6 Important Questions You Should Ask Before You Hire a Mobile App Developer
It’s no secret that in today’s world most people live on tablets and smart phones. So, it’s only logical to assume that if your company doesn’t have a mobile app, you could be missing out an enormous amount of potential customers. According to a recent Nielsen report, the better part of 120 million consumers use some kind of mobile retail or shopping application to get their online shopping done. That’s a lot of buyers you’re missing out on without a mobile app, to say least.
So, now you know that your company needs a mobile app, but where do you start? The first step is to hire a mobile app developer, but before you agree to work with the first developer you come into contact with, there are some questions you must ask them…
#1. Can you show me examples of some of the apps you’ve developed?
First things first, take a look at their work. For example, you wouldn’t hire a caterer if you couldn’t sample their food, or at the very least, see a menu. You’ll have no way of knowing if the developer you’re working with is any good, or even right for you, if you can’t checkout some of their apps before signing the dotted line.
#2. Can you put me in contact with some of your past clients?
So, you’ve looked at some of the mobile app developer’s apps, and you have a sense that they seem competent and up to the task, but referrals never hurt. You wouldn’t hire an employee without talking to some of their past employers, so why shouldn’t the same logic apply to your mobile app developer. For all you know, the demo apps they showed you were just that: demos. What if they’re difficult to work with, or can’t meet deadlines? You’ll never know if you don’t ask.
#3. What sets you apart from other mobile app developers?
Mobile app developers aren’t exactly going to come knocking on your door, but suffice it to say, you’ll have a lot to choose from if you look for them. You might find a developer who meets your main criteria right off the bat, but that doesn’t mean there might not be someone better just around the corner. Any developer worth his salt should be able to give you at least one reason why he’s a cut above the rest.
#4. How do you test your apps?
Testing is a crucial phase in the developmental process. The very last thing you want to happen is that you release a new, let alone your first, mobile app only to find out from your customers that it’s riddled with bugs and glitches. Make sure the mobile app developer you choose has a comprehensive method for beta testing to ensure you don’t suffer this embarrassment.
#5. What is your favorite smart phone/tablet?
Consider this a sort of litmus test for any potential developers. This shouldn’t necessarily be a deal breaker, but it can give you an insight into the developer’s taste, personality, and general knowledge of the medium. A suitable answer would be more than a simple, “This one [insert blank].” They shouldn’t just tell what their favorite smart phone/tablet is, but also explain why it’s their favorite and how it compares and contrasts to others.
#6. How much is this going to cost me and how do you accept payment?
This one might seem obvious, but it’s certainly a question you don’t want to wait until the last minute to ask. Different developers have different payment terms and policies, and it’s extremely important for your own sake that you understand them clearly. There’s certainly no right or wrong answer here – just different prices and methods – but if your developer is on the other side of the globe and wants you to wire transfer the full amount to them in advance, that might send up a red flag or two. Basically, you’ll just want to make sure they are within your budget and that they can accept a method of payment you’re comfortable with.
