SaaS

You may not be a frequent traveler, but you’ve almost certainly heard of Airbnb. After all, this company is valued at over $110 billion, and guests have booked more than 1 billion stays in more than 100,000 cities.

A lot of factors play into Airbnb’s popularity and profitability, including the Airbnb API (short for Application Programming Interface), which the company launched in 2017. Did you know that you can utilize the Airbnb API when developing an app or website for your business?

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Airbnb API, from how it works and what you can do with it to the best ways to incorporate it into an app or website.

What Is an API?

Before we dive into the Airbnb API, specifically, let’s take a step back and explore APIs more generally. API is an acronym for Application Programming Interface, and it is a tool that makes app development easier. 

APIs feature a variety of operations (as well as descriptions of those operations) that development teams use to create apps that perform specific functions. Developers don’t always know exactly how each operation works, but they know what they do and how they will contribute to the finished app.

APIs act as messengers between one application and the data produced by a different application.

Need an example? Let’s say you’re using a real estate app to look up data on a specific property. A real estate API will collect that information from a variety of sources and deliver it to you.

By using an API, an app developer or development team can eliminate some of the most time-consuming aspects of creating or making improvements to an app. For example, they don’t have to worry about creating as much code from scratch, which frees them up to focus on other important things.

APIs also allow for more uniformity across apps created for the same platform. If your company plans to launch several apps, your developers can use certain APIs to ensure they look and work similarly, which creates a better user experience for your customers.

How Does the Airbnb API Work?

Several years ago, Airbnb launched its API and made it available for other businesses to utilize. However, Airbnb doesn’t let just anyone use this API.

Airbnb is — and has been since the API launched — picky about which companies they partner with. Your business will need to apply before it can receive access (don’t worry, you’ll learn more about that later in the guide).

The Airbnb API allows developers to build high-performing applications with the help of Oauth security protocols.

Oauth is frequently used by companies that want to provide internet users with access to an app or website without having to give them the password to do so. Lots of companies use Oauth, including Google, Twitter, and Facebook.

With Airbnb’s API, developers can use Oauth to access accounts and update listings, as well as rates, rental availability, and content. Messaging can be built into the app with the help of the Airbnb API, too.

Why Should You Use the Airbnb API?

The Airbnb API allows businesses and their development teams to access a vast, unique marketplace and create high-quality apps that help them better serve their customers. The following are some specific benefits you’ll enjoy if you gain approval from the company and start using the Airbnb API:

Better Customer Experience

As all business owners know, a good customer experience is essential to any company’s success. If people find it easy to use your app and can quickly search listings, read reviews, peruse availability dates, and book their stay, they’re going to be more inclined to continue working with you in the future.

APIs — and especially the Airbnb API — help businesses create better and more seamless user experiences for their customers. They allow app users (hosts, guests, etc.) to quickly find what they need and navigate their way through the app without having to waste precious time searching for specific information.

Airbnb didn’t become a multi-billion-dollar business with a difficult-to-use, poorly designed app. If you want to provide your customers with a similar experience, the Airbnb API can help you to get there.

Faster App Development and Updates

Can you have a high-performing, competitive app without the Airbnb API? Of course, you can! 

However, it will likely take longer for your development team to get this app up and running — or make the needed updates — to get it working as well as you want and need. That means you’ll lose valuable time that you’ll have to make up for later, which isn’t ideal when you’re trying to build a profitable business.

Because APIs eliminate a lot of the heavy lifting associated with app development, they help you to get a high-quality finished product sooner. This, in turn, allows you to start gaining more customers and earning more money faster.

Streamlined Operations

The Airbnb API doesn’t just make life easier and more enjoyable for your customers. It also benefits you and everyone else on your property management team, from developers to customer service representatives.

With the help of the Airbnb API, you will be able to manage all your rental properties in one place and keep track of them without having to jump back and forth across various platforms. This streamlines workflows for all members of your team and allows you to be more efficient and productive.

