Whenever you’re planning to build a mobile app for your business, it is quite essential to curate a list of questions to ask mobile app developers. Asking a mobile app developer or an agency the right set of questions can make or break your entire project.
Assisting tech-powered companies as a mobile app expert, I have developed 500+ apps spanning multiple domains and industries globally. Having such a versatile experience working across multiple domains, requirements, and technologies, however, still few questions revolve around in the mind of the client’s whenever they approach me for any new project.
Wait!
I am not talking about those technical questions to ask an app developer before beginning any app development. I am talking about some generic and honest ones that are far beyond those usual app-related challenges. After answering the same questions to multiple clients in different time zones, I thought to better create a comprehensive list and answer them in one go for a quick check.
So, without further delay, let’s start with faq for mobile app development that I was asked by almost every prospect and client I met till now.
Top 12 FAQs for Mobile App Development
1. I am a non-technical person. Could you help me understand the development process?
It is one of the most common FAQs for mobile app development. If you have a killer app idea but lack the technical knowledge to execute the same, in such a case, you can outsource your app development project to some experienced mobile app development company that has a sound technical background and a stellar portfolio.
Furthermore, the mobile app development company will assign you the best project managers to help you understand the entire development process with the below steps:
- Collecting prerequisites to build an app
- Analyzing the app idea considering market needs and business requirements
- Strategizing the development process
- Designing app UI/UX
- Coding and app development
- Sending end product to the client for approval
- Testing of the end product to ensure smooth functioning of the app.
2. Can you give me a rough estimate of the time frame to build any mobile app requirements?
The approximate time frame to build any mobile app for your business depends on the type of your app and the complexity it involves. If you already have an app idea and looking for an exact time frame to build your mobile app, you can consult one of our experts through our contact form.
To give a rough estimate, below are a few of our successfully developed apps along with the time frame taken by our development team to deploy the app.
- Mobile Solutions – Time-frame to build apps
- On-demand app – 6 to 8 months
- Health and fitness app – 3-4 months
- Social networking app – 4 to 5 months
- Photos and video editing app – 3 to 4 months
Also Read: Why to Choose Social Media App Development: Cost, Features, Perks
3. How do I ensure the safety of my app idea?
Finding ways to protect an app idea before someone imitates it is one of the most common faqs for mobile app development we might have ever come across. But the truth is: It’s your responsibility to protect your app idea till the launch date.
The moment your competitors will see the positive reviews, they’ll work day and night to build an app with the same concept until you’ve patented your app idea – which only works to some extent.
So, while you are in the ideation phase, you can protect your app idea from being shared by signing a non-disclosure agreement with the app development company you’re working with. It’s a smarter move to protect your app idea and take appropriate steps for that before your competitors do.
4. What would be the standard cost to build a mobile app?
Just like time, the cost is another important factor that entirely depends on several factors like:
- Development platform – Android, iOS or both
- Development Approach – native or hybrid development
- Application features
- App Complexity
- Development team
- Testing
- App integration with an existing system
- Third-party tools and integrations
In such a case, getting quotes from multiple app development agencies will help you out to define an approximate budget.
When it comes to working with your choice of a development company, make sure your list of questions to ask an app developer consists of elements bifurcation they’re including in the prices quoted. This will give you a rough idea of what you need to pay for app development and how much budget to set apart in the name of app extension and updating.
5. How would you release a mobile app? Will it be released in a single go or it has multiple release cycles?
Well, it depends on you. Do you want to launch an MVP to test your app or want to take time and launch a full-fledged app once it’s developed? – The call is yours.
Generally, updates are added once the app is launched in the market. However, some brands wish to test their app with MVP launch due to the cost and technical aspects. So, it depends on you whether you want to release your app in a single go or wish to have multiple release cycles.
6. I just want to enhance my existing app. Is it possible?
In the majority of cases, yes, it is possible. However, it depends on your existing app concept, features, the technology used, and other factors. Generally, the development agency does work on such projects either from scratch (if needed), build new modules or plugins, or add new features and functionalities to enhance your app, provide migration service – As per your business requirements.
Ultimately, your major goal should be to receive high-quality apps that improve user experience and retention rates. However, it’s advisable to talk with your chosen company first before getting started.
7. Once the app gets live on the App or Play store, can I get any modifications done?
In majority cases – YES. Once the app gets live on the App or Play store, you can do modifications to the app. But beware! It will be on a chargeable basis.
Most of the time, major changes, updates, or modifications in the app are made during the development process. However, if you come up with some new features or added functionality outside your agreed contract that you want to introduce in your app post-launch, it would be on a chargeable basis. Sometimes, it even depends on your working relationship with the company too.
I would advise you to do the final modifications to the app before the launch date.
8. Does choose a cross-platform framework help me reduce the app development cost?
The answer is Yes. If you’re tight on the app development budget and looking to enhance your brand presence on both the ruling platforms, cross-platform development is the best choice to go with.
It helps you to reduce the app development cost because it allows developers to work on a single code which is later translated into the native code of the various platforms. Switching to cross-platform app development will trim down your development cost by 50% and boost your app-to-market time by 1.5X more compared to the native app development.
React Native and Flutter are two particularly reliable cross-platform app development frameworks that we have recommended to over 400+ clients. And they have benefitted from it.
9. How should I raise funds for my app idea?
Developing a mobile app is not everyone’s cup of tea. It’s a costly affair since the app idea needs to be backed by an experienced development team – And every fancy element is accompanied by a price tag.
So, if you’re a startup company that wishes to enter into the world of mobility, it can be difficult for you to accumulate such a heavy budget. However, you can raise funds to convert your app idea into a full-fledged workable mobile app.
But, how will you get funding for your app?
Networking is the key. You can approach the AngelList platform where you can meet investors willing to invest in your app idea. You can even attend various startup events to get an idea of how brands are generating funds.
To learn more you can read – How to Get Funding for Your App Idea
10. Is my app idea feasible? How will I know it?
One of the most common faqs for mobile app development is – Whether my app idea which is soon going to be designed is feasible enough to be developed or not.
And the only way to understand this is – Testing your app idea with real prospects. Just having an awesome app idea isn’t enough. You have to build a working prototype to test it in public and see the responses. Until you consider your prospect’s feedback and see how the app similar to your concept is performing in the market, there’s no guarantee of your app being successful.
11. Should I outsource or hire an app developer?
The answer is – You can do both. It depends on your business requirements. To help you out with this dilemma, I am listing down cases when outsourcing a project or hiring an app developer can be a viable alternative.
Outsourcing mobile app development seems to be viable in the below scenarios:
- When you’re looking for a cost-effective approach
- When you want an efficient and experienced development team
- Seamless team management who can work round-the-clock for you
- When you’re seeking consistent support & service
Hiring app developers seem to be viable in the below scenarios:
- Looking for specific skills
- When your hire an app developer, they work dedicatedly for you
- They offer to work for fix price contracts
- When you want to get access to the specific and latest technology
Both the alternatives have their own advantages and limitations. So, it is advisable to choose the best alternative based on your project requirement and overall mobile app budget.
Conclusion:
I hope the above questions will help you to set realistic expectations when you hire an app developer or any agency. Still, have more questions to get answers with us? Talk to our mobile experts and get answers to all your questions on mobile app development.
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