How to Hire Mobile App Developers in 2024

Mobile apps have taken over the world, and we don’t mean figuratively. Ever since smartphones were first introduced to the general public, the race to gather users via mobile apps has begun. Now the demand for mobile apps is at such a height that the world witnessed 257 Billion app downloads in 2023, according to Statista.   

This kind of demand has led businesses across the globe to hire app developers and create mobile apps of their own for their customers and target audiences. However, it is easier said than done. To thrive in the mobile app market, businesses must prepare for the whole process. The first step is finding the right mobile app developers who will bring your idea to life.

However, there are some common concerns newbies always get while hiring app developers. To resolve this, we have curated this guide to help you ask yourself the right questions and make the best choice possible.

Challenges of Hiring Mobile App Developers?

It can be challenging to hire mobile app developers. Businesses face several challenges when looking for the right person to build their app. These challenges can make the process complex. Let's look at these hurdles in simple terms.

• Finding the Right Skills: The first big challenge is finding someone with the right AI skills. Mobile apps need developers who are versed in programming languages. These languages can be Swift, Kotlin, Java, or others. 
  
  And while there are many ways of learning these languages, finding skillful and competent people or development agencies can be a hassle. Moreover, these agencies also need to understand how to make the app easy to use and look good. It's hard to find someone who knows all of this well.
• Experience Counts: Having the right experience is key. A developer might know the languages but not have much practice using them in real projects. Similarly, a development agency might provide the best budget but might not have sufficient experience in your industry. More experienced developers/agencies usually do a better job because they can spot problems early and know how to fix them. But, these developers are often hard to find and hire.
• Staying Updated: History has taught us that tech changes fast. Businesses see a significant shift in tech almost continuously. Not to mention the new tools and automated procedures that come out all the time. 
  
  Thus, it nudges developers to keep learning and stay up-to-date with the changes. These advancements might be good in the long run. However, it certainly makes Hiring an app developer a pain. Not to mention that hiring someone who doesn't like learning new things can be a problem later on.
• Budgeting: Budget is always a concern. Good developers usually want high pay, and it can be tough for smaller companies to afford them. Similarly, top mobile app development companies might charge you higher than expected. You have to think creatively about how to offer something attractive to top talent or to the best agency. That too, without breaking the bank. Although we know it is easier said than done.
• Language Issues: No matter whether you're working with a freelancer or an established development company, having clear-cut communication and transparency is among the top priorities on the list. Hiring from other countries can also mean dealing with language barriers. Misunderstandings can slow down your project and lead to mistakes. Thus, finding app developers or agencies who are proficient in your language is crucial. 
• Defining Requirements: The developer or development agency needs to understand exactly what the client wants. This challenge can arise from both parties. Businesses might be unable to convey their requirements properly. 
  
  Similarly, development agencies might be unable to comprehend the requirements due to low experience or low-tech expertise. And, If they don't get what your project is about, they might end up making something that doesn't fit your needs. Clear communication and a complete understanding of the project requirements from the start are very important to form a successful partnership.
• Reliability: When looking to hire mobile app developers, finding someone reliable can be hard. You want a developer who sticks to deadlines and focuses on your project, not someone who disappears or is too busy with other work.
• Security Know-How: Apps often handle private information, so knowing how to keep data safe is a must. Not all developers are experts in security.
• Testing: Thorough testing is also an important factor when planning to hire mobile app developers. Making sure the app works well on all devices and doesn't have bugs is very important. Not every developer is good at testing their work.
• Being Flexible: Sometimes, projects change as they go along. It's important that the developer or the agency can handle changes and feedback well.
• The Right Mix: Finding someone who is both good at coding and easy to work with can be tough. You need someone who can do the job well but also communicate and solve problems.

Ask yourself these questions before you hire mobile app developers

What is the purpose of my app?

This should be the first question a business needs to ask themselves. You must know the ‘WHY’ behind your app. Why are you actually creating the app? Is it to increase sales, improve customer engagement, or offer a new service? Businesses also need to ask questions like what problem it will solve or who their target audience is. Knowing the purpose guides the development process. 

Moreover, identifying the purpose helps you communicate better with the development team. Whether it is mobile app development companies in Canada or any other region, specifying the purpose gives them a clear understanding of what you're trying to achieve. This clarity is essential because it ensures everyone is working towards the same objective, making the development process more efficient and focused.

