A few years ago, I was on the myVEGAS app playing the slot machines. This is one of my favorite apps because I can play a game for free and redeem rewards like free hotel rooms and free buffets in one of my favorite places — Las Vegas.
As I was getting some free spins, I thought to myself, "I wonder how this app was made … "
Now, as a marketer, I understand how much work must've went into the making of myVegas.
To make an app, a company needs to come up with a concept, conduct market research, design the wireframe and graphics, and strategize the launch.
All of this is usually done with a team of people, but the app developer is one of the most important players.
In fact, in 2018, Tim Cook announced that there were 20 million registered iOS developers catering to the 500 million weekly visitors to the App Store alone. Additionally, there are about 2.6 million Android and 2.2 million iOS apps.
Suffice it to say, the app developer is an important role. That's why it's critical to hire dedicated developers for your app.
Let's review how, where, and when to find an app developer for your business.
How to Find an App Developer
Finding an app developer can seem like a daunting process. We know that there are a lot of developers out there, but that doesn't mean they are all quality ones who will understand your business or needs.
Before you can begin looking at app developers, it's important to ask yourself this question: "Do I want to hire an in-house team or a freelancer?"
To answer this, consider your business needs. For example, are you at an established company that wants to automate your process? An in-house team might work well for you. On the other hand, if you work at a startup, an expert specialist who can get in and get out quickly and cheaply might be the way to go.
Additionally, if you anticipate building more than one app, an in-house team would work well. However, if you're just creating one app, a freelancer would work.
An in-house team will usually consist of a group of developers who have a deep understanding of your company, culture, and product or service. However, this team will be costly because you have to consider salary, benefits, and equipment. Additionally, you'll need to have set systems and processes to ensure productive, quality work.
Alternatively, a freelancer or an app agency, consists of expert specialists who can work quickly. Plus, it's often cheaper because you're only paying for the project, and not each person's salary and equipment. The only downside is that you'll have to manage the communication and most likely project management as well.
No matter which route you decide to go, it's important to find the right person or team. That's why we've created a list of tips to help you find an app developer.
1. Do some research.
Before you can hire an app developer, it's important to understand the basics of their job. What programming languages are used? What are the average rates? Having an understanding of the profession gives you the context you need to have productive meetings and interviews.
2. Look at experience.
Just like you wouldn't want a pilot who hasn't flown a day in their life, you probably don't want an app developer who hasn't ever developed an app. Be sure to ask about their experience and look at the work they've done.
3. Focus on communication.
Your app won't get created well if there isn't crystal clear communication. That's why rapport is important to focus on in the first meetings. In addition to qualifications and experience, see how you and potential app developers get along and understand each other.
4. Be clear about your business needs.
When you're meeting with app developers, make sure you're clear about the app concept and your target market. The clearer you are about your business's needs and goals, the easier it'll be to create an app.
5. Use set criteria to judge each developer.
It's important to have a list of criteria you're using to judge each developer or agency you talk to. That way you can have productive meetings and get your questions answered.
Consider criteria such as:
- Reviews and references
- Experience
- Speciality
- Programming tools
- Development process
- Legal process/contracts
- Project management
- Communication
These are all important areas to discuss in your first meetings. Additionally, you might consider writing down a few questions about these topics.
A few questions you could ask are:
- Do you have reviews and references of past and current customers I could read and/or reach out to?
- How much experience do you have? Can I see samples of your work?
- What type of apps have you worked on in the past?
- What programming tools do you use to create an app?
- What is the development process like for you?
- Would you be willing to sign an NDA and contract?
- How do you handle project management?
- How will we communicate during the development process?
- What are your fees?
Where to Find an App Developer
Now that you've started thinking about finding an app developer and what that process looks like, you might be wondering, "Where will I find this person or team?"
In actuality, it's a pretty simple process.
You can begin your search for an app developer or agency in a few places:
1. Freelance websites.
If you're going the freelance route, looking at top freelance sites like Toptal and Hired is the way to go. Sites like these will have the best candidates because they're fully vetted. In fact, Toptal only accepts 3% of applicants. Additionally, these sites have clear rates, so you can see how much a freelancer will cost from the get-go.
2. Tech blogs.
Blogs like Wired, The Verge, and TechCrunch are a great resource when you're looking for an app developer. They'll typically have articles about app development and the whole process, so you go into the process educated.
3. Creative communities.
There are communities online where designers and developers will upload portfolios and samples of their work, like Dribbble or Behance. If you find someone you like, you can reach out and get to know them more.
4. B2B directories.
If you're going to hire an agency, consider looking at B2B directories where companies have information, reviews, and ratings listed. Sites like Clutch.co, B2B Marketing, and Relevance are all good options.
