How much should I pay an android app development company?

Developing an app for your business today is almost a necessity. It gives your brand a boost in the form of visibility, direct access, it recognition and makes your brand more interactive, to name a few of the benefits. With growing need for apps, cost becomes a factor as the process of development is shrouded in mystery. How much should you pay to ensure that you get value for money, return on investment and a high quality app from the android app development company you choose to hire?

There is no definite figure since an app is more of a service than a product. However, by analyzing the process of development and mapping your requirements, you can build a formula and calculate the estimate cost you would pay for an app. The process of development can be divided into four parts namely conceptualizing the idea, planning functionality and layout of the app, the actual design and implementation or going live.

Conceptualizing the idea

This begins with the realization and recognition that you need an app for your business. While conceptualizing the idea of your app, you have to identify a direction you wish to follow. There are numerous apps already available on the app store from whom you could take inspiration. If you have no idea on the kind of app you need or are confused on the choices to make, consult an experienced android app development company and provide them with a brief of your business needs. The company will help you make a decision on the best app that fits your needs.

Based on your business model, a more complex idea would be more expensive when compared to a simplistic one. However, do not sacrifice features because of cost. Offering users more functionality increases the chances of getting value for money. For instance, apps for games are definitely very complex. However, they go viral easily, providing excellent return on investment.

Further, a simple app will not do much for users. However, it proves easy to build and thus will cost less. The budget you decide on should be adequate to develop an app that delivers the results that justify your ideas. Over time, you will fine-tune the idea and reap make more money out of it.

Planning functionality and layout

The app development language is unique and might not be understood by a layman. You therefore need a person to translate it for you to understand. You might settle for a renowned developer who does not pay attention to your needs. The end result will be a disappointing app.

The developer should take you through every screen to ensure you understand the interactions of the user with the app, so that you see how they confirm to your expectations. It is amazing to see the number of steps and screens that go into each app. Depending on the number of screens and the functions the feature of the app is supposed to perform; you will get an estimate from the developer. Compare quotes from different developers to determine who gives you the best price for similar services.

Design

It is the design of an app that makes or breaks it. Designing an app differs from a website in that apps require teamwork while a single person can design and develop a website. You need a designer and a developer to work on your project the designer directs the developer on what needs to be coded. Give this phase of development all the attention it deserves.

You need to tie together the best tab icons, splash screen, app icon and many other features with which the user would interact. A specialist android app development company will provide a checklist that guides you through the process of making the right choices for your app.

Implementation or going live

An app is never complete until it has gone live. How else would you know whether the features you desired have been executed? It is only when the app is put into action that you get confirmation that the features your app provides are those that help the end user. You need to load it onto the app store. For this, you would need to create an account on the app store. You need to fill information on pricing, description, icons, etc only after that the app is ready for users to download.

The involvement of your internal team is very important. This team would need to receive training before they are able to look after the app properly. It will cost you more if the development company continues to run the app. However, you must leave room for specialists to make improvements on your app as it grows.

The amount you pay the android app development company depends on the nature of your app and the work you assign to the company. Compare the quotations you receive from different companies to get a better idea of how much to pay. This investment Should be made wisely.

How to Find Magento Development Company for Your Project

The number of Magento ecommerce platform users is growing by the day. This is increasing the need for professional services. Though magento is a template where merchants with little or no IT experience can set up shop, working with a specialist gives you the edge over your competition. It makes your ecommerce store more professional and improves customer experience. Since not everyone who claims to be a professional will deliver quality, how do you choose a magento development company?

You need to begin with identifying the services you want handled by the company. This helps you identify a service provider that has the capacity and experience needed to deliver to your expectations. Do you need a company to manage your ecommerce site? Is your target to migrate the current content and enhance your customer experience? Are you looking at integrating several plugins to enhance your ecommerce business? All these require a different level of expertise. However, with this understanding, it is easier to identify the perfect service provider.

• Look For Experience

There are many companies, individuals and freelancers claiming proficiency in Magento but do not understand the features offered by the platform. Though the company sets up the platform under your name, you will be unable to fully utilize it for your business to grow. With an experienced Magento development company, they understand the features that suit your business model and will incorporate them. This will guarantee the most excellent user experience every time someone lands on your site.

• Expertise

Expertise means knowledge of Magento. Hire a company that has shown that it can deliver a quality site. All the companies you approach will claim to offer the best services. However, you can verify this by asking for references. Ask the company to provide you with the link and contacts of an ecommerce store that they set up. Check how well it is designed and developed. If you are impressed by the results you get, you are likely to get equally quality services.

