Last time, we discussed the importance of understanding your marketplace, as well as predicting trends and following the success of others before creating a business plan for your app. This final instalment in the series contains three more vital steps to creating a successful mobile app: hiring the right programmer, coding, and testing.
Sustainable Programming
Hiring a programmer may actually be more sustainable than doing it yourself, especially if you’re learning as you go. Teaching yourself how to code is a good thing, but when you’re trying to create an app, it can result in unnecessary delays and even a complete stop in progress if you get frustrated and give up.
Also, You want to escape the long hours of your current job, not spend the same hours doing something different. And so it’s important to consider how much free time you’ll have later on when you’re busy creating new apps and having to update existing ones. In hiring a programmer, you’ll be able to focus on developing new app ideas while they apply their expert coding skills for a quick and profitable turnaround.
The Hiring Process
It is true that your first journey into hiring the right programmer for your app will take a while to complete. But taking the time to accomplish this will be well worth it in the end. It might be tempting just to choose whoever looks good. But you must remember that whoever you choose will be your go-to person; the one who will take your app visions and make them a reality. Just like any other relationship, the one you have with your programmer should be one of mutual trust and respect.
Creating A Good Description
You’ll need to develop a detailed description of the skills you’re looking for in a programmer, including particular programming languages. Provide a basic description of what you need to do, but save the specifics for after you’ve selected some candidates.
Advertising the Position
Post your request on one of the many popular freelance outsourcing sites, and limit the time for bidding. This will allow you to get all the bids you need in a short time. As well, remember that you get what you pay for; be willing to pay your programmer an amount that respects their programming experience and the number of positive reviews from past clients. Quality work is always worth paying for.
At the same time, it doesn’t hurt to ask if they offer a cheaper rate for new customers, as some programmers may do this. When everything’s been settled, you’ll want to make sure that you pay your programmer based on set milestones and what’s been delivered.
The Short List
Next, you’ll need to whittle down your list of applicants to the most promising few before interviewing them online or off. You’ll also need an NDA – a non-disclosure agreement – that both of you will sign before explaining your idea to them. Finally, you might want to consider giving them some sort of test to see how well and quickly they can interpret your ideas.
Communication
Regular communication will be the key to success with your programmer. Watch closely for anything that doesn’t feel right. If you aren’t happy with what they’ve done for you, the best thing to do is to move on. This step may seem daunting and full of potential pitfalls. But it will teach you much, not only about business as a whole but about how to spot the right talent for you when your business is growing and you need to add new blood to your team.
Coding and Testing
Now that you’ve chosen your programmer, it’s important to start slowly. Begin by giving them small jobs so you can assess their capabilities. You might begin by asking them to create an icon for your app. Give them your ideas, and then request the finished version in a particular format, like iTunes Artwork. Once you’ve chosen your favourite icon, you’ll need to size it according to Apple guidelines.
Another coding assignment can be to ask your programmer to create a simple app; something that when opened displays a simple message. It should also include an icon. This small project will show you how your apps will be delivered to you. Testing your app will require the programmer to create an ad hoc version that you can run on your phone without the need to log into an app store.
To avoid difficult app installations, your programmer can use a testing service to help make the app easy to install. These two steps represent major accomplishments in getting your app to market.
The next steps will be to market and generate revenue. To do this, some serious business planning will be required. The good news is that you can get professional and affordable help to accomplish this step too. With the help you need at your fingertips, there’s no reason why your app business cannot be a resounding success.