How to Build an Effective App Development Process for Your Business Without a Tech Whizz on Your Team
What's common between a startup without a tech-savvy founder
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an established company that feels the need for an IT solution, like a mobile app with a complex backend?
Both need to manage a critically important process without the necessary level of expertise
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(and in the case of the startup, usually without the necessary resources as well).
What are the possible solutions?
On one hand, it's really smart to organize the development process using an in-house team.
Why?
Because you need to make constant iterations, test hypotheses, and maybe even pivot in a new direction. And that's a heck of a lot easier when you've got your own team rather than some external contractor.
On the other hand, how do you go about hiring developers, assessing their skills, and handing out tech tasks without a solid grasp of the techie stuff?
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Can you really trust yourself to evaluate the quality of their work?
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Will you be able to catch on in due time if the initial solution turns out to be ineffective and it's time to switch up the approach and chosen technologies?
The other option? Engaging an external contractor.
But, let's be real - that ain't cheap. And once the main work is done, those software companies don't always feel the fire to keep pushing your product forward.
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Additionally, it's super important to keep refining and improving your product at every stage. That's a big challenge when you're working with an outside team.
So, what's a business without a Tech Team Lead to do?
You see, we've had our fair share of experience working with startups and businesses without a tech lead, and we know the struggles they go through. That's why we came up with our own approach to tackle those issues.
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Perhaps the most fitting metaphor to describe our relationship with our clients is a «marriage» :)
And right from the get-go, we're in for the long run.
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Our approach is the opposite of what many software companies do (when they take on development projects, make as much money as possible, and then move on to the next project once we're done).
How does this play out in practice?
First, we dive deep into the business problems that the product needs to solve.
We share our experience from similar projects to ensure the best possible outcome.
At the same time, we figure out what size team our client can afford right now, and we get to work within those limits.
For instance, let's say our client can only afford two in-house developers at the moment. But finding the right people takes time – you have to post job ads, work with recruiters, interview candidates, and then onboard the chosen few.
So, we start working within the budget that was initially planned for these programmers' salaries.
This means our client won't have any extra costs beyond what they had initially planned for.
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But they get a whole lot more than just two new developers – they get an entire team. It's just that the work of other developers fits within the person-hour limit that's on par with two developers' hours.
And the best part?
The quality and systematic approach to development in our case far exceed what you'd get from just two programmers.
See, every developer has their own comfort zone, like specific technologies or programming languages they know best.
But our focus is on the big picture, carefully orchestrating the right mix of our talented team members to get the job done faster and more effectively.
Here's a quick rundown of why our approach rocks:
1. Speed: We can usually put together a small team for you in no time flat.
In fact, they're typically working on your project within a week of us shaking hands on the deal.
2. Flexibility: Imagine we agree to dedicate the equivalent of two developers to your project.
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The beauty is, we can bring in different team members as needed.
Let's say you've got a tricky JavaScript problem to tackle – we'll bring in a specialist for that specific task.
So, you're getting all this high-level expertise, but you're only paying for one person's time.
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Plus, if priorities shift or tasks change, we'll adapt the team's composition accordingly.
This means you gain access to diverse high-level expertise, while only paying for the work of a single individual.
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Take this example:
A client wanted an iOS app initially, but once it was done, they needed an Android version too. If they had in-house staff, they'd have to hire extra Android specialists.
With us, we just reshuffle the team while staying within the agreed-upon hours. Now, the focus is on Android programmers.
3. Scalability: Need to ramp up your team quickly?
No problem. We can scale up the size of the team in a snap – something that can be tough to do with in-house hires.
4. Access to top talent: We've got unique specialists on our team that can be hard to find on the job market, especially for part-time work.
Need an artificial intelligence expert for occasional tasks?
No sweat. We've got dedicated specialists ready to jump in when you need them.
Overall, our approach is often more cost-effective for startups (and not just startups) than hiring in-house developers.
With us, you'll find lower expenses and greater flexibility.
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The reason? The most expensive specialists (like a system architect) are only needed at specific points in the project.
We can bring them in as required. With in-house development, you'd have to keep them on staff and pay their salaries constantly.
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Plus, our development center is located in Eastern Europe, which means lower labor costs.
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So, you get a flexible, highly skilled team at a lower price.
So, if our approach resonates with you, let's set up a video call to chat about your project.
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We'll share our insights on the most effective development process, and we can see if we're on the same wavelength and if it makes sense to join forces.