Mobile applications are taking a better part of our lifestyle every other day. Through such apps, it is now easy for users to connect with others, access valuable information, make purchases, and explore various forms of entertainment and other services.

Developing such apps requires expert approaches to enhance the functionality and performance of mobile apps. It is, therefore, the role of developers to ensure they integrate cutting-edge technologies, the latest tools, and resources to develop impressive mobile apps. Ideally, the goal is to ensure clients are satisfied with product delivery. But then, how can a developer ensure they develop mobile apps that align with what the clients need? Well, it is all about understanding every significant element of a client’s project, and the best way to achieve this is by asking a client a set of questions that will guide you throughout the mobile app development process.

So, what are the questions to ask a client before and during their mobile app development process? Let’s learn more in this article.

Why it is important to ask clients questions before developing a mobile app

Developing a mobile application can be a costly as well as quite a complex process. Therefore, asking a client question before initiating the process helps both the mobile app developer and the client in the following ways:

• Creating a competitive app

Every client wants an app that will stand out, especially in a tight, competitive market. Therefore, asking the client a number of questions helps developers understand the technologies, resources, tools, and methods needed to tailor mobile app development to meet client needs & stay ahead of the competition, even in the near future.

Developers, on the other hand, will strive to deliver the best quality based on the answers the client has provided. Client satisfaction will help developers build a good profile, which will definitely open doors to more projects.

• To ensure the mobile app aligns with business goals

A crew of mobile app developers have a wide range of skills and knowledge. Some tools, platforms, and resources may be useful in some apps, while they might not work best in other apps. That is why it is essential to ask clients specific questions to ensure every step and action the developers take won’t affect the client’s business goals.

• To avoid wastage

Can you imagine developing a mobile app only to realize in the later stages of app development that you need to integrate certain features and implement certain technologies? This could mean overlooking the efforts and resources channeled into developing the app and starting over again, thus wasting time and other valuable resources that could be used somewhere else.

To avoid all these, developers can ask a set of questions to ensure they move forward with the right tools, technologies, platforms, and other essentials necessary for actualizing the client’s project.

• To create a seamless working environment

Every developer wants a set of clear requirements so that they can plan effectively. For instance, when in the middle of the mobile app development process, only to realize the developer needs some clarification, but the client isn’t available at the moment.

This will mean the developer should pause and wait for clarification, which might interfere with other projects on line and the client’s schedule too.

Instead of all these, every mobile app developer can ask the client a number of questions to start the project with everything in place, thus avoiding such inconveniences.

Questions every mobile app developer should ask clients

Below are some insightful questions every mobile app developer should ask their client:

• In summary, can you describe your ideal mobile app?

This is the number one question you should consider asking your client before anything. Even though the question might feel like a huge one for a client, especially if they are just starting with the concept phase, it will give you a rough idea of what the client intends to accomplish. As a developer, this will enable you to understand the vision and mission early enough, giving you room to decide if you can actualize the project concept.

• What is the purpose of your app?

There are many mobile app ideas, and understanding the key purpose of an app will help the developer plan and strategize effectively. Ask the client if they need a social media-based app, content library app, or game app, among many other app ideas.

Use the insights from the client’s perspective to figure out the best features, technologies, tools, and resources that will bring out what the client needs.

• What market gap or, rather business goals do you want to achieve with the app?

Ask the client if they have identified a specific missing gap in a particular market niche. Ideally, you can go a step further and ask if they aim at enhancing customer engagement, generating leads, or boosting sales through the app. These insights will give you an overview of the app’s design and features to include.

• What Features Do You want for your App?

Ask the client to highlight the number of features they want in their mobile app. As an expert developer, you can go a step ahead and suggest some features you feel might enhance the app’s performance and functionality.

Again, once the client highlights all the features, be real and set the record straight, explaining to the clients if it will be possible, the time required to accomplish the task, and the budget required to actualize the processes.

Again, ask the client if they will need an MVP (minimum viable product) to help them gather feedback and implement changes for a faster-performing and reliable mobile app.

• What is your budget estimate?

Different clients have different requirements. It can, therefore, be hard to estimate the exact costs of developing a app. However, understanding the client’s budget estimates will give you room to explain if it is practical or not, considering the complexity of the app and if the deadline is tight.