5. Colleges.
Sometimes it's easy to forget that colleges have a lot of top talent. Reach out to professors in the computer science department to see if they know of any student developers.
6. Your network.
Another place that's easy to forget about is your own network. Ask around. See if anyone you know can think of an app developer they're in contact with.
7. Google.
Lastly, the holy grail. The only issue with Google is that you have to be careful and thoroughly vet people or companies you find on here.
To recap, we've gone over tips on finding an app developer and where to begin your search. Now the only question is when do you start this process?
When to Find an App Developer
Once you have a concept and you've done your research, you can begin looking for an app developer.
For instance, at this point, you've usually identified a problem your target market has and come up with an app concept that will be a solution to that problem. Then, you might've outlined some ideas for the app and even put together rough wireframes of what you want the app to look like.
When you get to this point, it's probably time to find a developer to work with.
Finding an app developer is a big task. But as long as you thoroughly vet your candidates and are organized with your search, then the process should be fairly straightforward.
FAQs
According to Salary.com app development hourly rates, which currently hovers around $50 / hour, the US app development price cost for a app with a basic user interface and a set of basic features ranges from $16,000 to $32,000, Medium complexity app development project costs between $32,000 and $48,000 and, finally, a ...
How much does it cost to hire a developer for an app? ›
According to Salary.com app development hourly rates, which currently hovers around $50 / hour, the US app development price cost for a app with a basic user interface and a set of basic features ranges from $16,000 to $32,000, Medium complexity app development project costs between $32,000 and $48,000 and, finally, a ...
Where is the best place to get an app developer? ›
Ideal Mobile App Developer Hiring Platform For Quick Turnarounds. Upwork is a global freelancing website that allows users to find and hire mobile app developers. It has more than 12 million registered freelancers and 4 million clients, making it one of the most popular sites for hiring mobile app developers.
What's the best way to find a reliable app developer? ›
Social media. LinkedIn is arguably the best social media platform to find app developers. Developers list their specific app development skills on their profiles, which others can then endorse.
How much does it cost to create an app for a small business? ›
According to the latest industry reports that the cost to create a mobile application is between $30,000 and $250,000, with an average cost of $171,450. Keep in mind that these figures are only estimates and the final cost may be significantly more or less based on the particular project's requirements.
How many developers do you need for an app? ›
Based on our expertise trusted by Fortune 500 companies, including CDW, Mitsubishi Motors, and Tesla, we estimate that many app projects require a team of 3 to 4 developers and 3 to 4 IT specialists total, including these roles: One project manager (full-time) Two app developers (full-time)
How much does it really cost to build an app? ›
Mobile app complexity
The average cost of developing a simple app is $5,000 – $50,000. A simple app comes with a set of basic user features such as a login system, user profile facility, dashboard and limited administration. The cost of a medium complex app is $50,000- $120,000.
How can I legally protect an app idea? ›
How to Protect an App Idea
- Step 1: Form an LLC. Your first step to protect your app idea is to make your company official. ...
- Step 2: Own the Copyright. An idea is just that – an idea. ...
- Step 3: Use Non-Disclosure Agreements. It takes a team to develop your app. ...
- Register the Trademark. ...
- Step 5: Pursue Infringement Cases.
If you're just getting started and have a restricted budget, a freelance app developer will be ideal for your project. However, if you want to develop an enterprise-level software application, you'll need to employ a full-fledged development team or collaborate with an app development company.
Is there a high demand for app developers? ›
Industry Outlook for Mobile App Developers
But it's someone's job to create those apps, and fortunately, the industry is booming. In fact, last year CNN Money named Mobile App Developer its Best Job in America, with a projected growth of 19 percent over the next decade, and a median salary exceeding $97,000.
Are Mobile APP Developer Jobs In Demand? Yes, mobile app developer jobs are in demand. The job market for analysts is projected to grow 21% from 2018 to 2028.
What is the highest package for app developer? ›
Application Developer salary in India ranges between ₹ 2.4 Lakhs to ₹ 16.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 6.0 Lakhs.
What to know before hiring an app developer? ›
Before you hire a mobile app developer, make sure that you take a close look at their past work. Ask for case studies that show off their work or live apps you can use yourself to get a feel for the quality. Most mobile app developers will have an online portfolio or a document that showcases their past work.
How long does it take to develop an app? ›
The average time it takes to build an app is anywhere between 4-6 months, but let's further understand the different factors that impact how long it takes to develop an app. Let's dive into each one to answer “How long does it take to develop an app?” We recommend keeping a calculator handy.
