The Ultimate Guide to Mobile App Development Outsourcing

According to Statista, currently, there are over 6.3 billion smartphone users worldwide, proving that the mobile app industry is on the rise. Just take a moment to look around, and you'll see people engrossed in their mobile devices—Americans alone check their phones more than 200 times a day, spending a whopping 88% of their mobile time on apps.

But what does this mean for businesses and aspiring app developers? Well, here's a taste of some intriguing mobile app statistics from last year (2022): the average smartphone owner uses 10 apps daily and 30 apps monthly, mobile apps account for 70% of all US digital media time, and a staggering 49% of individuals open apps more than 11 times a day. Plus, the Google Play Store offers a staggering 2.87 million mobile applications, while the Apple App Store boasts 1.96 million.

All these numbers show one thing: a mobile app is a prerequisite for success in today's world and oversaturated market. However, since not all companies have the internal resources and expertise to develop their own app, they outsource their app development process. And that's exactly what we are going to discuss here. So, if you are eager to unravel the secrets of outsourcing mobile app development, join us on this exciting journey!

Table Of Content

• Benefits and Limitations of Outsourcing Mobile App Development
• Options for Outsourcing Application Development
• Advantages
• Disadvantages
• Steps to Outsourcing Mobile App Development
• Point To Consider While Choosing an Outsourcing Partner
• Final Words

Benefits and Limitations of Outsourcing Mobile App Development

Outsourcing, particularly to offshore teams, may be associated with reduced personal control over the work process and communication difficulties. However, these challenges can be overcome with the expertise of a skilled project manager.

When you outsource your project to reputable and qualified mobile app developer companies, the benefits outweigh the minor drawbacks. Here are the key advantages of outsourcing mobile app development:

• Cost-effectiveness: By choosing an app development outsourcing company, you have the flexibility to find an affordable yet high-quality option. Developers from regions like India can deliver the same results as specialists in the US or Western Europe at a significantly lower cost, making it ideal for startups and small businesses.
• Diverse skill set: Outsourcing offers access to a wide range of skills and extensive experience. Companies specializing in app development for various industries typically have specialists with diverse skill sets, enabling them to tackle problems efficiently. In contrast, building an in-house development team may require continually searching for additional specialists, resulting in added expenses and time.
• Time-saving: Outsourcing can be more time-efficient if you lack a full team of specialists to develop a mobile app from scratch. Hiring an experienced outsourcing team eliminates the need for recruiting, training, and maintaining employees, saving you time and money.

Options for Outsourcing Application Development

In the realm of mobile app development outsourcing, there are several options to choose from. Whether you work with an IT company, hire freelance developers, or use off-the-shelf software solutions, each approach has its own benefits and limitations.

Advantages

• Outsourcing development company:
  • Immediate access to a complete team
  • Formalized agreements for cost and scope of work
  • Availability of experienced and diverse specialists
  • Organized development process

• Freelance developers:
  • Cost-effective compared to companies
  • Possibility of finding highly talented developers

• Off-the-shelf software:
  • Generally, the most affordable option
  • Quick launch time
  • Pre-included features

Disadvantages

• Outsourcing development company:
  • Higher cost compared to freelancers and off-the-shelf solutions
  • Limited flexibility compared to freelancers
• Freelance developers:
  • Specialize in specific platforms and technologies
  • Lack of guarantees and client protection measures
  • Communication and time management challenges, especially across different time zones
• Off-the-shelf software:
  • Limited options if a suitable solution doesn't exist
  • Difficulty in customization and transitioning to another system
  • The potential inclusion of unnecessary features
  • Standard UI/UX design
  • Slow updates and responsiveness to market changes

Steps to Outsourcing Mobile App Development

Outsourcing mobile app development can be a strategic decision for businesses looking to bring their app ideas to life. To help you navigate the outsourcing process, we've outlined six essential steps:

1. Define your app's requirements: Having a clear vision of your product is crucial. Outline its purpose, target audience, platform (iOS, Android, or hybrid), desired features, and monetization strategy.
2. Estimate your budget: Consider the financial resources you can allocate to app development. While cost is important, prioritize quality over choosing the cheapest option to avoid potential risks and poor outcomes.
3. Research mobile app developers: Identify potential outsourcing companies or freelance developers that align with your requirements. Consider factors such as experience, technology expertise, location (onshore, nearshore, or offshore), and communication capabilities.
4. Examine developer portfolios: Review the portfolios of shortlisted developers to assess their relevant experience and the quality of their work. Additionally, check reviews and seek feedback from past clients to gain insights into their strengths and weaknesses.
5. Contact shortlisted candidates: Reach out to the remaining companies or individual developers to gather more information about their work, request references, and clarify any queries or concerns.
6. Maintain communication and formalize agreements: Stay engaged with the developers throughout the project and establish effective communication channels. Formalize your relationship through written agreements to ensure clarity and accountability.

Remember, successful outsourcing requires ongoing communication and active involvement as the product owner. With thorough research, clear communication, and the right partnerships, you can leverage outsourcing to bring your mobile app idea to fruition.

Point To Consider While Choosing an Outsourcing Partner

When it comes to outsourcing mobile app development, reducing risks is essential for a successful collaboration. Fortunately, there are effective measures you can take to ensure a trustworthy partnership and achieve desired outcomes. Here is a comprehensive checklist to guide you through the process.

• Assess the company's experience: Conduct thorough research on the developers you are considering. Analyze their website, review case studies, request references, and even test their previously developed apps to gauge their expertise.
• Implement trial periods and money-back guarantees: To establish trust and alignment, initiate a trial period for the outsourced team. Assign them a smaller task, such as creating a logo or an app mockup, while including a money-back guarantee clause in the agreement.
• Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): Protect your sensitive data and app idea by ensuring the outsourced developers sign an NDA. This legal document safeguards confidentiality and prevents the theft of your intellectual property.
• Establish clear communication guidelines: When working with an offshore app development company, define communication protocols and workflows. Agree on communication channels, reporting mechanisms, meeting schedules, and other necessary details to ensure effective collaboration.
• Avoid upfront lump sum payments: While advanced payment is common, consider splitting the project cost into installments, at least during the initial months of collaboration. This approach safeguards your investment and encourages accountability from the developers.

Final Words

Throughout this guide, we have emphasized the importance of conducting thorough research, establishing clear communication guidelines, and implementing risk-reducing measures such as trial periods and NDAs. These steps empower businesses to make informed decisions and foster trust with their chosen mobile app development companies.

Partnering with a reputable mobile app development company like The One Technologies is a strategic move for businesses looking to outsource their app development projects. By carefully selecting a reliable team of experts, businesses can mitigate risks and ensure the successful realization of their app ideas. Contact us today to get customized solutions for your specific needs.