While our world is getting globalized, the digital market is becoming more and more competitive. Additionally, there are various external factors that may have a crucial effect on how companies organize their work, trying not to lose their competitive edge.
Nowadays, it’s getting really challenging to find reliable in-house designers, developers, product managers, business analysts, etc. That’s why more and more companies opt for building a long-term partnership with remote teams or third-party mobile/web development agencies.
In this article, we’ll list the main factors to pay attention to when looking for a suitable agency. Our advice may be useful for SMBs, SMEs, as well as some open-minded departments of enterprises.
“Top-X” and similar articles may not be trustworthy
Most “top-X” articles are not reliable at all. Technically, “20XX tips / guides” aren’t either. So it’s up to you to decide whether you can trust the article you’re reading right now, or not.
Nevertheless, most marketing specialists know that people like to google “top-X-something”, and they utilize this knowledge. Marketing specialists in many companies prepare such articles just to advertise services their company delivers. There’s no guarantee that the services really deserve attention.
One more option here are independent companies preparing ratings and reviews, such as Clutch. Their ratings are not always trustworthy and unbiased. Take a look at the Clutch sponsorship page. Here, they suggest paying to be on top of the list. Mobile/web development agencies may simply buy a high rank, and drive traffic to their websites. Thus, high-rated agencies will not necessarily provide you with high-end services.
So do not be judge by ratings and reviews you find on the internet. Always use several sources to verify the information you get from top-X articles and rating websites.
Answering cold calls is risky
Everyday a number of mobile/web development agencies bomb your LinkedIn profile offering their services. Their offer may not be relevant for you at all. It may mean that the agency writing to you:
- Has not conducted the research beforehand to figure out whether your company really needs their services to solve your business problems.
- Uses bots or hires people to spread spam across LinkedIn, and can’t really offer high-quality services or solutions.
Doing business with such companies who prefer cold calling with no preliminary research may be risky. However, there are mobile/web development agencies that try to understand your business situation beforehand, and determine the challenges you face. Thus, they reach out to you with a ready solution for your business problems. It may be worth trying to rely on such agency.
Lowest prices can’t guarantee highest-quality services
A cheap price is often an indication of the low maturity level of the agency’s team. You may think you’d be able to pay less for the services, and manage the team on your own. So once you find the mobile/web development services offered at below market price, you may be tempted to accept the offer. But in some time, you’ll find yourself trying in vain to build cooperation with unskilled and unreliable contractors who are just wasting your time and resources.
Not to get in this trap, make sure you’ve chosen the mobile/web development agency who can distribute their efforts properly, and won’t work on several projects at once at the expense of their service quality. You must be extremely lucky to find a skilled agency that has not ‘made their name’ yet but will treat you like a king, and focus on delivering top-notch services exactly to you.
So, if you have a limited budget, you’d better reduce the scope of work but get everything properly done, even if it will be done only partially.
An agency size does matter
Small agencies can have skilled in-house developers, designers, BAs, and managers. They may be good at building an MVP at a fast pace, or working on time-critical projects. A small agency is a good choice if you do not need a big team, but just a few outstanding experts who will dedicate all their time and efforts to your project.
Large mobile/web development agencies can provide you with great qualitative project deliverables, and scale up and down quickly since they have a big number of employees. Thus, they’ll be able to painlessly replace team members or increase the team size if needed. However, you’d hardly get your project done in the short term, since big companies generally lack flexibility, and are not interested in delivering their services faster.
So choose a mobile/web development agency depending on your business goals, and take into account all the aspects we’ve mentioned above.
Deep technology expertise may not be enough
Some companies look for a perfect match of technologies and even libraries they need to use on a project to reduce the expenses on the agency onboarding process. However, the programming languages & frameworks a particular software engineer has practical experience with shouldn’t be a crucial factor for you. Sometimes, what really matters is the level of general software engineering skills a person has. A good engineer must be able to switch between various mobile or web frameworks, and learn how to use the library he’s unfamiliar with in the shortest term. At the same time, the experts in some particular technology might be able to cope with a limited number of tasks, and might not be flexible in the long term.
In mobile and web app development, new frameworks come out every month. Thus, before starting a cooperation with a particular agency, make sure their team is able to switch between various (new) technologies while using the domain knowledge they’ll acquire on your project.
The right agency can add value to your business
A lot of mobile and web development agencies have only technical expertise in some particular area, and no business knowledge. They can be helpful if you lack the in-house expertise needed to cope with specific tasks.
In other cases, turning to strong and experienced mobile/web development agencies is vitally important. They must not only be good at software design and development. They must also be ready to advise you on the better approaches and more efficient solutions, taking into consideration the specific problems your business needs to solve.
Try to find a mobile/web development agency aiming at building a long-term partnership with you while taking responsibility for certain areas of your business. They must be fully liable for their service quality, and perceive your success as their own. The partnership with such mobile/web development agency can be really fruitful.
