Find Top App Developers Near You

App Developers

So you have a great idea for an app and want to bring it to life. Where to start?

App developers are becoming increasingly important for small businesses who are looking to build apps in order to improve their customers’ journey or create a new revenue stream.

At SavvySME, we can connect you with skilled app developers and agencies. All you need to do is tell us about your project and we’ll introduce you to the most suitable developers that can help.

But before we do that, let’s cover the basics. It’s important to know about the various hiring options available to you, how to find the right developer and common pitfalls to avoid.

What is an app developer?

An app developer is a software programmer who specialises in developing apps for various mobile and web operating systems including Android, iOS and Windows. They are highly skilled professionals who are fluent in coding complex systems that turn your vision into a functioning app.

You have several options when it comes to hiring an app developer:

1. Hiring an in-house app developer
2. Hiring a freelance app developer
3. Outsourcing to an app development agency 

The right option boils down to factors including your budget, scalability and launch deadlines. We’ve summarised the key benefits of each option to help you:

Pros of hiring an in-house developer:

• Communicate face-to-face
• Request for changes with a quick turnaround
• Foster stronger team culture and employee motivation 

Pros of hiring a freelance developer:

• More affordable pricing options 
• Scalability - adjust resources as per the project demand 
• Reduced overheads on paying out in-house employee benefits

Pros of outsourcing to an app development agency:

• Access to a full team of professionals including project managers, developers and designers 
• Aligned timezone and schedules - unlike an agency who may be based in another location 
• Availability - you will have a dedicated team across the full project lifecycle with clear deliverables 

How do I find an app developer?

Regardless of which option you choose, there are few things to consider when you begin your search for a developer:

1. Outline the project: What type of app do you want to create and which platform is it for? Assess your needs and map out the scope of the project as much as possible. This will help you narrow down your options for a clearer idea on which professionals you need.
2. Assess your budget: Make sure you have reviewed your finances and have factored in additional costs such as testing, maintenance and marketing (we’ve covered app development costs in a little more detail below).
3. Consider location: Do you want to be able to communicate with your developer with ease? Freelance developers could be based in another time-zone and may not be able to align with your schedule. Weigh up whether this would be a barrier for you before you begin your search.
4. Review previous apps and client testimonials: Make sure you check out their website, portfolio and client reviews. Don’t be shy asking for links to live apps which you can download and test out for yourself. This is a good place to start to understand what they can deliver for you.
5. Compare their resources: Are they outsourcing most of the development work overseas? Or do they have a team of capable developers in-house?
6. Ask about the IP: Make sure your business owns the intellectual property rights and any assets. This should be spelled out clearly before signing on the dotted line.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when hiring an app developer?

Some of the most common mistakes small business make are:

• Going with the most expensive app developer
• Going with the cheapest app developer
• Not drafting a carefully planned budget
• App developers who don’t take the time to understand your business and app idea

What questions should I ask an app developer?

To avoid the above mistakes, here are some questions to help you sift through your options:

• Have you worked with similar businesses/industries?
• Which operating systems do you use to build apps?
• What level of involvement will you require from me?
• How will you communicate with me throughout the project?
• Which app testing tools do you use?
• What are the legal/ownership rights of project materials?

How much does app development cost?

The price for app development in Australia generally comes ranges from low, medium to high depending on factors including:

• The complexity of the project
• Type of features you need
• Mobile app platform
• Maintenance requirements
• Marketing

To give you a ballpark figure, the average cost to hire an app developer to build an app starts from $50,000+ (for the entire project).

How much does it cost to hire an app developer?

The hourly rate to hire an app developer ranges between $70 to $175 per hour. This figure depends on the developer’s experience.

The above figures reflect the average cost for a custom design app with more complex features that require design, coding and development. There is also the option to use an app builder for simple apps with minimal functionality. 

App builders are a bit like website builders in the sense that they’re mostly visual and require no coding or professional app development skills to build a fully-functioning app