Want to hire mobile app developers? Please wait, don’t hire blindly.
You need to verify a few things before you hire to avoid unexpected pitfalls.
This blog is all about uncovering the secrets that really matter when hiring mobile app developers. However, before we dive deep into this craft, let’s take a look at the stats of the mobile app industry and understand how crucial building a mobile app is.
According to Grand View Research, the global mobile app market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.3% and will reach $626.39.82 billion by 2030. When discussing the growth drivers, adoption of smartphones, usage of the internet and of course integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in mobile applications are significant. Sectors like eCommerce, health and fitness, entertainment, gaming, and social networking are the future.
If you are one of those brilliant minds seeking developers to transform your innovative idea into a thriving solution, you need to find the right mobile app developer. No matter whether you want to develop a mobile app from scratch or enhance an existing one. The right experts can handle everything for you.
15 Things to Verify Before You Hire Mobile App Developers
Developing a mobile app can be a game-changer. At the same time, if poorly designed, it can also lead to significant losses and be a costly mistake. Therefore, if you want your brand to reflect unique and boost your business via application, you need to find the experts who actually understand your goal and deliver what you expect.
However, finding the right mobile app developer is again a daunting task. But don’t worry. To ease your hiring hassle, as we discussed above, we have brought a list of 15 critical checks to consider to avoid a bad hire.
1. Consider Development Specialization: iOS, Android or Cross-Platform
To find the right expert, first and foremost, what is needed is to confirm the developer has expertise in Android development, iOS development or cross-platform development.
- iOS Developers: iOS developers develop mobile applications for Apple’s devices such as iPhones, iPads and more.
- Android Developers: They help build applications for Android-powered devices such as smartphones, tablets and more.
- Cross-Platform Developer: These developers design a single application that can be functional on multiple operating systems, including iOS and Android.
Based on your development goals and application or platform type, you can choose developers who perfectly align with your requirements. This consideration will help you hire an expert having in-depth expertise in developing the application you are looking for, whether it’s an iOS, Android or a cross-platform application.
2. Evaluate Programming Language Proficiency Required
Different mobile applications require expertise in distinct programming languages. It’s important to evaluate the developer’s proficiency in the programming languages required to achieve your development goals.
- Programming Languages for Android: The primary programming languages used in Android applications are Kotlin and Java, though C++ and other languages can also be used.
Kotlin and Java are officially recommended programming languages for Android development and remain in high demand.
- Programming Languages for iOS: The primary programming languages used for native iOS development are Swift and Objective-C.
On the one hand, Swift is a modern, powerful, and intuitive language designed to be faster, safer, and easier to use. On the other hand, Objective-C remains the prominent language in the iOS ecosystem.
- Programming Languages for Cross-Platform Development: Developers use the most prominent languages, including Flutter, React Native, C#, Ionic and Xamarin for cross-platform development. However, they use several more apart from these languages.
Proficiency in programming languages is the fundamental requirement. They are the foundation of your application. That’s why it’s crucial to find developers who are proficient in the languages you are looking for.
3. Understanding of UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface)
A user-friendly UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) are critical requirements of any application, software or website. They are the success drivers.
A UX/UI expert bridges the gap between design and development. An enhanced UX/UI is not just about interactive experience and easy navigation, but is much more.
On the one hand, UX is crucial for users’ navigation and a satisfying experience. On the other hand, UI focuses on visual appearance and interactive components of the application. Together, they help you with user engagement, user retention, improved conversion rates, a strong brand reputation, and much more.
For front-end developers specialized in mobile app design, the knowledge of Swift UI for IOS and Kotlin or Java for Android app design is required.
Looking for a Dedicated iOS, Android or Cross-Platform Developer?
Frameworks act as a foundational structure that leads to faster delivery and higher quality by allowing developers to focus on the core development rather than developing basic functionalities. Furthermore, the knowledge of tools enables developers to accomplish their work.
A mobile app developer having expertise in frameworks and tools can help you save time and money, increase efficiency, improve performance and enhance security by bringing quality in development. Therefore, find the experts who are familiar with the frameworks and tools required.
- Frameworks and Tools for Native iOS Development: SwiftUI, UIKit, XCode
- Frameworks and Tools for Native Android Development: Jetpack Compose, Android SDK, Android Studio
- Frameworks and tools for cross-platform development: Flutter, React Native, Xamarin, Git,
5. Gauge Back-End and Database Management Skills
Understanding of server-side logic and data management is paramount for a mobile app developer building an application that requires complex logic, data storage and user authentication.
What’s more, a mobile app developer with strong backend and database management skills can build robust, scalable, and secure applications that effectively handle data and deliver a seamless user experience.
- Server-Side Programming Languages: Proficiency in languages like Node.js, Java, Ruby, Python, or PHP for building server-side logic and APIs.
- Database Management and Design: Mobile app developers skilled in database management must be familiar with PostgreSQL, MySQL, or NoSQL like MongoDB, Firebase.
