Having a great app idea is just the beginning. Finding the right team to build it is where the real challenge starts. Learning how to choose a mobile app development company can be the difference between app success and a waste of time and money.
With the mobile app market expected to reach $673.79 billion by 2027, businesses are rushing to create apps that connect with customers. But how do you find the perfect partner to bring your app vision to life?
In this guide, we’ll walk through 10 simple steps to help you choose a mobile app development company that fits your needs, budget, and goals—without getting lost in technical jargon or making costly mistakes.
Why Choosing the Right App Development Company Matters
Picking the wrong app development partner can lead to:
- Wasted money on an app that doesn’t work properly
- Months of delays and missed opportunities
- An app that users find frustrating or confusing
- Security problems that put your data at risk
On the flip side, the right mobile app development company will:
- Understand your business goals and target audience
- Suggest features that actually make sense for your users
- Build an app that’s reliable, secure, and easy to use
- Deliver on time and within budget
- Provide support even after your app launches
According to a recent study, 71% of app projects that fail do so because of poor communication between clients and developers. Finding a company you can work with effectively is just as important as their technical skills.
1. Know What You Want: Define Your App Goals First
Before you start looking for app developers, get clear on what you want your app to do. Having a solid plan will help you choose the right partner and avoid scope creep (when projects keep growing and getting more expensive).
Start with these questions:
- What problem will your app solve for users?
- Who exactly will use your app? (Be specific about your target audience)
- What are the must-have features for your first version?
- What platforms do you need? (iOS, Android, or both?)
- What’s your timeline and budget?
You don’t need to have all the technical details figured out—that’s where a good development company helps. But understanding your basic goals and requirements will make it much easier to find the right fit.
Pro tip: Create a simple one-page document outlining your app idea, target users, key features, and business goals. This will help when you start talking to potential development partners.
2. Check Their Experience and Past Projects
Experience matters when choosing a mobile app development company. Look for a team that has:
- Been in business for at least 3-5 years
- Successfully completed projects similar to yours
- Experience in your industry or with similar apps
- A track record of meeting deadlines and budgets
How to evaluate their experience:
- Review their portfolio: Look for apps similar to what you want to build. Download and try them if possible.
- Look at the variety of projects: A good company should have experience across different types of apps and industries.
- Check app store ratings: If they’ve built consumer apps, see how users rate them.
- Ask about their team size and structure: Make sure they have enough resources to handle your project without delays.
A study by Clutch found that 70% of successful app projects came from companies with at least 3 years of specialized experience in the client’s industry. Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions about their past work.
3. Look at Their App Design Skills
Great app design is more than just making things look pretty. It’s about creating an experience that users find intuitive and enjoyable. When evaluating a mobile app company’s design skills:
What to look for:
- User-centered design approach: Do they focus on how real people will use the app?
- Clean, modern interfaces: Their work should look current, not dated.
- Consistency across screens: Elements should work the same way throughout the app.
- Attention to detail: Small touches often make a big difference in how users feel.
How to evaluate design skills:
- Ask to see design samples or case studies
- Download apps they’ve designed and test them yourself
- Ask about their design process and how they test usability
- Check if they have dedicated UI/UX designers (not just developers)
Remember: your app’s design will be the first thing users judge. According to a Google study, users form an opinion about a digital product within 50 milliseconds of seeing it. Good design creates trust and encourages users to keep using your app.
4. Read What Other Clients Say About Them
One of the most reliable ways to evaluate a custom mobile app company is to hear from their previous clients. Look beyond the testimonials on their website (which are always positive) and dig deeper:
Where to find honest reviews:
- Industry platforms like Clutch, GoodFirms, or AppFutura: These sites verify reviews and provide detailed feedback.
- Google Reviews and social media: Check what people are saying on less filtered platforms.
- Ask for direct references: Request contact information for previous clients you can speak with directly.
What to look for in reviews:
- Communication style and responsiveness
- Ability to meet deadlines and stay within budget
- How they handle challenges or changes
- Quality of the finished product
- Post-launch support and maintenance
Red flags include repeated mentions of missed deadlines, budget overruns, poor communication, or abandoned projects. One negative review might be an outlier, but patterns of problems should be taken seriously.
A survey by Upwork found that 84% of businesses consider client references the most important factor when hiring development partners. Don’t skip this step!
