In the ever-evolving landscape of mobile app development, the role of a mobile app developer remains of utmost importance. to enhance their customer reach, improve operational efficiency, and drive growth. To leverage the potential of mobile app development, CXOs (Chief Experience Officers) should consider hiring skilled mobile app developers. These professionals possess the technical expertise, platform-specific skills, and user-centric approach required to create successful mobile applications. In this article, we will explore the reasons why you should prioritize hiring mobile app developers for your organizations.
The revolution of mobile app development has brought about significant changes in the way we use smartphones and interact with digital content. In the current business landscape, there is a strong emphasis on boosting productivity and efficiency. As a result, many companies are investing in the development of mobile applications for iOS and Android platforms. These mobile apps offer users immediate and convenient access to the essential products, information, processes, and services they need.
Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the number of new app installations. Specifically, industries such as food delivery and fitness have experienced a notable surge of 23.3% in app installations. However, it’s crucial to note that a mere 9% of individuals will persist in using an app if they encounter a subpar user experience (UX).
Furthermore, they enable organizations to notify customers about updates to products, and services, and introduce new offerings. To fully harness the potential of app development, it is crucial to enlist the expertise of mobile developers. In this blog post, we will explore the key advantages of hiring mobile developers for your upcoming project.
What Is App Development?
Mobile app development refers to the process of creating software applications specifically designed to run on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. It involves the creation of mobile applications with various features and functionalities to meet the needs of users.
Mobile app development encompasses the entire lifecycle of app creation, from conceptualization and design to development, testing, deployment, and ongoing maintenance. It requires a combination of technical skills, creative design, and a deep understanding of mobile platforms and user preferences.
Mobile apps can be developed for different platforms, such as iOS (Apple) or Android (Google), each with its own set of development tools and programming languages. The development process typically involves writing code in languages like Swift or Objective-C for iOS apps, and Java or Kotlin for Android apps.
During the development phase, developers work on implementing the desired features and functionality of the app, ensuring a smooth and engaging user experience. This may include integrating with device features like camera or GPS, utilizing APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to access external services, and incorporating interactive elements such as touch gestures.
Testing is a critical part of the mobile app development process. It involves checking the app’s performance, functionality, compatibility with different devices and operating systems, and user interface responsiveness. Testing helps identify and fix bugs, ensuring a high-quality app before its release to the public.
Once the app is ready, it can be published and distributed through app stores, such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, where users can download and install it on their mobile devices. Developers often provide ongoing maintenance, updates, and support to address issues, improve performance, and introduce new features based on user feedback and evolving market trends.
Mobile app development plays a significant role in today’s digital landscape, empowering businesses, organizations, and individuals to deliver services, engage with users, and provide solutions through mobile devices.
Types of App Development
There are several types of app development, each catering to different platforms, technologies, and purposes. Here are some common types of app development:
Native App Development: Native apps are built for specific platforms, such as iOS or Android, using platform-specific programming languages and tools like Swift/Objective-C for iOS and Java/Kotlin for Android. They offer the best performance and access to device-specific features but require separate development efforts for each platform.3
Cross-Platform App Development: Cross-platform apps are developed using frameworks that allow code sharing across multiple platforms. Developers write the code once and deploy it to multiple platforms, such as iOS, Android, and sometimes even the web. Examples of cross-platform frameworks include React Native, Flutter, and Xamarin.
Web App Development: Web apps are accessed through web browsers and do not require installation from an app store. They are built using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Web apps can be responsive and run on various devices, making them platform-independent. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are a type of web app that can offer a more app-like experience by leveraging additional features like offline capabilities.
Hybrid App Development: Hybrid apps are a combination of native and web apps. They are built using web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and then wrapped in a native container, which allows them to be installed and run like native apps. Popular hybrid app frameworks include Apache Cordova and Ionic.
Enterprise App Development: Enterprise apps are specifically designed for businesses to streamline their internal processes and improve productivity. These apps often integrate with existing enterprise systems and databases and may include features like data synchronization, secure authentication, and access control.
Game Development: Game development involves creating mobile or desktop games. It requires specialized tools and frameworks, such as Unity or Unreal Engine, and often involves complex graphics rendering, physics simulations, and game mechanics implementation.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) App Development: AR and VR apps utilize technologies to create immersive experiences. AR apps overlay virtual content in the real world, while VR apps provide a fully immersive virtual environment. These apps often require specialized knowledge and tools like ARKit (iOS) or ARCore (Android) for AR, and Unity or Unreal Engine for VR.