6. Evaluate Understanding of Security Patches and Data Security Practices
The security of data and its protection are the highest priority for the business and for the users. Users share their sensitive information, they don’t engage with the platform which is not secure, or they don’t trust it. Multi-layer security patches prevent data breaches and help build trust among users and encourage them to participate.
A mobile app developer should be able to implement end-to-end encryption to ensure data security, whether data is stored or in transit. This process makes the data unreadable and inaccessible to unauthorized users.
A developer with a better understanding of data protection and security patches applies secure coding practices, follows security protocols, ensures data privacy regulations, secure communication channels, conducts robust security tests, and identifies and fixes security gaps in early stages of the development, making the application secure.
The role of developers in securing data in an application:
- Use protocols like HTTPS and Transport Layer Security (TLS) to encrypt in-transit data.
- Use a strong algorithm to encrypt sensitive data stored or at rest.
- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) or two-factor authentication (2FA)
7. Validate Testing and Debugging Capabilities
The ultimate goal of any app is to offer a satisfying user experience. To ensure the application is running smoothly, compatible across different devices, has no bugs or any performance-related issues, it requires proper testing on all parameters before going live. Additionally, if there is any problem, the bug must be identified and resolved at that point in time.
For a mobile app developer, app testing proficiency and the ability to identify and resolve issues are critical. By following this practice, they can help release an application that is bug-free, reliable, functions smoothly, and ensures a seamless user experience without any disruption.
You can’t develop everything from scratch. Wait! It doesn’t mean it’s technically not possible, but it is time-consuming and expensive. However, you can make some smart decisions to integrate APIs and third-party tools to enable external services and functionality into your existing mobile app.
There are a large number of external services that mobile apps often rely on, such as cloud-based features, user authentication, payment processing, location mapping, analytics and reporting, notification and instant messaging, social media and more.
That’s the reason you need to find the developers who have expertise in APIs and third-party tools integrations. Moreover, they can help develop a robust and feature-rich mobile app.
9. Soft Skills to Look for When Hire Mobile App Developers
Besides evaluating technical skills, you can’t overlook the importance of soft skills. To foster a positive work environment and collaborate with your existing team for information sharing, understanding requirements, and more, the developer you hire should be backed by the necessary soft skills.
Besides evaluating technical skills, you can’t ignore the importance of soft skills. To foster a positive work environment and cope with your existing team for information sharing, understanding requirements and more, the developer you hire should be backed with the necessary soft skills.
Soft skills to look for:
- Communication and collaboration skills: A developer with effective communication and collaboration skills can efficiently collaborate with stakeholders and a cross-functional team to understand the requirements and provide the project progress status.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities: Your app can encounter unexpected bugs and errors at any time. A mobile app developer with solid critical thinking abilities can proactively participate in addressing and resolving the errors.
- Time management skills: For a mobile app developer and any other professional, time management skills are the key. They can meet all the deadlines and help you avoid project delays that can cause inconvenience and potential losses.
10. Prioritize Industry-Specific Knowledge
The mobile app developer you are hiring must come from the same background or should have relevant industry experience, as you are planning to build your app. They add value to your project.
Suppose you want to build an iOS application for the finance industry. Now you can evaluate an iOS developer with experience in the finance industry, know the legal requirements, understand trends, know gaps, understand user behavior and much more.
In short, developers with relevant industry experience are able to develop a more practical solution and can meet your expectations.
11. Review the Portfolio and Case Studies
Explore the portfolio and case study of the developer or the mobile app development company you are onboarding. It’s also a part of screening that provides concrete evidence of their technical expertise, programming languages proficiency, quality in deliverables, experience, UX/UI expertise, types of projects handled and much more. At the same time, reviewing the portfolio and case study gives you an idea of the industry the developers have been working with.
12. Explore the Development Process and Methodology
Understanding the development process gives you an idea of the methodology the mobile app development company or the developer follows, whether it is agile or any other approach.
Selecting the right development methodology can benefit both the client and the developer. It gives a clear idea about the timeline, budget, resources and required and more.
However, developers can use several methodologies for planning, developing, testing and deploying the software. The selection of the approach widely varies depending on one’s specific requirement.
Here are some of the most popular methodologies:
- Agile: It emphasizes adaptability and can quickly respond to changing requirements.
- Waterfall: It is best suited for projects with well-defined requirements.
- Lean: This methodology is focused on reducing waste and maximizing value.
However, there are several more development approaches that can be followed or selected as per the project and its specific requirements.
13. Define the Estimated Timeline and Budget Required
Timeline and budget must be well-defined. Both are equally important when hiring a mobile app developer or a development company. They help you establish a clear project scope, manage resources, and mitigate the risk due to project delays.
Therefore, closely collaborate with the team behind development and mutually define a realistic timeline that actually aligns with your requirements and helps you meet your goals.
On the other hand, getting an estimate on the budget lets you manage the fund and avoid financial challenges or project abandonment due to a financial crisis.
Want to Know How Much it Costs to Build a Mobile App?
14. Decide on an Engagement Model and Define Payment Model
Deciding on an engagement model and payment terms is critical to set the framework and milestones when you hire mobile app developers.