How much will it cost to hire app developers?

Setting a budget is your very first step. While you might want your app to have all the possible features you can imagine, it is not practically possible.

So, businesses need to understand the approximate cost the app development companies are charging. Get a general idea of your budget concerning the features you want. Tick the important ones and throw away the non-important ones. It can prevent the overuse of your budget.

Before setting a budget, you should have a clear idea of your app’s type, features, ensign, functionality, and other details. It’s also important to have some extra funds if there is any new feature idea you get in the future. Find a balance in your budget and development.

Moreover, know that location also plays a part in the budgeting of an app. For instance, if you outsource your development needs to mobile app development companies in the USA, it might cost you more. On the other hand, outsourcing to other regions like India might cost you comparatively less.  

What's my app's USP?(Unique Selling Proposition)?

To make your app stand out from the sea of similar apps. Also, to actually be valuable for the end user, figuring out what your app’s USP is a paramount factor. USPs define your product and make your app different from the others. Let's take an example. Suppose you plan to build a travel app. 

However, there are established, well-renowned travel apps such as Trivago, Airbnb, and Google Trips available in the market. These competitors are offering the best flight discounts and hotel packages to travelers. Why should users choose your application to solve their purpose?

Suppose you're planning to provide an automatic flight price alert system to the users, where the users are notified of the flight rates on travel dates they’ve set in the calendar. This is one example of offering a unique feature. There can be many more like these. 

What features are must-haves?

Yet another important aspect of app development is clearly understanding what features you want. If we were to take the travel app example again. Businesses need to ask themselves what features are they supposed to incorporate in their app? Are they planning to cater to your end-users with -

• Quick location search and filter options
• Booking services for Flights and Hotels
• Geolocation and navigation services (Google Maps)
• Users’ personal account sign-up and social media sharing
• Reviews and rating section

From the best travel apps to top finance applications, there is a lot of competition in almost all domains, so to stand a chance against your competitors, you’ll need to offer what’s missing in their apps. 

Similarly, there’ll be many other tricks in the books that can excite travel app users, so don’t hold back your ideas before the developers.

Steps to Hire App Developers

The question of how to hire app developers can be resolved with a thorough understanding of the steps a business can follow to hire mobile app developers. Let's look at some of these steps in detail. 

• Define Your Needs: The first thing to know is what you want. Businesses need a firm understanding of the kind of app they need. They should also have a clear idea of what they should do and their target audience. This step is about defining your app’s goals and features. It helps to write everything down so you can share clear information with potential developers.
  
  Furthermore, understanding your needs also influences the design and user experience. For instance, an app designed to offer a new service might prioritize simplicity and ease of use to encourage adoption, while an app aimed at improving customer engagement might focus on creating a visually appealing and interactive experience.
• Set a Realistic Budget: Cost is always a consideration. As the cost of developing apps can range anywhere from $20,000 to more than $100,000+, preparing a dedicated budget becomes essential. To hire mobile app developers, businesses can get quotes from different companies and individuals to compare prices. 
  
  But remember, the cheapest option is not always the best. Think about the value you’re getting for your money. A good company will be transparent about costs and explain what you’re paying for.
• Do Your Research: Next, start looking for app development companies. Use the internet to find companies with good reviews and a solid portfolio. Look for companies/developers that have experience in the kind of app you want to build. Don't rush this part. Take your time to look at their past work and see if it matches your expectations.
• Examine Portfolios: Once you find some companies that seem like a good fit, dive deeper into their portfolio. A portfolio shows you the kind of work they’ve done before. Look for projects similar to yours. This will give you a good idea of their experience and style.
• Check Reviews and References: It's also important to see what other people say about them. Look for reviews online. You can also ask the company or independent developer for references. Talking to their past clients can give you insights into how the company works and how reliable they are.
• Check for Support and Maintenance: Building the app is just the start. You’ll also need help with fixing any bugs and updating the app. Ask the company about their policy for support and maintenance. If you want to hire mobile app developers who will support you after the app is launched, inquiring beforehand will be a wise choice for the business.
• Choose between a Freelancer vs. Agency: If you want to hire a developer to make apps, you first need to decide whether you want to hire mobile app developers on a freelance basis or if you want to go with mobile app development companies. Different factors can be considered to determine the ideal path for you. 
  