• Check Reviews

Reviews capture feedback from clients who enjoyed or tried services offered by a particular company. Most of them are unsolicited and therefore represent the genuine response of a client after receiving services. Check what previous clients say about a particular company. Important elements to check in reviews include

• Customer service- how well does the company communicate before getting the contract, during development and after handing over the platform?
• Professionalism- did the company deliver the quality a client wanted? Did it engage the client openly without dubious or hidden charges? Did it offer a formal contract?
• Pricing- was the company open about its pricing and did it stick to the estimates given? What payment options where available to clients?

It should be clear that not all reviews are to be believed. Check whether the client has control over the platform where these reviews are contained. Avoid reviews that are subject to manipulation by the client.

• Get More Estimates

Some merchants search for developers in a hurry. They are therefore likely to settle for the first developer they come across. The best way to hire a developer is to evaluate several estimates or quotations given. Demand an itemized quotation to enable you know what you are paying for. Compare the prices on different elements before settling on one developer. Go for a developer who offers excellent value for money.

The budget is a crucial consideration when choosing Magento development company. However, it must never be allowed to overshadow the need for quality. The development process is an on going long term project. Look at a company that offers continued support at the most affordable rate.

Source: http://www.sooperarticles.com/internet-articles/web-development-articles/how-choose-magento-development-company-your-project-1575890.html

Determining how much an app would cost you before you hire a mobile app developer in New York

Investing in an app can transform the fortunes of your business. Apps are the most efficient online interaction tool available in the market today. Their effectiveness has made them mandatory for businesses. However, in an attempt to upgrade quickly, many firms have entrusted the development of their app to untrustworthy developers who charge exorbitant prices but are not able to deliver quality.

So how much should you allocate towards hiring a mobile apps developer in New York? Let's find out. The price you pay to have an app developed depends on several factors. That means that there is no fixed answer to the question about how much you should pay. As a client, you could approach this in two ways. You may set a budget and thus only procure services determined by your budget, or you may have an app developed first, and worry about the cost later. Whichever way you approach the procurement of app development services, the bottom line is that you must get value for money.

An app is an investment like every other aspect of your business. Thus, the amount you spend should commensurate with the returns you expect. How do you hire a mobile apps developer New York who will deliver value for money? Determining the price of app development services is usually complex. However, this simplified guide can help you determine how much you need to pay.

• What features are you targeting?

There are different apps for different purposes. Some are meant to interact or communicate, while others are for ecommerce purposes. The features available in the two app designs are different. In fact, each app is customized to conform to the needs of the business model for which they are developed. They reflect the intentions of a business and its structure.

The business logic you want to capture by the app will determine the features that the developer would incorporate in it. For instance, If your app allows a viewer to communicate or watch videos of your products and services the algorithms it uses are simple and straightforward, however, if you need an app that collects data about users, you will need to invest more.

• Will it be native or backend?

Simply put, the backend of an app is that part where the administrator would login or have an account to operate. Having a backend for an app means that you will need information storage resources behind the scene. Having a backend for the app means that the app would require having more personalized and complex algorithms.

You may also need an interactive app where two account holders can share information or files. This would call for the use of complex algorithms, infrastructure, and support. All these additional elements have cost implications. A native app is simplistic; it does not require backend resources or personnel. In most cases, these apps are used for information dissemination.

• Content management

Most apps require constant upgrades. In fact, a growing business, or any business that seeks to improve customer service must plan a budget for regular updates. The aim is to provide users with better content and a better experience from time to time.

A system that provides backend support forms a part of content management. Such a system allows backend users like sellers or the brand to update or add information from time to time. You can update prices; add newly released products, product upgrades, etc. Choosing to leave the management of the content and updates to the developer instead of managing them yourself would affect the cost.

• Socialization features

You need to make a decision on how users would interact with your app. The mechanisms of interaction determine how simple or complex your app will be. If you need to make a provision for information or file sharing, you must provide resources for such systems. These additional resources will increase cost. Where such features are not required, the cost is lower.

There is the option of building the features progressively. You begin with the basic features and then graduate over time. Following this strategy reduces your overhead cost, but demands continued investment. In fact, this is the recommended approach because it allows you to test the features that are working for you and ignore those that are not as progressive.

• Integration with third parties

Integration enables you to work with related partners like financial institutions, social media, associates, etc. Integrating them or their connections into your app will require a different algorithmic approach, meaning you could end up spending more. It also comes with increased security demands that could affect your budget.

The charges by any mobile apps developer New York will depend largely on the features that you wish to incorporate into the app. Disclosure of your brand name may also cause you to pay more since the developer can recognize that you can afford to pay higher prices. The most important element is to get value for money from the customized app.

Parameters That Will Help You Pick Mobile App Development Company

If you have decided to get a mobile app for your business, then you are ready to move it to the next level. However, you have a hurdle to clear in the form of choosing the right mobile app development company. The choice you make will determine the quality of app you get and the experience you will have in the process of development.