The engagement model defines the relationship between the client and the developer. The client can choose the engagement model that best suits their project requirements.
Popular engagement models:
- Project-based Engagement Model: Businesses hire mobile app developers or a mobile app development company for the entire project.
In this engagement model, the cost is fixed and initiated based on milestones achieved.
- Time and Material-Based Engagement Model: The client pays according to the time and materials utilized from ideation to deploying the final project.
Unlike the project-based development model, cost is not fixed in a time and material-based engagement model.
- Hiring a Dedicated Team: In this engagement model, the clients hire a dedicated mobile app development team. However, they can also hire an individual based on specific requirements.
The client often chooses to pay periodic fees, often monthly. It covers the team’s salaries plus the service provider’s operational costs and profit margin.
15. Ensure Post-Launch Maintenance and Support
Post-launch support is one of the most significant considerations that should not be overlooked when hiring a mobile app developer or a mobile app development company.
Your app can encounter unexpected challenges, technical glitches, bugs triggered by unexpected user action, or any other performance-related issues. Post-launch support provides immediate resolution and can help you overcome any such situation.
Most importantly, support after you launch your mobile application also ensures the app is up-to-date, relevant, functional and competitive through regular feature upgrades, performance optimization, bug fixes, addition of new features, integrating emerging technology, making security updates and much more.
In short, the right post-launch support helps you achieve sustainable growth by maintaining the app’s overall performance and improving the overall user experience.
Hire Mobile App Developers from FATbit Technologies
FATbit Technologies is the right mobile app development company where you can find the top-rated mobile app developers. From initial planning to development and app deployment to post-launch support, we cover everything you need. We offer complete mobile app development services and are dedicated to bringing your vision to life.
No matter whether you are looking to hire an iOS developer, Android developer or cross-platform developer, FATbit is the one-stop destination for all your development goals. We help you achieve optimum results through agile approaches. We are committed to continuous improvement and are flexible with your unique development needs.
Apart from a range of development services we offer, our diversified industry experience, affordable offerings and commitment to quality are highlights. Also, the explanations behind making FATbit a preferred mobile app development partner among a large number of available options.
Additionally, by partnering with FATbit Technologies, you don’t just gain access to a large pool of highly skilled mobile app developers but also find a partner who is committed to drive your app’s success.
Want to Hire Mobile App Developers? Get Started in Three Steps
With FATbit Technologies, you can onboard the right talent, whether for iOS, Android or cross-platform development in just three easy steps:
Step 1: Share Your Requirements
Fill out the form and share your requirements. Our dedicated expert will reach out and discuss further.
Step 2: Shortlist and Select Developers
You will connect with the right professionals who perfectly align with your specific development needs. You can evaluate, shortlist and select.
Step 3: Onboard and Start Development
In the final step, you can onboard the mobile app developers for development after completing the legal formalities.
Want to Hire a Mobile App Developer From the Top Development Company?
Final Thought
While the right mobile app can be a transformative step and the wrong one can be a costly mistake. Similarly, hiring the right mobile app developer can be game-changing, and a bad hire can cause potential losses.
In the above blog, you have gone through 15 things to verify before you hire a mobile app developer. By following these considerations, you can find the experts who can align with your unique development needs and help you achieve success.
Whether you want to hire an iOS app developer, Android app developer or cross-platform app developer, find the right experts who can help you build the platform exactly you are looking for and help you thrive in the market. However, if you are looking for skilled and experienced mobile app developers, you can hire them from FATbit, the top mobile app development company.
FAQs
Q 1. How much does it cost to hire a mobile app developer?
Ans. The cost to hire a mobile app developer can vary depending on several factors such as the developer’s location, experience, expertise, project complexity and more. However, you can hire mobile developers starting at $25 to a maximum $200 or more. Again, the engagement model also influences the cost. Suppose you want to outsource the entire project to a mobile app development company; it costs you anywhere between $10000 – $200000 or even more, depending on your specific requirements.
Q 2. What’s the difference between native and cross-platform apps?
Ans. Native mobile apps are built using specific languages and tools dedicatedly designed for the operating system, making the application ideally operational for either Android or iOS. Native mobile apps offer an enhanced overall user experience.
On the other hand, cross-platform apps are built to be operational on multiple platforms, such as Android and iOS. However, developing a cross-platform app requires less budget and time compared to native apps.
Q 3. Where to find the best mobile app developers?
Ans. You can hire mobile app developers from the top mobile app development companies or the top freelancing platforms. However, if you are looking for the top mobile app development company to hire mobile app developers, you can consider FATbit Technologies as one of them.
Click to hire mobile app developers
Q 4. How much time does it take to develop a mobile app?
Ans. Developing a mobile app can take anywhere from 2 months to 6 months, a year, or even more, depending on the requirements and the app’s complexity. The expertise of the developer also influences the time to build a mobile app.
Q 5. Who are dedicated mobile app developers?
Ans. Dedicated mobile app developers are remote professionals who exclusively work on clients’ projects, similar to an in-house team. They work on a single project and help the client achieve development goals.
