5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an App Developer

Relevant experience: Do they have a portfolio of apps in the same or a closely related industry? For example, if you're building a food delivery app, have they worked on other e-commerce or location-based services apps?

Specific examples: Don't just accept a generic "yes." Ask for specific examples of apps they've developed, and ideally, get links to those apps in the app stores. Test them out! See how they function and read user reviews.

Detailed explanations: Encourage them to describe their role in those projects. Did they handle the entire development process, or were they part of a larger team? What were the biggest challenges they faced, and how did they overcome them?

Lack of relevant experience: If they haven't worked on similar apps, it doesn't automatically disqualify them, but it does mean they'll have a steeper learning curve.

Vague answers: Be wary of developers who are hesitant to provide specific examples or who can't articulate their role in previous projects clearly.

Portfolio padding: Make sure the apps they showcase are actually their work. A quick search online can sometimes reveal if they're claiming credit for someone else's project.

A structured approach: Do they have a defined process for each stage of development, including planning, design, development, testing, and deployment?

Realistic timeline: Is their estimated timeline realistic, given the scope and complexity of your project? Be wary of developers who promise unrealistic deadlines just to win your business.

Milestones and deliverables: Do they break down the project into smaller, manageable milestones with clear deliverables at each stage? This will allow you to track progress and identify potential issues early on.

Vague or undefined process: If they can't clearly explain their development process, it's a sign that they may lack experience or organization.

Unrealistic timelines: Be wary of developers who promise to deliver your app in an impossibly short timeframe. Quality development takes time.

Lack of transparency: If they're hesitant to share details about their process or timeline, it could be a sign that they're hiding something.

Regular updates: How often will they provide project updates? Will they send weekly reports, schedule regular calls, or use a project management tool to track progress?

Preferred communication channels: Do they prefer email, phone calls, video conferencing, or a combination of these? Choose a developer whose communication style aligns with your preferences.

Responsiveness: How quickly can you expect them to respond to your questions and concerns? A responsive developer is more likely to be engaged and committed to your project.

Poor communication skills: If they struggle to communicate clearly and concisely, it's a sign that they may not be a good fit for your project.

Lack of responsiveness: If they take days to respond to your emails or phone calls, it's a red flag that they may be unresponsive throughout the project.

Avoidance of difficult conversations: A good developer will be willing to address difficult issues head-on. Be wary of developers who try to avoid uncomfortable conversations.

Maintenance packages: Do they offer different maintenance packages with varying levels of support? What's included in each package, and how much do they cost?

Bug fixes and updates: How quickly will they fix bugs and release updates? Do they have a process for prioritizing and addressing issues?

Long-term support: Will they provide ongoing support for your app, or will they eventually move on to other projects? Ideally, you want a developer who is committed to supporting your app for the long term.

Lack of post-launch support: If they don't offer any post-launch support, it's a sign that they're not committed to your app's long-term success.

High maintenance costs: Be wary of developers who charge exorbitant fees for post-launch support. Get a clear understanding of their pricing structure before you sign a contract.

Unclear support terms: Make sure the terms of their post-launch support are clearly defined in the contract. This will help you avoid misunderstandings and disputes down the road.

Security measures: What security measures do they implement to protect your app and user data? This could include encryption, secure coding practices, and regular security audits.

Data privacy policies: Do they have a clear and comprehensive data privacy policy that complies with relevant regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA?

Experience with security: Have they worked on apps that handle sensitive data, such as financial information or health records? What security challenges did they face, and how did they overcome them?

Lack of security expertise: If they don't have a strong understanding of security principles and best practices, it's a sign that your app may be vulnerable to attacks.

Vague answers about security measures: Be wary of developers who are hesitant to provide specific details about their security practices.

Non-compliance with data privacy regulations: Make sure they comply with all relevant data privacy regulations. Failure to do so could result in hefty fines and damage to your reputation.