Before you sign on the dotted line, here are 7 essential questions every small or mid-sized business should ask when vetting an app development partner.

1. What’s your process—from concept to launch?

A reputable mobile app developer should be able to clearly explain their approach to design, development, testing, and deployment. Listen for words like “discovery,” “user experience,” and “QA testing.” If their process sounds vague or overly technical, keep looking. A well-defined process usually means a smoother experience for you as a client. Ask for a project timeline with milestones to get a sense of how your app will progress from idea to launch.

2. Do you specialize in native apps, cross-platform, or both?

Not all mobile apps are built the same. Native apps offer top performance and user experience, but they may cost more. Cross-platform tools (like Flutter or React Native) can be more budget-friendly. Your developer should guide you based on your goals, not just what’s easiest for them. A good developer will explain the trade-offs of each option in the context of your business—not just the tech specs.

3. Can I see examples of your past work?

Reviewing a portfolio is essential. Look for clean design (UI), smooth functionality (UX), and perhaps even in industries similar to yours. Even better, request a live demonstration or a video walkthrough of a recent project so you can experience the quality firsthand.

4. How do you handle updates and ongoing support?

Your app launch isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning. Make sure the developer offers post-launch support, bug fixes, and a maintenance plan. Apps need updates to stay compatible with new OS versions and devices.  Developers typically offer various service plans, so look for flexible options that match your budget, expected app usage, and the level of support your organization requires.

5. How will I own and access my app’s source code and data?

Ownership matters. Confirm that you’ll retain full rights to your app, codebase, and any assets created during the project. Ask where your data will be stored, how it’s backed up, and how you’ll be able to access it—both during development and after launch. You should also ensure that credentials, licenses, and accounts (like Apple or Google developer access) are set up in your name, not the developer’s. If a developer hesitates or tries to retain control of your intellectual property, it’s a red flag.

6. What will it cost—and what’s included in the quote?

Request detailed pricing that clearly outlines costs for design, development, testing, launch, and any third-party expenses (such as APIs or hosting fees). It’s acceptable to start with a general estimate before the initial discovery process. However, prior to kicking off design and development, a reputable developer should provide a clear, itemized, fixed-price quote—including timelines and specific sprint deliverables. Be cautious of vague or lowball quotes that omit critical steps or costs in the app-building process.

7. How will we communicate during the project?

Clear, consistent communication is non-negotiable. Ask how often you’ll receive updates, what project management tools they use, and whether you’ll have a dedicated point of contact—ideally someone with several years of experience. It’s also important that one of the firm’s principals or owners is involved during the early stages. If they’re not closely engaged with you as a new client, it may signal a lack of long-term commitment or priority for your project.

Final Thoughts: Choose a Partner, Not Just a Provider

At the end of the day, your app developer should feel like a strategic partner who understands your business and goals—not just a coder for hire. Asking these seven questions can help you find the right fit and start your app journey with confidence.

Users of this top-rated fitness app simply select their fitness experience level, goals, how much time they have, and available equipment (or lack thereof), and it builds a custom workout for them to complete in their own home or on the go.

Since the creators of KinetiCoach realized that it was the perfect app for everyone stuck at home during these challenging times of social distancing and lock-downs, they decided to open up the Premium subscription for FREE for 60 days.

The app is packed with 1000+ unique workouts and 300+ movements, including stretches.

Take advantage of this great app during your time of forced isolation!

Stay healthy!  Stay well!

The Medina Alert program was named after Jose Medina, who was hit and killed by a hit and run driver on January 22, 2011. This case was the first call to the newly formed, Taxis on Patrol (TOP) program, in which trained Taxis on Patrol drivers in the Denver Metro area followed the suspect’s vehicle which eventually led to the capture and arrest of the suspect.

Now there’s an app as well.

“This is really one of a kind technology that allows the user to be a good witness, remain safe while doing so and easily submit tips via email, photos, video and voice recordings. The Medina Alert App will help us continue to assist law enforcement with creative communications tools to challenge the impossible and solve the unsolvable,” said Larry L. Stevenson, creator of The Medina Alert-Hit & Run Communication System. The mobile app also enables the app user to track where serious bodily injury/fatal hit and runs have occurred, sorted by those cases that are solved, and those that remain unsolved.

The Medina Alert Program is a non-profit, 501c3, so if you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the Medina Alert Program, you can click the “Donate” button right from within the mobile app. 100% of the proceeds from donations go towards hit and run research awareness and education, victim’s assistance, and to a Witness/Tipster reward fund.

We’re a relatively young company; ’bout 3 months shy of our 2-year anniversary. We started 2013 with roughly a dozen clients and today we’re fast approaching 40, a number we’re both proud of and thankful for. In that time, we’ve expanded our offerings considerably, adding completely custom (native) Denver mobile apps, Denver HTML5 web apps, Denver WordPress websites and e-mail newsletters/marketing. Mostly, this has been at the behest of our existing clients.

We’ve also bolstered the team, bringing on two rock star developers and a number of graphic designers. (We’re looking to add even more developers this year.)

But the best part of 2013 was the clients. We’ve been lucky enough to work with some really great people and businesses. That’s what makes it so fun and exciting!

Here’s to keeping it going in 2014!