How do you choose an agency to develop your application?

In the article Mobile apps in 2025: why get started?, we saw how apps have become an essential lever in any digital strategy. But once this decision has been made, a key question arises: who should I develop my app with?

Choosing an agency is not a trivial matter. It's not just about finding a technical service provider, but a strategic partner who will support you through every stage of the project: from design to launch, including marketing optimization. A competent agency should help you transform an idea into a viable digital product that can generate downloads, convert prospects, and build customer loyalty.

In 2025, with fierce competition in the mobile app store market, this choice will determine not only the success of your project, but also its long-term profitability.

Understanding development approaches

Full code development: the ultimate customization

Full code remains the preferred approach for complex projects. Here, everything is coded manually by experienced developers, often using Swift (iOS), Kotlin (Android), or hybrid frameworks such as Flutter and React Native.

Advantages:

• Complete customization: every feature is tailor-made.
• Optimal performance: full-code apps integrate better with the native system (sensors, camera, Bluetooth).
• Unlimited scalability: ideal for a startup that anticipates rapid growth.

Example: Uber or Airbnb could not exist with no-code. Their model is based on a custom-built architecture designed to manage millions of users simultaneously.

Disadvantages: high cost (often between €50,000 and €200,000) and longer lead times (6 to 12 months).

Low-code and no-code: speed and agility

At the same time, no-code and low-code tools such as Bubble, Adalo, Glide, and FlutterFlow have become more widely available. They allow users to create applications using visual builders and pre-designed templates, integrating forms, CRM, online payment, and automation features.

Advantages:

• Speed of launch: an MVP can be created in 4 to 8 weeks.
• Low cost: often between €5,000 and €25,000, depending on complexity.
• Accessibility: ideal for testing an idea before investing in full code.

Example: An SME that wants an internal booking app or an e-commerce business that wants a catalog app can easily get started with no-code.

Disadvantages: limited customization, dependence on third-party platforms, and sometimes performance issues with a large number of users.

The essential criteria for selecting an agency

1. Technical and sector expertise

First and foremost, the agency must be proficient in the technologies suited to your project. If you want a full-code app in Flutter, there is no point in working with an agency that specializes solely in WordPress or Bubble.

Also check their experience in your industry:

• A banking app requires advanced security standards (encryption, GDPR compliance).
• An e-commerce app must be optimized for the conversion funnel, payment, and customer loyalty.
• A sports or health app must be compatible with wearables and collect sensitive data.

2. Strategic and marketing support

A common pitfall is to think that an agency's role ends with development. In reality, a good agency must also integrate your digital marketing strategy.

She must accompany you on:

• ASO (App Store Optimization), the equivalent of SEO for apps.
• The implementation of a CRM system to manage users.
• Inbound marketing (emails, push notifications, automation).
• Analysis via Google Analytics and Firebase.

An agency that simply codes without considering your conversion rates or acquisition strategy is not a partner, but merely an executor.

3. Budget transparency and hidden costs

Many companies embark on development without anticipating the overall cost. However, beyond the initial price, it is important to consider:

• Maintenance (10 to 20% of the annual budget).
• Mandatory updates (adaptation to new iOS/Android versions).
• Hosting costs (servers, databases).
• User testing and fixes.

A reputable agency should provide a detailed, clear, and transparent quote with no hidden fees.

4. Methodology and project management

An effective agency applies an agile methodology: development in 2- to 3-week sprints, regular updates, intermediate demos, user testing. You need to be involved throughout the process, not just at the beginning and end.

Criteria to be verified:

• Tools used (Trello, Jira, Notion).
• Regular communication (weekly meetings, reviews).
• Testing process (QA, beta testing, patches).

5. The UX/UI dimension and user experience

A successful application is not based solely on code. Design anduser experience are crucial. Poor ergonomics, poorly placed buttons, or long loading times can drastically reduce your conversions.

A good agency must incorporate:

• UX/UI designers capable of creating clear mockups.
• Browsing tests on different devices.
• Responsive optimization, designed from the outset.

Conclusion

Choosing an agency to develop your mobile application means choosing a strategic partner, not just a service provider. The right choice will depend on your needs:

• Full code if you are aiming for performance and scalability.
• No-code/low-code if you want to quickly test a concept.
• In any case, choose an agency that can combine technical expertise, marketing support, and agile methodology.

To learn more, check out:
What factors influence the price of a custom mobile app?
How much does it really cost to create a mobile app?