Questions to Ask Potential Vendors for Social Network and Mobile App Development

When it comes to developing a social network or mobile app, the success of your project largely depends on the expertise, experience, and communication of the vendor you choose. Here are some essential questions to ask potential vendors to ensure a smooth and successful development process:

Have You Developed a Social Networking App Before?

One of the most crucial questions to ask is whether the vendor has previously developed a social networking app. You want to make sure they have the necessary experience and knowledge to understand the unique requirements and user expectations of social networks. Requesting the vendor to provide a link to their existing app in the App Store (iOS) can help you evaluate their expertise and get an idea of the app's performance and user experience.

Example Question: Have you developed a social networking app before? Can you provide a link to your app in the App Store?

Native App vs HTML5 App: Which Fits Your Needs Best?

The choice between a native app and an HTML5 app depends on your specific requirements and the target platform. A native app provides better performance and a more seamless user experience, but development and maintenance are more costly and require multiple versions for different platforms. On the other hand, HTML5 apps are cross-platform and can be built once and deployed everywhere, but they may not offer the same level of performance as native apps.

Example Question: Do you suggest developing a native app or an HTML5 app? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach for our specific project?

Can You Implement REST or SOAP API?

API integration is a critical aspect of any social network or mobile app. You need to ensure that the vendor can develop and integrate a REST or SOAP API, depending on your requirements. REST APIs are more lightweight and easier to use, while SOAP APIs offer more robust features but require more complex setup.

Example Question: Can you develop and integrate a REST or SOAP API for our social network or mobile app? What are the key features or limitations of each API approach?

UI Designing Capabilities

The user interface (UI) design plays a significant role in the success of any app. A well-designed UI can enhance user experience and increase engagement. You should ask the vendor about their UI designing capabilities, including their design process, tools, and design standards.

Example Question: Can you handle the UI designing for our project? What design process and tools do you use? Do you follow any specific design standards or guidelines?

Hourly Rate and Pricing

It's crucial to have a clear understanding of the vendor's hourly rate and overall pricing. This will help you budget your project and ensure it stays within your financial limits. However, it's also important to consider the quality of the vendor's work and their reputation before settling on a price.

Example Question: What is your hourly rate for this project? Can you provide an estimated total cost or a detailed breakdown of the pricing?

Affiliate or Referral Program

It can be helpful to inquire about the vendor’s affiliate or referral program. This can provide you with additional insight into their past work and clients' satisfaction. If the vendor has a successful referral program, it can be a good sign that they are reliable and reputable.

Example Question: Do you have an affiliate or referral program? Can you provide information about past referrals or clients?

Location and Time Zone Considerations

Considering the location and time zone of the vendor is important, especially if you need regular communication or if the vendor will be working on your project remotely. Choosing a vendor in the same time zone can help you have more productive meetings and ensure efficient communication. Additionally, a vendor located in a different country can lower the cost of the project but might also pose challenges in terms of cultural and time zone differences.

Example Question: Where are you located, and what is your time zone? How can we ensure effective communication and collaborative work?

Project Milestones and Deliverables

It's essential to determine the vendor's project milestones and timelines. You want to ensure that the development process is transparent and that the vendor works towards clear deliverables. Asking about the vendor's approach to incremental builds can help you assess their project management skills and commitment to quality.

Example Question: What is your approach to incremental builds? Will you send us an intermediate build every week or one final build when the project is complete? How do you ensure the quality of each build?

By carefully asking these questions, you can ensure that you select the right vendor for your social network or mobile app development project. Remember to consider not only the technical abilities of the vendor but also their communication skills, project management skills, and overall reliability.