It doesn’t matter if you need to manage reservations, update listing information, schedule maintenance appointments, or work around guests to book cleaning services. You can do everything faster and more accurately than ever with Airbnb’s API.

Increased Reservations

By streamlining operations on the business end and improving the user experience, you will find that more people are interested in working with your business and booking reservations at your properties.

The more demand there is for your rentals, the less you’ll have to worry about filling vacancies or dealing with the added expenses that come with them. All of this, in turn, helps you to run a more consistent and successful business. 

Increased Profitability

What happens when you run a streamlined, highly productive business and can easily manage your company’s rental properties? In most cases, you’ll also end up making more money from your rentals, will have fewer vacancies, and will have a more profitable company.

Every business owner wants to maximize their earnings and generate more income, right? By improving operations and simplifying the property management process, you can set yourself and your team up to make this happen.

Increased Credibility

Utilizing the Airbnb API can help with your business’s credibility, too.

A whopping 90 percent of app users say that they will abandon an app altogether if it performs poorly and is difficult to use.

That doesn’t bode well for your bottom line, does it? To make matters worse, it also impacts your credibility and may cause people to think poorly of your company, which isn’t ideal when you’re trying to generate new customers and build a thriving business.

If you want people to trust you, you need to make sure your app looks good and performs well. Working with the Airbnb API can help you to accomplish these goals sooner and see better results now and in the future.  

How to Get the Airbnb API

Does the Airbnb API sound appealing to you? Do you think it could help you to boost your rental business? If so, here are the steps you’ll need to take to get your hands on this precious API:

Register with Airbnb

If you haven’t already, the first thing you’ll need to do is get registered on the Airbnb platform. Go to the Airbnb partner section on the Airbnb website. Then, press the Login button and select the “Sign up” option located at the bottom of the popup window.

From here, you’ll have the option to create a new account using your Facebook or Google account. You can also create an account from scratch with your email address — no matter which option you choose, you’ll still have to fill in a brief form, so pick the one that is easiest for you.

Accept Airbnb’s Official Statements

Before you can officially register, you’ll need to review and accept the Community Commitment and Terms of Use documents from Airbnb. These documents provide key insight into the principles Airbnb supports, you need to ensure your app and company comply with them.

Verify Phone Number

The last step to registering with Airbnb is supplying your phone number. Select your country from the dropdown menu, then enter your phone number and click the “Confirm” button.

After you do this, you’ll receive a 4-digit code via text message. Enter this code into the field and your account will automatically be confirmed.

Apply to Be a Partner 

Currently, Airbnb is not accepting new API access requests. However, i’s still a good idea to register with the site so that you can get familiar with and carry out other tasks on the app.

Airbnb’s primary method of selecting partners has to do with the company’s own research and evaluations. They base their decision on a variety of factors, including your business’s supply opportunity, the strength of its existing technology, and your ability to effectively support shared customers. 

Do you think your business has what it takes to partner with Airbnb? If so, the best way to get noticed is to contact the Airbnb global support team. To do this, fill in the form at the bottom of the Prohost Airbnb page and submit it as soon as possible. 

Integrating and Using the Airbnb API

After your business gains access to the Airbnb API, you’ll be connected to an integration consultant. They are trained to guide you through the integration process and help you get everything set up as quickly as possible.

It’s best if the integration consultant works with your development team. Your development team, ideally, will be well-versed in HTML, CSS, and Javascript, as well as C# and the .NET development framework. All of these skills are essential to setting up and using the Airbnb API, as well as getting the most out of it.

Bonus App Development Tips

Gaining access to the Airbnb API would be a huge win for any company looking to build a business that’s anywhere near as successful as Airbnb. As you now know, though, getting ahold of this API isn’t exactly easy to do.

