When you’re in the process of hiring an app developer, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the project, but taking the time to vet your candidates thoroughly is crucial for your app’s success. A great developer should not only possess the right technical skills, but they also need to be reliable, communicative, and professional throughout the development process. One of the best ways to ensure you’re hiring the right developer is by carefully evaluating their portfolio, reading reviews from past clients, and having a solid contract in place. Let’s go through the steps of vetting app developers the smart way.
Portfolios: Assessing Their Past Work
A developer’s portfolio is a snapshot of their past work and a clear indicator of their capabilities. It’s your first opportunity to assess whether they have the technical skills and creative flair required for your project. Here’s how to evaluate portfolios effectively:
Look for Relevance
Check if the developer’s portfolio includes projects similar to yours. For instance, if you need an iOS app, look for apps they’ve developed for the iOS platform. If you need a complex app with integrations or custom functionality, find out if they’ve worked on similar projects before. A developer who has experience with your app type will be more capable of handling the challenges your project presents. Discover our custom app solutions and see if the team is right for you.
Reviews and Testimonials: Getting the Inside Scoop
While a portfolio gives you a visual representation of a developer’s work, reviews and testimonials provide valuable insight into their professionalism, work ethic, and how they handle projects. Here’s how to dig deeper into what past clients have to say:
Read Client Reviews
If the developer has a profile on platforms like Upwork, LinkedIn, or Clutch, read through their reviews and ratings. Look for consistent feedback on aspects like:
- Communication: Are they responsive and easy to work with?
- Timeliness: Do they deliver projects on time, or are there delays?
- Quality of Work: Does their work meet client expectations and standards?
Reviews can give you an idea of what to expect, but remember that even the best developers will have occasional negative feedback. Focus on patterns rather than isolated incidents.
Ask for References
If you’re still unsure about a developer, ask them to provide references from past clients. A good developer should be comfortable providing these. When you contact references, ask specific questions such as:
- How did they communicate throughout the project?
- Were they responsive to feedback and changes?
- Did they meet deadlines and stay within budget?
- What was the outcome of the project?
This will give you a clearer picture of the developer’s professionalism and reliability.
Contracts: Protecting Yourself and Your Project
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time to talk about the legal side. Having a well-written contract in place before you start any work is essential to protect both you and the developer. Here are the key elements that should be in your contract:
Clear Scope of Work
The contract should outline the project’s scope in detail, including:
- Specific features and functionalities that will be included in the app.
- Development phases and milestones, with clear timelines for when tasks should be completed.
- Deliverables for each phase of the project.
This ensures both parties are on the same page and there are no misunderstandings about what’s expected.
Payment Terms
Be clear about how and when the developer will be paid. This might include:
- Fixed price or hourly rates.
- Payment milestones that correspond to completed phases of the project (e.g., 30% upfront, 30% after design approval, 40% after final delivery).
- Late fees or penalties for missed deadlines.
Make sure to clarify any additional costs that could arise throughout the project (e.g., for extra features, ongoing maintenance, or post-launch support).
Signs Your Business Needs an App
Are you unsure of whether your business will benefit from an app? Indeed, this can be a costly investment. You want to make sure that you’re spending your budget wisely. Know that apps are suited to some businesses more than others. Here are some signs that yours could benefit from one.
For Convenience
You might have the type of business that customers want for convenience. For example, they want to have repeat purchases or book appointments quickly. Indeed, you need to provide a format where they’re able to do this. Sometimes, having a website won’t cut it. But, this is exactly what an app comes in. You can make sure that you offer a convenient way for customers to get what they want. This will ensure they stay loyal to your business and they can get everything they need in one place.
For Better Communication
Customers want to keep in contact with you and know exactly when they can expect their orders. Having an app can make sure that you have the good communication that customers expect. It’s a lot easier to tell them when something has been shipped or if it’s out for delivery. You can send notifications, and they can get them straight away on their phones. This is much more informative than having to check emails.
You Need to Stand Out
Do you find that your competitors have the upper hand? This is something that you need to fix immediately. Otherwise, you’re losing customers all the time. Know that having an app might be a way to do this. You can make sure that you’re offering something new and innovative in your industry. Indeed, customers want apps for their favourite websites, as it makes things quick and easy. So, if you want to stand out and be noticed, this could be the way to do it.
Conclusion
Vetting app developers doesn’t have to be a complicated process, but it requires time and attention to detail. By reviewing portfolios, reading client reviews, and ensuring you have a solid contract in place, you can avoid costly mistakes and set your app development project up for success. Take your time to ask the right questions, do your research, and protect your interests — the right developer will help bring your app vision to life, and these steps will ensure you find the perfect match.
I am a writer based in London, specialising in finance, trading, investment, and forex. Aside from the articles and content I write for IntelligentHQ, I also write for euroinvestor.com, and I have also written educational trading and investment guides for various websites including tradingquarter.com. Before specialising in finance, I worked as a writer for various digital marketing firms, specialising in online SEO-friendly content. I grew up in Aberdeen, Scotland, and I have an MA in English Literature from the University of Glasgow and I am a lead musician in a band. You can find me on twitter @pmilne100.
