4 Steps to Finding an App Developer for Your Startup

As any startup owner will tell you, there isn’t much room for failure. So when it comes to unlocking the funds to start your app development project, you want to make sure it’s done right the first time. A well-made, functional app has the potential to transform your business, expand upon your customer base, and take your startup up to the next level — and knowing how to find the right app developer ensures this process will be smooth and successful. 

Not sure where to begin? We’ve got you covered. Below are the four steps you should consider in your quest to find the perfect app development partner. 

How to Find an App Developer for Your Startup in Four Steps

1. Identify a Goal for your App

A startup might internally debate whether or not it’s the right time to develop an app. Previously, many small businesses might have waited to have an established website before developing an app. Nowadays, it’s common to see an app launch with a startup’s initial offerings. It’s a testament to how large the app marketplace has gotten in recent years.

Any startup that thinks an app might be a necessary undertaking needs to understand the purpose of an app. If you own an eCommerce startup, you might want to create a mobile solution to make the buyer’s journey easier; another startup might want to develop an app that becomes part of a user’s lifestyle repertoire.

It doesn’t need to be one singular goal; you just have to understand what an app solves for your business. Is it convenience, branding, or all of the above? An experienced app developer can take your startup’s goal and help frame what an app can achieve for your business. 

2. Research the Competition

If you’re considering an app for your startup, do your research ahead of hiring a developer. Not all developers will have experience in building apps for your industry. If you take a peek at what others offer, you may be able to bring some ideas to the table that an app developer can easily implement.

Apps come in many different designs, interfaces, and user experiences. When you’re looking at what the competition offers on the app marketplace, note what you like and don’t like. These ideas will come in handy when the app development team asks you about your vision for the app’s overall look and offerings. 

If your team doesn’t have experience working with developers, it’s a good idea to hire an industry-specific developer who has an understanding of your market and goals. Working with someone who comes to the project with a helpful background will make communicating your project needs a lot easier. 

3. Decide on the Type of Developer You Want to Hire

You can go a few different routes with the way you find an app developer for your startup. Some like the flexibility of hiring a freelancer to build the app. Developers who work for themselves often have more time and bandwidth to focus on your project. Unfortunately, individual freelancers don’t always offer the full line of services you’ll need for an app.

Another route is to hire a mobile app development agency for startups. This option tends to come with more resources and experts who can use their skills to build the app of your dreams. It certainly helps to look into the agency’s past clients to get a better understanding of what scope they can handle. In most cases, app development agencies have experience working with a variety of industries.

4. Come Prepared to Your Initial Meeting

Lastly, when you have a few app developers set aside, it’s time to begin reaching out. This will allow you to ask questions regarding what you’re curious about in terms of their work, apps in general, and other relevant inquiries. 

There’s no “one-size fits all” way to find and hire a startup app developer; however, it can be a lot less stressful if you take the time to do your research and follow these steps. 

If you’re looking to hire a developer, we’d love to hear about your project. Reach out and get in touch today.