How do I know if my app is a good idea? ›
How to Validate if Your App is a Good Idea
- Define the Problem You're Trying to Solve. ...
- Find Out the Size of Your Potential Market. ...
- Listen to What Your Audience is Saying. ...
- Look at What's Trending. ...
- Size Up Your Competition. ...
- Engage with the Community. ...
- Get Clear on Your Customer's Journey. ...
- Ask for Feedback from Experts.
How much money do apps make per download? The average revenue per app download varies significantly but the average is $0.60 to $1.20. How much money do dating apps make?
Is owning an app a business? ›
Yes, owning a mobile app business can be profitable. However, it is important to keep in mind that profitability depends on a number of factors, including the type of app you have created, your target market, and your marketing and advertising efforts.
How much money does an app with 1,000 users make? ›
$0.002 – this is average revenue per 1 daily app usage that was created using AppsGeyser app maker. For 1000 daily usages, this is $2 per day. Generally 1 app download is at least 2 usages.
How many downloads does an app need to be successful? ›
Only 0.5% of apps are successful.
9,999 out of 10,000 apps will fail for various reasons. Here are the most common ones cited by experts: Below 1,000 downloads: 67.8% Below 1,000 active users: 17.9%
Do app developers make a lot of money? ›
Overall independent app developers' average monthly revenue is $1,500, medium-size company developers make $7,500 a month and large studios developers teams generate on average $44,000 monthly.
App creation is no longer just for professional developers. Now everyone can build mobile apps without programming using a free version of an award-winning low-code app development platform. Alpha Anywhere Community Edition is a free app development software that creates Android apps and iPhone apps with ease.
How to develop your own app? ›
Keep reading to explore our easy nine-step guide to get you started on developing a new mobile app:
- Establish a team.
- Conduct competitive research.
- Outline core features.
- Create mockups.
- Plan app security.
- Begin coding.
- Perform multiple tests.
- Gather and implement feedback.
Free apps are monetized through various means, including advertising, in-app purchases, sponsorship, and affiliate marketing.
How do I protect my apps from being copied? ›
Here are the best ways to protect all the value in your app:
- Copyright an app. You can claim copyright protection for the actual code of an app, but there is a lot more copyright law protection. ...
- Patent an app. Patents have long protected software inventions, and apps are no different. ...
- Trademark an app.
You can sell an idea to a company without a patent, but you will need to get them to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to prevent them from stealing your idea. The NDA would limit the company's ability to use your idea without paying you for it.
Who owns the rights to an app? ›
App Developers
By default, the app developer will own copyright protection over the app coding because they constructed the codes. Depending on how you want to use the app, you will need to take different steps to ensure that you have a lawful right to use it.
Is it expensive to run an app? ›
On average, app owners should expect to spend around $250 to $500 a month initially to keep the app running optimally. A general guideline is to budget 20% of the initial development cost for maintenance.
What are the pros and cons of developing an app? ›
The advantages of mobile apps include convenience, easy communication with customers, and online usage. The disadvantages of mobile apps include difficulty to create, the cost to create them, the cost to make them available to people, and the need for updates and support.
What percentage of apps are profitable? ›
According to Gartner, less than 0.01 percent of all consumer mobile apps will become financially successful throughout 2018—yet apps continue to be a common development goal and product focus for new and aspiring entrepreneurs. Why are the odds of success, at 1 in 10,000, so low?
How do app developers get paid? ›
The majority of top-grossing apps combine ads with in-app purchases for revenue generation. Purchases of in-app resources, subscriptions, and freemium upsell are among the highest-earning monetization methods. Transaction fees, online sales, or sponsorships may complement these.
Some of these developers have become so successful, in fact, that they managed to make their first million even before they hit the legal drinking age. Four exceptional young millionaire app developers stand out from the crowd (in no particular order): Nick A'loisio.
What is the average age of app developers? ›
The average age of an employed mobile app developer is 39 years old.
What percentage does Apple take from app developers? ›
On the iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and macOS App Store, Apple charges a 30% fee for apps and in-app purchases. However, the fee doesn't apply to free apps.
How much do freelance app developers make? ›
How much does a Freelance Android Developer make? As of Jun 8, 2023, the average annual pay for a Freelance Android Developer in the United States is $123,648 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $59.45 an hour.
Can you make 500k as a software developer? ›
Yes, a software engineer can make $500,000 a year.
However, $500,000 a year is far higher than the average salary of a software engineer. Software engineers typically earn a salary that falls within the range of $60,000 per year to $130,000 per year.
What do professional app developers use? ›
Most Popular Programming Languages for App Developers
Based on popularity and usage, Java, Swift, and Kotlin are considered to be the top three programming languages for app development. Java is commonly used for developing Android applications, while Swift is popular for iOS and macOS applications.
