How to Pick the Best Mobile App Design Agency for Your Business

By: Tiana Marie
March 21, 2021

While there are many mobile app developers and agencies out there, picking the right one for your business may be a bit harder. Finding the right partner is extremely important when you have time and money invested in your vision. The right developer will be able to provide value in ways outside of simply building the app, which will help you maximize your results.


It can be helpful to seek out a mobile app design agency to help you bring your ideas to life. Agencies can help you achieve your business goals quicker and offer an easier experience compared to building it yourself or partnering with a freelance developer.


The following tips will help you identify the best agency to develop your mobile app and boost your business.


Request Examples of their Work

Looking through their portfolio will give you an idea of their unique style and how it fits into your vision. The most significant factor to look for is the impact of their work. You want to be sure that not only can they complete the project, but they also can understand the results. This will help you determine which agency can help drive your desired outcomes.


Prioritize Design (UX/UI)

How your app looks is just as important as how it operates. Look for app developers that go over and beyond to make your app stand out from others while creating a seamless user experience. A great partner will offer you advice on what works and what doesn’t. 


If the design agency mentions generating user stories, user flows, and they perform user testing on your design, they may know a thing or two about design. These are some of the strategies Fireside Solutions uses to provide an app that attracts our clients’ target audience and offers a great experience.



Don’t let Price be the End All be All

In most cases, we hear ‘price is king’. However, when it comes to app development, you get what you pay for. I challenge you to not think of it as an expense, but as an investment. An agency can save time, money and bring your app to market faster. If you choose the most affordable option, you may have to pay a stronger developer to fix it.


Of course, there are a couple of ways to fund your app! You can use a prototype to help raise money for the full development of the app with the agency. Around 33% of early-stage startups said the lack of a validated prototype contributed to their failure to get funding in the first-round. Investors like to understand the intended impact of the app before they decide on putting their money into something. 


You could also join pitch competitions, apply for grants, or bootstrapping. With all of these options, it can be overwhelming to choose the best option for you, but we can help and will even support your strategy to raise funds for the application. 


They Want the App to Succeed Just as Much as You (If not more)

Your developer should be driven to provide you with the best possible product. Not only does this influence their customer experience and potential feedback, but it ensures that their expertise will be an important driver to the success of the app.


Check their references

Some mobile app development companies offer client contact information in which you can get real feedback from their past customers. See if they have written an eBook or highlight case studies on their site; these resources usually showcase their learnings and results. Here’s an example of our own eBook, that illustrates insights from 2020..


Look for a potential long term partnership

Apps have to be constantly updated and incorporate user feedback. With that being said, you will most likely have to work with your mobile app developer even after the app is complete. Look for qualities that can indicate a great partnership such as the capacity to focus on your project, and my personal favorite: strong communication skills. Communication is a two-way street, so be sure to ask plenty of questions to better understand the project, timeline and what is needed from you.


Identify their experience in your industry

Any development company will be able to walk you through their process and timeline, but a great development company can offer you creative advice based on experience in your industry. They may be able to let you know about trends in your niche and let you know what works and what doesn’t.


These key identifiers will guide you to make the best decision possible when looking for a mobile app design agency. Your app is a reflection of your business and will be a key part of reaching your business objectives. Be meticulous about your choice in partners and it will definitely pay off in the long run; quite literally.