Custom software development is too expensive
10 years ago companies could be sure that the apps they created had not been built by anyone before. Today, once you decide to create an application, you may be 99% sure that something familiar already exists. Good mobile/web development agencies know that, and they may suggest combining the use of the products available at a competitive price along with their custom software development services. Thus, they will earn less but build trusted relationships with you.
Moreover, custom software development is getting more and more expensive. Fortunately, you can optimize the development process with low-code and no-code platforms. Low-code and no-code platforms, such as Webflow, Zapier, Shopify, etc. allow for building apps without coding. No need to involve software engineers. Routine tasks that senior developers had to do earlier can now be conducted by so called citizen developers. They don’t need computer science education - they just learn how to utilize low-code / no-code platforms to make up for a lack of programming skills. While citizen developers deal with simple tasks, real software engineers can focus on more difficult ones. Thus, the working process is optimized.
To cut custom software development costs, think about integrating citizen developers into your working process, and utilizing low-code and no-code platforms. Thus, you’ll be able to reduce the entry prices for your clients, as well as increase your margin, since your operational expenses will be cut. So, look for the agencies that suggest using such tools in an efficient way.
On a final note
There’s no panacea against the mistakes you may make while looking for a suitable mobile/web development agency. But, to avoid failures on the way, listen to the trusted sources only, and always check the information you get. Pay attention to the price an agency requires for their services, the approaches to mobile/web app development they are familiar with, their team maturity level and its size, and the domain expertise they have. Moreover, it’s better to choose a development agency with a product mindset, i.e. the one that builds their own products along with delivering technology consulting services.
There’s a number of agencies that build Open Source software besides providing technology consulting services. If their products have clean and high-quality code, there’s a high probability that their services are also top-notch. Before doing business with them you may just ask your technical experts to check their software code on GitHub.
The last but not the least: never dismiss the references you get from the companies you trust. They can provide you with real-time feedback on particular mobile/web development agencies. You may ask for such references yourself via LinkedIn, Twitter, and other SN posts, or simply talk to your business colleagues to get recommendations. And of course apply to TOP development companies lists, prepared by trusted resources to choose a company which better suits your criterias. For example Top web design companies.
We hope our article will help you find the right mobile/web development agency. If you have anything to add, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. We’ll be glad to update the tips we’ve provided with additional useful information!
Retool Dashboards with HubSpot Integration
Our client needed a centralized tool to aggregate account and contact activity, improving visibility and decision-making for the sales team.
The solution
We built a Retool application integrated with HubSpot, QuickMail, and Clay.com. The app features dashboards for sorting, filtering, and detailed views of companies, contacts, and deals, along with real-time notifications and bidirectional data syncing.
The result
- MVP in 50 hours: Delivered a functional application in just 50 hours.
- Smarter decisions: Enabled data-driven insights for strategic planning.
- Streamlined operations: Reduced manual tasks with automation and real-time updates.
Lead Generation Tool to Reduce Manual Work
Our client, Afore Capital, a venture capital firm focused on pre-seed investments, aimed to automate their lead generation processes but struggled with existing out-of-the-box solutions. To tackle this challenge, they sought assistance from our team of Akveo Retool experts.
The scope of work
The client needed a tailored solution to log and track inbound deals effectively. They required an application that could facilitate the addition, viewing, and editing of company and founder information, ensuring data integrity and preventing duplicates. Additionally, Afore Capital aimed to integrate external tools like PhantomBuster and LinkedIn to streamline data collection.
The result
By developing a custom Retool application, we streamlined the lead generation process, significantly reducing manual data entry. The application enabled employees to manage inbound deals efficiently while automated workflows for email parsing, notifications, and dynamic reporting enhanced operational efficiency. This allowed Afore Capital's team to focus more on building relationships with potential founders rather than on administrative tasks.
Learn more about the case
Retool CMS Application for EdTech Startup
Our client, CutTime, a leading fine arts education management platform, needed a scalable CMS application to improve vendor product management and user experience.
The scope of work
We developed a Retool application that allows vendors to easily upload and manage product listings, handle inventory, and set shipping options. The challenge was to integrate the app with the client’s system, enabling smooth authentication and product management for program directors.
The result
Our solution streamlined product management, reducing manual work for vendors, and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Building Reconciliation Tool for e-commerce company
Our client was in need of streamlining and simplifying its monthly accounting reconciliation process – preferably automatically. But with a lack of time and low budget for a custom build, development of a comprehensive software wasn’t in the picture. After going through the case and customer’s needs, we decided to implement Retool. And that was the right choice.
The scope of work
Our team developed a custom reconciliation tool designed specifically for the needs of high-volume transaction environments. It automated the processes and provided a comprehensive dashboard for monitoring discrepancies and anomalies in real-time.
