How To Outsource Mobile App Development in 2023

In the digital age, when smartphones are a part of us, mobile applications have become a must-have in business strategies. An app is no longer just for entertainment; it’s a tool that makes life easier.

Statistics are more telling than words. For instance, the average US user has 80 applications on their phones and spends around 10 apps per day and 30 per month.

The COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine measures have further pushed mobile app usage worldwide. Both Google Play and App Store saw an upsurge in downloads in 2020 and continued to increase in 2022, from 143 billion to 148 billion, respectively.

Moreover, 2022 marked the mobile economy’s full bloom with a 10% surge in the average time spent on apps. Consumers are spending around 4.9 hours a day engaging with mobile applications.

With the mobile-first market expanding, more and more businesses are trying to reach a wider audience by developing a mobile app. The only question left is how to do it. Let’s find out where you can find an app development partner.

In-house Department or Outsourcing App Development

Companies looking to develop a mobile application have two paths they can take: setting up an in-house department or outsourcing app development. While the outcome is the same in both cases, the resources involved vary significantly. Establishing an in-house department requires investing a great deal of money and time into setting up a workspace, purchasing equipment, recruiting IT specialists and managers, and organizing work processes – all of which can potentially put a strain on the core operations of the company.

Outsourcing mobile app development is a more cost and time-effective option. By entrusting the project to a third-party vendor, the company can focus on its business while the developer is responsible for ensuring the technical specifications, deadlines, and smooth operation are met. Additionally, companies can benefit from reduced development costs and faster completion times.

Benefits of Mobile App Development Outsourcing

Discussing the advantages of outsourcing, let’s delve deeper and explore why mobile app development outsourcing is the ideal choice for any company:

1. Uninterrupted Workflow: Outsourcing app development allows businesses to focus on their core activities and not sacrifice corporate duties.
2. Talent and Expertise: With a lack of talent in the market, outsourcing allows access to a pool of experienced professionals at a relatively low cost.
3. Cost-efficiency: Outsourcing eliminates the need to purchase equipment, rent additional workspace and hire and train employees, resulting in long-term cost savings.
4. Time-saving: Outsourcing eliminates the need for preparation, allowing for a project to jumpstart immediately.

Risks of Mobile Application Development Outsourcing

It is not wise to assume there are no risks associated with outsourcing your app. When dealing with a third-party vendor, there is always a degree of risk. When outsourcing mobile app development, some of these risks could include…

1. Possible Leaks of Sensitive Data: Outsourcing mobile app development requires granting access to data and revealing confidential information. To protect yourself, an NDA should be signed.
2. Virtual Communication: Video conferencing can be challenging if the vendor is in a different city, so be prepared to collaborate virtually.
3. Time Zones Differences: When outsourcing to an offshore vendor, you will have to adjust to different time zones and find a solution that suits everyone.
4. Cultural Barriers: Different cultures have different styles of communication and business mindsets, so finding common ground is essential.

What to Choose: App Development Companies or Freelancers?

When considering app development outsourcing, businesses must decide between working with freelance talent or professional app development companies. The IT-outsourcing market is vibrant and ever-growing, providing businesses with a wide variety of options. To make an informed decision, it is important to understand the pros and cons of each option. Freelance talent offers a more cost-effective solution, but can lack the reliability and accountability that comes with professional app development companies. On the other hand, professional app development companies provide more reliable and accountable services, but may cost more. Ultimately, businesses must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option to determine which is best for them.

Freelancer

Freelancing is a popular option for those seeking to outsource their mobile app development. They are usually specialists with a specific skill set, who charge an hourly rate, thus making them usually cheaper than a development agency. However, it can be difficult to find a freelancer with the right combination of talent and experience for the job. While individual freelancers may have the technical ability, they may not have the same depth of knowledge and skills as an entire development team.

App Development Outsourcing Company

If you’re looking for reliable mobile app development outsourcing, an app development agency may be the best option. These agencies consist of pre-aligned teams, including iOS and/or Android developers, QA engineers, UI/UX designers, a project manager and a business analyst. This eliminates the need for you to closely monitor operations and progress, as the project manager will handle it for you. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about selecting the right team members; the professionals already know how to work together.

The cost of this service is higher than hiring freelancers, but you’ll also receive more protection and a guarantee of quality. This makes an app development agency a great choice for those seeking a reliable mobile app development solution.

Is Outsourcing Mobile App Development Worth It?

In the current digital age, having an app is no longer a luxury but a necessity. This makes businesses more accessible, allowing customers to learn about the product, make orders, or contact support with just a few clicks. This provides them with higher-quality service and boosts the brand’s reputation among the competition. Outsourcing app development is the best way to go about this. It offers a team of tech professionals at a relatively low price, freeing up your employees for their core activities. The challenge is to find the right vendor. We suggest that, depending on the budget and complexity, freelancers or off-the-shelf solutions can be used for simpler apps, while an app development company should be considered for larger projects. At Orangesoft, we offer all these services and more; book a free consultation to get an estimate. Don’t let your competition beat you to your customers – outsource your app’s development and launch it first.