If you think that making a wild search on the internet and clicking on the first company on the page will solve your problem, you should read horror stories of clients that were swindled of cash and never got the app, others who took forever to see the app or some who received the worst quality app imaginable. You need to focus beyond the company that provides you with IT support. Your goal should be to get the best development company possible in the market.

Identifying the best mobile app development company is not easy by all means. However, it can be made almost perfect and easy. There are a number of scientifically proven parameters that you can use to make the determination. These parameters help you choose the right developer even without the slightest knowledge about apps.

• The Brief You Provide

This is a summary of the requirements handed over the potential developers. It should be uniform and detailed so that unqualified companies can eliminate themselves. A company opting to proceed with the project knows exactly what is expected of them.

The brief should be prepared with your business operations and model in mind. You should identify what you intend to do with the app or what functions within your business model the app should perform. In fact, it is these functions that will inform the contract you enter into with the developer. Providing a brief eliminates the chances of getting a generic app, especially one copied from another client which does not meet your expectations.

• Expertise Of The Developer

Though everyone with a little IT knowledge may claim to be a professional, developing apps is not for every technician. Check the qualification of the developer. Further, check if the company has developed apps in the past and verify the quality of those apps.

Working with a trained and experienced developer eliminates the chances of trial and error. You are sure that the hands that will be handling your app have done it before and delivered quality. It is advantageous to work with a large team that has verification infrastructure and broader expertise. Freelancers are also an option though the absence of business structures could prove to be a challenge. There are highly skilled freelancers who can produce excellent apps at a fraction of the price. However, this is a risky gamble that could go either well or be a dangerous flop.

• Customer Service

It is one thing to possess technical ability and another to deliver a good customer experience. Developing an app involves more than having it delivered at an agreed time and place. A lot of interactions happen in between.

There are milestones you will set with the developer and delivery timelines. You need to be in constant communication and even maintain contact after delivery for servicing and maintenance purposes. This relationship will be frosty and a big headache if the company has poor communication habits and structures. To solve the problem of communication, define the channels and frequency in your contract. Further indicate instances where emergency communication should be made and the channels that should be used. For your benefit, choose a company with a track record of proper communication and that exhibits this capability.

• A Listening Company

There are companies or developers who assume that you have no idea about app development. They want to force features on you. In fact, they appear to have a solution even before you have presented your problem. Such companies are very dangerous to work with. The best mobile app developer is one who takes your brief and needs seriously and commits to implementing them. The company must be ready to make adjustments whenever you request so that the app conforms to your needs.

There are other peripheral considerations when selecting a mobileapp development company that are still important. You must agree on the development timelines, a negotiated cost and serving or improvement after delivery. The files must also be handed over in case you want to use them with another developer in future.

10 questions to ask when hiring professional SEO company New York

Businesses that sell online complete to make their websites the most visible. Failing to appear at the top of the first page of search engine result pages when potential clients search for products or services related to those you sell, means that they never know you exist. Your online presence will be oblivious. However, ranking at the top is neither an automatic process nor an easy one. You will need to engage an experienced and professional SEO company.

You may wonder why you need an SEO expert. There are several benefits of hiring a professional SEO company New York. The benefits include enhancing the user experience on your site, making your site easy to find by search spiders and to run your online campaigns, among others. All these activities make your online presence worthwhile. They also increase visibility and interaction with potential customers boosting your chances of making a sale.

 When looking for an SEO professional, never fall for marketing gimmicks and jargons. You should ask the following questions when vetting any professional SEO company New York.

  1. Does the company you plan to hire have references - Both past and present clients who have enjoyed the services you are procuring can provide references for the company from who you plan to hire services. Request for their links and contact information to confirm the quality of work and the caliber of the company you are dealing with.

 2. What tactics will they use - your target is to improve your websites ranking on search engines. There are legal and illegal means to achieve this. Know what tactics the company you hire plan to use, can help you avoid compromising your domain. If search engines ban your website, it will affect your brand over the long term. It takes time to build a brand and get it to the top.

3. Does the company understand the rules and operations of search engines? This is a tricky element because these rules change from time to time. However, there are basic guidelines that any proclaimed professional must understand. Following these guidelines will provide the only guarantee that they will conduct the SEO work they do for your website in a professional manner.

4. What about other platforms? SEO should target all search engines.
 Working on one and ignoring all the others will close out a section of searches. In fact, you should look for a comprehensive package that involves improvement of ranking on all sites. Innovative gadgets that help with this are unveiled on a daily basis. The use of mobile devices also drives searches. Demand details of improved ranking on all these platforms.

5. What about local SEO? Localized SEO is one of the fastest growing sources of valuable traffic. A buyer is more inclined to buy or order services from a professional SEO company New York. As such, your SEO strategy must capture the element of local SEO. Thus, you need a professional who understands this realm.

