What Will an App Developer Need From Me?

Bringing your internal team into the fold can be a game changer. It's like inviting your colleagues to the development party (and what a fun party that is!!!). Your team already understands the ins and outs of your business, and harnessing their insights can really turbocharge the project. They will be essential in making sure any app developer truly grasps what makes your company tick. 

And let’s be real, collaboration isn't always a walk in the park. You might have concerns about communication hiccups or clashing ideas. But don't worry, these bumps in the road can be smoothed out with clear, consistent communication, and setting the tone for teamwork from the get-go. 

Here’s a pro tip: during your early planning stages, put together a small, dedicated project team composed of members from different departments. This not only brings diverse perspectives but also makes sure your app reflects the values and needs across the company. 

Also, keep an eye on how your internal team and the app developers gel together. Are they chatting casually or does it feel like a forced meeting of strangers? Fostering a collaborative atmosphere can sometimes mean the difference between a good app and a great one. 

Remember, the goal here is to make everyone feel they’ve got a stake in this project. When your team feels ownership, they’ll bring enthusiasm and invaluable insights, helping the developers craft an app that’s not just functional but also feels like it's an extension of your brand.

Think of your app as a beautiful jigsaw puzzle and content as the pieces that bring the picture to life. Whether it's stunning visuals, catchy slogans, or informative text, having these assets ready beforehand can dramatically speed up development and give your app a cohesive look and feel. But it's not essential. A good app development agency can help you assemble these assets.

Let's look at some key assets you'll need for your project:

Text and Copy 

Words matter. If your app has instructions, descriptions, or dialogue, those need to be well-written and readily accessible. This includes any legal documents like your terms of service and privacy policies. Don't worry about perfection right off the bat; having a rough version can still be incredibly helpful. 

Images and Graphics 

From icons to banners, eye-catching images are key. High-quality graphics help your app shine, and consistency in style makes it more professional. If your company has brand guidelines, share them. It ensures that the look and feel of the app aligns with your brand identity. 

Videos and Animations 

Got some impressive videos or animated elements? Perfect. Videos could be tutorials or promotional clips, while animations can make the user experience more engaging. These can make your app not only functional but delightful to use. 

Existing Content 

Don't reinvent the wheel. If you have existing content like product descriptions, blog posts, or user reviews, make sure they're packaged and ready to be integrated. Leveraging what you already have can save time and keep the message consistent. 

Pro Tip: Early on, set up a shared storage space like Google Drive or Dropbox where both your team and the app developers can access and update these assets. This small step can smooth out hiccups down the line.

Handing over access to your existing systems and data can feel a bit like giving someone the keys to your car. You need to trust that they’ll be careful and, more importantly, that they know how to drive. We get it – it’s daunting, and safety is paramount! 

First, let's break down why this access is crucial. Divulging details about your current systems helps developers understand what they're working with. This includes sharing information on databases, existing software, and any APIs you have in place. Essentially, it lets them see your tech stack and ensures they can create a harmonious new addition to your business. 

Security is always a hot topic, and rightly so. You should prioritise data protection and adhere to the highest standards to ensure your information remains private and secure. This means implementing robust data protection protocols and ensuring all team members handle your data with the utmost care. 

Your app partner also needs to know about your hardware and software platforms. This context allows them to make sure the new app is scalable and flexible enough to grow with your business, seamlessly integrating into your environment. And don’t worry if you’re not tech-savvy; a good app developer will guide you through what’s needed, step by step. 

Finally, setting clear assumptions and dependencies is key. This means being upfront about what parts of your current system are absolutely essential and which ones can be flexible. By doing this, they can better plan out the development process and avoid unexpected hiccups down the road. 

We understand the hesitation, but remember, you and your chosen app agency are in this together. Providing access to your existing systems and data ensures that your new app isn’t just a standalone piece but a fully integrated part of your business, working seamlessly with what you already have.

Trust and openness are really the cornerstone of any successful partnership, and your app development is no different. At Glance, we believe in creating a collaborative environment where clients feel comfortable to voice their ideas, concerns and feedback openly. This isn't just a feel-good practice; it genuinely helps us deliver apps that align with our client's expectations. 

It's understandable to feel a bit wary about sharing proprietary information or sensitive data, but let’s put your mind at ease. Any reliable app development agency will have robust confidentiality agreements and data security measures in place to protect your intellectual property. They'll be transparent about how your data is handled, and equally clear on what they need to make your project a success. 

