Hundreds of apps are created and bought on the App store every single day. Creating a mobile app can bring in some extra income and be a rewarding experience, but it still requires a lot of work. Some apps like Flappy Bird can take only a couple of days to make, but some projects like Facebook can take up to a year or more. There are many reasons as to why apps can take a shorter or longer time to make, and it all boils down to finding the right app development company. Today, it’s not hard to find a company that can create a mobile app. However, it can be tricky to find and work with the right app development company to ensure that your app is delivered on time. Here are some tips on how to ensure that your app has incredible designs and delivered with timeliness for its launch. Find The Right Partner This ties into the other steps, but that’s because the step of finding the right partner is clearly the most important part of the app development process. If you get stuck with a bad partner after surrendering your money, then they could easily drag out the process and force you to pay more for your app to be fully developed. To ensure this doesn’t happen watch out for these signs. The developer should be interested in your business. When talking to them, they should be able to give you some information on experience with apps similar to yours or potential strategies and should know what type of apps work in the app store. This indicates that they’ve done their research and that they’ve worked with many clients. If you call them and only hear multiple versions of “yes” and empty praises, that’s a sign the company isn’t the right fit for you. Next, look into their portfolio, their website, and their apps to judge their UI/UX skills. Each of these elements should look great and have excellent interfaces. After all, 60% of the app is centered around how the user interacts with it. Check and talk to their references and find information that will help you determine whether the company can really deliver on their promises. Finally, find a company that you know you’ll be able to work with. The process of creating a mobile app is a long activity, which can range from a couple months to a year. You will need to ensure that you use a company like SDI who will provide timely updates and can maintain a relationship, even when the app is already launched. Communication Is Key In order for a development team to deliver your mobile app on time and within the scope, you must be dedicated and available for phone calls and emails. With a scope of work outlining the full UX, the development team can understand and create a GANTT chart for deliverables and dates. Keeping this open line for communication with your app development partner will prevent any major delays from occurring. Good app development companies will not only learn about your business but also show you the technical aspects of their job. Doing that will help you understand any improvements or challenges they’re experiencing with the technology. Having frequent communication will allow you to know what stages the development process is in and ensure that they’re not dragging out time so you’ll have to pay more. However, as the app idea creator, you need to keep up clear communication as well. Sure, you have paid your app development partner to do the technical work, but the process isn’t a one-sided job. If the team doesn’t get their questions, comments, or concerns answered about any of the work or your original idea for the app, then they may end up making a product you didn’t envision, waste your money, and waste time. Clarity and Decisiveness It’s important to have a clear vision of your app idea before you start the project. Along the way, many clients constantly change their minds about the app design, which can greatly delay the process. While it is completely fine to implement a few changes to some features during the design process (which your app development partner should be able to do), it’s important to note that every minor adjustment you make comes with added costs and timelines. It’s best to understand what you want and what you don’t want before initiating development and design. If you don’t change your mind during this process then the developers can create the app within a reasonable time frame and not charge you more money. You should also be able to take suggestions on app design since the developers have much more experience working in the field and know the market trends. You should listen to their ideas and work together on these aspects. Though a scope of work document would’ve been created at the beginning of the process, listing all app functions, a signed contract, and fixed pricing, each tiny detail can greatly alter this list and the development process. The average app usually takes 4-6 months to build if there aren’t too many changes. However, the length of time depends on the size, amount of communication between all the parties, and most importantly, the alterations implemented. Cheap ≠ The Best Option You may get a great price, and it may even seem to good to be true. 9 out of 10 times, your instincts are probably right. Apps that seem cheap to develop often become more expensive and take more time to develop due to bad, rushed designs, or other problems. It’s important to pick a company that will give you a reasonable price, one that isn’t too low or too high. This will ensure your app mirrors your vision and within the timeframe that you want. Though there are many steps to consider throughout the process of getting your app developed, the single most important one is finding the right partner. Companies like SDI that won’t take your money and run, has qualifications, knows which questions to ask, and has experienced developers are great options for you. Contact us to get answers to all your mobile app questions.