While you wait for partner approval, you don’t just have to sit around and twiddle your thumbs. There are plenty of other steps you and your team can take to create an app like Airbnb and continue building a successful business, including these:

Get to Know Your Target Audience

Start by thinking about who uses or will be using your app and working with your business. The following are some types of people whom you might include when making this list: 

• Travelers looking for affordable places to stay
• People traveling for business
• People traveling with their families
• People who want to earn extra income from renting out host properties

Be sure to dig deeper into these people, too. For example, what is the average age of your target customer? What is their gender? What kinds of hobbies do they have? 

Once you know whom you’re trying to reach with your business, you can start making plans to create an app — or update an existing one — so that it best serves them. For example, you’ll need to think about their preferences and what kinds of features or design elements appeal to them.

You’ll also need to consider what qualities they’re not getting from other apps and businesses that they could get from yours. In other words, what problems and frustrations can you resolve with your app?

Evaluate Current Competitors

One of the best ways to learn about your audience and their potential problems or pain points is to evaluate your competitors. Take a look at other businesses that are currently doing what you want to do. This might include researching other rental property managers or others working in the hospitality industry.

Remember, the goal here is not to copy anyone else. However, competitor research does help you to see what’s working and what isn’t for other businesses in your field. You can then use this information to improve your own offerings and create a better experience for your customers.

Even if you don’t have access to the Airbnb API right away, you should still be doing whatever you can to improve the user experience. Keep in mind, too, that if you’re known for providing a great experience, this may help you to curry Airbnb’s favor and increase your chances of being approved to use the API.

Consider Distribution Channel Options

In general, the more ways people have to access your app and work with your business, the more likely they are to actually follow through and partner with you. In addition to launching an app on the iOS and Google Play stores, you may also want to provide access through your website or via social media.

Make sure you consider all potential distribution options, then go back to the research you did on your target audience. Pick the options that are most relevant to your target customer to ensure they can find your business and take advantage of your services right away.

Proper distribution is key when you’re launching an app or making changes to your business’s existing app, so it’s crucial that you take this step seriously. Instead of wasting time and resources on platforms that the majority of your audience doesn’t use, do your research and focus on those that are most likely to generate a high response rate.

Consider Cost Structure and Budget

The cost of hiring developers to create or update an app is just part of the process of building a successful business. The following are some other costs you’ll want to keep in mind when putting together your budget:

• Website and app maintenance
• Employee salaries and benefits
• Online payment platform fees (MasterCard, Visa, PayPal, etc.)
• Marketing and promotional costs
• Insurance premiums

Factor all of these costs in when making plans for your business and budgeting for the future.

It can be expensive to make updates to your app and finetune your business — even though these improvements often save you money and help you to be more profitable in the long run. The more preparation you do now, the better off you and your team will be later on.

Evaluate Essential Features

If you want to build a business that’s on par with Airbnb, you need to make sure your app provides the kinds of features that your target customers want and need.

Now is a great time to evaluate your app’s features and consider what kinds of additions or adjustments you might need to invest in. Here are some essential ones you might want to include:

• A simple login or signup process
• An easy-to-use account management system (to update birthday, email address, phone number, gender, etc.)
• Push and chat notifications
• Simple host messaging and interaction options
• A secure payment method
• Coupon and referral code options
• An FAQ section
• Easy and convenient rate and review options
• Social sharing features
• Listing and booking management
• An admin dashboard
• Access to booking history and other relevant customer data
• An easy way to review feedback and complaints

It’s also useful if an app provides account insights to help users evaluate data and make informed decisions for the future.

Work with a Professional Developer

Whether you’re planning on using the Airbnb API or you just want to create an app like the Airbnb app for your business, a professional developer or development team is a must.

Unless you have extensive coding and app development knowledge, you’re going to need some experts on your side who can help you create an impressive app, integrate your existing app with the Airbnb API, and keep things running smoothly in the future.

Here are a few tips that will help you find a professional developer as quickly as possible

• Ask about experience and find out if they have worked on apps like Airbnb in the past — as well as if they are familiar with the Airbnb API or have worked with it before
• Check out their portfolio and look at their previous work to see if it looks good, works well, and aligns with your business’s needs and goals
• Read reviews from past customers to learn about their experience with a particular developer
• Ask about the project timeline and find out how long it will take to make updates to your existing app or get a new app up and running

Finally, get a quote to see if the developer’s prices fit into your company’s budget.