5. Understand Their Development Process
A structured development process is essential for delivering quality apps on time and within budget. When choosing a mobile app development company, ask about how they work:
Key process elements to look for:
- Discovery and planning phase: Do they take time to understand your business and users before coding begins?
- Agile methodology: Most good companies use an iterative approach that allows for flexibility and regular feedback.
- Regular updates and milestones: How often will you see progress and have opportunities to provide input?
- Quality assurance process: How do they test apps to ensure they work properly across different devices?
- Documentation: Will they provide clear documentation for future maintenance and updates?
The best companies will be transparent about their process and willing to adapt it to your needs. Be wary of any company that can’t clearly explain how they work or wants to disappear for months before showing you anything.
According to PMI’s Pulse of the Profession report, organizations with mature development processes are 21% more likely to meet project goals and 2.5 times more likely to complete projects on time and within budget.
6. Talk About Money: Pricing and Payment Options
Cost is obviously a major factor when hiring app developers. However, the cheapest option often ends up being the most expensive in the long run if you have to fix problems or completely rebuild a poorly made app.
Understanding pricing models:
- Fixed price: You pay a set amount for the entire project. Good for small projects with very clear requirements.
- Time and materials: You pay for the actual hours worked. Better for larger or more complex projects where requirements might change.
- Milestone-based payments: The project is broken into phases, with payment due at the completion of each milestone.
Questions to ask about pricing:
- What’s included in the quoted price?
- Are there additional costs for design, testing, or deployment?
- How do they handle change requests or scope additions?
- What happens if the project takes longer than expected?
- Do they offer any guarantees or warranties on their work?
The average cost to develop a mobile app ranges from $25,000 for a simple app to over $300,000 for a complex app with advanced features. Be suspicious of quotes that are significantly lower than market rates—there’s usually a catch.
Pro tip: Ask for a detailed breakdown of costs so you understand exactly what you’re paying for.
7. Communication: Making Sure You Can Work Together
Even the most technically skilled team won’t be a good fit if you can’t communicate effectively with them. During your selection process, pay attention to:
Communication factors to evaluate:
- Responsiveness: How quickly do they reply to emails or calls?
- Clarity: Can they explain technical concepts in ways you understand?
- Listening skills: Do they really hear your needs, or just push their own ideas?
- Regular updates: How will they keep you informed throughout the project?
- Tools and processes: What communication tools do they use (Slack, email, project management software, etc.)?
- Language barriers: If working with an offshore team, is there a significant language gap?
According to a survey by PMI, ineffective communication is the primary reason why 56% of projects fail. During initial consultations, watch for red flags like delayed responses, unclear explanations, or dismissive attitudes toward your questions.
A good development partner should make you feel heard, valued, and informed at every stage of the process.
8. Support After Your App Launches
Your relationship with a mobile app development company shouldn’t end once your app launches. Ongoing support and maintenance are crucial for long-term success.
Post-launch services to look for:
- Bug fixes and updates: How quickly will they address issues after launch?
- OS compatibility updates: Will they update your app when new versions of iOS or Android are released?
- Feature enhancements: How do they handle requests for new features after launch?
- Monitoring and analytics: Do they help track app performance and user behavior?
- Support packages: What ongoing support options do they offer, and at what cost?
According to Statista, businesses spend 15-20% of the original development cost on annual maintenance. Make sure this is factored into your budget, and that the company you choose offers reliable support options.
Ask what happens if you need emergency fixes—will someone be available nights or weekends if there’s a critical issue? The best companies will have clear protocols for different types of support requests.
9. Red Flags to Watch Out For
Knowing what warning signs to look for can save you from partnering with the wrong development company. Be cautious if you notice any of these red flags:
Warning signs to avoid:
- Unusually low prices: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- No portfolio or references: Reputable companies should have work samples and happy clients.
- Unclear communication: If they’re hard to reach or confusing during sales, it will only get worse during development.
- Promising extremely fast delivery: Quality app development takes time.
- No process or methodology: Good companies follow structured development approaches.
- Reluctance to sign a contract: Always get everything in writing.
- Demanding full payment upfront: Standard practice is to pay in installments.
- Not asking questions about your business: They should want to understand your goals, not just build an app.