Trust is built with consistency.Lincoln Chafee

Now, you might be wondering, "How does this transparency actually work in practice?" It all boils down to maintaining regular, open lines of communication. This includes critical project updates, sharing obstacles you encounter, and discussing any changes in scope or direction. A good app development agency will always provide the reasoning behind any technical decisions, so you’re never left in the dark. 

Remember, this is a two-way street. While you can expect openness from your agency, they also need your honest feedback to fine-tune the development process. If something doesn’t sit right with you, or if you’ve had a flash of inspiration at midnight, let them know! The closer and more truthful your collaboration, the better the result will be. 

By fostering a transparent and trusting partnership, you can rest assured that your project is in good hands and that you're truly in this together. After all, a good app developer's primary goal is to bring your vision to life in the most effective way possible.

Ever tried to complete a puzzle without looking at the picture on the box? It's frustrating, isn't it? That's what it's like if an app developer and a business stop communicating. Keeping channels open is more than just important—it's absolutely essential for success. And yes, that means more than just a weekly update e-mail.

Scheduled Meetings: Regular check-ins ensure that everyone stays aligned and up-to-date. It could be weekly video calls, bi-weekly meetings, or even quick daily stand-ups. This gives everyone a chance to share updates, address concerns, and celebrate small wins. 

Feedback Loops: Don’t wait until the app is near completion to give your thoughts. Continuous feedback helps to pivot if necessary and ensure the app is developing in the right direction. Just remember, constructive feedback is most effective when it's clear and actionable. 

Utilising Tools: Communication tools like Slack, Jira, or Asana can be lifesavers. They keep everyone on the same page (literally) and streamline interactions. Transparent task boards, instant messaging, and file-sharing features can enhance productivity and minimise misunderstandings. 

Empathy and Understanding: Alright, this might sound a bit fluffy, but it’s important. Remember that app developers are juggling multiple tasks and challenges. A bit of empathy goes a long way. Ask how they are doing, understand their constraints, and work collaboratively to solve issues. 

By ensuring regular communication, your app development project won’t just stay on track—it’ll thrive. After all, a little bit of conversation can save a whole lot of time (and headaches) down the line.

Success can mean different things to different businesses, so it's crucial to define what success looks like for your app project. This involves identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) that will help measure the app's effectiveness and impact. 

One common metric is user engagement—how often do users interact with your app, and for how long? Are they completing the actions you want them to, like making purchases or signing up for newsletters? These behaviours can tell you a lot about whether the app is meeting your business objectives. 

Another critical factor could be user retention. This tells you whether people are coming back to use your app after their first visit. High retention rates are a good indicator that your app provides value and keeps users interested. 

Revenue generation is often a significant factor. Whether you’re selling products, offering a subscription service, or relying on ad revenue, tracking your financial performance is essential. Metrics such as average revenue per user (ARPU) can be particularly insightful. 

Let’s not forget about the technical side. Measuring app performance, error rates, and load times can help identify bugs or issues that need resolving. A smooth, error-free experience can make a huge difference for your users, leading to better reviews and higher retention rates. 

Once you’ve identified your success metrics, share them with your app developers. Knowing what you aim to achieve will guide our development process and help them align their efforts with your goals. This transparency ensures everyone is on the same page, and you can track progress together effectively. 

Remember, defining success isn’t about setting rigid goals but rather having clear, flexible benchmarks that will allow your app to evolve and improve over time. 

By understanding what an app developer needs from you, you not only streamline the process but also pave the way for a successful and satisfying journey. It's like giving them the right ingredients to bake the perfect cake – the result is always better when everyone knows what they need and when they need it. 

When you provide clear goals, detailed visions, and all the essential content, you enable your app developers to bring your ideas to life efficiently. Your openness and collaboration will foster a relationship built on trust, ensuring a product that aligns perfectly with your business needs and goals. 

Remember, this process is a partnership. While it might seem daunting at first, think of it as a shared adventure towards innovation and success. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your team, and get ready to embark on this exciting journey!

And don’t worry, we've got your back every step of the way. If you ever feel unsure, lost, or even excited about a new idea, we're here to listen and support you. Let's turn your vision into reality together!