Remember, too, that cheaper is not always better, especially when it comes to developing a new app or improving an existing one. In business, it’s often worth it to spend a bit more money upfront to get a higher-quality, higher-performing finished product later. 

Take Advantage of the Airbnb API Today

Are you interested in getting your hands on and using the Airbnb API to enhance your business? If so, start by following the steps outlined in this guide.

Even if you don’t get approved to use the Airbnb API right away (don’t worry, this happens to lots of businesses), you’ll at least know what to do to apply so you can set your app and business up for long-term success.

As we have mentioned, a skilled development team is a must to help you integrate the Airbnb API into your app and keep your business running as smoothly as possible.

Are you currently working with any app developers? Do you need extra help using the Airbnb API or creating any other kind of app or website?

If so, contact us at Alpha Bravo Development. We can’t wait to hear from you — reach out and get a free quote today!

If you’ve spent any amount of time looking into app development or project management practices, there’s a good chance you’ve come across terms like Agile and Scrum.

Have you ever wondered what these words mean? Do you want to know how they relate to app development? 

Read on to learn more about the differences between Agile development and Scrum development. Then, use this information to decide which development approach makes more sense for your next app project.

What Is Agile App Development?

Agile development is a catch-all term that describes a variety of frameworks and practices.

Agile is different from other software development strategies because it emphasizes the people who do the work, as well as how well they work together. Collaboration and self-organization are key components of Agile development that allow for increased productivity and performance across the board.

The Agile Manifesto states the importance of prioritizing the following:

• Individuals (and interactions with them) instead of processes and tools
• Effective, working software instead of excessive documentation
• Collaboration with clients/customers instead of contract negotiation
• Flexibility and response to change instead of strictly following a plan

These values are all geared toward creating a better way of developing software. There are also 12 principles that further explain each of these values, as well as the overall mission of Agile development. They’re summarized as follows:

• Customer satisfaction is a priority and should come from early and continuous delivery of valuable products
• Changes in requirements are always welcome, even late in the development process
• Working software should be delivered frequently, ideally with shorter timescales
• Businesspeople and developers should work together daily
• Projects should be built around motivated individuals; they should be given a supportive environment and be trusted to get the job done
• Face-to-face conversations are the most efficient and effective way to deliver information
• Working software is the primary indicator of progress
• Sustainable development is essential for sponsors, developers, and users
• Developers should show continuous attention to technical excellence and good design
• Simplicity is essential
• Self-organizing teams create the best outcomes
• Teams should regularly reflect on how they can be more effective, then make adjustments accordingly

What Is Scrum Development?

Scrum is a development framework that makes it easier for teams to work together. It encourages learning through experiences, self-organization, and reflection on a team’s wins and losses so they can continuously improve.

The Scrum framework is based on the ideas of continuous learning and regular adjustment as various aspects of a project or environment evolve and fluctuate.

The Scrum framework is built around the understanding that teams do not know everything right from the start, and it doesn’t expect them to. It helps teams naturally adapt to conditions and user requirements, helping them to rearrange priorities as needed and continuously learn and make improvements.

There are three key artifacts (tools that solve specific problems) that are essential to the Scrum framework:

• Product Backlog: A primary list of all the work that needs to get done

• Sprint Backlog: A list of items, user stories, and bug fixes that will be implemented during a specific sprint cycle
• Increment/Sprint Goal: The usable end product from a specific sprint

Scrum breaks projects down into short sprints. These are time-boxed periods during which a team is expected to complete a specific amount of work. They help teams to deliver better apps (and other finished products) more efficiently and with less stress. 

Scrum Vs Agile Development

It’s easy to assume that Scrum and Agile are synonymous, especially since they both are centered around continuous improvement and reflection. That’s definitely not the case, though.

