How to Outsource App Development in 2023?
Considering your options for app development, you might want to explore staff augmentation solutions. This approach allows you to retain control over your project while benefiting from the expertise of experienced developers who seamlessly integrate into your team. It's a flexible and cost-effective way to bring your app idea to life.
In tandem with this surge in smartphone usage, the demand for information on-the-go has risen significantly, prompting the search for the best free news apps for Android. These apps provide users with quick and convenient access to the latest headlines and updates, catering to the preferences of the ever-expanding Android user base. As a result, developers are continually innovating in this space to capture a share of the growing market.
The growing popularity of smartphones has seen a boom in the mobile app development industry. According to Statista, the total revenue generated by this industry will reach $935.2 billion by 2023. On top of that, around 1.56 billion units of smartphones are sold every year.
As the demand for mobile apps continues to surge, businesses are increasingly seeking the expertise of a custom Android app development company to create tailored solutions that cater to their unique needs. This trend reflects the recognition that off-the-shelf applications often fall short in meeting specific business requirements, driving the rapid growth of the custom app development sector. In this dynamic landscape, companies that specialize in crafting bespoke Android apps are poised to thrive as they enable organizations to harness the full potential of mobile technology for their success.
But when it comes to app development, you still need to make a choice. Do you rely on your in-house team or should you opt to outsource the development process? According to Statista, 64% of businesses choose to outsource app development to third-party vendors. Should you do the same?
Before deciding that, consider your budget, team expertise, and requirement. What may work out for a large company with an expert in-house team may not be ideal for smaller businesses.
Why Consider Outsourcing App Development?
Having an in-house team of developers has its own benefits. Right from the start, you will work with a team that is fully attuned to the end vision. You will also have greater flexibility over the development process.
However, hiring a full team of developers may prove expensive in the long run. An in-house team also offers limited experience when compared to third-party developers. An app development company will have more expertise when it comes to using the latest technological stacks.
Outsourcing app development cuts down your development costs with quicker project turnaround time. There is no dearth of quality outsourcing developers who can deliver projects at a fraction of the cost of developing them in-house.
Third-party developers can offer more scalability, richer functionalities, and a seamless user experience when compared to in-house teams. With years of market experience and technological expertise, they give you an added perspective of what works. They have their fingers on the pulse of the market and are more attuned to changing needs and demands of consumers.
Pros and Cons of Outsourcing App Development
Most businesses understand that hiring an external vendor to develop an app is the wiser choice. However, before you make that decision, it is important to be aware of the benefits and limitations of outsourcing developers.
Pros of Outsourcing App Development
Affordability: Third-party developers are budget-friendly and offer quality service at attractive prices. The extreme competition in the app development industry compels businesses to offer enhanced capabilities at heavy discounts.
Expertise: They offer greater technological expertise and are adept in the latest frameworks used in both iOS and Android platforms.
Timely Delivery: Projects are usually structured by allocating different deliverables to separate teams. This accelerates the development process and ensures the timely delivery.
Efficient Project Management: Years of experience working with similar models enable third-party developers to streamline their process. This ensures smoother collaboration within the team, leaving little scope for mismanagement.
Cons of Outsourcing App Development
Miscommunication: Outsourcing app development to an external agency requires a lot of back and forth communication. The team needs to be on the same page with your business goals, ethics, and end vision. Lack of proper communication can result in poorly developed apps or developing an app different than what envisioned.
Poor quality control: With external agencies, you will have little control over the design and implementation process. If not checked, quality issues can crop up unnoticed and spell disaster over the project.
Leakage of confidential information: There may be concerns of data privacy with less reputable vendors. One way to avoid this is to sign a non-disclosure agreement with your service provider.
Estimating the Cost of Outsourcing App Development
The cost of outsourcing app development depends on multiple factors, such as:
Type of app – The first thing you need to define is whether you are looking at a basic structure or a complex one. A basic app will be simple to build with limited user experience, hence will cost less. Complex app structures will require additional support and expertise, affecting your budget considerably.
Features and functionalities – Generic pre-built features cost less in terms of time and resources. On the other hand, additional features will require extra time and capabilities, and both spell money.
Geographical Location – Different countries offer different price ranges and expertise for app development. For example, Indian developers have more affordable rates than developers in Dubai and the U.S.
Duration and scope of the project – How many resources are required to complete the project within the desired timeline? The more resource-intensive your project is the more expensive it will be.
Generally, the cost of building an app through outsourced developers ranges between $10k to $50k. A basic app with low functionalities may cost you around $5000 while a complex app with a full range of functionalities can be anything upward of $15,000.
Steps To Outsource App Development
If you are wondering how to outsource app development, you are on the right page. Follow these steps to develop your app in an effective way.
Research on possible agencies – Ask for their portfolio and samples of past projects. Read up client reviews to understand the work culture and ethics followed by the agency.
Make a project plan and set clear expectations – Structure your app idea in a way that doesn’t leave any room for confusion. You can ask the agency to help you brainstorm on what else is possible.
Set a budget and timeline for your project – Expected timelines depend on the project deliverables. Review timelines after completion of each phase.
Communicate clearly and effectively – A good agency will have a team of experts handling your project. You will also be assigned a project manager who will collaborate between you and his team. Give detailed instructions to your project manager to avoid delays due to miscommunication.
Finalize your Service Level Agreement – The SLA will clearly define end goals and avoid any miscommunication regarding desired objectives. It will also help you define your expectations and desired outcome.
Draw up an NDA to ensure data privacy – Remember that information is power. Confidential company data needs to be secured under a non-disclosure agreement.
Review each stage and ask for a/b testing to optimize the app – Give feedback and take corrective measures to amend the development process after each phase of delivery.
Continuous maintenance and regular updates are important to keep your app in demand – Ensure that you are opting for end-to-end service that includes maintenance and updates.
Promote your app after its launch to increase visibility and attract consumers – Your service provider may be able to help you with this.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid While Outsourcing App Development
Outsourcing app development may seem to be the right choice for you. But businesses often make silly mistakes that spell disaster on their project. Take heed of this advice to avoid common mistakes companies usually make while hiring external developers.
Choose a reputable agency. Do thorough market research and read client reviews before choosing an external agency. You can consider Staff Augmentation Services and opt for more flexibility and control over the development.
Choose the right platform for your app. Android apps have a far greater consumer base than iOS apps. Your app needs to reach out to the maximum possible consumers. If you are a startup or developing your app on a limited budget, you can opt to phase the development process into two parts. Choosing to develop the app on an android platform initially will give you wider recognition.
Estimate the correct timeline to avoid the stress of deadlines. If you are outsourcing from a different country, take into consideration the time lags due to different geo-locations.
Have clarity in your expectations. Spell them out in clear, tangible terms. Know what is possible in terms of design and functionality and what is not. Understand your limitations and brainstorm with your developer to overcome them.
Sign an NDA to protect your business information from being leaked to potential competitors.