According to: Design Rush
Top app development companies build high-end mobile platforms aimed at achieving tailored business objectives, such as downloads, user engagement and retention. Our expert analysts have ranked the top app developers in the world.
What Are App Development Companies?
App development companies create applications for a variety of devices including:
- Mobile devices
- Smart devices
- Wearable technology
- Web
- Tablets
- Smart TVs
- And more
They manage all aspects of app design and development, including conceptualization, development, testing, launch and maintenance.
App developers have the tools, techniques and processes to build highly performing platforms for brands and businesses across industries.
So, they plan, execute, test and develop apps aimed at growing a business effectively.
What Do App Developers Do?
App developers are qualified in coding and programming languages which allows them to develop fully functional and visually compelling applications.
The top five languages they use in 2020 are:
- Javascript (67.7%)
- HTML/CSS (63.1%)\
- SQL (54.7%)
- Python (44.1%)
- Java (40.2%)
Some of their primary responsibilities include:
Focusing On User Experience
29% of users will immediately leave an app if it doesn’t satisfy their needs. (Google)
Therefore, top app development companies conduct in-depth research to determine which features and qualities consumers want in an app.
Then, they build an easy-to-navigate platform that is simple and enjoyable to engage with.
Investing in user experience ensures that consumers continue to use the app, which ultimately grows the business.
Performing Quality Assurance Testing
Quality assurance (QA) testing is a detailed form of testing that ensures every feature and functionality works properly.
The QA phase of the project entails rigorous testing of the app prototype, where every aspect of the app experience is tested for errors, bugs and usability problems.
App developers also use QA testing before releasing new features within an existing app.
Providing Technical Support
Ongoing maintenance, support and iteration matters in keeping the app optimized, up-to-date and running smoothly.
Top app development companies continue to run diagnostics on launched apps to make sure everything is always running at peak potential.
However, very often their skills go beyond coding. So, they also:
- Interact with clients to define project requirements
- Use project management tools to streamline to manage projects better
- Have strong problem-solving and communication skills which helps them collaborate with their colleagues seamlessly
- Learn quickly and always keep up to date with app design and development trends
- And more
How Much Does An App Development Company Charge For Its Services?
The cost of app design and development largely depends on how complex your platform will be. However, there are some general rules of thumb that you can expect when it comes to pricing.
Generally, app development companies in the US typically charge per hour and their rates range between $100-$175. However, those based outside of the US charge less or approximately $55-$75 per hour.
Some firms offer more billing options, so they could also invoice you per project or based on results.
How To Choose The Best App Developer For Your Business?
Here are a few tips that will help you select the right partner for your business?
Learn If An App Development Company Can Adapt To Your Brand
Top app developers are experienced in assimilating development processes, trends and design elements to unique brands. This is key to product success.
81% of consumers claim that they need to trust a brand in order to buy from them.
So, proper branding matters for long-term business growth.
A consistent and cohesive brand identity across all channels improves recognition, facilitates better user experience and ultimately increases conversions and revenue.
This identity encompasses your logo, color palette, copywriting and messaging and overall experience. All these elements should be included in your app for better performance.
Determine If An App Developer Offers Transparency & Partnership
Strong organization, clear communication and a detailed timeline are the hallmarks of a top app developer.
By sharing their overall process, team structure, programs they use and more, an agency is telling you that they are confident in their method and trust you as clients.
The best app development companies will be forthcoming about their creative and logistical process.
Understand Which Team Members Will Be Working On Your Project
Before you hire a specific agency, take the time to learn about their individual team members. Understand their work experience, successful projects and even their overall design aesthetic.
Plus, take the time to learn what each team member’s experience is and how dedicated they will be to your project. Ensure you are comfortable with every person who will be working on your project to guarantee the best results.
10 Questions To Ask App Development Companies Before You Hire The Right One
Not all app development companies are the same, and it’s important that you do thorough research before deciding on a partner to work with.
Keep these questions and considerations in mind when scouting to make your choice easy:
1. Have you ever worked on a similar project?
Although you should not consider it a key deciding factor, yet it is recommended if you partner with an app developer that has previous exposure to your industry.
These experts that understand the environment your business operates well, can meet your expectations better and accelerate project delivery.
2. What are your core competencies?
Find out what the top app development companies specialize in to make sure you hire a partner with relevant experience and skills.
Every company in our table has its own strengths and weaknesses and finding the right match for your project will result in a fully functional, visually compelling and highly performing product.
3. Who will be working on this project and what will their role be?
Learn which app developers will work on your project and whether they have the required technical skills to execute your project.
Ask to see their up-to-date portfolios to get an insight into their past work, the projects they have worked on and the results they have delivered.
This will help you understand whether they have the necessary qualifications and relevant experience to work on your app design and development.
4. What Is Your App Developer Retention Rate?
This is a key question to address to understand how stable are the potential app development companies.
Learning whether they can retain their employees or not can be an indicator of project success.
Obviously, you wouldn’t want to waste your time partnering with an agency that trains newcomers constantly.
5. What is your approach to user experience?
In the first quarter of 2020, there were almost 1.85 million available in the Apple App Store only. (Statista)
With so many apps to choose from, modern consumers have become very much selective in their digital consumption.
And to engage and retain these users, you need to ensure outstanding user experience.
This is why you should enquire how each app developer approaches this process.
6. How will you determine the project timeline?
The project timeline is a key element of project management. It captures the essence of what the project will accomplish and it helps you understand how long it will take.
Creating comprehensive, accurate timelines will allow your app developers to get your project off on the right foot.
So, when setting a launch date, they should consider:
- Your requirements
- The tasks that should be completed
- The order of these activities
- The deadlines
- The app developers schedules
7. What app design and development methodology do you prefer using?
According to Issuu, the most preferred methodologies among app developers are:
- Agile
- Waterfall
- Prototype
- Spiral
Whichever app design and development method these experts favor to use, make sure they fit your business.
For instance, while Agile is the gold standard among most of them, it does require regular meetings and closely-knit teams.
So, find out how carefully they select their methods and whether they consider their clients’ location since these will define the way you and your company collaborate and the way the process flows.
8. How will I be involved in the app design and development process?
A professional app development company will know that client involvement in the development process matters for the project’s success.
Thereby, they should come up with a plan of tasks and that will speed up the decision-making process and accelerate the delivery of your product.
9. Who will own the code after the launch?
Asking about the intellectual property (IP) ownership will help you understand who will own the source code of your product.
In general, the app developer that builds the app owns it. However, you might want to select a company that will name you the owner of your app as your intellectual property.
This will grant access to all the files around your application for future use.
10. What does the contract include?
Work with an app development company that agrees to sign a legal contract. It should define the conditions under which your application will be delivered including:
- Your requirements
- The methodology they will use
- The launch date
- Your app features
- The project’s size
- Confidential data security
- QA testing
- And more
We recommend consulting a lawyer to review the terms and clauses before you sign it.
Who Are The Best App Developers?
The best app development companies are award-winning, passionate and creative.
They push boundaries and drive innovation. They change brands for the better and put businesses on a successful path to results.
But not all agencies are equal. They don’t have the same talent or work in the same processes.
The best app developer in the world depends on your business needs and goals.
And by conducting proper research, you can find the right partner to grow your brand online.