IoT App Development: IoT (Internet of Things) apps interact with and control connected devices and sensors. These apps enable users to monitor and manage smart devices remotely, gather data, and automate tasks. IoT app development often involves integrating with hardware components and communication protocols.
Benefits of Mobile App Development for your business
Enhancing Customer Relationships with Mobile Apps
The preference for mobile shopping among consumers is on the rise, with 76% opting for the convenience of shopping on their phones. Mobile apps have emerged as the preferred choice for smartphone users, surpassing websites. It is projected that payments made through mobile applications will increase from 41.8% in 2019 to 52.2% in 2023. These statistics highlight the immense value a custom mobile app holds for customers.
In today’s fast-paced world, customers no longer wish to wait for websites to load. They seek swift and effortless access to businesses at their fingertips. A custom mobile app serves as an effective solution, providing customers with immediate access to desired information and services. Furthermore, apps serve as engagement tools, allowing brands to offer exclusive app-only campaigns and deals. Loyalty programs, like Starbucks’ renowned reward program, exemplify how these initiatives attract and retain customers. Collectively, these factors contribute to the development and strengthening of customer relationships.
Reinforcing Your Brand through Mobile Apps
Contrary to popular belief, mobile apps are not limited to established brands such as Walmart or Bank of America. Small and midsize businesses have also recognized the significance of mobile apps as part of an effective mobile strategy, surpassing the realm of a mobile-friendly website alone.
A tailor-made mobile app can foster credibility, familiarity, and trust among customers, yielding remarkable results. A prime example is the cloud-based messaging app, Telegram, which has become the most popular non-game-based app globally. Telegram’s success can be attributed to its lightning-fast loading speed and user-friendly interface. By promising and delivering a seamless experience, Telegram has witnessed a significant boost in brand equity.
Uninterrupted Access to Your Business with Mobile Apps
Unlike physical stores, mobile apps offer customers uninterrupted access to your products and services 24/7. Apps are not only more convenient to navigate than websites, but they also provide targeted messaging and information. Some apps even function without an internet connection.
Customers can have their questions answered at any time, without the need to interact with customer service representatives. Additionally, finding the desired information becomes effortless, eliminating the need to navigate through multiple web pages. The convenience of a mobile app holds immense value for customers and establishes your brand as a reliable resource they can rely on repeatedly.
Valuable Customer Insights through Mobile Apps
A mobile app can be customized to align precisely with your customers’ preferences. By analyzing these preferences, you can gather valuable insights for future growth. Examining which app features customers utilize the most and identifying high-demand functionalities can inform your business decisions. Correctly gathered data and feedback from apps can even shape an entire marketing campaign.
Mobile Apps as Effective Marketing Tools
A customized mobile app elevates your marketing communication efforts. From specialized messaging and contact information to team details and engaging tools like contests and campaigns, all can be managed within the app. These elements can be branded with your colors, logos, and taglines.
These visual components contribute to a phenomenon known as effective frequency. The more customers recognize your marketing collateral, participate in campaigns, and engage with your app, the more likely they are to remember your brand in the long term.
Cost-Effective Mobile Apps
Mobile apps eliminate the need for physical marketing materials, resulting in reduced marketing campaign costs. Moreover, mobile apps can generate internal savings within your business. By increasing employee engagement, improving communication, streamlining data, and eliminating redundant tasks, apps enhance employee efficiency, leading to significant long-term cost savings. Additionally, businesses can generate revenue from their apps through targeted in-app advertisements and purchases.
Who is a mobile developer?
Mobile app developers possess the expertise to create custom applications and seamlessly integrate them with various platforms, making them indispensable in today’s digital landscape. These software wizards have mastered the art of crafting innovative mobile apps, catering specifically to the mobile platform. By leveraging their skills, mobile developers can revolutionize a company’s operations by designing applications that automate daily tasks and boost overall efficiency.
One of the key advantages of hiring a mobile app developer is their ability to provide valuable insights into business processes. They can assist corporations in gaining a deeper understanding of their workflows, identifying pain points, and devising solutions to enhance productivity. With their expertise, mobile developers can streamline procedures, ensuring they are efficient, professional, and aligned with company expectations.
