directories. However, you can find the contact information to start the conversation.

Table: Comparing Developer Hiring Platforms and B2B Software Directories for IT and Software

More ways to find an App Developer for your Startup

There are a few more ways to find the right developers for your startup’s app. Some of these methods, like finding developers and agencies on Code Repositories or Q&A Websites may require technical knowledge. Social Media and local colleges can be reliable sources of app development talent. They can be timesaving and cost-effective too.

How to finding an App Developer on Social Media

LinkedIn can be a good place to hire an app developer for your startup. As a professional networking building platform, it helps you connect and interact with individuals based on their industry and profession. That makes it a decent choice to hunt freelancers. 

You can also use its powerful ‘search’ function to find app development companies. If your Startup already has a LinkedIn profile, just ‘post a job’ and you’ll have interested app developers knocking at your door. Post the required app development skills, the type of app you want, and the engagement-model in relevant groups will also yield results. 

Reddit is a networking website, social media, and a mini-search engine, all rolled together as an online forum. Well, you knew it, but we mentioned that to outline its potential to find an app developer. 

Finding developers on Reddit is about finding the right subreddits, joining the community, engaging, and interacting. For example, you can find subreddits by the skill gap you are looking to plug, like a JavaScript developer. Or, you can simply post your requirement in subreddits related to jobs, recruitment, hiring, etc.  

Joining ‘app development’ and ‘startup’ related communities can be rewarding too.

GitHub

GitHub is an open-source code repository platform with millions of users. All of them developers! It’s a great way to source professional and hobbyist app developers for your startup. 

It will take some time and effort to find an app developer for your startup on GitHub. However, it can be very rewarding. Especially if you or someone in your startup team is comfortable with technical terms.

On GitHub, you can search for repositories of open-source code and projects by language, location, and followers. Please note that language here means ‘programming language’. 

You can find the ‘users’ and continue your search for a suitable app developer. Exploring repositories will tell you about the contributors and lead you to their individual profiles. Each profile mentions the repositories and projects for that developer. Finally, you can find the developer’s email address on the profile and initiate communication.

StackOverflow

Stack Overflow is a Q&A forum-style website for coders. Programmers post questions expecting to get help from fellow-programmers. A great place to find expert developers!

So, how to find an App Developer for your startup using Stack Overflow? It’s simple. 

Stack Overflow has a job board companies can use to hire talent. As a startup, you can create your company page and post jobs. You can also advertise your company page and job posting on StackOverflow through a special request. 

By paying for the premium options, you can access the advanced search features. It would be a hiring investment to make, but it can lead you to the perfect app developer for your startup.

App Development Conferences can tell you how to find an app developer

App Development Conferences are networking events of developers, entrepreneurs, and tech leaders. Professionals from across the region or globe attend these conferences to exchange ideas and knowledge. Leading app development agencies showcase their achievements, plans, and upcoming products in these events. 

Many app development conferences are open to all. As an entrepreneur, if an app is important for the business, then it’s a good idea to attend these events. You will have a chance of meeting some of the leading app developers, app agencies, and app business experts. 

Droidcon Events focuses on the community of android developers. It organizes various conferences and events all round the year in different locations. Android developers catch up in Droidcon events to exchange knowledge and push the frontiers of Android App development.

In 2023, a Droidcon is lined up in San Francisco in the month of June. Later in the year, New York will host another Droidcon conference in September.

Nyswifty is a promising new conference for iOS developers that is open to all. 

These conferences offer excellent opportunities to meet and hire top-notch app developers or find referrals to reliable agencies. You’ll need some basic app development knowledge and a bit of courage! 

Tech Blogs

We’re talking about serious tech blogs. 

Most developers blog to network by solving problems. The logic is similar to Q&A forums and GitHub, etc. 

It’s easy to find blogs by app developers. You can always drop a mail and check if they are interested in your startup idea.

Local Colleges and Universities

Local College and University campuses can be sources of enthusiastic young developers. Many students agree to work at startups to support their studies. You can begin by building the app with them cost-effectively and later offer them employment as a reward.

Computer Science and Engineering students begin their professional networking towards the final years of their graduation. They look for internship opportunities and projects to get hands-on experience. Your startup could provide that platform for a potential long-term team member.

Process to hire an app developer for your Startup

After taking the two key decisions to find an app developer for your startup, it’s time to move towards hiring. Before you finalize the app developer fit to start building your app, or entrust an agency to turn your idea into reality, it’s good to short-list the options. After that, you can assess your options, and finally look at a few more questions for assurance. 

Short-listing App Developers after finding them

While short-listing the potential candidates (individuals or agencies) to build your app, you need to look at three things

• Skills
• Experience and Niche understanding
• Reviews and Testimonials

Skills of the App Developer and their Team

The skills you will require will depend upon the type of app you are building. Programming languages are the base of any app’s development and performance. The platform/s for which you require the app decides the programming language proficiency and skills expected from the developers. These platforms may be Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, etc.

