Today’s world is app-driven. Everything happens there, and there’s an app for everything. This is why developing a mobile app has become a necessity for companies looking to stay competitive.
However, the complexity and cost of in-house development can be overwhelming. This is where outsourcing comes in — a concept you’ve probably heard before. Most tech companies opt for software development outsourcing because it allows them to access top-tier professional talent while saving costs and speeding up the time-to-market.
While it’s true that you can create mobile apps with DIY tools for simpler, less original apps, developing an app with your developers and design team will always be more effective and deliver better results.
How to Outsource Mobile App Development in 3 Steps
The common question everyone asks is: Where do I start? It’s quite simple and starts with setting expectations for the team you want to outsource.
1. Define exactly what you need
You need to know who you’re looking for. Create a list of requirements, such as the type of developers you need, how many you need, and the main goal of hiring them. This will give the company a better idea of your project and allow them to offer developers who best fit your needs.
Some companies may already have an in-house mobile development team working on their apps but need additional staff familiar with new technologies.
2. Start searching for a development team
The next step is to start looking for an app development team. But the question is: Where do you look? Luckily, there are many hiring platforms listing companies, agencies, or outsourcing contractors.
Outsourcing platforms: Some are hiring companies, while others are platforms where outsourcing companies are listed by location, rating, and experience. These platforms have search filters, categories, and reviews of top outsourcing providers.
Freelance platforms: Sometimes, you don’t need a full team, and the absence of one or two specialists can hold back development. In this case, freelance platforms are a good resource. Here, you can find individual contractors who work on fixed rates or hourly fees.
Blogs: It’s no secret that outsourcing companies have blogs where they share their experience, insights, and development tips. By exploring a company’s blog, you can see its strengths, expertise, and how it can support you. While most blogs focus on software outsourcing, you’ll also find resources on app development if you search thoroughly.
3. Verify experience and track record
It’s essential to focus on the background of the outsourcing company. If you prioritize the following aspects, you’ll have a better chance of verifying what the outsourcing companies offer and how well they align with your goals.
Case studies: Case studies showcase the team’s experience. These materials highlight the outsourcing company’s knowledge, the tech stack they used in previous projects, and why they chose a particular approach.
Industry experience: Regulations, technological requirements, and market competition affect your app’s success. This is why industry experience plays a key role. Finding an experienced outsourcing team for your mobile app development is a vital contribution to its success.
Previous clients: The best way to assess a potential outsourcing partner is to hear what others say about them. Client reviews are also a key step. You can check reviews on the company’s website or explore external resources where client testimonials are gathered.
How Much Does It Cost to Outsource Mobile App Development?
The cost of outsourcing mobile app development depends on the app’s complexity. Basic apps with fewer features can start at around $5,000, while highly complex, feature-rich apps can cost over $500,000.
There’s also a list of factors that determine the final cost of outsourcing mobile app development, including:
- Geographic location
- Type and complexity of the app
- Development purpose
- Urgency
- Compatible platforms
- Development approach
- UI/UX design complexity
- Back-end infrastructure
3 Risks of Outsourcing Mobile App Development
Like any process, outsourcing has its downsides, but the good news is that these can be mitigated with the right precautions and measures.
Time zone and cultural differences: With offshore outsourcing, delays in communication and response can affect decision-making and problem-solving. To avoid this, consider nearshore outsourcing.
Lack of control over the outsourced team: The outsourced team may operate independently and fail to align with the company’s goals. This can lead to miscommunication, quality issues, and costly error corrections later in the project.
Data security issues: If the outsourced mobile app development company lacks strong cybersecurity and data recovery measures, your data may be at risk from breaches, attacks, or server failures.
Conclusion
Mobile app development will continue to grow, so finding a reliable partner for such a long and important journey is crucial. If achieved, outsourcing mobile app development can be a viable, cost-effective, simple, and affordable option.
