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You've come up with a brilliant idea for a new app. But to bring that idea to life, you need someone to help you build it into what it needs to be—and be done in time for the launch date. If that's the case, your best option will probably be to hire a mobile app developer.
A competent mobile app developer can help your business grow and expand its reach efficiently. But where do you find such developers and how do you know who's good enough?
This is what today's post aims to do. In this guide, we've compiled a list of the 16 best websites for hiring app developers. We’ll also go through the responsibilities of a mobile app developer in greater depth, as well as what skills to look for when hiring one.
After reading this guide, you’ll know which website is best suited for your needs and also have a solid understanding of the various hiring models and the steps that go into the hiring process.
3 Major Responsibilities Of A Mobile App Developer
Three key responsibilities of a mobile app developer are outlined below to help you understand what to expect from them.
1. Plan, Develop, And Launch The App
As mobile app developers, they’ll be responsible for planning, developing, and launching the app. The most important thing a mobile app developer needs to do is understand the idea behind the product. This means that they must know what the end goal is:
- How will users interact with the product?
- What kind of data do they need to provide for it to work?
- How can they access certain features or functions within the application itself?
Once these questions are answered, they need to carefully plan and develop it, then test and launch it to get user feedback.
2. Testing And Quality Assurance (QA)
Quality assurance is one of the major responsibilities of a mobile app developer since it ensures that the app meets the customer’s expectations and the project requirements. The mobile developer must have the ability to manually or automatically test your application at all levels (i.e., functional and non-functional).
3. Providing Maintenance And Support
App developers are also responsible for maintaining and supporting the mobile application after its development. This includes bug fixes, updates, and adding a new feature list.
To ensure that all users continuously receive a stable experience with your product, the developers must regularly update the app with bug fixes and add new features and security patches to maintain user security. These must be done periodically rather than waiting until there's an issue.
Now let’s take a look at the skills that you must look for when hiring a mobile app developer.
5 Skills A Mobile App Developer Must Possess
If you are in the market to contract mobile app developers, then pay attention to hiring someone who possesses these five essential skills.
I. UX/UI Design Expertise
For creating a top-notch user interface that offers a great user experience, a mobile app developer must be familiar with UX/UI design standards and mechanisms. They need to translate the designs well enough so that other people can understand them and use them effectively.
An in-depth understanding of the UX/UI design elements will establish a strong foundation for the development, increase customer satisfaction and boost customer engagement.
II. Knowledge Of Programming Languages
If you're looking to hire a developer to build apps for Android or iOS mobile phones, then you should make sure that the candidate must have an understanding of the basics of both Android and iOS to develop native apps for these platforms.
The first and foremost thing that strikes the mind when it comes to native app development is Java as well as Kotlin for Android and Swift and Objective-C for iOS. Native programmers can write code for their devices in a language specific to those operating systems, so they can understand the ins and outs of how each device operates and what makes it tick.
They can handle errors, debug, and optimize your program also depends on this knowledge of native languages.
III. Proper Documentation Of Code
A mobile app coder should properly document the code since documentation is a crucial part of any project. It's important for the app development team, it's important for the developer himself, and it's even more important for you as a client.
This allows mobile developers to reference the code later to understand what it does and how it works. Additionally, documentation will help when doing code reviews with other developers or clients who may not be as familiar with development programming languages as they are.
IV. A Strong Understanding Of APIs Integrations
APIs are the backbone of any mobile app. They're used to integrate data from third-party sources, as well as your systems and other apps. The app developer that you intend to add to your in-house team must have a thorough understanding of different API integrations.
With the use of this expertise, they can create apps that are more cost-effective while also being more efficient and functional.
V. Clear Communication Skills
Communication is what keeps things running smoothly throughout the development process so that everyone goes home happy at the end of their day. And it is true for any mobile app developer as well. Mobile developers must have strong communication skills as they are crucial for working with teams, clients, and partners.
They should know how to communicate professionally at all times and use different communication tools for any project to be successful. This skill also helps ensure that everyone understands exactly what is expected of them so there aren't any surprises later down the road.
Now that we are aware of the qualities we should seek in a mobile app developer, let's examine the various methods for finding and hiring talented developers.
