Whether you’re a startup owner or a successful entrepreneur, it pays to know that hiring competent application developers has become incredibly challenging. Any type of business today needs to have an online presence in order to thrive. As consumer demand increases and customers are becoming increasingly more connected to the digital world, an app can help you stay competitive. In the following lines, we will detail some strategies on how and where to find the best app developers.
What’s an app developer & why do I need one?
An application developer is better defined as a software engineer who builds applications for different operating systems – such as Android or iOS – and different devices – such as desktop, laptop, tablet, smartwatches, and more. In general, app developers are in charge of multiple tasks, from development and design all the way to testing, deployment, launch and maintenance.
What skills should you be looking for before hiring an app developer
Any type of application – whether it’s meant for mobile or desktop – comes with a certain set of requirements. Depending on the needs of your business, the first step is to decide on the operating systems you want your app to be developed for: iOS, Android, Windows, or macOS.
For Windows type of apps, for example, app developers are used to using C++ as a programming language to build an application. Other languages come into place, such as JavaScript, C#, Java, PHP, and others. Needless to say, it is recommended to understand the tech stack beforehand and then find the right app developers to build it.
Where can I find competent app developers?
There’s no right or wrong recipe for finding the right app developers. However, it’s worth knowing that the best on the market may already be working for tech giants like Google or Apple. Also, you shouldn’t focus too much on getting the most experienced or the most wanted out there. Instead, be specific about your needs. Do you need someone long-term or short-term? A team of developers or just one person?
Platforms like Freelancer.com and Upwork.com are a great place to start. But, note that you may stumble upon numerous unqualified people. As an alternative, you can check out more trusted websites such as TopCoder or Toptal. Regardless of your choice, the key is to ask for references beforehand, and make sure the skills of your chosen developer matches with your app requirements.
How do I find an app developer fit for my company’s needs?
Once you’re determined what type of app developer you need, move on to understanding the costs involved. In general, the price per hour varies from $50 to $200. Hiring an app development agency may be a lot more convenient if the project you have is complex and involves multiple development stages.
Rather than check references online, it’s better to get in touch directly with your selected agencies. Ask to see their customer portfolio, have an open conversation, and just assess whether they can understand what needs to be done. Last but not least, make sure to meet your future team in person. If you’re from the United States and you’re searching app developers in Houston, for instance, make time to set up an appointment and get to know the people behind the reputation.