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What is a Rapid Development Partner?

What is a Rapid Development Partner?

Your Rapid Development Partner is like your very own Superhero.

A “Rapid Development Partner” is actually what it sounds like, however, to be clear we’re talking here about a rapid “software development partner” who has a core focus on mobile and web application development; quite often they’re your project partner from concept through MVP (Minimum Viable Product) delivery.

What they do is also clear, develop software, and deliver said software (web and/or mobile) as rapidly as possible, without error, defect, flaw or bug.  This is rarely the case, though there are many claims to the providing of this highly valuable type of service/skill. Unfortunately, even though the majority do eventually end up delivering without bug or defect, they often deliver with error or flaw, (misarticulating the client’s requirements) and deliver such extremely late. 

So, let’s help you discern if you’ve actually found a rapid development partner, and determine if they are of quality.

  1. How do you protect yourself from failing to deliver on time? (destroys profitability and credibility)
    • Were you set up for failure from the moment your client signed the statement of work?

There are some things to ask to look for red flags before you even engage: 

  • How often are you scheduled to meet?
    • Aside from purely fixed requirements development, agile and waterfall methods both suffer terribly the longer the time between client-designer-developer meetings.
      • Once a week is the LEAST meeting quantity recommended;
      • Once or more daily if possible is utopian;
  • Have they provided you with a “Statement of Work”? 
  • This is a comprehensive breakdown of what they are going to do, to what end, what is included, what is not, and what is intended to be delivered as an end result, this should include also an explicit timeline (with milestones if extensive project) for deliverable(s).
  • Have they asked you for “user story” for each user or customer type that will interact with your developed project?
    • This is an easy opportunity to tune in to your client’s project vision, that most designers and developers miss out on.
  • Is there no designer to work with the developer?
    • Either you have designs (from a designer) or your statement of work should include such; otherwise this project is destined for overruns.2. How do you have confidence that they are advising the right technology solutions?
    • Are they advising just because it’s technology they’re familiar with, or are they advising because it’s the right technology to meet the client’s requirements?

While it’s best to have a competent CTO on your own staff, you can ask the following to gain confidence as a non-developer:

  • Request some logical/reasonable explanation as to the technology choice being advised;
    • ask what this technology choice implies in terms of code maintenance
      • Support
        • Is it new technology or is there a thriving community of users and supporters for this choice?
  • Ask them to compare it to at least one other technology choice for your having an easier ability to understand through a comparison, 
    • highlight pro’s and con’s of each.
  • In the cases where you’re wildly out of your league/realm of coherence, a second opinion from another design/development shop is a great way to gauge accuracy.

That second point, is as critical as delivering on time; the scalability of the client’s technology, the cost of maintaining it and the ability to get community support for your chosen technology, are all vital considerations when inventing software.

Begin your rapid development journey now.

What is Mobile App Development … and How Can It Help Me Grow my Business?

What is Mobile App Development … and How Can It Help Me Grow my Business?

As the modern world moves more towards ease and convenience, consumers are becoming less inclined to digitally dig and search for what they want. Customers want distilled, relevant information right at their fingertips. No platform is better suited for this than a mobile app, which is why it’s never been more important for businesses, big and small, to learn about Mobile App Development , Web App Development, and the multitude of ways it can benefit you and your customers. 

In a nutshell, Mobile App Development is the process by which software is created for mobile devices, such as phones and tablets. Back when Mobile Apps were fresh on the scene, the only way to ensure your app will perform on different devices (i.e. iPhone vs Android, etc) was to natively build it specifically for each platform. Translating your user experience across different platforms was particularly time-consuming, as everything had to be retailored for each device’s processor. Thankfully, today there are ways to easily build apps so they are device-agnostic and it’s never been more accessible.

The greatest appeal of Mobile Apps is their ease of use compared to traditional websites. Pull your phone out and with a couple of taps, using a mobile application, you’re right where you want to be. Though as convenient as they are for the user, they are equally powerful for the brand. 

Mobile Users Prefer Apps to Websites

When a customer chooses to install your software onto their phone, they are permitting you to directly interface with them.  This direct line allows you to keep them current on all things about your brand, reach out to them with push notifications for special offers, digitize your loyalty program (no more plastic cards necessary), and remove friction for those seeking customer service. This new digital relationship not only gives your brand a more human quality, but it strengthens engagement and fosters a relationship of mutual trust.

A new Mobile App is a blank slate. You can make it however you like. This total power over the user experience affords you a greater opportunity to solidify your customer’s brand recognition and awareness.  In a world where we are constantly bombarded by hundreds if not thousands of ads and scams every day, an app that markets sincerely and puts the customer first is like a breath of fresh air. 

Provide them with value, a good design and an intuitive interface and they will associate your brand with those positive traits. Done well, a proper Mobile App will go a long way towards making your company stand out, particularly if you are a small business, whose competition likely doesn’t have an app at all. As a small business, your customers will see your app as an indication that you are serious about providing them with convenience and great user experience. 

Mine User Data with Mobile Apps

Mobile Apps also allow you to collect data from your clientele–with their permission of course. Given that the customer accepts, installing your app onto their device can give you detailed information about the way people interface with your brand, products, and services. These insights can allow you to further target your audience as well as provide an even more tailored experience to your existing one. 

You can also create a unique point of sale in your app that is laid out intuitively for your products and services. You can integrate tracking and notifications for purchased products, or perhaps an in-app confirmation for any appointments they may have made. This can eliminate the need for phone calls and ultimately makes the experience more convenient for both you and the customer. 

Think of Mobile Apps as the websites of the modern age, and though the process of developing one may seem daunting, it has never been more accessible. Fortunately for you and your business, most businesses have failed to capitalize on these incredible benefits available to them. So developing your own Mobile App gives you a great advantage over the competition. All it takes is that first step.

Why Having a Mobile App Will Grow Your Business

Why Having a Mobile App Will Grow Your Business

With the number one trend of 2019 being mobile app websites, it’s almost a no brainer to have a mobile app for your business.

In today’s world, we are always on the go, therefore always on our mobile phone to stay connected to the world. Whether we are checking our email, social media, google searching everything from the best place to eat, to finding answers to our questions about health; reviews on professional services; paying our bills, etc. we cannot live without our mobile phones it seems; as scary as that sounds it’s true for most of us. We rely on our phones to remind us of appointments, to wake us, to hear our favorite podcast, or read articles on current events and stay up to date on local and global news. Hence, your business being viewed on a mobile phone.

Building a mobile app for your business makes it easier for them to see you. Being published in the app store brings new customers. Your website SEO ranking is indexed at the highest and prioritized by Google when a search is made. You have more brand awareness and reach. Once you’re app is downloaded, your icon is posted onto their phone like a picture on a wall, like the billboards we drive by daily, we see them even when we don’t want to. Did you know the average person looks at their phone 1500 times a day? Imagine how many times they’ll see you based on those statistics. The beauty of a mobile app is you will reach your customers. Pop-up and push notifications get your messages in front of your customers. Sending out special promotions to customers that haven’t been seen a while or ordered from you in a while, reminding them of appointments, sending them birthday coupons, refer a friend perks will be put you at the top of their mind when they need your services. They’ll remember your brand, because how could they forget you if they see you everyday right?

Get in front of your audience, and do it better than before. Get your mobile app on their phone and watch your business grow!