Scrum is a framework designed to help teams get things done. Agile describes a mindset and a philosophy.

Another way to think of it is that Scrum is an example of an Agile methodology. It’s one way to implement the Agile philosophy into one’s business or development projects.

Scrum and Agile are also unique because Scrum breaks projects down into short sprints and small deliverables. When using the Agile approach, everything gets delivered together at the end of the project.

Agile also involves collaboration from members from a variety of cross-functional teams. Scrum, on the other hand, gives team members specific roles, including Scrum Master (the person who ensures the Scrum framework is being followed) and Product Owner (the person who’s accountable for maximizing the product’s value).

Pros and Cons of Agile Development

Like all development processes, Agile development comes with a variety of pros as well as some potential cons. Outlined below are some of the most important ones to keep in mind:

Pros

When teams abide by the Agile development philosophy, teams become better at adapting to changes in requirements quickly. They’re more flexible and able to roll with the punches, which allows them to better serve their clients and remain productive.

The Agile philosophy also prioritizes communication and collaboration. This, in turn, allows for a more supportive work environment for everyone involved.

Agile also prioritizes continuous improvement and growth. This also helps teams to remain productive and ensure they’re always moving in the right direction (toward better quality finished products and more efficient turnaround times). 

Cons

One of the main downsides to Agile development is the fact that it can be a bit chaotic when it comes to the planning side of things. If the project manager isn’t on top of things or doesn’t do a good job of communicating with other team members, it can be easy for things to fall through the cracks and for teams to have trouble keeping up with changing requirements.

For the Agile philosophy to be effective, there’s a need for skilled team members with great communication skills. Otherwise, it’ll be difficult for everyone to implement the Agile approach and see great results.

Pros and Cons of Scrum Development

Scrum development also has positives and negatives associated with it. The following are some of the most important ones (in each category) to remember:

Pros

One of the most noteworthy benefits of the Scrum framework is the fact that, when implemented correctly, it allows teams to complete their projects of a much higher quality.

One reason for this is that Scrum teams test their products at the end of each sprint. This allows them to identify and address potential problems far before the final delivery date, so clients don’t have to worry about late deliveries or receiving bug-laden products. 

The second biggest advantage of the Scrum framework is the fact that it allows teams to get projects done in the most efficient way possible.

This has to do, in part, with the fact that Scrum teams plan and budget before they begin any type of project. This eliminates unforeseen expenses as well as time-related issues that can lead to late deliveries.

Cons

A potential con of Scrum development is the fact that many teams struggle to adopt this methodology at first. It is different from traditional working methods, and it can take a while for everyone to get comfortable using it. 

Scrum also works best, in most cases, with small teams (the average team is 4-6 people). When larger teams try to use the Scrum framework, it can be harder to keep up with what everyone else is working on, and it’s easier for things to get overlooked during sprints.

Popular Agile and Scrum Development Tools

There are lots of tools that development teams can use to stay organized and on track during the development process. The following are some of the most popular options:

JIRA

JIRA is one of the most popular tools for Agile development teams. It was built originally for issue and bug tracking, but it’s now used for various aspects of the software product development process.

JIRA features a long list of capabilities, which makes it a default choice for many. At the same time, though, its user interface is somewhat outdated compared to other platforms. This can hinder progress for some development teams.

monday.com

monday.com is a Work Operating System (or Work OS). It is used by a variety of teams, including app development teams, to plan and monitor progress for various projects. It features a simple, intuitive interface, is highly customizable, and can be used to easily shape workflows and make adjustments based on shifting needs.                                                             

Zepel

Zepel is a project management software built specifically for product development teams. Many Scrum teams use this platform to help them plan app features, track progress, and identify issues.

Zepel is a popular tool because it is easy for teams to adopt and start using. It doesn’t require teams to jump through a lot of hoops before they can start collaborating and working on their next project.