Programming languages alone cannot build an app and make it ready for your users. It requires a whole tech-stack. You’ll also need to check that the developers you hire for your startup are proficient in the following frameworks.

Modern developers often enhance their efficiency by using tools like AI coding assistants. These tools provide intelligent code suggestions, debug issues in real-time, and help streamline repetitive tasks, making app development more efficient and error-free. Ensuring your developers are comfortable using such advanced tools can significantly enhance the quality and speed of your app’s development process.

Frontend Frameworks

Backend Frameworks

Experience and Niche Understanding of the App Developer

An app is not merely a code that is expected to enable functionality for users. It is a way of taking your business and brand to your customers. For this reason, besides the logic and business process, a UI/UX has to be built into the app. UI/UX determines the interaction of your customers with your business without revealing its inner workings. 

Experience in app development counts because it helps in bringing an organic unity between your business idea and your customers’ perception of it. It also saves time, brings more ideas for improvement, and keeps the development process smooth.

Experience in app development operates at three levels. Industry, business, and niche. While short-listing the potential candidates and/or agencies to build your startups app, assess their experience.

Industry-level Experience

At a broader level, you need to see if they have worked for or with your industry earlier. It’s always advisable to work with developers who have developed apps for your industry before. Which industry is yours? Finance, Healthcare, Entertainment, Retail, or something else?

Business related experience

Your startup’s business type or domain will have some special requirements. Try to short-list the candidates that have experience in developing the type of app you want. For example, you may have made a list of healthcare app developers. This list may have developers with experience in women’s healthcare apps, doctor-on-demand apps, dieting apps, and fitness apps etc. Try to figure out the category and subcategory into which your business idea and app fit! 

Experience in your Niche

Finally comes the niche. Your startup’s niche makes it special. You may even inaugurate a new niche within your industry with your unique way of solving an unnoticed problem! To ensure that your short-listed candidates are the right people to carry out the job, you need to look at the depth and variety of their experience. For example, if your fitness app’s focus is above 70-year-olds, you are entering a niche market.

By short-listing the candidates with experience in your industry and niche, you can ensure a hassle-free development process. Developers with experience in your industry will have a prior understanding of the challenges associated with your business. They will also have a better idea of your market, competitors, and, above all, your customers’ expectations. 

Developers’ experience translates into unique features, good UI/UX, and minimum hiccups after the launch. This ultimately means great customer satisfaction and more profits. In other words, a successful app! 

Developers with experience of developing apps in your niche can also bring new ideas for your startup. Domain experts and industry specialist app developers are proactive participants in turning your app into a reality.

Reviews, References, and Testimonials before hiring an App Developer

Developer and agency reviews on hiring platforms and B2B directories reflect the service standards of app developers. Ratings and reviews tell you about the experience other businesses had while working with your short-listed candidates? Would you place your trust in some agency that has few reviews and average ratings? So, it’s time to cross-check and make sure that your short-listed candidates are reliable.

Many hiring platforms show client references with the developer profiles. You can use them to talk directly to the past clients of your candidates. It’s a great way of knowing about the past work of developers. You can ask the past clients about the design principles used, tech-tack adopted, and project duration, etc. Or can simply ask just one question – “How was their experience of working with XYZ?”  

Download some of the apps they have built and try to get a feel for their work. Find their portfolios and case studies of past projects on their profiles and websites. 

If you don’t find client references, portfolios, and case studies on their profile and websites, mail them your request.

Once you are satisfied with the skills, experience, and background of developers, it’s time to consider each option more separately.

Consideration

App Project Cost and Budget

The next most important thing is the app development budget. Something Startup owners think about many times a day!

It is good to ask each candidate about their charges for your project. Your initial commitment may be for just a Proof of Concept (PoC), or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) version. 

Remember that app development is not just about writing the code. It does not end at the app launch. It also involves UI/UX design, testing, deployment, and maintenance, etc. You can save by hiring an agency, since it will provide you with dedicated experts for each app building task in a single team.

If you want to build your own in-house team of developers, then take care of employee well-being. Pay them good salaries and benefits to keep them motivated in your project.

It’s very important to negotiate salaries and project costs to determine budgets before moving ahead. The best way is to make a comparative list. Don’t forget to factor in the skills, experience, and reviews while making the comparisons for selection. 

Proof of Concept (PoC) and Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

PoC is important when you are innovating or building a complex app. Also, if you are trying to build something that doesn’t have precedence. If you are simply being too ambitious, you’ll again need a PoC. MVP is a good option when you want to build a long-term relationship with the developers. It is useful when your underlying business model and market is tough to understand for developers. 

After carrying out a PoC or making an MVP, your developers are more comfortable with your idea. They are surer and more confident of continuing with developing your app for a long-term.

