3 Factors to Consider When Choosing an App Provider

The global market for mobile applications is expected to grow to 407.31 billion by 2026, up from $106.27 billion in 2018.  

The skyrocketing demand for mobile apps is majorly due to the increasing use of smartphones. Business owners worldwide recognize that apps can greatly help them increase the value of their brands, besides enhancing their business offerings to both existing and potential clients.

Regardless of the type of business you run, chances are you can significantly benefit from having an app. But how do you go about choosing the ideal app platform and app provider for your needs? These are some of the issues we discuss in this comprehensive guide.

How Do You Choose The Right Mobile App Development Platform?

Before you embark on developing an app, it’s crucial that you decide on a suitable platform on which your app will be created. Generally, you can opt between Android and iOS, which are the biggest app development platforms globally. 

You can, of course, choose to develop your business mobile app on both platforms. However, time and budget constraints often mean that you should opt for one platform before gradually moving to the other. 

How do you decide which platform is the best for your business? Learn more in this section.

Consider Your Target Audience

Your mobile app platform needs to target an audience that your business caters to. Do extensive market research, so you thoroughly understand the demographics of the users you intend to reach.   

If you’d like to cater to the Asian market, for instance, it’s best to focus on the Android platform, while iOS would be best for the North American market. Generally, Android has a lot more users than iOS, so it’s ideal for entrepreneurs targeting a global audience.

If you deal with goods or services that target lower- and middle-income customers, Android should be your first choice. iOS users usually have a higher income.

Think of the Monetization Potential of Your App

The ultimate purpose of your apps should be to generate revenue for your business. Think of the potential profit you’ll be making from your app before you choose which platform to use. 

Generally, businesses that want to have a high return on investment (ROI) prefer iOS to Android. That’s because Apple typically offers a stauncher and grander user base for its paid apps, which makes success with iOS more assured.

However, this is not to say that there aren’t ways to derive revenue using the Android platform.

Think of Your App Budget

The cost of app development is, understandably, one of the top factors you want to consider before making a decision on the platform to use. Developing your business app on more than one platform is more expensive than using a single platform. Therefore, if you have a limited budget, it’s best to stick with one platform.

There, of course, other factors that affect the cost of developing a mobile app. For instance, the amount of time you need to build an app will directly correlate with the cost of building the app. If you use the iOS platform, expect to spend half the time you’d spend to develop the same app on Android. 

Consider the Technical Features 

Think of all the unique app features you’ll want your business app to have. Do you want a simple app for basic use, or are you looking for a more complex app that offers impressive graphics?

Think of the ease of development provided by the specific platform. Android devices feature a lot of versions of the OS. If your business app needs lots of hardware interaction, it’s best to opt for this platform.

What to Look for in an App Development Company

Now that you’ve identified the ideal platform on which to build your business app, it’s time to choose an app provider for the developing process. What qualities should you look for? We’ve highlighted a few below:

1. Effective Communication

A reliable app development company will go out of their way to keep communication between you and them open. Generally, you want a provider who’s willing to set up calls with you and send follow-ups. Moreover, you want a provider who’s willing to meet with you, discuss different ideas, and keep you in the know about the ongoing development process.

2. Ample Experience

Your business mobile app is a huge investment, so you cannot risk anything going wrong. It’s why you need to choose an app provider with a strong portfolio of projects they’ve done in the past. 

A portfolio gives you a clear overview of the specific work the provider has already done, so you have something with which to compare your idea. Your mobile app should never be the first one that the app developer does.

3. Proven Reliability

An impressive portfolio is great, but don’t make your decision based on that alone. Verify the provider’s reliability by checking feedback from former clients. Any app provider worth their salt will have no problem giving you a list of references.

Check their website for customer reviews too. If former customers seem satisfied with the developer’s work, chances are you too will be.

Always Work With the Right App Provider

Choosing the right platform and app provider can make a great difference when developing your first app.  Not only does it save you time and money, but it also ensures you get an app that can take your business to the next level. 

Would you like to read more great content on mobile app development? Please keep visiting our blog.