Finding a Developer for Your iPad App

If you have an idea for an iPad app, you’re about to discover just how much of a challenge it is to find the right developer who can bring it to life.  Conducting your first screening on the search engines is a tedious and daunting process.  There are thousands upon thousands of app developers out there, and cold-calling them for a job is fraught with peril.  Here are a few principles to consider that might make the process a little less painful:

• Get several bids.  As you begin to discuss your project with experienced developers, you’ll learn a great deal about both the development process as well as your own app.  If your prospective developer believes you’re serious about developing your product, he’ll usually be happy to discuss the nuts and bolts of the project you’ll both be undertaking.
• Don’t pinch your pennies.  The lowest bid for an app project is rarely the best one, and usually leads to either an inadequate app, or what’s known in the business as a “shattered project.”  Make sure you explain precisely what it is you want your app to do, and try to be realistic about your expected investment.  In app development, as in everything else, you get what you pay for.
• Visit the developer’s website.  If you don’t think very highly of the developer’s website, it’s likely you’ll feel the same way about the app he produces for you.  And if he doesn’t have a website, move along.
• Common sense is the key.  If your app will integrate 3D graphics and sophisticated pathing, ask your developer about his experience with that sort of programming.  If it needs to incorporate social networking, ask about that.  In other words, whatever you’re asking him to do, make sure he’s done it before, and done it well.
• Test-drive his other apps.  See what your prospective developer has in the store, download it, and kick the tires.  Does it have the look and feel you’re hoping for in your own app?  If not, keep looking.
• Experience matters.  Untested developers might very well be talented, but until they can prove that, you should keep shopping.  You want your app to be in professional hands, and it shouldn’t be up to you to pay for the developer’s training.

Ready to get started on your iPad app project?  Contact us to get three free app development quotes from experienced, US-based developers.