How To Choose an App Developer

Need a custom app? Learn how to choose the top mobile app development company for your next project.

When you’re building a mobile app, finding the right partner is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. You want a development team with the skill and resources to build an app that meets the needs of your company and your customers. At the heart of this partnership is a group of people that communicate and take the time to understand your brand and audience.

Business-to-business (B2B) apps differ from their business-to-consumer (B2C) counterparts, and what works when building a B2C app may not apply to a B2B app. The target audience—business user vs. consumer—and needs of the end-user—business vs. entertainment—are different because they meet different needs and serve different audiences. 

If you’re a business owner ready to choose a mobile app developer, you need to figure out which developer has what it takes to partner with you and successfully complete the project. 

7 tips for choosing an app developer

We’ve put together these seven tips to help you analyze what the developer has to offer and evaluate their services so you can partner with the right app developer for your business.

1. Ask for and assess their portfolio

Looking at examples of apps the developer created for other companies is an essential part of the process, and this is especially true for B2B apps. You want someone who understands what makes B2B mobile app development different from B2C. It’s not enough to create a successful B2C app with an impressive interface and exceptional user experience and transfer the process to a B2B app.

You may not need impressive graphics for an inventory management app, but you may want features such as automatic syncing, barcode scanning, or point-of-sale capabilities. Ask the developer about B2B projects similar to yours that they’ve completed and ask to see them. Not only will this help you determine whether they can create the type of app you want, but you may discover a few design ideas along the way.

2. Ask for price estimates

You need to stay within your budget, but the price should not be the only—or even the first—consideration when choosing a developer. The goal is to create a user-friendly and useful app, not find the cheapest product. A bargain price isn’t such a bargain if the app continuously crashes or doesn’t offer the features you need. In the long run, you may end up paying more to fix a design flaw or hire a different team to rebuild the app.

When you request an estimate, give the developer a detailed explanation of what you want. Being clear with your expectations helps them put together an accurate estimate that reflects the amount of time and level of skill the app will require. Review the estimate carefully. Note details like the type of app (native or cross-platform apps), supported devices (Android, Apple, smartphone, tablet), integration points, and maintenance plan. Find out how soon the developer can build the app and the services you will receive before, during, and after the app's completion.

3. Consider the whole process, not just the final product

Building a B2B mobile application takes time, typically anywhere from two months for a simple app to one year or more for a complex app. You’re going to be working with the development team for some time and want someone who is communicative throughout the entire process and willing to listen and respond to your questions. Your needs and expectations will likely change as you work through each stage, and the app developer should be able to meet them at all times.

Ask the developer about the type of support they offer. Do they assist you with design decisions such as colors, fonts, and graphics? Will they offer suggestions to help you achieve your overall vision for the app? Does their work come with a guarantee to maintain or update the app as needed after you launch it? Does the contract include the testing and deployment stage, or does it end when you have the app in hand? Will you own the code they write for the app? The answers to these questions give you insight into the services they provide before, during, and after they build the app.

Learn more about the developer’s communication channels. Will someone answer the phone if you call? Do they prefer engaging through an online chat or app? Find out how quickly you can expect a response. Ask about the support they offer after the app’s launch. At the very least, they should offer to correct errors and provide you with updates to ensure the app runs smoothly and securely.

4. Consider a trial contract

A trial contract is a great way to get a feel for the way a development team works and determine whether it’s the right fit for your project. In many cases, one or two months is enough time to evaluate the team and their work. You’ll be far enough along in one phase of the development to experience what it’s like to work with them, but it’s still early enough to change your mind and find someone else.

One option is to divide the project into phases. This helps make the project more manageable for everyone involved. It also gives you a pause point for evaluating the work and making decisions about what to do next. You have an opportunity to decide whether to continue in the same direction with the project or adjust it.

5. Select the right size vendor for your company

App developers come in an array of sizes, from freelancers who offer mobile app development services to small firms and large development companies with teams of developers. They each have their merits and drawbacks and the best team for one project may not be the same for subsequent projects.

Some people enjoy working with freelancers who may offer a great product at an affordable price point. However, a freelance app developer could lack the resources needed to create a top-of-the-line B2B app. They also may have multiple projects going on at the same time or live in a different time zone, which makes getting in touch with them more difficult at times.

On the other hand, a large development company typically has multiple teams available to assist you with your project. Having more than one person to call when you need an update is a great advantage, but there’s a chance that the team members you start the project with may not be there through the entire process. 

6. Be transparent when communicating with potential developers

You may be wary about giving insider information to people who aren’t part of your company, but developers need to know exactly what you expect them to do. They need to know what problems you expect the app to solve and the features you want before they can give you a price estimate and timeline.

You can ask the developer to sign a non-disclosure agreement before giving them all the details. Keeping secrets or withholding vital information can, at best, slow the development process and, at worst, result in an app that doesn’t meet your needs. In addition to basic information about your company, target audience, and goals for the app, be prepared to discuss the minimum viable product and functions you expect to see in the app. Explain in detail exactly what users should be able to do in the app.

7. Check references and reviews

Reputable companies are willing to provide references when asked, and many post reviews on their web pages so you can see what previous clients say about their work. Some use a third-party service to verify the validity of the reviews posted. If they refuse to give references, you may think twice about working with them. Transparency is essential for everyone involved in the project.

You don’t need a company with a perfect record—even the best mobile app developers have bad days—and a few poor reviews may not be indicative of the type of work they usually do. Read how the management team responds to negative reviews. Do they accept responsibility for poor communication or errors they made? Do they offer a reasonable explanation or attempt to make amends? Their interactions with dissatisfied customers give you a glimpse into their customer service.

Now that you’ve narrowed your list to the best app developers, you’re ready to dig in and find the one that’s best suited to meet your needs. As you vet potential developers, stay mindful of your goals and expectations, and evaluate each company with an objective view. The goal is to find the company that can turn your vision into a reality.