Your Complete Guide to Mobile App Development in Texas

Need a mobile app developed but don’t know who to call?

If you live in the Lone Star State, the choice seems overwhelming. With hundreds of mobile app development companies listed on Google, how do you know which one suits you?

Mobile users spend 90% of their media time on apps. Usage ranges from shopping to business to utilities and productivity. Average app development costs range from $37k to $171k at the lower end and $500k for enterprise apps.

Yet, the price isn’t the only consideration to make when choosing a developer.

You want a partner who can give guidance on which platforms to target. They need to be fluent in all mobile app development languages including native and hybrid. They should also offer ongoing support once the project is signed-off.

Wouldn’t it be great if they were local? And even gave back to the community?

Before you pick up the phone, make sure you know what to ask. Here are 4 factors to consider before choosing a mobile app development company in Texas.

1. Agile Mobile App Development

Traditional project management created a target and steamrolled ahead until it was completed.

In modern app development, things never stand still. You need bite-sized chunks to get a feel for how the app works. If you need to change direction early on then less time and budget are wasted.

Agile management works in increments in the development lifecycle. In essence, this means: 

• Project is broken into small pieces
• Each piece is prioritized
• Collaboration with the customer is key
• Each stage pauses to reflect, learn, and adjust
• Units are tested as they go along

The goal is to create an MVP or minimum viable product. It’s also known as Version 1 or V1. This is the first version of your app, the one you’re happy to go live with.

You’ll be involved in each step of the development process. From wireframing to UX (User Experience) design, you get to see your app evolve.

Testing your app hands-on is an essential step and one you’ll love. Feedback is put back into the development mix and a new iteration created as you go adjusting for what is learned through testing.

We’re big advocates of the Agile system because we love to involve our customers. The end result is always what they ordered.

2. Native or Hybrid?

If you’re new to the app development world there are two types of development: native and hybrid.

Native Development

A native app’s code is written specifically for a device like an iPhone.

Need the phone to recognize when it’s tilted? Native apps excel in this. They’re optimized for performance in computer languages such as Swift, Java, Objective C, and Kotlin.

Hybrid Development

One big issue with native apps is they only work on one platform. A native iPhone app won’t work on Android and vice versa.

A hybrid approach uses code that works on all platforms.

This means one code bank is written and maintained to create multiple apps. Software like React Native and Google Flutter uses the power of native but combines the flexibility of web programming.

Mobile App Development Platforms

There are two main app platforms: Android by Google and Apple’s iOS.

Recent statistics show Android dominates with 72% of the global mobile app market. Although iOS only has 27%, in terms of the US market they’ve got the lion’s share. iOS is also the most profitable for paid apps.

The key to decide which mobile app development platform to use is your target customer. What devices do they own? What apps do they run? You need to do some market research.

A good development team will guide you in this decision. They’ll explain the tech in terms of not only downloads but profitability. They should be a partner in the process, not a third-party handoff.

They should give examples of their work in Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store written in native and hybrid formats. Download and test them to get a feel for what works best for you.

3. Portfolio to Be Proud Of

They say the proof is in the pudding.

When researching a developer visit their website and study their client list. Next, visit the clients’ websites and if possible, install their apps. You’ll know within seconds whether the team is worth their salt.

Like any good job interview, check their references. This means contacting the developer’s clients directly.

Ask for the person who worked closest to the process. What were the pros and cons? How long ago was their app made? Do they still receive support? Is the app living up to their expectations?

Use Google to research online reviews.

Specialist B2B directory Clutch.co provides unbiased reviews written by industry analysts. Star ratings are real and provide insight into the major selling points of their listings.

We’re proud to say we have a 5-star review on Clutch with great feedback from our customers. The listing gives a great overview of the range of our projects including budgets. Sites like these provide honest figures so you know what to expect when you call. 

4. Keeping IT in the Community

Part of our ethos is helping to build our local community. We’re passionate about Austin, Texas and are proud to be members of the Austin Technology Council. 

When choosing an app developer, try to find one nearby. Jumping in the car to meet face-to-face can mean a world of difference when sharing your vision. If they want to help you as a fellow local business, then you’ll know you’ve got a partner you can rely on.

Our core values are entrepreneurship, community, and innovation. They should lie at the heart of every good app company.

Choose a Local Developer You Can Trust

Not every mobile app development company is created equal.

As you’ve seen, there are many factors to consider before choosing a partner and developing an app. You’ll need guidance from an established firm who really cares if your project works.

Our development team has helped businesses of all sizes since 2012. Whatever your budget or vision, we can provide the best digital solution.

Call us today for a consultation. Or if you’re near our office, join us for a chat.

The coffee’s on us!