3 Different Models To Hire Mobile App Developers
Here are 3 hiring methods that can make it easier for you to find the ideal app developer.
A. Hire In-House App Developers
If you’re looking for a mobile application developer who can keep your company on the cutting edge of technology, then hiring in-house is the best option. In-house developers offer several advantages over other methods that include:
- Better flexibility
- Easy communication
- On-time project delivery
- Better team management
- Lesser security vulnerabilities
- Full control over the processes
- Immediate support in case of any code glitches
B. Hire A Mobile App Development Agency
Hiring a mobile app development company is the best option if you want to work with an expert while keeping the development costs lower. A good agency will have years of experience, so they'll know how to build your app the right way.
If you're looking for ways to reduce the costs of app development while still getting quality results out of your project, hiring Aloa might just be what you're looking for. We have a dedicated team of developers who have the relevant experience and expertise to undertake the most complex projects.
These app programmers undergo a rigorous vetting process that assesses them for a combination of skills including cross-platform app development skills, analytical skills, and soft skills. Our one-of-a-kind communication process will always keep you updated with the most recent progress on your project.
Owing to our global business presence, our developers are experienced in working in any setting, may it be working as remote employees or being a part of some in-house structure.
C. Hire A Freelance Mobile App Developer
If you're looking for someone who can work remotely and save money, hiring freelance app developers through an online platform is a great option. Freelance mobile app developers work when it's most convenient for them, and they'll often deliver their services at a lower price than hiring someone full-time.
Finding a skilled and trustworthy developer, however, is challenging even though freelance platforms are swamped with thousands of developers. Freelancers are frequently associated with poor quality and delayed deliverables. Therefore, it is always advisable to read the reviews posted by the candidate's clients as well as go through the successful projects that they have previously done.
A few other factors that need to be considered when hiring a mobile app development freelancer include time zone differences, possible language barriers, and cultural differences.
The 9 Essentials For Hiring A Mobile App Developer - The Ultimate Checklist
Here are some recommendations for finding mobile app programmers who will work best for your project.
1. Determine Your Timeline
As with any project, you must have a timeline for app development. This will help you determine how long it will take to complete your project and what steps need to be taken to meet that deadline.
By layering out all the things and having clarity on the timeline, you’ll know what sort of hiring model works best for your case. If you are on a tight schedule and want to launch the app sooner, then hiring a remote team from a mobile development company or having an in-house team is a better option. Additionally, it will clarify at what stage in the process of developing your app you should hire a developer.
2. Gather App Requirements
Before you start your project, it’s important to define the app development requirements.
- What type of app do you want to build?
- Is it about selling services or products?
- What do you want the app to accomplish?
The answer will help determine the kind of developer that is needed to code relevant features and functionality. Additionally, it will determine whether or not the applicants you are evaluating are capable of fulfilling all of your needs. You can also figure out the features that need more time spent on them than others so that no unnecessary delays occur during development (like having the wrong codebase).
3. Budget Wisely
Always budget wisely so that there are no surprises later down the line. You don't want to spend more than necessary on something that doesn't meet its goal. Consider how much money is available in your budget for development as well as how much you would spend on the developer's salary and other benefits.
The cost of app development depends on what you need from the app and how much work is involved. For instance, if you're creating an app for simple tasks like playing music or checking the weather, then hiring a mobile developer who has experience with these app types will likely be less expensive than the advanced app developer who specializes in developing enterprise-level apps like a Fintech or eCommerce app.
With an average hourly rate of $48 for app development, the average cost of app development can rise significantly, so do your research and carefully weigh all factors before making a decision. Find a developer that fits your app development budget, with experience in the industry you are working in.
4. Don't Rush The Hiring Process
It's important to find the right application developer, but it can be tempting to jump right into a contract with software development companies that offer "the lowest price”. However, you should take your time and ensure that they understand your project needs before signing anything.
5. Test The Developer's Technical Expertise
Once you've chosen a developer, it's time to test their technical expertise. You want someone who has development experience in your industry and knows how to work with the technology that you intend to use.
Test their knowledge of your industry by asking them questions about any specific aspects of your business or customers' behaviors that could be affected by changes in your app's design. Make sure that they are up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and developments in the coding world. You can even give them a take-home coding challenge to demonstrate their skills.