However, if the client isn’t sure is the exact budget, it means that they are still figuring out the app’s idea. Nonetheless, you can use a mobile app development calculator to determine the costs of building a specific app.

• Do you have specific design requirements for your app?

The mobile app design plays a big role in helping a client achieve their objectives. It is, therefore significant for a developer to inquire if the client has any design specifications before developing the app.

Sometimes, clients often have strict guidelines and requirements when it comes to designing and layout. However, if the client gives you the option to use your expertise and skills to figure out the best design, that is when you can move forward with the project.

Knowing specific design requirements helps you as a developer to plan everything from the beginning of app development until you meet all the guidelines when deploying the app.

• Who are your market competitors?

Every market has competitors. When a client highlights their competitors, it becomes easy for a developer to research and analyze the missing gaps and create an app that will scale and attract a large user base.

What’s more, understanding the competitors will enable you as a developer to explore advanced features that will make the app viable.

• Who is your target audience?

Ask the client to explain the target group of people he is targeting with the app. Above all, let the client explain the type of issues or problems they want to solve with the app.

These insights will enable a developer to understand the type of apps such a group prefers and the features to integrate into the app to enhance user engagement and overall performance.

Again, it is easy for developers to do research based on the information given by the client to understand what the target users expect from the app.

• What is your timeline or deadline for app completion?

Deadlines are among the crucial aspects of building a mobile app for clients. In most cases, clients often have a specific timeline through which they want the project accomplished. As a developer, make sure you ask the client about their schedules and plans, then confirm your availability and capability to accomplish the project within the specified timeframe.

This will help you as a developer to deliver projects in a timely manner, thus growing your profile positively. As for the client, on the other hand, they will receive timely delivery of the project without missing any expectations, allowing them to plan for other activities.

• What is your preferred communication strategy?

Communication is a key aspect of mobile app development. Sometimes, you may get clients from different time zones. How will you ensure there isn’t miscommunication as a result of the different time zones? Besides, the availability of both the client and developer is equally paramount.

Ask the client how often they are available for communication and updates on the project’s progress. Whatever the case, both the client and developer should settle on a communication strategy that suits them both.

Don’t forget to touch on the communication channels. Be it Skype, phone calls, emails, or any other means of communication, make sure you settle with your client to avoid any inconveniences along the way.

• How do you want testing and deployment done?

Testing and deployment are some of the crucial phases of the final mobile app development process. As a developer, make sure the client has a clear plan of how to execute the whole app development process, from planning to launching. This will give the developer ample time to focus on the processes and execute a smooth transition to launching the app.

Besides, understanding these key processes will enable you to design and execute a plan that aligns with the client’s vision.

• Do you have unique requirements for your project?

Ask the client if they have a set of specific requirements for the project. For instance, do they prefer a certain programming language over the other? Or what is their preferred framework? When a client specifies unique requirements, it becomes easy for the developer to plan how to actualize the development process using the right tools, technologies, and resources.

• Who are the main stakeholders?

What if you need to consult something with the ongoing project? It is key to ask the client if they have specific personnel or team members who are readily available for consultation. If the client is the chief owner and controller of the project, then setting the records straight from the very beginning will give developers an easy and smooth working environment.

• Which platform do you prefer?

We have different platforms for mobile app development. Examples include web, desktop, iOS, and Android, among many others. All these platforms have their unique features and attract a specific clientele. Therefore, it is essential to ask the client to specify the platform for their mobile app. This will help you as a developer to gather insights that will enhance the quality of the app.

Conclusion

Creating reliable and high-quality mobile apps is a complex process. Different clients have different goals and objectives. As a developer, you can have all the skills and experience to produce the best mobile apps. But then, client satisfaction is the key concern here. So, how can you ensure the client is satisfied with your work as a developer? It can be only through an in-depth explanation of the processes.

What’s more, you need to understand the client’s budget, timelines, and objectives they want to achieve. This will give you an idea of the resources you need, a team of developers, and other materials necessary to actualize the processes.

Most importantly, understanding every aspect of what the client needs will help you build your portfolio as a developer. Of course, a satisfied client will refer another potential client to your services.

Again, asking relevant questions showcases the developer’s interests and commitment to helping the client actualize their business goals. So, as you plan to engage your mobile app development clients, make sure you ask these questions to have a clear overview of the project’s requirements.

Any queries? Get in touch with mobile app development company – Aalpha information systems!