It can be tough to hire the right app developer for your project. You need to find someone who is both experienced and skilled in the type of app you want created, as well as someone you can trust to see your mobile app development project through to completion. Here are a few tips on how to hire app developers for your project.
Know what you want your app to do
Before you start hiring mobile app developers, it’s important to know what you want your app to do. This will help you determine what kind of app developer you need. If you already have a clear idea of what you want, then look for developers who have experience creating apps with those features.
If you’re not sure yet what you want, then look for generalist developers who have a wide range of experience creating all kinds of apps.
List down the list of features and functions you want in your app. This will help you find the kind of developers you need and filter out the ones that won’t be a good fit for your project. Documenting your app’s requirements will also help developers give you more accurate cost and time estimates.
Know your development options
Second, you need to know your development options. This means understanding the difference between native app development, web app development, and hybrid app development.
Native app development is when an app is built specifically for one type of operating system, like iOS or Android. Web apps are created using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and can be used on any device with a web browser. Hybrid mobile apps are a mix of the two, using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript wrapped in a native app shell. This allows them to be used on any device, but they’re built like a native app. Read here on how to choose the right mobile app development language.
Knowing your app development options will help you decide if you need an android app developer, an iOS app developer, or someone who can do both.
Research developers
After you’ve thought about what you want your app to do and have considered your development options, you’ll be able to choose your mobile app developer.
Research and hire an app developer who has created similar apps to the one you want. You can find these developers by searching online portfolios and profiles or by attending app development conferences.
When you find a developer you’re interested in, look at their previous work to get an idea of their style and skill level. Make sure to also read online reviews from other clients to get an idea of their work ethic and professionalism.
Technical skills to look for in an app developer
Good mobile app developers should have the following technical skills:
Extensive experience with the relevant coding languages
Understanding of design patterns and principles
Ability to use various software development kits (SDKs)
Familiarity with multiple platforms (iOS, Android, Windows, etc.), or at least one platform in depth
Proficient in using integrated development environments (IDE), such as XCode for iOS or Android Studio for Android
Understanding of app stores and how to submit apps
A good app development team should also have soft skills, such as effective communication, problem-solving, and time management.
Where to find mobile app developers
Once you’re clear about the skills you need, it’s time to start your search. App development is time-consuming and a costly task, so avoid hiring low-cost freelance app developers as you may not get the results you want.
Hiring highly skilled app development specialists like consultants or independent contractors can be a great way to get the quality app you want without having to commit to a long-term development relationship.
You can find highly skilled mobile developers on online marketplaces like Onsiter, or save time and ask consultant agencies like Right People Group to help you find the right expert for your project.
Tips for communicating your project goals
Whether you’re personally searching for app developers for your project or using the help of an agency, it’s important to be clear about your project goals from the start. This means having a clear idea of what you want your app to do, as well as what your budget and timeline are.
Be prepared to answer questions about your project, such as why you’re creating the app and who your target audience is. It’s also helpful to have a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) in place before you start sharing details about your project, to protect your ideas.
Interview app developers
When you have a shortlist of potential app developers, it’s time to start interviewing them. This is your chance to get to know them better and see if they’re a good fit for your project.
During the interview, be sure to ask about their experience with similar projects, their app development process, and their thoughts on your project goals. You can also ask for examples of their work and for references from previous clients. If you’re working with an agency, they should be able to provide you with a list of app developers they’ve worked with in the past.
Besides their technical skills, you should also pay attention to the app developer’s soft skills. Do they seem like someone you could work with long-term? Are they good communicators? Do they seem like they would be able to handle difficult problems?
Asking the right questions during the interview process will help you hire the best app developer for your project.
Onboarding app development consultants
Once you’ve found the right app developer, it’s time to onboard them onto your project. This process will vary depending on whether you’re working with an individual consultant or an agency.
If you hire mobile app developers, you’ll need to send them a contract that outlines the scope of work and the agreed-upon price. Once the contract is signed, you can start sharing project details and giving them access to the necessary tools and resources.
If you’re working with an agency, they will likely have their own onboarding process that they’ll follow. This may include a signup process on their website, as well as sending you a contract to review and sign. Once the contract is in place, the agency will start matching you with potential app developers and setting up interviews.
Conclusion
Hiring app developers can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By being clear about your project goals and taking the time to find the right developer or agency, you can ensure that your app is in good hands. With the help of a skilled app developer, you can bring your vision to life and create a high-quality app that your users will love.
