Often, a project to develop a mobile application involves significant challenges: an investment of several thousand euros or even tens / hundreds of thousands of euros, loyalty objectives, growth, human resources mobilized, time , etc.
Given these challenges, the choice of the agency that will develop your new application is decisive. A bad choice can lead to catastrophic consequences: several lost months, financial damage, loss of earnings, legal litigation, etc.
We will see together what are the criteria to take into account in choosing the mobile app development company that will develop your future mobile application.
1 – Expertise
Choose an agency specializing in mobile development and not a generalist digital agency that offers a multitude of services. Why ?
- Mobile development is very different from web development, both technologically and in terms of user experience.
- An agency specializing in mobile will have carried out several different projects, both in terms of functionalities and industries. This experience will benefit your project.
- The specialized agency has a team of seasoned mobile developers, which is not necessarily the case in other types of agencies.
- The estimate of the cost and the completion time will be more precise.
- Because the agency has had to carry out various applications, it will be in a better position to advise and support you.
2 – Reputation
Reputation is a decisive factor in choosing the agency.
You prefer an agency that has been around for several years with solid credentials and a stocked portfolio or a newly created agency that has no credentials and has a team new to mobile development. The answer is obvious, you would prefer the first category of agencies.
Here are some things to consider:
- You have to look at the agency’s previous work. If she’s designed several different apps, that’s a good point. The agency must have completed projects of different sizes and types.
- Seeing comments from former clients of the agency can help you get a selfless and objective opinion on the agency’s work.
- Another point to consider, the date of creation of the agency. If the agency has existed for several years, it is a positive signal on the seriousness of the company.
3 – The quote
During your research, you will request quotes from several agencies. Even though cost must be a factor when making your choice, however, never choose an agency just because they offer the lowest price. You may regret it!
If you get a quote that’s significantly cheaper than others, that’s often a bad sign in this industry. This could mean, among other things, that the agency in question has not taken the right measure of your needs.
On your side, make sure you have enough resources to work with a serious agency and make your project a success. It is better to wait a few months to raise the necessary funds for the success of your project, than to obtain a result far from your expectations with the wrong providers.
Finally, the estimate must be detailed. It should include the cost and time to complete each feature.
4 – Communication
A good development agency is an agency that maintains regular communication and keeps you updated on the progress of your project.
You should also be able to easily reach the agency if needed and they in turn should be ready to accept and implement your contributions at any point during the development process. Be sure to address this point when interacting with the agencies on your shortlist.
Plan regular meetings in your contract to monitor the progress of your application.
The objective is to find a partner and not a performer. During your discussions with the short-listed agencies, pay attention to their attitudes: do they attach importance to your project? Do they give you any suggestions? etc.
The feeling and the feeling are important factors. If you feel uncomfortable with one of these agencies early on, it’s unlikely that it will improve over time. Trust your instincts!
Conduct several interviews and don’t just dwell on the technical aspects of your mobile application. Your goal is to get to know your potential provider better and to determine if it corresponds to your values.
5 – The design
The design of the user experience (UX design) is a key factor in the success of your application. Observe some of the achievements of shortlisted agencies to get an opinion on the quality of their designs.
6 – Support and maintenance
After publishing your application on the stores (Google Play, App Store), it is normal for bugs to appear.
Make sure that a free maintenance period is included in the contract that binds you with your mobile development agency.
In addition, your application is likely to collect user data (emails, names, first names, addresses, numbers, etc.). It is essential to avoid any risk of hacking or misuse of this data. Do not hesitate to discuss these questions with your agency.
Finally, some agencies offer security updates, which involves updating the various technologies and modules that make up the application in order to correct any security vulnerabilities.
7 – Project methodology
The best development agencies are very rigorous in their project management methodology. This allows them to make the best use of their human resources, to meet project delivery deadlines and to avoid bugs and other technical problems as much as possible.
Be sure to ask questions about the shortlisted agencies’ project methodology. If an agency’s responses are not clear and detailed, run away 🏃🏻♂️
Now that you know the criteria for choosing the right mobile agency, you know why you have to choose us 😉
More seriously, do not hesitate to contact us as part of your mobile development project. We will be happy to talk to you about your future application.
