So you’ve come up with an amazing mobile app idea and you think it is going to be the next big thing on the Google and Apple App Store. The excitement is off the charts but as soon as you realize the amount of development work is required, it starts to fade away.
While the uniqueness of the idea is an important aspect, a good development process is what seals the deal. Where to look for good developers? Who to trust? Can a freelancer take care of my project or do I need to hire a software development company? You need to have answers to all these questions.
This is probably the most important and challenging aspect of web and app development & requires an expert eye to achieve the desired results. Let’s explore the development realm and also see who can handle it better- A web and mobile app development company or an independent developer. But before we jump into it, let’s take a look at some development prerequisites.
Web and App Development Specifics
Creating a website or an app requires a lot of brainstorming, planning, and skill and each development stage is crucial. It is important to streamline the process to develop an exceptional app. This requires the watchful eye of an experienced developer. Someone who can handle all the complexities and
identify & fix bugs swiftly during the process. The fundamentals of development process include:
- UX/UI Design
- Database
- Content creation
Related: Best Frontend and Backend Framework Combos
The complex development process is not avoidable and can get quite challenging. However, an experienced developer can help you avoid obstacles and guide you towards success. So a web and app development company or an individual, who would be more helpful. Let‘s get into the meat and potatoes of the subject.
Pros of Hiring Freelance developers
Freelance development consists of individuals offering their services in exchange for an hourly or project-based fee. These individuals are usually working via online platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, or their websites.
To make sure you’re hiring the right people, the following aspects need to be considered:
-The portfolio
It is quite hard to build a good reputation these days amidst the competition. To attract clients, freelancers pay special attention to building an exceptional online portfolio. So if you are looking to hire individuals, thoroughly going through the profiles and comparing them to others might connect you to a developer you’re looking for.
– Recommendations
Another way to find good freelance developers is to go through the recommendations from previous clients. The better the reviews, the easier it is to hire them.
So the portfolio highlights the projects and recommendations give insight into the specifics of certain projects. Let’s take a look at some advantages of hiring them.
Affordable
This is probably the biggest advantage, the cost here is considerably low compared to a company. They are affordable because in most cases, individual developers provide specific services and charge only for them.
Flexible
Freelancers are quite flexible when it comes to working hours. This could be beneficial in a scenario where the customer and the developer reside in different time zones.
These are the only 2 major benefits of working with an individual developer.
Cons
Where there are a few advantages, the disadvantages usually become more apparent in complex and time-bound projects. Here are a few of them:
It’s risky
Freelancers are quite independent in terms of the way they work. This means they also have the liberty to work on as many projects as they want. The workload may mean good business to developers but it could also mean they can bid farewell to you at any stage and only work on projects they think are important. Leaving you at the mercy of their preferences.
Difficult to manage
Unlike a web and app development company, where a dedicated QA is overlooking the development process, you cannot keep an eye on everything the freelancer is doing. Moreover, individual developers can prove to be disorganized and may have issues with time management. Thus making it hard to manage them.
Compromised product quality
In most cases, freelancers’ only motivation is the profits they make and rarely the success of clients. One reason is that they want to build up their portfolio quickly and update it with more and more projects to attract future clients.
This leads to compromised website or app quality because freelancers want to get done with the projects asap. Another reason why it could be risky hiring a freelancer.
Advantages of Hiring Web and App Development Company
They are reliable
Software development companies look after the complete development cycle. Not only are they responsible for creating an app but they can also maintain it over the long term. From conceptualization to completion and beyond, you can rely on these companies in everything.
They have a team
When working with freelancers, you hire individuals for a specific job and if another need arises, you’ll have to find a new developer for that. This will require going through the tedious process of looking for a new individual again and again.
App development companies eliminate this issue by offering a team that fulfills all development needs. You have access to different frontend and backend developers, all under one roof. Some companies also provide marketing services, so you can hire social media marketers and content writers for your web or app too.
Quality assurance
Teaming up with a web and app development company allows you to keep tabs with Project Managers, developers, and QA testers. You also get the added benefit of going through the progress reports.
Moreover, since these companies are registered businesses, you can access all the necessary documentation to make sure they are legit. These factors give you mental satisfaction and result in the creation of high-quality products/services.
Disadvantages of Outsourcing Companies
The only con of hiring a web & app development company is that it is expensive in comparison to freelancers. However, as the business grows, you will find that investments you are making in the short term will actually benefit your company in the long run, in terms of quality, money, and time as well.
Simply put, prioritizing short-term gains such as low costs and subpar development processes can prove devastating in the future. After all, what you reap tomorrow is the product of what you sow today.
If you are a startup or an accomplished business looking to scale up and move from freelancers to experienced teams, get in touch with Intagleo.
