Understanding your project needs, 5 key factors to consider, questions to ask prospects and red flags to watch out for – this is how to choose the best app development company for your project.
Need to develop a new tech product to delight and surprise your customers or streamline business processes?
Great! South Africa boasts a lot of talented developers, each offering different strengths and specialities. The key is to find a partner that aligns perfectly with your project’s scope, business goals and working style.
As strategic tech consultants and software developers headquartered in Cape Town and serving South Africa, Africa and abroad, we at Specno have hired, trained and managed hundreds of developers and app development teams, so we know the South African software development space very well - see our list of emerging trends and opportunities in app development in South Africa and how much it really costs to hire an app developer in Africa.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to find and choose the best app development company for your needs in South Africa.
Before you start looking for an app development company, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what you need. Are you looking to invest in a customer-facing mobile or web app, or is it more of a complex enterprise solution you’re after?
Defining your project scope will help you narrow down your options and give you a clearer picture of the kind of development company you’d ideally need to work with (more on this in Step 2). See what you should know before you start developing an app.
Consider the full lifecycle of the app, including development, deployment, and post-launch support. A clear budget will also help you focus on companies that offer services within your financial range. See how much it costs to build an app in SA and how much it really costs to hire an app developer in Africa.
A development team’s expertise and experience are critical to the success of your project. As mentioned in our guide on choosing an app developer, it’s essential to examine the company’s portfolio to see if they have built apps similar to what you need.
If you’re in the FinTech space, for instance, finding a developer with a strong track record in that industry can be invaluable. Also, look for industry recognition, awards, and certifications that indicate a high level of proficiency.
For example: If you take a look at our profile on Clutch, you’ll see it gives you loads of valuable insights; from our portfolio to customer reviews, industry reputation, awards and more.
You can’t overstate the importance of checking a development company’s client reviews and testimonials – software development is a complicated and long-term process. Again, platforms like Clutch provide comprehensive reviews that detail a developer's strengths and weaknesses.
Checking references and direct feedback from previous clients can offer deeper insights into their reliability and quality of work. As noted in the previous post, our reviews are publicly available on Clutch’s Specno reviews page, where you can see project scopes, client feedback, and results.
Another resource to also look out for is your prospective development company’s portfolio. You’ll be able to see from their past clients and work whether they’re right for your project. Please feel free to peruse Specno’s portfolio here.
Understanding the development process is vital. An effective process includes stages like wireframing, prototyping, and iterative testing as well as the design and development phases. A developer who follows an Agile methodology, for example, ensures that the project remains flexible and can adapt to changes as needed.
Specno’s entire development process is Agile, complete with sprints and dedicated product owners, ensuring that you are part of the journey from start to finish.
For example: You can review our entire approach to app design, including the full app design process, our design costs and even how long it takes to design an app. And then separately explore our approach to mobile app development, from concept validation to web app development and mobile app development (view the entire app development process).
It’s not enough to just develop and launch an app; ongoing support is crucial to maintaining its success. Specno offers full maintenance and support services, including performance monitoring, security updates, and scalability options – see more on our software scaling, developer insourcing and outsourcing and how we’ll even help you build your own development team.
A developer who shares your vision and demonstrates innovation is likely to contribute significantly to your project’s success. For example, at Specno, we don’t just focus on development; we help businesses navigate digital transformation with strategic digital consultation, ensuring that your app not only functions well but also stands out in the market.
1. What experience do you have with similar projects?
Ensure the developer has relevant industry experience and a strong track record with projects like yours.
2. Can you walk me through your development process?
Understand their approach, including methodologies (Agile, Lean) and how they handle communication and timelines.
3. How do you handle changes during the project?
Flexibility is key. Ask about their process for managing scope adjustments without affecting deadlines or budgets.
4. What post-launch support do you offer?
Ensure they provide ongoing maintenance, updates, and scalability options to keep your app running smoothly.
5. Can you provide client references or case studies?
Verify their claims by speaking to previous clients or reviewing detailed case studies of similar projects.
6. What is your approach to UX design and data security?
User experience and security are critical. Ask how they ensure a seamless UX and comply with data protection regulations.
7. What’s your pricing structure, and are there hidden costs?
Clarify the total cost, including any potential extras, to avoid surprises later.
When choosing an app development company, look out for warning signs that could indicate future problems. Trust and transparency are very important, so if a company is vague about costs, timelines, or processes, it’s a warning sign.
Inconsistent communication can also quickly derail a project. If a developer is slow to respond or fails to provide regular updates, it could lead to delays and misunderstandings, so do keep an eye out for that, as well as their post-launch support – an app’s success depends on ongoing maintenance and updates.
Finally, be wary of any ambiguity around intellectual property (IP) ownership. Your contract should clearly state that your company retains full ownership of all IP created during development to avoid disputes down the line.
The good news is that Specno is a development company in South Africa, and we are recognised in the industry, with an accomplished team and track record that speaks for itself. What’s more, our team is always available to do a no-cost strategy session with you around your new product.
Need a great app development partner?
Set up a strategy session with us right here.
