How To Choose An App Development Agency?

March 18, 2019 | Black Flag Creative, Mobile Apps

We have said this before: the mobile app industry is growing exponentially – and it’s not stopping here. App downloads in 2018 totaled over 200 billion and are expected to reach over 250 billion by 2021! As far as revenue is concerned, statistics show that the industry will reach $188 billion in 2020. Looking at statistics and logistics alone, it’s quite obvious why so many businesses and entrepreneurs are trying to tap into the mobile app industry – it’s incredibly profitable if done right.

Statista Infographic Mobile App Downloads 2017, 2018, 2022  | Black Flag Creative, Los Angeles
Courtesy: www.statista.com

According to a 2015 Standish Group report, only 29% of software development projects finish successfully. One of the main reasons is that many choose the wrong app development agency. This can negatively impact business in more ways that one.

We meet clients, friends, and family members who have tried to build an app, hire a subpar agency only to fail miserably. Not only did they lose money, but they also lost valuable time. When running a business, time is precious – and so is money.

In this, choosing the right app development agency to work on your app idea is critical. There are an overwhelming number of app development agencies and, picking the right one, even if it costs more, will have a significant impact on your end product. This is not the type of product that you should be done cheaply; otherwise, you can anticipate cheap results.

At Black Flag Creative, we believe that your app development agency is your partner. So ask yourself, what do you need in a business partner to help bring your idea to life? In this post, we will try to assist you by pointing out some factors that you should look into when deciding on an agency.

1. Experience In Your Industry

One of the best tips for choosing an app development agency is to find one that has experience in your industry. While it may seem self-explanatory, many businesses have chosen to work with other app development agencies – even when they were not in direct alignment. So, for example, if your app is related to tourism, find an agency that has worked on projects related to that industry.

There are an overwhelming number of app development agencies and, picking the right one, even if it costs more, will have a significant impact on your end product.

If you are wondering why, well, since they are experienced and knowledgeable, they can also help you identify other problems or help improve your app idea. As we will discuss later on in today’s article, since app development agencies should be working hand-in-hand with you, a company that understands your market and industry can really help bring your idea into the best possible light. Additionally, in many cases, their experience can reduce production time significantly, potentially saving money in the long run.

Mobile App Developers sitting around a table, working on MacBooks  | Black Flag Creative, Los Angeles
Team Working | Photo Credit: Daniel Korpai

2. Great Portfolio

This is an obvious one. It’s crucial to see the different types of mobile apps that any agency has worked on or developed. Look for actual projects they’ve completed, projects which have already launched – and even the results, if they are available. Mobile app development agencies that have worked on successful applications could mean future success for your app. Additionally, a great portfolio will tell you a lot about the agency.

“Everything is designed. Few things are designed well.” – Brian Reed

Now, it’s important to understand that mobile app developers and agencies do have different skill sets. So, when you talk to the agency and discuss their past projects, ask how involved they were in those projects. Sometimes it might be only design or it could be only programming. Often it will have been both – which can be great news for you.

Experience can reduce production time significantly, potentially saving money in the long run

3. Great Testimonials & Reviews

We live in a consumer culture where, after a customer has utilized a product or service, they are encouraged to review their experience. The same is true in the digital marketing and mobile app development industry. Before signing any contracts with any app development agency, it’s important to look at their reviews and testimonials, not just on their website, but across the entire internet.

Man pointing finger, giving a one-star review | Black Flag Creative, Los Angeles
One Star Rating | Photo Credit: Gerd Altmann

At Black Flag Creative, we are proud to say that we have achieved a 5-star rating on Clutch – and been named a top app development agency in Los Angeles.

Now, there are many platforms where you can find user reviews for app agencies. Some popular examples are Clutch.com and appfutura.com. Clutch is a good platform that provides verified reviews from real clients that app development agencies have worked with. You may also want to look at companies profiles on social media, like Facebook, or even their Google My Business listing. Given how extensive the review industry has become, there are so many different platforms for consumers to review their experience.

It’s important to look at their reviews and testimonials, not just on their website, but across the entire internet.

4. Good Communication

A good developer will always have clear, transparent communication from the initial stages until after the launch of your mobile application. They will try their best to involve you with all stages; research, design, and development. At Black Flag Creative, each client will receive feedback and insight throughout the entire process from their account manager. This gives each of our clients an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about our process and what we do.

“Communication is the key for any global business.” – Anita Roddick

We firmly believe that it’s important to keep clients on track, share progress, and get feedback. This ensures less error and proper execution of your idea. If we can work through kinks and feedback during the process, this alleviates frustrations or edits further down the line.

If you aren’t familiar project or account managers, they should be friendly yet professional, responsive, always ready to answer your questions, and take your feedback humbly. They even might take extra measures and invite you to join some platforms like Slack or InVision.

5. Has An Amazing Design Team

If you have read other articles about choosing an app development agency, by now, you probably understand how important it is to have a good design team. At the end of the day, having a high-quality mobile app requires a design skill set.

21% of millennials will delete an app because they don’t like how it looks on their home screen. – ComScore

In this industry, given how saturated the mobile application market is, a beautiful design is critical. If you are planning on standing aside from the competition, capturing new consumers, and becoming popular among your current base, the design should be a top priority. To discover an app development agency’s design skills, review their portfolio and website.

Their portfolio will tell you how good their design team really is. If their design abilities are lacking, it will not matter how well your project is developed, users might be reluctant to download your app. For example, today, there are many mobile apps that are designed for similar functions with similar features. However, users will choose the one app that is visually appealing, easy-to-use, and less complex, graphically. In truth, having a team of skilled designers it’s critical for the overall success of your future app.

A good developer will always have clear, transparent communication from the initial stages until after the launch of your mobile application.

Picture of an iPhone X and a MacBook that’s showcasing graphic design work  | Black Flag Creative, Los Angeles
MacBook & iPhone X | Photo Credit: Daniel Korpai

6. Works Like A Partner

In more ways than one, a professional app development agency should work and act as an extension of your business; a partner if you may. Experienced app development agencies work directly with their clients to help validate their ideas – and assist in whatever way they can.

For example, top-notch agencies will share experience and suggestions to help empower and improve your future product. They will help you decide which design will be best for your user base, which platform to start with, how to test your app, strategies to promote your app, and much more.

Mobile App Developers sitting around a table, working on MacBooks  | Black Flag Creative, Los Angeles
Team Working | Photo Credit: Icon8

It is crucial to find an agency that will treat you like a collaborator because you are. It is also important to maintain a working relationship with your agency because, after your app launch, you will have to add new features and update your app as design trends shift.

All in all, app development is a process that you should be fully involved in – and good agencies understand this. This is why, at Black Flag Creative, our project managers keep our clientele informed and involved at all times.

Black Flag Creative – Your App Development Agency

Remember that this is an investment. Like any investment, you should take time and be wise about your decision. When choosing an app development agency, it’s imperative to do research. There are so many different app development agencies, all charging different prices and offering different skill sets. Picking a company that’s aligned directly with your business’ goals and interests is what will take your app idea to the next level.

At Black Flag Creative, an award-winning Los Angeles mobile app development agency, our crew takes pride in assisting clientele, no matter what their app idea may be – and making it into a reality. We have helped countless businesses transform their business with custom app design and development – improving their outreach and even their bottom line.

Take a minute and stroll through our many treasures and see how we have helped local businesses bring their vision to life. Should you have questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (916) 491-0607.

If you are wondering how much your app idea may cost, Black Flag Creative has a unique tool that can make planning so much easier.

Click here to get a mobile app cost estimate today!

Thank Ye for Reading Matey!