How to Outsource Mobile App Development?

Once you decide to develop a mobile application for your business, you’ll encounter a challenging decision: should you hire an in-house development team or outsource mobile app development company? If you think of hiring a dedicated team of in-house developers, note that it will cost several thousand dollars and the process will also be time-consuming. 

In this article, we will delve into the details of how to effectively outsource mobile app development while avoiding the common pitfalls of the process.

Mobile App Development: In-House Vs. Outsource

Entrepreneurs always have to go through the dilemma of selecting one between outsourcing mobile app development or hiring an in-house team. To help you clearly understand the benefits and drawbacks of both methodologies, we have mentioned them in a tabular form:

Related Read: Enterprise Mobile App Development : A Detailed Guide To Achieve Growth & Success

Why You Should Outsource Mobile App Development?

Although outsourcing mobile application development is the ideal thing to do, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Check out enterprise mobile app development challenges and how to overcome them. Sometimes, the most significant hurdle lies in selecting the perfect app development company.

The key to identifying an ideal partner for outsourced mobile application development is to seek out a company that invests genuine effort in comprehending your concept before presenting cost estimates and project timelines and commencing development.

Opting for outsourcing your app development offers numerous advantages:

• Streamlined Development: Outsourcing reduces development time.
• Cost-Efficiency: It often results in more cost-effective development.
• Accessibility: A viable option for small startups and businesses.
• Quality Assurance: Frequently leads to the creation of high-quality products.
• Core Focus: Allows you to concentrate on essential business functions.
• International Talent: Facilitates the recruitment of global talent, beyond just relying on local or nearshore resources.

Also Read: Rapid Prototyping In Mobile App Development To Reduce Time-To-Market

Steps To Follow When Outsourcing Mobile App Development

Now that you have understood what outsourcing mobile app development is and its importance, it’s time to go through the steps that you need to follow.

1. Plan Your App Idea

Before you dive into app development, it’s crucial to have a clear vision of your concept. While reliable outsourcing companies can assist you in understanding the basics of app development, conducting your research is equally important. You may not be familiar with the technical details, but you can certainly research your competitors and similar apps. This will help you grasp your app’s functionality and identify areas where your competitors may be lacking. Ask yourself these questions to create a basic outline:

• What are your goals for the app?
• What problems will the app solve for users?
• Are you aiming for a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)?
• Which platform will your app be on (iOS, Android, Windows, Web, or Hybrid)?
• What essential features should your app have?
• How will your app outshine your competitors?

2. Estimate Your Budget

Through research, you’ll gain insights into the budget you can allocate to your app. This estimated budget will help you decide whether to hire a freelance developer or an app development company. Mobile app outsourcing companies are often cost-effective when you consider the bigger picture.

3. Research App Developers

Once you’ve outlined your app and determined your budget, it’s time to start searching for developers. Experienced developers will provide valuable guidance.

You can find app developers online on platforms like Clutch and Upwork, which list reputable developers and feature genuine reviews and ratings from clients. Additionally, you can explore the portfolios of top mobile app development companies and individual developers to assess their past work. It’s advantageous if a developer has experience with projects similar to yours.

4. Conduct Developer Interviews

After researching developers, you can narrow down your list to those who seem suitable for your project. Then, you can interview them one by one.

Contact them to inquire about their relevant experience, app development process, previous projects, client feedback, and pricing. This will provide you with a better understanding of whether you want to collaborate with them. You can also discuss practical considerations such as time zone differences, project management tools, and communication methods that impact outsourced app development.

5. Select Your Final Developer

After speaking with all the developers on your shortlist, it’s time to choose the one who will work on your project. Review all the information you gathered from online research and one-on-one discussions with the developers. This will enable you to make an informed decision.

Once you’ve finalized your developer, reach out to them. The mobile app development company you choose will guide you on the next steps.

Must Read: Hire Mobile App Developers: A Guide To Achieve Digital Success

Benefits Of Outsourcing Mobile Application Development

Let’s explore the advantages of choosing an outsourced mobile app development company over an in-house team:

1. Affordable and Efficient

• Outsourcing your mobile app development to an agency offers significant time savings.
• Building an in-house team is a lengthy process, often taking months.
• Finding the ideal team members involves considering various factors, such as personality traits and work ethic.
• In contrast, outsourcing simplifies the process. You only need to find a reliable partner, and the agency handles the rest.

2. Agencies Offer Comprehensive Solutions

• Sometimes, your business requires both native Android and iOS apps simultaneously, which can be challenging to hire separately.
• Agencies serve as one-stop solutions, with ready-to-go native development teams.
• They offer a wide range of services, including:

• Business analysis and specification creation
• UX/UI design
• Backend and frontend development
• Digital Marketing

The accessibility of these services streamlines your project.

3. High-Quality End Product

• Experienced agencies consistently deliver premium-quality products due to their extensive portfolio of similar projects.
• Their expertise and skills enable them to create products that resonate with audiences and align with business growth strategies.