Mobile app developers possess a comprehensive understanding of the application lifecycle process, allowing them to effectively manage different stages of development. Their strong coding skills, delivery strategies, and communication prowess enable them to meet business requirements and deliver successful outcomes. Additionally, they possess a profound knowledge of the out-of-the-box features and capabilities of mobile platforms. This expertise enables them to effectively communicate with clients, comprehend technical project components, design robust applications, and swiftly address any emerging issues.
The mobile app industry is experiencing exponential growth, evident in the sheer number of app downloads and revenue generated. Statista reports that in Q2 2021, users downloaded approximately 28 billion apps from the Google Play Store and around 7.9 million from the App Store. By the end of 2022, it is predicted that US customers alone will spend over $34 billion on applications through app stores. With a global user base of 7.1 billion app users in 2021, each smartphone user having around 35 or more apps installed, the demand for mobile app development shows no signs of slowing down. Global app revenue is projected to reach approximately $808 billion in 2022, compared to $581 billion in 2020.
Given the high demand and the industry’s exponential growth, investing in mobile developers can prove highly beneficial for businesses. In the following sections, we will explore the top reasons why hiring a mobile developer for your business project is a wise decision.
Reasons to Hire Mobile App Developers
Developing a mobile-powered project entails complex tasks such as API creation, workflow automation, third-party tool integration, and ensuring robust software code, security, and performance. It is a challenging undertaking that requires expertise. To accomplish these tasks, it is crucial to hire skilled mobile developers.
By hiring a mobile developer, you gain the advantage of collaborating with an experienced professional who possesses in-depth knowledge of mobile programming and optimizing cloud CRM systems. This partnership can yield significant time and cost savings for your company while enabling you to achieve more within shorter timelines. The following points highlight the key reasons why hiring a mobile developer is essential for your project:
Expertise in Mobile Development: Mobile developers bring specialized skills and knowledge in creating mobile applications, allowing them to navigate the intricacies of mobile development with efficiency and precision. Their expertise ensures that your project meets industry standards and delivers a seamless user experience.
Time and Cost Savings: Hiring a mobile developer can save your company valuable time and resources. Their proficiency in mobile development expedites the project timeline, enabling quicker delivery of your mobile-powered solution. Moreover, their expertise helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures optimal resource allocation.
Efficient Workflow Automation: Mobile developers are well-versed in automating workflows, streamlining processes, and integrating various tools and services. Their ability to optimize workflows enhances productivity and efficiency within your project, leading to improved business outcomes.
Enhanced Security and Performance: Mobile developers possess the knowledge to implement robust security measures and optimize performance within your mobile app. They can address potential vulnerabilities, safeguard sensitive data, and create a seamless user experience, thereby enhancing the overall quality of your mobile solution.
Customization and Scalability: With a mobile developer on board, you can customize your mobile app according to your specific requirements. They can adapt the application to align with your business goals, branding guidelines, and user preferences. Additionally, mobile developers can design your app with scalability in mind, ensuring it can accommodate future growth and evolving user needs.
Ongoing Support and Maintenance: Mobile developers provide ongoing support and maintenance for your mobile app. They can address any issues, implement updates, and continuously optimize the performance and functionality of your application, ensuring its longevity and user satisfaction.
Responsibilities of a mobile developer
As a mobile developer, your responsibilities typically include the following:
Mobile App Development: Your primary responsibility is to develop mobile applications for various platforms such as iOS (iPhone and iPad) or Android. This involves writing code, designing user interfaces, implementing functionality, and ensuring the app works smoothly on different devices.
Programming: You will write code using programming languages such as Swift/Objective-C for iOS development or Java/Kotlin for Android development. You need to have a strong understanding of these programming languages, as well as the mobile development frameworks and libraries specific to the platform you are targeting.
User Interface (UI) Design: Mobile developers often work closely with designers to create appealing and user-friendly interfaces. You should be able to translate design concepts into functional UI components and implement layout structures, animations, and visual effects.
Troubleshooting and Debugging: Mobile developers need to identify and fix bugs and issues in their applications. This involves using debugging tools, analyzing crash reports, and conducting testing to ensure the app functions correctly across different scenarios and devices.
Performance Optimization: Optimizing mobile apps for performance and efficiency is crucial. You should be able to identify bottlenecks, optimize code, and implement best practices to ensure smooth app performance, low battery consumption, and efficient use of device resources.