6. Will it be a partnership? Although the company specializes in SEO, this continuous process requires ongoing effort. The best way to execute the strategy is by having the company you hire share details of the changes they make on your site. Your personnel should be trained and equipped on how to handle the new site. Failure to do this will mean that control remains in the hands of strangers, causing you to be overly reliant on them.

7. Are there measurement matrices? SEO is no longer a blind investment. The contract must set targets and provide tools and mechanisms to evaluate the level of success. This helps you determine whether you are getting value for money.

8. The communication channels and frequency - Demand that the company indicates the most effective and convenient mode of communication. You will need to talk to the company about provision of content, training or orientation of staff, communication of results, etc. This needs to be planned to make it reliable and effective.

9. Cost and terms? SEO is an investment for which you have to pay. Demand an itemized quotation. Know what you are paying for and how frequent. Agree on contract and breach grounds. Negotiate for a customized package that guarantees value for money.

10. Future engagements? The contract may be definite, but there should be room for formal disengagement and continued partnership. The clause should be present in the contract you sign with the SEO Company you hire.

A professional SEO company New York will transform your web presence and fortunes. All you need is to know how to isolate professionals from amateurs. All negotiations and engagements must be geared towards providing value for money over the long term.

Customers Expectations from ecommerce web Development Company

An ecommerce platform is supposed to make you money. If you do not create it right, then the chances of not making any profits from it are very high. Here is what you need to do when getting your ecommerce website developed.

A website can be a great tool to create a business but if you follow a path that is not in line with your budget or purpose, you will end up wasting your time not to mention your money too. Buying a website may also be a tricky option as there are some things you lack knowledge about making it difficult to know the right questions to ask.

Getting an e-commerce development company that has vast experience is important. You can measure the company's experience with the number of clients, years in business, or through the quality of their web design portfolio. The number of years in business is an indication that the company is successful, stable, and capable of completing the work in a competent manner. The number of clients is an indication that the company will have experience in a wide web design spectrum and hence your project will most likely be something they have done many times before. It also shows that the company has lots of experience in ironing out any issues that may arise with your project and are familiar with time frames and deadlines.

To run a successful site you need to ask the ecommerce web development company three questions: How long it has been developing and designing; how many clients they have; and the number of employees they have. Once you sign a contract with the most suitable company, you will need to consider what will make it successful. Read on to find out what to look out for.

There are no design options and features that are universal that will ensure a full blast success of your store. However, there are some general essential things that you cannot ignore during your online store creation. There needs to be a clear understanding of what your store is all about. Here are some major expectations that customers have when setting up an ecommerce site.

The online store will sell

This may sound a bit obvious but there are some store designs that place no thought to making a sale. The stores have an appealing look but fall short when it comes to shopping. These sites are an equivalent of having an online presence of the physical store or brand, and the only difference being a huge "Buy" button that is located strategically in the site. Some developers, businessmen, and designers pay no attention to these minor but very important details.

Show your products' advantages 

You will need to create a grid or list of your products to make it easier for your customers to browse through your online store. You can also have new arrivals and special deals featuring prominently to coax web users to make purchases. There are many web users who have no idea of what exactly they want and only hang around the internet. Your goal will be to reach out to them by showing them what they can have from your store and what can meet their unspoken needs/wants.

Create trust with your visitors

People are careful about their dollars and want to know exactly what they will get. Hence, expect visitors to inquire about product specifications, process of purchase, methods of payment, service delivery, warranties, etc. Answering these questions in an honest manner will secure a commitment and decision to make a purchase. So, ensure all appropriate pages are linked to your home page. This will save time for your support team and reduce the amount of pre-sale requests made by customers.

To achieve the aforementioned, there are two features that will help you improve the usability and profitability of your store. These features include a clear logo and brand products.

• Clear logo

A remarkable and clear logo acts in a similar way as a business card for branded and even start up stores. When it comes to shopping online, a logo that is easily recognized is a symbol of reassurance and a trust element of the organization or company. Ensure you display popular brands to create a fashionable homepage. A beautiful image, a video or well-known mascot or logo along with the Buy button will boost your visitor commitment.

• Brand Products

Predicting what the next customer will want is not a simple task but that should not mean placing all products on the homepage. The best thing to do is to place the most interesting and eye catching offers on the homepage. This will be especially useful if you have huge product catalogue.

If you have some sale items from well known brands, you will need to display them on the homepage. This will easily grab your customers' attention especially those visiting your site for the first time and who do not know what they are really looking for.

In conclusion, when thinking of starting an online store, you will first and foremost ensure you have contracted an experienced ecommerce web development company. By getting a good start, you can be assured the store will be appealing to visitors. The next step will be to ensure that the homepage encourages visitors to tour your store and make commitments or complete purchases. Keep your online store fresh and exciting to retain customers and attract new ones.