Orangescrum

Orangescrum is an Agile project and task management software. It comes in both an open-source and a cloud version and provides a wide range of Agile tools, as well as tools for time, invoice, and resource management.

Orangescrum makes it easy for development teams to centralize projects and tasks while also managing all of the resources needed to carry out projects effectively. It also offers robust collaboration features, including file sharing, to help teams work together closely.

Trello

Trello is another popular tool among Agile teams. It uses the Kanban framework, which features multiple boards and cards that represent each task that must be checked off the team’s to-do list.

Trello makes it easy for teams to keep up with various members’ progress and allows for maximum transparency when working on different development projects. For small teams that need a simple, streamlined option, Trello is a great choice.

Sprintly

Sprintly is an agile project management software that makes it easy for team members to see what everyone is working on and what they’ve finished. It’s a great option for startups and agencies to collaborate and get a full view of what the team is doing.

Sprintly integrates with platforms like Github and Zapier, which provides teams with access to additional features and capabilities. It also provides detailed reports for maximum transparency and straightforward check-ins.

Agile vs Scrum Development: Which Is Better for Your App?

Now that your questions regarding Agile and Scrum development have been answered, do you have a clearer idea of which type of development will work better for your app?

At Alpha Bravo Development, we regularly use both types of development. We have years of experience using both approaches and can easily adapt to each client’s needs and goals.

Contact us today to learn more about our process to get a quote for your next project.

Every year in the United States, businesses outsource approximately 300,000 positions. This includes a variety of positions related to app development and software development. 

Have you been thinking about outsourcing app development or software development for your business? If so, keep reading.

Everything you need to know about sourcing (and how to do it successfully) is explained below.

What Is Outsourcing?

Outsourcing is a business practice that involves hiring an outside party or company to perform a service or create a specific product. The alternative would be assigning those tasks to an in-house employee or team of employees.

As outsourcing becomes more popular and more widely accepted, there’s been an increase in the types of jobs that businesses choose to outsource instead of handle in-house, including customer service, manufacturing, and, of course, app and software development.

Outsourcing has grown in popularity in the last few years, but it’s been around for quite some time. It was first recognized as a business practice in the late 1980s and became more integral to businesses throughout the country (and the world) during the 1990s.

As is the case with any business practice, outsourcing is not without its critics. At the same time, though, many business owners have found outsourcing to have a positive impact on their companies’ productivity and success.

Insourcing vs Outsourcing

Throughout the business world, partly in response to the growing popularity of outsourcing, there’s been a lot of talk recently about the pros and cons of outsourcing vs insourcing.

Insourcing involves assigning a project or task to a specific person or department within the company. Rather than hiring an outside individual or agency to take over the job, insourcing utilizes the company’s resources to perform various tasks and achieve certain goals.

An example of insourcing might be a business asking the technical support team to take over the development of a new product. Outsourcing, on the other hand, would involve hiring an outside agency to carry out the production process.

Insourcing Pros and Cons

At first, insourcing might seem like a better option than outsourcing. After all, it relies on familiar employees and uses a business’s existing resources instead of requiring them to hire out and find a new person or team to handle a project.

In reality, though, there are some pretty significant drawbacks to insourcing.

For example, insourcing stretches employers thinner than they would be otherwise. This can lead to productivity and quality issues (not to mention the fact that it can interfere with their sense of work-life balance).

Insourcing can sometimes be more expensive than outsourcing, too. This is because it often requires them to spend time and money to implement new processes and start new divisions.

Benefits of Outsourcing

Some business owners may be hesitant about outsourcing app development and may be leaning toward an insourcing approach instead.

If this is the case for you, be sure to consider the following benefits that you can enjoy when you take some work off your plate and outsource the creation of your latest app or software program to someone else:

Save Money

When you outsource app or software development to a professional developer or third-party agency, you’re typically able to save a lot of money.