  For instance, if you only want to create a basic app or want to update your existing app, you might go for a freelancer. However, if you want to create an app from scratch with quality resources, you might want to consider development companies like mobile app development companies in India. 
• Prepare an expected timeline: Next, you will need to assess the time your app development can take. This is an important step in hiring mobile app developers as it conveys the urgency and deadline you’re expecting while hiring an app developer agency. 
• Contact and Interview: After everything is done and dusted, the last step is to contact the agency and hire app developers. It can also be the final means of assessing the capabilities of the company/developer. Considering what you need, You can inquire about their technology, user interface (UI), and design competency.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire an App Developer or App Development Agency?

The cost of hiring app development companies or a freelance app developer can vary widely depending on several factors. The complexity of the app, the geographical location, and the level of expertise contribute to these factors.

Cost of Working with Freelance Developers

Freelance mobile app developers might charge anywhere from $20 to $150 per hour. The rate depends on their expertise and location. Developers from regions with a lower cost of living might charge less. Whereas, those from high-cost areas like North America or Western Europe tend to charge on the higher end.

Cost of Working with Mobile App Development Companies

Simple Apps:

• Complexity: Basic functionality, minimal UI/UX design, limited backend.
• Cost Range: $10,000 to $50,000.

Medium Complexity Apps:

• Complexity: More advanced features such as payment integration, API integration, moderate backend services, and a polished UI/UX design.
• Cost Range: $50,000 to $100,000.

Complex Apps:

• Complexity: High-end features like custom animations, complex database relationships, real-time functionalities (e.g., chat), advanced security measures, and possibly multi-platform support.
• Cost Range: $100,000 to $500,000+.

Best Practices for Hiring App Developers

• Start with Clear Goals: First off, know what you want. Define the purpose of your app, your target audience, and the key features you envision. This clarity will help potential development partners understand your project and propose suitable solutions.
• Evaluate Technical Expertise: Next, assess their technical skills. Ensure they are proficient in the platforms (iOS, Android) and technologies (languages, frameworks) your app requires. Ask about their approach to tackling technical challenges.
• Consider Communication and Collaboration: Importantly, businesses need to evaluate the agency’s communication habits. A good development partner should offer clear, consistent communication. Discuss how often they will provide updates and through what channels (email, video calls, project management tools).
• Look at Their Development Process: Evaluating your potential partner's development process can also answer how I find an app developer. The process should be structured yet flexible enough to accommodate changes. Ask about their methodologies (Agile, Waterfall) and how they handle feedback and iterations.
• Focus on User Experience: Don't forget that user experience is key. The company should prioritize designing an intuitive and engaging user interface. Inquire about their design process and how they incorporate user feedback.
• Discuss App Security: Whether you’re working with mobile app development companies in Australia or any other region, talking about security is a must. With data breaches becoming more common, ensure they follow best practices in app security to protect user data.
• Plan for Post-Launch Support: Consider post-launch support. Your app will need updates and maintenance. Check if the company provides ongoing support, the costs involved, and how they handle bugs or new feature requests.
• Understand Pricing and Payment Terms: Furthermore, get a clear picture of the costs. Request detailed quotes and understand what is included in the price. Discuss payment terms and ensure there are no hidden fees.
• Intellectual Property Rights: Secure your intellectual property. The contract should clearly state that you own the app's code, design, and all related intellectual property.
• Be Mindful of Cultural Fit: Remember, a cultural match matters. Your working styles, values, and expectations should align. A good relationship fosters collaboration and creativity.
• Ensure Scalability: Lastly, think ahead. The company should design the app with scalability in mind, allowing for future growth in users, features, and complexity.

What are the Pros and Cons of Hiring Freelance vs Full-time Mobile App Developers?

Key Takeaways

A skillful app developer is a must for carrying out flawless app development. One wrong step and it’s going to cost you time and money resulting in a faulty app. Therefore, be cautious and make the right decision that renders you with the efficient app creators for hire to build your dream mobile app. Additionally, as managing independent app developers could be overwhelming, you have the option of hiring mobile app development companies in the UK or from anywhere else in the world as well. 

By Sakshi Kaushik

Content Writer (B2B Editorial)

A passionate writer and tech lover, she strives to share her expertise with mobile app developers and fellow tech enthusiasts. During her moments away from the keyboard, she relishes delving into thriller narratives, immersing herself in diverse realms.