Mobile apps are the future of smartphone use and the future of business. In today’s modern, fast-paced world, mobile use is where you can bet your audience is. They rely on apps to learn about everything, from your products and services, to your brand and mission, and will even pay for their use so long as they provide value. That’s why so many businesses are investing in app development. It’s the perfect opportunity to engage with users and reach your target audience, all while selling your brand.
Of course, application development is a huge undertaking and investment that you can’t just hand over to anyone. You need an experienced, qualified developer who not only understands your brand but will collaborate with you throughout the process. That’s how you create an unforgettable user experience. So, how do you go about finding the right app developer for the job? It’s all about understanding your unique goals, doing your research, and vetting a professional who will not only have your business’s best interest at heart but your users’ as well.
Here are five essential questions you should ask your Chicago app developer before you start collaborating and creating:
Do you have a strong understanding of my business and audience?
If a developer doesn’t have a clear understanding of who you are, what you do, what your goals are, who your audience is, and what they want, then you simply can’t achieve successful application development. Your developer should know exactly how your app will make a difference in your customer’s life after sitting down and discussing your mission and goals. They too should share the same interest and level of investment in your strategy and even show enthusiasm for the use of the application themselves.
It helps to work with developers who have worked on apps of similar desired functionality or for a shared client base. This means that they’ll already have an understanding of your business model and know what it takes to achieve application success within a given industry.
What size companies have you worked with in the past?
In asking this question, you’re looking to see if your developer is equipped to handle the size of your current audience as well as your future expansion. Businesses of different sizes operate very differently and have different reach goals. So, you want to work with a developer who has experience in working with and developing for ventures of a similar size. This will help ensure the developer has a keen understanding of specific processes and procedures, as well as managed budgets, that are unique to businesses and business goals of your size.
Do you have experience in building the features my business and audience are looking for?
In order to get a clear, desired answer to this question, make sure you’re able to answer it first. Create a wish list of must-have app features as well as a list of those features that aren’t must-haves but would be nice to have. This will give your Chicago app developer a precise idea of what you’re looking for in your application development. This list will also allow you to see exactly which functionalities and features a developer has experience creating. So, if your application requires highly specific integrations, then you’ll need to make sure that your developer can not only handle it but has successfully executed such functionalities in the past.
How do you approach design and user experience?
As a great user experience is the overall goal of any application, you’ll want to make sure you’re working with a developer who knows which features and functionalities within your app are going to drive its overall operations. Successful applications are pleasing to the eye, easy to navigate, and offer a unique, valuable experience. On top of that, you want it to help your business and brand stand out from the competition and remain at the forefront of your audience’s mind.
The right design makes all the difference. It’s so much more than choosing pretty colors and images. It’s about creating something that will make a difference in your target audience’s life. So, make sure you’re working with a developer whose portfolio shows creativity built into applications. Look at their previous work, and make sure their user interfaces and the user experience is something that is aligned with your goals and is something that you yourself enjoy using.
Which platform will best serve my audience?
When it comes to building and creatively interpreting an application, ultimately, your Chicago app developer is the expert. So, once they have a clear understanding of your goals and your audience, they should know how to best reach the user. Your developer should be able to address which type of platform and OS you should focus your app development on. Should you focus on one type of device or OS to gain the advantage of native features, or should you build an app that can be implemented into all major operating systems and devices? Together, you will be able to hone in on the type of user, the aim of your project, your competition, and other market characteristics that will not only determine the overall reach of your application but the end-result user experience.
Remember, you’ll be working very closely with your chosen Chicago app developer, so take care to make sure your objectives are aligned. By asking these key questions, you’ll be able to find out if a developer is the right fit for your brand and mission so that you can create something that serves both your brand and, most importantly, your audience.
