How to Choose the Best Mobile App Development Company for Outsourcing

Ever thought of building a mobile app for your business only to have tech jargon make you feel dizzy? Well, you're in pretty good company. Numerous organizations outsource for several reasons.

However, when asked, 70% of companies cite cost-cutting as the primary motive to outsource.

Building a mobile app is not exactly something you could do with your eyes closed, and you wouldn't want to start since tech skills are not your forte. Rather, another way to do it with far less headache would be to outsource mobile app development.

But hang on. Can outsourcing actually function for your particular business? How do you find such a partner, then control the quality and manage the whole process? Partnering with the right mobile app development company can make all the difference. Let's walk through the process of finding one step-by-step in a way that actually makes sense.

Why Outsource Mobile App Development?

You know it—your team has a lot on their plates, your time and resources are limited, and app development is an expertise you don't see much of lying around the office. Outsourcing your app development to the best mobile app development company you know could provide the much-needed relief from a headache so you can get back to the stuff you excel at: managing business growth. 

• Cost saving: Hiring full-time developers, paying for software licenses, and sustaining infrastructure costs more than you would think in a very short time. With outsourcing, you pay for only what you need.
• Access to Specialized Talent: Outsourcing can be beneficial because you gain access to highly trained developers who are specialists in their own domain, leaving you to worry about hiring, training, and maintaining an internal team. 
• Flexibility and Scalability: Need to ramp up or slow down? Outsourced teams adjust faster than in-house ones, fitting neatly around your changing business demands.

But not every outsourcing experience is equal. 

Mobile App Development: Outsourcing vs. In-House

When you decide to pursue mobile app development, you could either set up an in-house team or choose an outsourcing option. Each option has its opportunities and limitations.

In-House Development

This is a considerable advantage; the team deeply understands your business and directly controls its workings. 

They are also helpful for long projects. I mean teaming up with another company to make a true Facebook competitor, for example, requires great collaboration and armloads of resources. 

But it's expensive; recruitment, equipment, and workspace costs add up, and they may not have the external expertise of specialized agencies. 

Outsourcing Development

Hiring for one time neat and tidy charges several outsourcing design costs. And at the same time, it brings efficiency and speed. Several kinds of organizations can take an offshore contractor. 

Obviously, startups, mid-sized organizations, and bigger organizations, although external companies, will not have the flexibility of freelancers or in-house staff. 

Outsourcing Options

If outsourcing, choose from:

• A mobile app development firm
• Freelance developers
• An outsourced development company

Your decision depends on the project scope, app type, and, of course, budgetary limits. Freelancers suit the development of simple apps, being specialists and cost-saving. Some even organize themselves into agency-like teams. 

A specialized company for complex apps provides a whole cast of professionals that includes Android/iOS developers, UI/UX designers, testers, and project managers—just perfect if building from scratch.

How to Outsource App Development in 8 Clear Steps

Have an exciting idea for an app popping around in your head? Maybe that is a good reason to outsource to a company for mobile app development. Here is a good place to start for getting started smoothly on the whole process:

Step 1: Define Your App Vision

Clearly define all goals for your app, user base, platforms (iOS, Android, or both), core functionalities, and revenue models. 

The more details you provide, the more sound your selection of the right partner will be and the fewer major mid-course changes you will have to deal with. 

Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget

Put together a budget that is flexible enough to accommodate any changes that may occur during your app development. 

Get estimates from reputed outsourcing service providers or freelancers. The correlation between price and quality is not a direct one. So, you should consider this when making your decision. 

Step 3: Choose the Right Location

Onshore, nearshore, or offshore—your choice will depend on your priority. If cost is more important to you than communication or specialized skills, then offshore could just be the answer. 

To some extent, be mindful of establishing acceptable communication habits from the get-go in case work becomes even more distant. 

Step 4: Screen Potential Developers

Perform due diligence that includes checking portfolios, testing previous applications they made, and searching for independent feedback on sites like Clutch. At this juncture, Candor will play an enormous part in distinguishing some candidates from others.

Step 5: Contact Your Top Picks

Get in touch with your top five. Request info about the most recent projects they worked on, client references, the training they provide, and their chosen communication tools. 

Get as many details as possible that would allow you to make a confident choice.

Step 6: Pick Your Engagement Model

Decide between Time and Materials (harder to manage, but offers maximum flexibility) or Fixed Price (tighter definition, same price at the end). 

Make your choice according to how flexible your project is, given its available budget constraints.

Step 7: Ensure Legal Protection

Make sure to protect it with rock-solid contracts, including NDAs for confidentiality, IPR agreements so you retain ownership, and SLAs defining service level standards. 

With freelancers, consider splitting payments into multiple stages to keep everyone protected. 

Step 8: Keep Communication Flowing

Timely and clear forms of communication are a must. The outsourced firm normally proposes a project manager. If a freelancer is involved, ensure to set ground rules for check-ins and preferred methods of communication.

Managing Quality: Your Role Doesn't End Here

Think outsourcing means setting things on autopilot? Think again. Successful outsourcing needs your ongoing involvement (but don't worry, it's easier than it sounds!).

• Set Clear Expectations: Clearly outline your expectations from day one. Define your benchmarks for success and deadlines to keep everyone accountable.
• Regular Feedback Loops: Regular feedback sessions ensure the app aligns perfectly with your vision. Don't wait until the final reveal to raise concerns—that’s a recipe for disappointment.
• Testing, Testing, Testing: Seriously, never skip testing. User feedback and rigorous QA (quality assurance) testing catch problems early and save costly fixes later on.

Overcoming Common Outsourcing Pitfalls

Let's be real—outsourcing isn't always sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes, misunderstandings or missed deadlines happen. But with a bit of awareness, you can sidestep the common pitfalls:

• Misaligned Expectations: Clearly document your project requirements and confirm understanding before starting work.
• Cultural Differences: Acknowledge and address potential cultural communication gaps upfront. Clear language, visual examples, and open dialogues can bridge gaps effectively.
• Security Concerns: Worried about your intellectual property? Protect your business with well-drafted NDAs and clearly-defined intellectual property rights agreements.
  

Conclusion: Is Outsourcing Worth It?

So, here's the million-dollar question—should you outsource your mobile app development? Honestly, it depends. If your goal is to innovate rapidly, access specialized expertise, and do it all without breaking the bank, outsourcing might be your best bet. 

Why is that so? This research shows that 83% of companies were able to cut costs. And at the same time, 82% levelled up their workflow efficiency. All of this thanks to outsourcing.

Ultimately, outsourcing mobile app development is like hiring a seasoned guide to navigate a new city. They know all the shortcuts and must-see sights, but you still get to decide where you're headed.