10 key points for choosing a custom mobile development agency

Choosing the right mobile development agency is crucial to the success of your project. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make the right decision, and learn more about our approach and methods at Le Backyard.

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1. Does the agency have a good reputation? 

This is undoubtedly the fundamental question to ask! To answer it, consult platforms like Sortlist, which allow you to assess an agency's reputation in just a few clicks. They feature customer reviews that will give you a clear idea of the quality of service offered by the agency. Pay particular attention to comments on delivery punctuality, final product quality and customer service.

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2. Is the project portfolio of high quality? 

Consultation of projects developed by the agency

A solid project portfolio gives you a good idea of an agency's experience. Examine the company's projects to determine whether it has developed applications similar to those you need. 

Particular attention must also be paid to the designs in the agencies' portfolios. Indeed, a considerable amount of time can elapse between the moment the idea for a project is born and the public release of the application. The design must therefore also be designed to endure over time. An agency offering a quality service will present projects with timeless designs, or almost timeless designs.

Le Backyard's portfolio showcases the development of feature-rich applications for a wide range of industrial sectors.

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Variety and complexity of projects

If the portfolio is varied, this demonstrates the agency's ability to adapt. Indeed, it indicates that it is capable of managing projects of varying complexity and scale. Its versatility and ability to meet a variety of technical challenges are clear.

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What essential and innovative services and functionalities does the agency offer?

These days, mobile applications need to be equipped with key functionalities, as well as more specific features that will better suit the needs of your application. Here are a few features to consider:

• geolocation ;
• e-commerce ;
• cats and chatbots ;
• integration with AI ;
• voice and facial recognition ;
• NFC payments ;
• push and in-app notifications ;
• live streaming;
• integration with social networks ;
• Integration with third-party systems (payment, CRM, ERP, inventory management, etc.) ;
• offline access.

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Innovation and trends

The world of mobile development is constantly changing, so it's vital that the agency you select is up to date with the latest technological trends and can offer you innovative solutions. The ability to integrate new technologies, such as artificial intelligence or machine learning, can be an important differentiator.

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3. Does the agency focus on user experience (UX/UI)?

Good UX/UI design significantly improves usability and end-user satisfaction. The agency you choose to develop your project must be an expert in UX/UI. By way of example, our co-design methodology ensures active participation by our customers, giving life to products better adapted to their needs.

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4. Is the working methodology available for consultation? 

Work processes

A well-defined work methodology guarantees an organized and efficient development process. In our agency, the 4 pillars of our methodology are :

1. Framing the project: defining objectives and requirements.
2. UX Design: user experience design.
3. UX Design: development of effective user interfaces.
4. Custom development: programming and testing of the final product.

Transparency and communication

A good agency must maintain constant communication with its customer throughout the project's development. Transparency at every stage of the process is crucial to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that the project is aligned with the customer's expectations.

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5. Android, iOS or both?

These days, it's impossible to make an app available on just one of these two mobile operating systems. That's why it's essential that the agency you work with uses advanced technologies for app development on both Android and iOS. These include technologies such as React Native, which enable hybrid applications to be developed with great efficiency and performance.

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6. How much does application development cost?

Cost structure

Check that the agency offers a transparent cost structure to avoid unpleasant surprises. The average cost of developing an application is around 30,000 euros. In our agency, our pricing structure is clear and based on the complexity and functionality of the project. So you know exactly what you're paying. 

However, it's important to bear in mind that the minimum cost of your application also depends on the target market for your business. In addition, a study of the applications launched by your competitors will enable you to identify the features they have integrated, so that you can do the same to appeal to users.

Here is a list of prices as a guide: 

• 8k € - 15k € : limited functionalities ;
• 15k € - 30k € : customized application ;
• 30k € - 50k € : more advanced applications ;
• +50k €: large-scale applications.

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7. What financing options does the agency offer?

Depending on your budget, it's worth asking the agency you want to work with about the financing options and flexible payment plans they offer. Financial flexibility can be crucial for customers with tight or evolving budgets.

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8. Customer and post-launch support: once the application has been developed, what happens next? 

Maintenance services

Once delivered, your application may need to be improved or upgraded, or run into technical problems. That's why it's essential that the agency you choose offers maintenance services and post-launch updates if necessary. Make sure that the agency will be available to resolve any problems that may arise, and that it will be able to make ongoing improvements. Our agency, for example, offers full post-launch support, ensuring that your application remains up to date and operational.

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Availability and response times

Access to and seamless use of your application are key for users. If there's a problem, you can't wait too long to solve it. The agency's ability to respond quickly to any problem or update request is fundamental. Good technical support can make all the difference to the operability and continued success of your application.

Choosing the right agency for your mobile development involves considering all these factors and ensuring that they meet your specific needs and expectations. We hope this short guide has helped you to be better prepared to make an informed and successful decision.

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