Think about how much you’d spend if you were to hire a full-time developer or development team to create your latest app or software program. Not only do you have to budget for an extra salary (remember, the average app developer in the U.S. earns $70,766 per year), but you also have to think about additional expenses like benefits (health insurance, PTO, etc.), equipment, and office space. 

Now compare that amount of money to the flat fee you’d spend to outsource app development or software development. It ends up being quite a bit less, doesn’t it?

Even if you pay $30-50,000 for a custom app with complex features, you’re still spending less than you would if you were to hire a full-time employee (and far less than if you hired an entire team of full-time developers).

Save Time

Not only is it generally more cost-effective to outsource app or software development, but it also allows you to get the job done more efficiently.

Time is of the essence when it comes to creating a new app or software program. If you don’t get your product on the market as quickly as possible, someone else is going to beat you to the punch.

Remember, the team you hire has only one job to do: Develop your app or software program. 

Their primary focus from the time they arrive at the office to the time they leave is creating the best-finished product for your business. They don’t have to worry about splitting their time between multiple tasks and meetings, which means they’re able to focus on your app or software and get it done faster. 

Get a High-Quality Product

Outsourcing app development and software development saves you money and time, and you don’t have to worry about sacrificing quality in the process.

In fact, you may end up with a higher quality product by outsourcing your project because the team working on it is only focused on creating your app. This is because your developers are not juggling other issues related to running a business, nor are they trying to split the responsibilities of app development with their other duties (which can happen when you take an insourcing approach).  

Access the Latest App Development Technology

The best app and software development agencies have access to the latest and greatest technologies and design programs. They’ve invested in top-of-the-line equipment and know how to use it to help you get the best programs possible.

If you don’t want to spend money on app development or software development equipment, outsourcing is one of the best options to consider. It allows you to benefit from the best tech in the business without having to spend a fortune on it (not to mention spending hours and hours learning how to use it).

Increase Productivity

Every business owner wants their employees to be as productive as possible, right? By outsourcing app and software development to someone else, you free your team up to focus on other important aspects of their job.

When workers are not pulled in a dozen different directions, it’s easier for them to keep their attention on the tasks that matter most and help to move the company in the right direction. Furthermore, you reduce the chances of them experiencing burnout, which can seriously hinder your company’s productivity and profitability (and, of course, your employee retention ratings).

Let’s not forget that your productivity as a business owner or manager will improve, too.

By outsourcing app development or software development, you take a major project off your own plate and have one less thing to stress over. This improves your ability to focus on the tasks that only you can handle and makes it easier for you to enjoy a greater sense of work-life balance.

Enjoy Ongoing Support

Many agencies that handle app and software development for clients like you offer ongoing support and updates.

This means that if something goes wrong with your app, or if you want to improve certain aspects of your software to make it more user-friendly, you’ll have immediate access to a team of professionals who already understand how the product works and know how to make it better.

Having access to ongoing support can give you peace of mind and serve as a major stress reliever. This is especially true when you’re dealing with something as powerful as an app or software program.

Types of Outsourcing

Some people who are on the fence about outsourcing also don’t realize that there are different types available. The following are three of the most popular types of outsourcing that you might want to consider using:

Nearshore Outsourcing

Nearshore outsourcing is a type of outsourcing that describes hiring an individual or agency from a nearby location to handle a specific project or provide certain services.

The term “nearshore outsourcing” was originally coined in 1997 by the company Softtek (a Mexico-based business solutions company) when it started working with clients in the United States.

These days, it can be used to describe outsourcing to an individual or company in the same city or state or outsourcing to an individual or company in a nearby city, state, or even country.

Benefits of Nearshore Outsourcing

There are lots of reasons why businesses might prefer nearshore outsourcing over other types, including the following:

• Close Proximity and Shared Time Zone: Working with an individual or agency in or around your same location means fewer time zone issues to grapple with; this means you don’t have to worry about messing up time conversions when scheduling meetings.
• Cultural Affinity and Easier Business Processes: Nearshore outsourcing can make business dealings easier, in part, because there are fewer cultural differences to overcome.
• Cost Savings: Outsourcing, in general, is cost-effective, but it can be even more cost-effective when businesses choose to work with others in the same general area.
• Fewer Language Barriers: Often, choosing nearshore outsourcing means having to deal with fewer (if any) language barriers; this can be a major source of stress relief for a lot of business owners.