6. Review Their Portfolio And Testimonials
You can tell a lot about a developer by looking at their portfolio. It’s important to check the quality of their work, as well as their experience and skill set. If their portfolio is filled with samples of high-quality apps then this is positive information because it shows that they have created many successful apps in the past.
Similarly, if they have worked on a wide range of projects, from small-scale projects to large-scale ones, it indicates that they can handle different kinds of projects with ease.
7. Review Their GitHub Profiles
To get an idea of the developer's experience, look at their GitHub profiles. GitHub is a social coding site where developers can collaborate on projects and share code. The best thing about GitHub profiles is that they're public by default, so you don't need approval from anyone else before looking through them.
Going through the profiles of potential employees gives you a greater insight into the previous projects they’ve worked on as well as their coding practices. It will not ensure that you hire the most competent developer for your mobile app development project but will also reduce the time to hire.
8. Background Checks And Employment History Verification
Before you hire app developers, it's important to look at their background and employment history. You should check their LinkedIn profile, verify their previous experiences, and any education they've received.
You can also ask for references or hire an agency that can verify all the details provided by the candidates on their resumes. It could cost a little higher, but it might end up saving you money in the long term.
9. Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) protects the confidentiality of information shared between the two parties. Make sure the mobile app developer is ready to sign it when you talk about hiring them.
If you're outsourcing your project to a mobile app development company, ensure that their staff has signed an NDA before starting work on your project. This will safeguard sensitive information from errant parties and give legal protection to your creative app idea.
Now that we are familiar with the must-haves of hiring mobile app developers, let’s take a look at their expected salaries.
Salaries Of A Mobile App Developer
Mobile app developers are one of the most sought-after professionals in the world. The market value, location, skills, and experience that the programmer possesses are just a few of the many factors that influence an app developer's ideal salary.
The average annual salary of a mobile app developer in North America is $81,290. This includes base pay of $74,874 per annum while $6,416 accounts for additional pay annually. This could involve things like commissions, profit-sharing, bonuses, and more.
16 Best Companies Of 2023 To Hire Exceptional Mobile App Developers
Our top three picks are:
- Aloa - The best overall site to hire a mobile app developer
- Blue Rocket - Forward-thinking app development approach
- Andersen Lab - Prioritizing customer satisfaction
We will now present a list of 16 exceptional companies that offer highly skilled mobile app developers.
1. Aloa - Top Pick
Aloa is a preeminent company in the mobile app development industry to hire iOS and Android app developers. Our unwavering commitment is to create mobile applications that are not just visually appealing but also highly functional, tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our team of skilled mobile app developers is equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to turn your app vision into a tangible reality.
We take pride in only partnering with the best in the business and have a stringent screening process to ensure that we only work with top mobile app developers who are proficient in cutting-edge technologies such as iOS, PHP, Java, Python, Django, and JavaScript.
Our team of the best mobile app developers adheres to the latest development methodologies to guarantee that the final product is of exceptional quality and surpasses industry standards.
At Aloa, we understand that every business has its unique characteristics and we strive to create an app that perfectly aligns with our client's goals. To achieve this, we maintain close communication and collaboration with our clients throughout the entire development process.
Our dedicated project manager is always available to keep you informed of the progress of your app and answer any questions you may have.
2. Blue Rocket - Forward-Thinking App Development Approach
Founded in 2008, Blue Rocket is a renowned full-service iOS and Android app development company based in San Francisco. With a portfolio of over 150 successful projects, they have established themselves as a leading provider of innovative digital solutions.
At Blue Rocket, they prioritize human-centered design and have a proven track record in designing and developing mobile and IoT solutions that cater to the needs of consumers. Their forward-thinking approach streamlines the project development process for clients and ensures that their projects are delivered on time and within budget.
The company's approach to problem-solving is simple yet effective. They first aim to understand the problem at hand, then proceed to design a solution, and finally, build it with unwavering dedication, even in the face of rapidly changing technology. With Blue Rocket, clients can expect a seamless and technologically advanced digital experience.
