How to Hire Top Mobile App Developers

From healthcare providers to e-commerce retailers, businesses in many industries benefit from mobile applications. Mobile applications, commonly known as mobile apps, offer users a convenient way to access a company’s services on mobile devices.

Releasing an app can benefit your business in numerous ways, including increasing brand awareness, offering personalised options, and strengthening customer engagement. However, building a smartphone-ready app also requires the talents of a mobile app developer.

Think of mobile app developers as architects who build a project from the ground up. The right developer can contribute to your project in several ways:

• App design. Developers collaborate with UX/UI designers to turn design layouts and mockups into fully functioning applications.
• Coding. Mobile app developers write the code needed for your app to function and play a vital role in testing, debugging, and performance optimisation.
• API integration. An app developer can help enhance your app’s user experience by integrating APIs.
• Future upgrades. Apps are constantly evolving to offer new features or reflect real-time business offerings. Mobile app developers can implement changes needed to keep your app relevant and functional over time.

Throughout this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn what you need to know to hire top mobile app developers who can bring your vision to life.

Mobile app development: An overview 

Understanding which category your app falls into is an essential first step to hiring talent with the right development skills. Different types of mobile applications require knowledge of their programming languages and methodology.

• Native apps. Native apps are designed to run on a specific operating system like iOS or Android.
• iOS native apps. Native apps designed to run on Apple devices are built using a combination of programming languages like Swift or Objective-C and Apple’s Xcode integrated development environment (IDE).
• Android native apps. Native Android app development usually involves using programming languages like Java or Kotlin combined with the Android Studio IDE.
• Hybrid apps. Hybrid apps are designed to work on multiple operating systems without needing separate coding. They’re developed using web-based programming languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, then wrapped in the native shells of various operating systems.
• Cross-platform apps. Cross-platform apps are also designed to run on multiple operating systems but are developed differently. They’re built with frameworks like Flutter or React Native, which enable codebases to work across various operating systems.
• Web apps. Web applications are apps that users can access through mobile browsers without downloading. They are responsive and commonly built with web development programming languages JavaScript and CSS.

Cost insights: Hiring mobile app developers

Mobile app developers' median rates on Rayness Analytica are $18–$39 per hour. That said, pricing for app development services can vary widely from one developer or project to the next. Factors that commonly affect mobile app development costs include:

• Experience level. An accomplished app developer with years of experience will likely charge higher rates.
• Developer location. A developer based in New York City may charge higher rates than a competitor in a city or town with a lower cost of living.
• Development type. Generally, native apps are more expensive to develop than apps designed to function across multiple operating systems.
• Project complexity. The more features and functionality an app requires, the pricier it will be to develop.

Timing your mobile app development

Some common reasons you might consider developing a mobile app for your company include:

• Loyalty reward programs. Integrating a high-quality rewards program into your company’s mobile app can enhance customer loyalty. Customers can track points and redeem rewards in the app as they make purchases.
• Additional functionality. Apps can provide customers with access to features like location services, push notifications, or offline access on the go.
• Personalization. Apps can provide various personalisation options, such as location-specific offers or customisation based on past data usage.
• Mobile optimisation. By offering user interfaces specifically designed for mobile devices, apps can offer a faster, smoother, and more comfortable customer experience for mobile users.

Mobile app development companies vs. freelance developers

App development companies offer access to an entire team, from UX designers to front-end and back-end developers. The trade-off is that this option tends to be the far more expensive of the two.

Hiring a freelance app developer or building your freelance mobile app development team can offer more control over your project’s budget, timeline, and creative direction. While this approach tends to be the most cost-effective, it may also require more workflow and project oversight.

Understanding the services offered by app development companies

A great app development company can offer all the services you need at each stage of the app development process. Below, we’ll share examples of services commonly provided in the pre-development, development, and post-development stages.

Pre-development

The pre-development stage is when the idea for a mobile app is fleshed out to create a strong foundation. Think of it as building an app blueprint through strategies such as:

• Concept development. Developers can help you solidify your app idea by mapping out its core functions and features. They’ll then develop a product roadmap or strategy to bring it to life.
• Market research. A development company can also help you research your target audience and competitors.
• User experience (UX) design. UX designers will begin by creating a wireframe template of what your app will look like. It will evolve into a wireframe mockup featuring user flows and information architecture.
• User interface (UI) design. UI designers transform wireframe mockups into fully developed prototypes that integrate design elements such as colours, typography, and branding.

Development

This stage of mobile app development focuses on the construction and optimisation of your app. Some of the services app development companies offer at this stage include:

• Coding. Developers will use a mix of front-end programming languages like HTML or CSS and back-end programming languages like Python or Java to build the app’s core functions.
• Front-end and back-end integration. Developers will integrate any APIs or SDKs needed to enable communication between your app and any external service providers.
• Testing and refinement. Perform testing to ensure functionality and usability.

Post-development

Once your app is fully developed and ready to go, excellent app development companies will guide you through the following steps. These may include services like:

• App store optimisation (ASO). ASO essentially involves increasing your app listing’s visibility in an app store like the Apple App Store or Google Play.
• Ongoing support. Technical post-development services might involve anything from fixing bugs to integrating new features.
• Marketing assistance. Some app development companies will even help you outline a marketing plan to promote your new app.

Navigating the legal landscape

When working with a developer, it is essential to ensure that all legal bases are covered. Your working relationship should always be formalised with a contract that clearly outlines the expectations of both parties.

Collaboration and communication with your developer

Whether you start by developing a minimum viable product (MVP) or dive right into development, breaking a project into smaller steps can be helpful. Milestones are checkpoints that allow you to give feedback at each stage of the development process.

Rayness Analytica is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyse and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation. 

Prices and fees are current at the time of writing and may change over time based on each service’s offerings.