One study found that 67% of businesses who chose development partners based primarily on low cost reported being unsatisfied with the final product. Remember that fixing a poorly built app often costs more than building it right the first time.
10. Questions to Ask Before Making Your Final Decision
Before you sign a contract, make sure you get clear answers to these important questions:
Essential questions for potential partners:
- Who will own the source code and intellectual property? (It should be you)
- Will you have a dedicated project manager or point of contact?
- How do they handle change requests during development?
- What happens if you’re not satisfied with the work?
- Can they help with app store submission and approval?
- What security measures do they implement to protect your data and users?
- How do they handle project delays or unforeseen challenges?
- Will they sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to protect your idea?
Take your time with this decision—rushing to choose a mobile app development company often leads to regrets later. Remember that you’re not just buying a service but entering a partnership that will significantly impact your business.
At American Chase, we help businesses find the right technology partners for their specific needs. Our team can guide you through this selection process with personalized recommendations based on your unique requirements.
FAQs
How much does it typically cost to hire a mobile app development company?
The cost of hiring a mobile app development company varies widely depending on complexity, features, and platforms. Simple apps typically range from $25,000 to $50,000, medium-complexity apps from $50,000 to $120,000, and complex apps can exceed $300,000. Factors affecting cost include design complexity, backend requirements, third-party integrations, and whether you need iOS, Android, or both platforms.
How long does it usually take to develop a mobile app?
Mobile app development typically takes 3-9 months from concept to launch. Simple apps may take 2-3 months, medium-complexity apps 3-6 months, and complex apps 6-12 months or more. The timeline depends on factors like feature complexity, design requirements, number of platforms, and any backend systems needed. Rushing development usually leads to quality problems, so be wary of companies promising unusually quick turnarounds.
Should I choose a local app development company or is offshore okay?
Both local and offshore development companies can produce quality apps, but there are tradeoffs. Local companies typically offer easier communication, cultural alignment, and face-to-face meetings but at higher costs. Offshore companies are often less expensive but may present challenges with time zones, language barriers, and cultural differences. The best choice depends on your budget, communication preferences, and how hands-on you want to be during development.
What information should I prepare before contacting app development companies?
Before contacting development companies, prepare a clear description of your app idea, business goals, target audience, must-have features, preferred platforms (iOS/Android), and budget range. Also helpful: competitor analysis, design preferences (examples of apps you like), timeline expectations, and any technical requirements you’re aware of. The more information you provide upfront, the more accurate their estimates and proposals will be.
Is it better to hire a company that specializes in my industry?
Hiring a company with experience in your industry can be beneficial as they’ll understand industry-specific challenges, user expectations, compliance requirements, and common features. They can provide valuable insights based on similar projects and may work more efficiently. However, a company with a strong portfolio in other sectors but excellent technical skills and a willingness to learn about your industry can also be successful, especially for more innovative or unique app concepts.
How can I tell if an app development company is being honest about timelines and costs?
To assess honesty about timelines and costs, look for detailed breakdowns rather than simple estimates, ask about their contingency planning for delays, check client references specifically about budget adherence, and be wary of quotes significantly lower than others. Transparent companies discuss risks upfront, explain what might cause changes to the initial estimate, and have clear processes for handling scope changes. Trust your instincts if something feels off during initial discussions.
What kind of ongoing support should a good app development company offer?
A good app development company should offer comprehensive post-launch support, including bug fixes, compatibility updates for new OS versions, performance monitoring, security patches, and feature enhancements. Support packages typically include different response time guarantees based on issue severity, regular maintenance updates, and analytics to track app performance. Most companies offer tiered support plans ranging from basic (critical bugs only) to premium (24/7 support with guaranteed response times).
Should I choose a company that develops for both Android and iOS?
Choosing a company that develops for both Android and iOS is generally advantageous as it ensures consistent user experience across platforms, streamlines project management with a single team, and often reduces overall costs compared to hiring separate developers. Cross-platform expertise indicates technical versatility and broader market understanding. However, if your app targets only one platform or requires highly platform-specific features, a specialized company might deliver better results for that specific platform.
Finding the right mobile app development company takes time and research, but the effort pays off with a successful app that meets your business goals and delights your users. By following these 10 steps, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and build a productive partnership.
Ready to start your app development journey? Contact American Chase today for a free consultation on finding the perfect mobile app development partner for your specific needs.