The implementation of Retool significantly reduced manual effort, as well as fostered a more efficient and time-saving reconciliation process.
Creating Retool Mobile App for a Wine Seller
A leading spirits and wine seller in Europe required the development of an internal mobile app for private client managers and administrators. The project was supposed to be done in 1,5 months. Considering urgency and the scope of work, our developers decided to use Retool for swift and effective development.
The scope of work
Our developers built a mobile application tailored to the needs of the company's sales force: with a comprehensive overview of client interactions, facilitated order processing, and enabled access to sales history and performance metrics. It was user-friendly, with real-time updates, seamlessly integrated with existing customer databases.
The result? Increase in productivity of the sales team and improved decision-making process. But most importantly, positive feedback from the customers themselves.
Developing PoC with Low Code for a Tour Operator
To efficiently gather, centralize, and manage data is a challenge for any tour operator. Our client was not an exception. The company was seeking to get an internal software that will source information from third-party APIs and automate the travel itinerary creation process. Preferably, cost- and user-friendly tool.
The scope of work
Our experts ensured the client that all the requirements could be covered by Retool. And just in 40 hours a new software was launched. The tool had a flexible and easy-to-use interface with user authentication and an access management system panel – all the company needed. At the end, Retool was considered the main tool to replace the existing system.
Testing New Generation of Lead Management Tool with Retool
Our client, a venture fund, had challenges with managing lead generation and client acquisition. As the company grew, it aimed to attract more clients and scale faster, as well as automate the processes to save time, improve efficiency and minimize human error. The idea was to craft an internal lead generation tool that will cover all the needs. We’ve agreed that Retool will be a perfect tool for this.
The scope of work
The project initially began as a proof of concept, but soon enough, with each new feature delivered, the company experienced increased engagement and value.
We developed a web tool that integrates seamlessly with Phantombuster for data extraction and LinkedIn for social outreach. Now, the company has a platform that elevates the efficiency of their lead generation activities and provides deep insights into potential client bases.
Building an Advanced Admin Portal for Streamlined Operations
Confronted with the need for more sophisticated internal tools, an owner of IP Licensing marketplace turned to Retool to utilize its administrative functions. The primary goal was to construct an advanced admin portal that could support complex, multi-layered processes efficiently.
The scope of work
Our client needed help with updating filters and tables for its internal platform. In just 30 hours we've been able to update and create about 6 pages. Following features were introduced: add complex filtering and search, delete records, styling application with custom CSS.
Together, we have increased performance on most heavy pages and fixed circular dependency issues.
Creating MVP Dashboard for Google Cloud Users
Facing the challenge of unoptimized cloud resource management, a technology firm working with Google Cloud users was looking for a solution to make its operations more efficient. The main idea of the project was to create an MVP for e-commerce shops to test some client hypotheses. Traditional cloud management tools fell short.
The scope of work
Determined to break through limitations, our team of developers turned Retool. We decided to craft an MVP Dashboard specifically for Google Cloud users. This wasn't just about bringing data into view; but about reshaping how teams interact with their cloud environment.
We designed a dashboard that turned complex cloud data into a clear, strategic asset thanks to comprehensive analytics, tailored metrics, and an intuitive interface, that Retool provides. As the results, an increase in operational efficiency, significant improvement in cost management and resource optimization.
Elevating CRM with Custom HubSpot Sales Dashboard
Our other client, a SaaS startup, that offers collaborative tools for design and engineering teams, was on a quest to supercharge their sales efforts. Traditional CRM systems were limited and not customizable enough. The company sought a solution that could tailor HubSpot to their workflow and analytics needs.
The scope of work
Charged with the task of going beyond standard CRM functions, our team turned to Retool. We wanted to redefine how sales teams interact with their CRM.
By integrating advanced analytics, custom metrics, and a user-friendly interface, our developers provided a solution that transformed data into a strategic asset.
In 40 hours, three informative dashboards were developed, containing the most sensitive data related to sales activities. These dashboards enable our customer to analyze sales and lead generation performance from a different perspective and establish the appropriate KPIs.
Building a PDF Editor with Low-Code
Our client, a leading digital credential IT startup, needed a lot of internal processes to be optimized. But the experience with low-code tools wasn’t sufficient. That’s why the company decided to hire professionals. And our team of developers joined the project.
The scope of work
The client has a program that designs and prints custom badges for customers. The badges need to be “mail-merged” with a person’s info and turned into a PDF to print. But what is the best way to do it?
Our developers decided to use Retool as a core tool. Using custom components and JavaScript, we developed a program that reduced employees' time for designing, putting the data, verifying, and printing PDF badges in one application.
As a result, the new approach significantly reduces the time required by the internal team to organize all the necessary staff for the conference, including badge creation.
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