PoC is a process to test the viability of the startup idea and technical feasibility of an app. It is often the first step before finding investors for the startup. 

Importance of PoC

PoC is important from the entrepreneur’s angle when the idea behind the app is unique and novel. A high level of innovation requires a PoC to inspire confidence amongst the investors. With a PoC, the entrepreneurs prove to the investors that their app will be successful and their idea will bring returns.

A PoC is important when the app is complex and demands innovation. App developers provide a PoC as the simplest working model of the app. It  demonstrates the feasibility of their design and engineering before the project begins.

If you are innovating, and your app is a complex app with many novel features, then PoC is a must. It will help you win the investors’ confidence. Moreover, it will assure you that the agency selected by you for building your startup app is the right company to go do the job.

Importance of MVP

Sometimes, it is important to launch an MVP of the app to gauge its performance in the market. An MVP carries the most essential features of an app. While making an MVP, the developers gain a better understanding of your business, market, and competitors.

Long-term commitment

You may be anxious about the success of your startup, but let’s not keep the fingers crossed. Let’s make it happen! We have confidence that you have a great business idea and the grit and smartness to make it a success. 

You’ll need to hold on to your app developers beyond the MVP and the app launch. Everything will go well! Ask the developers you are hiring regarding their availability of working with your startup for a long time. Years! 

There’s nothing worse than losing the team of developers after sending ripples in your industry by your app’s launch. When you need them the most! Hiring “replacements” in a short span won’t be possible, and they will have to begin from scratch to understand your startup’s challenges.

After taking-off, your app would require regular maintenance and feature upgrades. You’ll need a team of developers that understands the tech-stack equally well as the customer preferences. Therefore, always look to hire a team of app developers for your startup that makes a long-term commitment.

Full Service App Development Agency to find the best App Developers

While outsourcing app development to an agency, make sure they have a full team of developers. A full service app development agency has many advantages, both in the long-run and short-term. Hiring an agency with an incomplete team and working with freelancers alongside is not feasible. Not at all advisable! 

Check if the app development agency has the following experts before finding and hiring an single App Developer or an App development team from them:

• iOS/Android App Developer
• Backend Developer
• UI/UX Designer
• QA Engineer
• Mobile Architect
• Project Manager

Few more things to ask before finding and hiring App Developers for a Startup 

It’s not just about a long-term commitment. You should try to sense their eagerness first. Ask them about the features they can recommend. Or, you can ask them if there was anything they wished to do differently in the last project but were not allowed.

Many startup apps face sluggishness, especially as their users increase. So, it is important to ask what architecture the app development agency is planning to handle high load.

You may inquire how the app company plans to build the information security into the architecture.

Will the app development agency sign a copyright agreement and an NDA before you hire an App Developer from them?

Before finalizing the app development agreement, get a sense of their excitement. Make sure that they have the experience of handling the level of complexity and scale that your business plan demands.

Before you Hire App Developers for your Startup

Your short-list of app developers will most likely be left with two or three candidates after the consideration phase. If it isn’t, make sure you strike-off the less suitable candidates. While proceeding towards finalizing the app developer for your startup, you can ask the following questions. 

What will be the App Development process?

You should ask the app development agency regarding the development process they will follow. Make sure to ask what app development methodology they intend to use. How much time will each stage of development take? How much time will each task consume?

The following steps provide an overview of the app development process.

How will the team members collaborate?

You will need to ensure that the developers can collaborate effectively with your team. Choose developers who can speak your language. Most offshore outsourcing companies will provide developers who can communicate in English. 

When outsourcing to offshore app development agencies, make sure that at least some working hours overlap. 

Also decide upon the Project Management, mailing, video calling, and file sharing tools.  

What will be the Communication Cadence after you’ve found an App Developer?

Communication assumes an additional importance for startups. 

As a startup, you build an idea into an app. As a business, you build upon success. You build upon what your customers like and demand. But as a startup, you take up the challenge of taking an idea and converting into code to make people’s lives easier.

By deciding the communication cadence, you create the environment of clear and regular communication with the app developers.

How, how often, and when will the core startup team and developers communicate? Preparing clear guidelines regarding communication ensures that the business idea becomes a reality without delays and confusions. So, no more extending the launch date!

Soft Skills

Successful app developers have problem-solving skills, business sense, empathy towards customers, and time-management skills apart from having solid coding skills on platforms like Xcode, Studio, react native or flutter.

Attitude

App developers working with startups should be proactive. Find and shortlist the app developers who are ready to engage with ideas, who want to make a difference, and who have a spirit for adventure.

We are sure that you’ll succeed in your search for app developers for your startup with these resources, tips, and processes. If you need any help, just drop us a line.

The post How to Find an App Developer for your Startup? appeared first on Agicent.