3. Andersen Lab - Prioritizing Customer Satisfaction
Andersen Lab is a leading custom software development company that is known for providing the industry-best mobile and web app developers. With over 16 years of experience and a portfolio of 1000+ successful projects across a diverse range of industries, they have established a reputation for delivering outstanding results.
Their client retention rate of over 90% speaks volumes about the exceptional quality of their services. Boasting a large team of over 3000 IT professionals, Andersen Lab is well-equipped to tackle even the most complex software development projects. Their team consists of highly skilled and experienced developers who can begin working on your project within 10-15 business days.
Andersen Lab offers end-to-end project delivery and ensures that every aspect of your project is managed with the utmost care and attention to detail. With Andersen Lab, you can rest assured that your software development project is in safe and capable hands.
4. Code Ninja - Ideal For Startups
As an industry leader in mobile app development, Code Ninja is committed to delivering exceptional results through their top app developers. Their rigorous multi-step screening process ensures that only the best in the industry are handpicked to join their team.
With a proven track record of delivering high-quality work, Code Ninja specializes in a variety of app development services, including staff augmentation, dedicated teams, and project outsourcing. Their exceptional skills have earned them multiple awards and recognition within the industry.
Code Ninja's team of experts has extensive experience across a broad range of fields, making them well-equipped to tackle any mobile app development project with ease. Some of these include:
- Banking
- Oil & gas
- Healthcare
- eCommerce & retail
- Logistics & transportation
5. Integra Sources - Ideal For Complex App Development Projects
Integra Sources is another top app development company that was founded in 2014 and boasts a team of 50 of the best app developers. With a track record of completing 250 successful projects, Integra Sources is committed to delivering high-quality software solutions to its clients. The developers at Integra Sources are well-versed in the latest app development tech stack.
Despite the challenges posed by different time zones, Integra Sources is dedicated to maintaining open and frequent communication with its clients. They offer flexible engagement options to ensure that their clients receive world-class products. This includes the ability to recruit dedicated app developers or outsource tasks to their team.
6. Thinksys - Most Proficient Mobile App Developers
Thinksys is a renowned app development company with a reputation for delivering exceptional web and mobile applications since 2012. The company is ISO/IEC 27001 i2013 Information Security Management System certified and is committed to delivering secure and reliable solutions.
By hiring mobile app developers from Thinksys, you gain access to a team of highly skilled professionals who stay up-to-date with the latest technologies. Their developers are certified and adhere to international coding standards. They are known for their expertise in deploying collaborative project management systems, which guarantee on-time project submissions.
7. Gaper.io - App Developers For Every Budget
Gaper.io is a premier platform recognized for its access to highly skilled app developers. The company has a rigorous screening process that evaluates candidates based on various assessments and technical interviews, only accepting the top 1% of applicants. With the aid of their Pro-Match AI-powered recruitment tool, Gaper.io can assemble a team of app developers within 24 to 48 hours.
The company caters to a wide range of development budgets, ensuring that you have access to developers who match your specific requirements. The majority of app developers at Gaper.io possess strong professional backgrounds and development skills, capable of creating revenue-generating products.
8. Working Nomads - For Greater Reach
Working Nomads is a job platform designed to connect employers with top-tier remote talent. Since 2014, it has been helping organizations source highly skilled remote software developers for various projects, including hourly work and full-time positions.
With a team of knowledgeable app experts, Working Nomads understands the hiring needs and offers the best app developers at an affordable cost. Their platform offers a 30-day validity and homepage feature, providing a wider reach by emailing 50K registered remote candidates and promoting it to their 20K+ Twitter followers.
9. Trio - One-Stop Shop For All App-Related Needs
Trio is recognized for streamlining the process of hiring app developers and making it more efficient. They bring together workplace culture, human resources, and people experience with the IT department seamlessly. The engineers at Trio are well-prepared to commence work on the project development immediately.
The developers at Trio have a high job satisfaction rate. As a result, you don't have to worry about frequent changes in resources. In addition, Trio takes care of all the necessary payroll, compliance, and benefits for remote developers which frees you up to focus on your primary objective.
10. Folio3 - Creating Impact Rather Than Apps
Folio3 is a highly acclaimed app development company that has received over 20 awards for its outstanding work. With a track record of delivering 5000 successful projects, they possess a wealth of expertise in creating innovative and user-friendly native mobile apps.