4. Focus on Core Business

• Investing your time and energy in app development leaves little room for other essential tasks.
• A startup’s success hinges not only on its product but also on its values and strategies.
• Allocate resources to marketing, customer research, financing, and other critical business-related activities.
• These factors play a pivotal role in the success or failure of your business, making them equally crucial alongside the product.

The Process Of Outsourcing Mobile App Development

If you decide to outsource app development and are looking for an ideal company to meet your needs, you should try to understand their workflow. Check if they follow the below-mentioned three-step mobile app development process:

1. Planning:

The initial planning phase is fundamental to the success of your mobile app. During this stage, the outsourcing company works closely with you to understand your project’s objectives, requirements, and vision. Key activities within this phase include:

• Project Discovery: Thoroughly understanding your business, target audience, and competitors.
• Requirement Analysis: We carefully gather and document your app’s functional and non-functional requirements.
• Wireframing and Prototyping: Creating visual representations of the app’s interface and user experience.
• Architecture Design: Defining the app’s structure, data flow, and technical stack.
• Project Scope and Timeline: Setting clear project goals and timelines to manage expectations.

Effective planning ensures that all stakeholders have a shared understanding of the project’s scope and direction. This phase lays the foundation for the development process, helping to prevent misunderstandings and scope creep later on.

2. Development:

With a well-defined plan in place, the development phase kicks off. During this stage, the outsourcing team starts building the app according to the agreed-upon specifications. Key activities within the development phase include:

• Frontend and Backend Development: Creating the user interface (UI), features, and functionality of the app.
• Coding and Testing: Writing the app’s code and continuously testing it to identify and fix bugs and issues.
• Integration: Connecting various components, databases, and third-party services.
• User Experience (UX) Design: Ensuring the app provides an intuitive and engaging user experience.
• Quality Assurance (QA): Rigorous testing to verify that the app meets all requirements and functions as intended.
• Deployment: Preparing the app for launch and submitting it to app stores (e.g., Apple App Store, Google Play Store).

The development phase is where your app takes shape, and regular communication with the outsourcing company is vital to address any concerns, track progress, and make necessary adjustments.

3. Maintenance:

Post-launch, the app requires ongoing maintenance and support to ensure it remains functional, secure, and up-to-date. The maintenance phase involves:

• Bug Fixes and Updates: Addressing any issues that may arise after the app’s release.
• Performance Optimization: Enhancing the app’s speed and efficiency.
• Security Monitoring: Protecting the app against potential threats and vulnerabilities.
• Feature Enhancements: Adding new features or improving existing ones based on user feedback.
• Regular Updates: Ensuring compatibility with new OS versions and devices.
• Technical Support: Providing assistance to users and addressing their queries or concerns.

Effective maintenance is crucial for keeping your app competitive and meeting evolving user expectations.

Summary

Discovering a reputable app development company is achievable with persistent searching. Avoid hurried decisions when hiring outsourced app developers to expedite your project. Invest the necessary time to thoroughly assess candidates until you discover the perfect fit that aligns with your project’s goals and your satisfaction.

Should you have inquiries about application development outsourcing, payment models, or alternative development methods, such as on-site developers or dedicated mobile app developers, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Debut Infotech for tailored mobile app development solutions. We’re here to assist you.

FAQs

Q. How much does it cost to outsource mobile app development?

A. The outsourced mobile app development cost can vary significantly based on factors like complexity, features, location of the outsourcing company, and the platform (iOS, Android, etc.). Generally, outsourcing can be cost-effective, with projects ranging from a few thousand to several hundred thousand dollars, or more, depending on your requirements.

Q. What factors should I consider when choosing between in-house and outsourced app development?

A. You must consider factors such as budget, project timeline, required expertise, scalability, and your long-term goals. In-house development offers control but can be costly, while outsourcing provides cost-efficiency and expertise but requires effective communication and project management.

Q. How can I ensure the security of my app idea and data when outsourcing development?

A. To protect your app idea and data, sign a comprehensive non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with the outsourcing company. Additionally, choose a reputable company with a strong track record for data security, and ensure your contract addresses intellectual property rights and data protection measures.

Q. What are the risks associated with outsourcing mobile app development, and how can they be mitigated?

A. Outsourcing mobile app development risks include communication challenges, time zone differences, and potential quality issues. Mitigate these risks by selecting a trusted outsourcing partner with transparent communication, clear project documentation, regular updates, and a proven track record for delivering high-quality apps. Effective project management is key to success.

Q. How can I choose the best outsource mobile app development company?

A. To hire the best outsourced mobile app development company, consider factors like experience, expertise, client reviews, and portfolio. Debut Infotech is a notable choice known for its exceptional mobile app development services. They have a track record of delivering innovative and high-quality apps, making them a trusted partner for your project.