So, you’ve decided that you want to build an app and hire a mobile app developer; but where do you start? The mobile app development industry is rapidly expanding and it can be difficult to pick the best developers for your idea and budget. You want to make sure that your developer is capable of creating a functioning, well-designed app that people will want to download.

Here are our tips for finding the best mobile app developer.

Check Portfolios

The very first thing you should do is ask to see a mobile app developer's portfolio (aka check out the other apps they have previously designed). You want to make sure that the UI/UX is functional and that the designs are sharp and beautiful. Great design is an integral part of building an app; aesthetically pleasing apps with easy-to-use and intuitive user interfaces will see rapid success. It’s important to see whether a mobile developer can take your vision and bring it into the tangible world.

References

Checking references and previous clients will give you a better idea of how the mobile developer works. Do they stay on time and work within your budget? Are they reliable and responsive? Do they become invested on the projects they work on? Are they capable of giving you the results you need? Seeing and hearing from other clients firsthand will give you a better idea of whether a mobile developer is right for you and your team.

iPhone or Android

What phone is the mobile developer using? If they’re creating iPhone apps, they should have an iPhone themselves. If they’re building Android apps, they should have an Android. You want to make sure the candidate is in tune with other apps for the phone they're building for; it means they’re keeping up with trends on their respective platforms and know what others in the industry are producing. Platform knowledgeability increases your chances of immediate visibility in the Apple Store or Google Play.

Money Making Scheme

You won’t be pulling any Ponzi schemes with your app, but you should specify to the mobile app developer how you plan to generate a new stream of revenue. A free app should have cleanly integrated ads, in-app purchases, or paid subscriptions. On the other hand, a paid app will concentrate on different aspects, like optimized special features or functionalities that will make it worth the money users will pay for it. You’ll want to hire a mobile app developer who is experienced in building apps that successfully generate a large amount of revenue.

Communication Procedures

Knowing how the developer prefers to communicate is crucial to your timeline. Do they prefer to speak with their clients through email, phone, Skype or in person? How often are they in touch with clients? The more you communicate with each other, the smoother the project will go.

Payment

Some developers have preset payment terms in place for their clients; others don’t. Get on the same page with your developer about price and solidify your payment plans before moving forward.

Mobile is thriving, so it can be tricky to ensure that you're hiring the right person. If you follow these guidelines, you should have an easier time finding a mobile app developer that is the perfect fit for you and your project.