The company has a team of 700 handpicked and specially trained professionals, spread across the globe, capable of handling any project with ease. By guaranteeing improved ROI and delivering high-performing apps, Folio3 establishes itself as a premier development partner, providing clients with a seamless app development experience.
11. Appetiser Apps - Proven Innovative Mobile Apps
Appetiser Apps is a well-regarded name in the app development industry and has earned recognition as the no. 1 app development company in Australia. Their clientele includes prestigious names such as Lego, Samsung, and Europcar, among others. The apps they have developed have garnered widespread use with over 11.6 million users worldwide.
The development team at Appetiser Apps is comprised of highly skilled individuals who have been selected through rigorous coding challenges with only the top 1% of candidates making the cut. Many of these developers have worked with tech heavyweights such as Google, Apple, and Samsung.
12. Revelo - Largest Pool Of App Developers
Revelo has a vast network of over 300,000 experienced app developers who are proficient in their respective fields. The company sets itself apart from other app development companies by valuing both technical and soft skills in its developers. The app developers are thoroughly vetted for both soft and technical skills.
Revelo has the quickest time-to-hire where clients can shortlist a developer within 3 days and complete the hiring process within two weeks. If for any reason, clients are not satisfied with the developer, they are not required to pay anything within the first 14 days. The company boasts a client retention rate of over 87% which shows how good they are at what they do.
13. Vteams - Oldest Development Company
Vteams is a seasoned software development company with a rich history dating back to 1993. The company has a substantial pool of over 500 skilled app development engineers. Its efficient recruitment process enables clients to hire app developers and commence the project within just 48 hours.
The company values strong communication and regularly engages clients to ensure their expectations are met. Through continuous collaboration, a control plan is established and the team stays connected with clients via various tools, such as Trello and Asana, to minimize any potential communication gaps.
14. Utility - Most Quality-Conscious App Developers
Utility has established a reputation as an app development company that prioritizes partnerships with its clients. Known for delivering premium-grade results, the company and its developers do not compromise on quality. They prioritize speed and efficiency, adopting a "lean" methodology, but also place a strong emphasis on thorough planning and rigorous product testing.
The company enforces strict controls over the products it creates and only launches after all criteria have been met. Utility provides practical solutions for all of its clients' app development needs. They engineer clean, modern products by utilizing cutting-edge code stacks and frameworks.
15. Y Media Labs - Most Innovative Solutions
Y Media Labs has been labeled as one of the most innovative companies in Silicon Valley by the Wall Street Journal. Founded in 2009, the company operates from six global locations and has worked with Fortune 500 companies.
Y Media Labs has contributed to the development of TensorFlow for Google and created the inaugural PayPal app. The company is renowned for delivering exceptional mobile app solutions to its clients. The app developers at Y Media Labs are among the industry's finest with 60% of the team comprised of skilled engineers.
16. Competenza Innovare - Most Secure & Scalable
Competenza Innovare is a well-regarded app development agency renowned for delivering top-tier applications. With a team of experienced app developers proficient in a range of domains, Competenza Innovare offers premium development services. The company discourages freelancers and prioritizes employing full-time team members and 40% of its staff are senior-level resources.
Competenza Innovare invests in secure and advanced infrastructure that prioritizes security and scalability. The company has an impressive 75% client retention rate, due in part to the creativity and productivity of its developers. They consistently deliver best-in-class quality and complete projects 2 times faster than industry standards.
Having evaluated the top websites for hiring mobile app developers, let's examine their responsibilities in greater detail.
Conclusion
Hiring a mobile app developer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as an entrepreneur. You need to find the best people and hire them at the right price. However, there are crucial factors to consider when choosing an app developer.
We hope that this guide has given you a good idea of where to look for an excellent app developer. The best way to find the right candidate is by doing research. There are a lot of things that go into developing a successful mobile app and they all require different skills. The key is to understand what each responsibility entails and then hire a mobile app developer accordingly.
At Aloa, we can help you with this task and save you from the inconveniences of the hiring process. We have handpicked a team of highly experienced developers who can deliver world-class app development services on a limited budget.
To make sure that your app is as successful as possible, you can visit our website or email us at resources@aloa.co.