Collaborating with a Team: Mobile developers often work in teams, so effective collaboration and communication skills are important. You may need to work with designers, backend developers, quality assurance testers, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful development and delivery of the mobile app.
Keeping Up with Trends: Mobile development is a rapidly evolving field, and it’s essential to stay updated with the latest technologies, frameworks, and industry trends. This includes learning about new platform features, adopting best practices, and exploring emerging technologies that can enhance your app development process.
Testing and Quality Assurance: Mobile developers should conduct thorough testing to ensure the stability, usability, and reliability of their apps. This may involve writing and executing test cases, conducting user acceptance testing (UAT), and implementing automated testing processes to streamline quality assurance.
App Store Submission: If you’re working on commercial mobile apps, you’ll be responsible for preparing and submitting the app to the respective app stores (e.g., Apple’s App Store, Google Play Store). This involves adhering to guidelines, providing necessary assets, and ensuring compliance with app store policies.
Continuous Learning: Mobile development is an ever-evolving field, so a commitment to continuous learning is crucial. You should stay updated with new tools, frameworks, and development practices, attend conferences or workshops, and engage in online communities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Skills to look out for hiring Mobile app developers
When hiring a mobile developer for your organization, the following technical skills should be considered:
Platform Familiarity: It is beneficial for the candidate to be acquainted with API development platforms, cross-platform app development frameworks, responsive design for mobile web apps, as well as Android and iOS mobile app development platforms.
Programming Language Proficiency: The applicant should have expertise in at least one programming language relevant to your project. Additionally, for Android, iOS, or React Native development, familiarity with common programming languages such as C, C++, HTML5, JavaScript, and others is essential.
Back-End Computing: A competent mobile developer should understand various back-end computing concepts, including database management, memory allocation, hardware integration, and security, to ensure optimal performance of the mobile application.
Comprehensive Understanding of Development Phases: Building a mobile app encompasses more than just coding. Mobile developers should be well-versed in other aspects of app development, such as design, testing, and marketing. A thorough understanding of these phases facilitates the creation of a seamless app.
Business Acumen: It is crucial to assess if the candidate possesses a solid understanding of the business world and demonstrates a business-centric mindset. This knowledge enables the creation of a mobile app that enhances app visibility and generates higher revenue.
In addition to technical skills, several soft skills are vital for a mobile developer to excel in the role and succeed in a competitive market. These soft skills include:
Adaptability in an Agile Development Environment: The ability to adjust to changes and work effectively in an Agile development setting.
Strong Interpersonal, Oral, and Written Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for collaborating with team members, understanding requirements, and conveying ideas.
Project Management Experience: Familiarity with project management methodologies and practices helps in organizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and ensuring successful project delivery.
Creativity and Innovation: Mobile developers should possess a creative mindset to design intuitive and engaging user interfaces and come up with innovative solutions to challenges.
Passion for Learning: A genuine enthusiasm for learning new concepts and technologies is important for staying up-to-date with industry trends and continuously improving as a developer.
Where to find the best mobile developers?
Referrals:
Ensure clear communication with your employees or team members about the specific criteria you are seeking in a candidate. When individuals are familiar with your company culture, systems, and projects, they are more likely to refer someone who is a good fit.
Networking platforms:
The internet offers a plethora of networking platforms where you can find potential candidates. LinkedIn, for instance, hosts a vast community of developers who are readily available for work. You can browse through their profiles, evaluate their skills and achievements, and then reach out to those who appear to be a suitable match for the job.
Job platforms:
Developers are highly active on job boards, constantly seeking good opportunities. Take advantage of this by posting job openings on such platforms, attracting a large number of applications. Review the received CVs and make hiring decisions based on your assessments.
Finding a skilled mobile engineer may be challenging due to the complex nature of the profession. However, don’t worry, as we offer a comprehensive solution to meet all your engineering needs in one place!
Conclusion
In the modern business landscape, mobile apps have become essential tools that can significantly impact a company’s success. They not only facilitate the acquisition of new clients but also have the potential to substantially boost revenue. If you are seeking to elevate your business to new heights and embark on the journey of mobile app development, it is crucial to engage the services of a professional and talented mobile app developer. By doing so, you can unlock a multitude of benefits that will transform your business, enhance your brand image, and drive increased revenue.