What is the average iOS app developer salary? ›
Best-paid skills and qualifications for iOS Developers
iOS Developers with this skill earn +14.49% more than the average base salary, which is $136,015 per year.
How do I contact a developer to create an app? ›
One of the easiest methods to contact a mobile app developer is through a software agency. This generally has a team of experts with the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out any technological project, adapting to the needs of the clients.
What questions should I ask an app developer? ›
Questions about General Mobile Development Expertise
- How many apps have you developed? ...
- What apps can I download from the App Store or Google Play? ...
- Can I talk to the client for whom you developed the app? ...
- What programming languages do you work with to develop native apps?
Here are 5 of the most important questions we think you should ask yourself before starting to build your app.
- What are your goals? ...
- What platforms will you support? ...
- What can you do yourself and what do you need help with? ...
- What is your budget? ...
- What are your plans after the app is released?
Is it easy to make an app? Mobile app development takes time, expertise, programming experience, and is usually expensive. However, creating an app would be highly facilitate by using a no-code tool .
How long does it take for a company to build an app? ›
The average time to develop an app with Discovery, Design & Development, and Pre-launch stages is around 7 - 12 months. We found out what stages it takes to develop an app and team size doesn't often mean a shorter app development timeline. However, there's always a way to speed up the process.
How much is a successful app worth? ›
You've built an app, but how much is someone willing to pay to acquire it? If you have a really good app, your app's worth is typically equal to 1 year's revenue (App Value = 1 year's revenue).
What are 5 characteristics that make a good app? ›
Five common features of a great app include:
- Well-designed user interface (UI)
- Fast loading time.
- Strong data protection.
- Excellent user support.
- Built-in integrations.
1) How Much Is an App Idea Worth? The worth of an app idea solely depends on the execution done on your app idea. If you don't act upon the app idea, the value is $0, but if you gather a team and work towards making it a reality, it can even reach a million-dollar value, e.g. Angry Birds, Tinder, Uber, etc.
Can I pay someone to build an app for me? ›
Can you hire someone to create an app? Yes, you can hire freelance mobile app developers to build your app or hire a mobile app development agency. When hiring someone to build your app, know your requirements, focus on essential features, and interview several freelancers and agencies before making your hire.
How much does an iOS app developer cost? ›
iOS App Development Cost Based on Size
| iOS App Size | Average Development Time | Average Development Cost |
|---|
| Small app development cost | 2-4 months | $8,000-25,000 |
| Medium app development cost | 4-8 months | $25,000-50,000 |
| Complex app development cost | 8+ months | $50,000+ |
Mobile App Developer Salary Key Data Points:
Indian mobile app developer average salary is $4k / year. iOS app developer salary highest in the US is $115k / year. Android app developer salary highest in the US is $113k / year.
How do app owners get paid? ›
Purchases of in-app resources, subscriptions, and freemium upsell are among the highest-earning monetization methods. Transaction fees, online sales, or sponsorships may complement these. Every method has its limitations, pros, and cons, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
How many hours does it take to develop an app? ›
Designing a simple app can take you several weeks, while a complex one requires months. Subsequently, back-end and front-end development, and testing. The average time to build apps like Uber is about 1100 hours, while apps like Calm can take 880 hours.
Where to Find an App Developer
- Freelance websites. If you're going the freelance route, looking at top freelance sites like Toptal and Hired is the way to go. ...
- Tech blogs. ...
- Creative communities. ...
- B2B directories. ...
- Colleges. ...
- Your network. ...
- Google.
On average, app owners should expect to spend around $250 to $500 a month initially to keep the app running optimally. A general guideline is to budget 20% of the initial development cost for maintenance.
What is the most downloaded app? ›
Top 10 most downloaded mobile apps of 2022
- 1 TikTok. Number of downloads: 672 million.
- 2 Instagram. Number of downloads: 548 million. ...
- 3 Whatsapp. Number of downloads: 424 million. ...
- 4 CapCut. Number of downloads: 357 million. ...
- 5 Snapchat. Number of downloads: 330 million. ...
- 6 Telegram. ...
- 7 Subway Surfers. ...
- 8 Facebook. ...
Apps can potentially rake in billions of dollars each year in revenue. However, most of the apps that manage to do this, are quite low in number. A majority of the apps are duds and literally, don't make any sort of money at all.
How much can an app make per day? ›
Apps can make anywhere from $10 up to $200 a day in average revenue from ads, and that's a conservative estimate for an app with only 1000 active users. However, the road to ad revenue is paved with bad ads, annoyed customers, and weak monetization strategies.