Onshore Outsourcing

Onshore outsourcing involves outsourcing services to an individual or agency that is located in the same country as your business. It’s similar to nearshore outsourcing, but it doesn’t involve crossing country lines (such as working with a business in Mexico when you operate your business in the United States).

Benefits of Onshore Outsourcing

Like nearshore outsourcing, onshore outsourcing also has its own unique benefits, including these:

• Easier Communication: Both from a timezone perspective and a language perspective, it’s often easier to communicate when you use onshore outsourcing. 
• More Responsiveness and Reliability: Using onshore outsourcing typically results in more responsiveness from companies and individuals, in part because of a lack of time zone differences.
• Fewer Cultural Differences: There are fewer cultural differences to navigate when you work with an individual or agency located in your same country.
• Locally Appropriate Skill Sets: Individuals and agencies that are hired using onshore outsourcing techniques often have more locally appropriate skill sets and are better equipped to help with the specific projects you’re planning.
• Knowledge of Your Market: Onshore outsourcing typically results in hiring an individual or agency that has a greater understanding of your business’s specific market.

Offshore Outsourcing

Offshore outsourcing involves hiring an outside individual or organization located in a different country to carry out specific business functions.

Unlike nearshore outsourcing, which typically involves hiring an individual or agency in a close country, businesses that utilize offshore outsourcing usually hire agencies or individuals located on different continents. An example might be hiring a company based in India when you run your business out of the United States.

Benefits of Offshore Outsourcing

To some business owners, the concept of offshore outsourcing might be the hardest to wrap their heads around. There are perks to using this type of outsourcing, though, including the following:

• Cost Savings: Offshore outsourcing can often be the most cost-effective option, which is good for businesses that are working with tight budgets.
• Access to Specialized Expertise: Offshore outsourcing provides access to specialized expertise, which might not always be readily available depending on where your business is located.
• Round-the-Clock Work: Offshore outsourcing can also improve productivity because agents are often working on your project even when you and your team are off the clock.

How to Successfully Outsource App Development

Now, let’s get into the actual process of outsourcing app or software development. If you’re interested in taking the plunge and working with an app or software development agency, here are some tips to keep in mind to ensure you have a positive experience: 

Set Clear Goals

The first step to successful app or software development outsourcing is identifying your goals. 

What kind of app or software do you want to create? What do you want it to do? Who is your target audience? Will it be available for iOS devices, Android devices, or both?

Taking the time to set clear goals makes it easier for you to find a development agency that can deliver what you and your business need. The more specific you can be upfront with what you want, the more likely you are to get the end result you and your team are envisioning.

Choose Your Preferred Outsourcing Type

Remember, as we mentioned above, there are multiple types of outsourcing. Of the three — nearshore outsourcing, onshore outsourcing, and offshore outsourcing — which one seemed the most appealing to you?

If you like the idea of a fast turnaround time and a very inexpensive product, offshore outsourcing may be enticing. If you’re looking to work with someone who understands your market and speaks the same language as you and your team, though, an onshore outsourcing approach may be a better fit.

Once you’ve decided on the type of outsourcing that appeals to you, you can start researching companies that offer the services you need and narrow down your selection to avoid any options that don’t align with your goals and preferences.   

Make a Shortlist of Candidates

Next, make a shortlist of potential agencies or individual developers that you can hire to develop your app or software.

When considering whether or not a person or team is a good candidate, be sure to look at their services page and make sure they offer the specific services you and your team need.

Consider reaching out to learn about their availability, too. That way, you don’t get excited about working with someone who doesn’t have room in their calendar for you.

Review Portfolios

Always review a person or agency’s portfolio before you agree to work with them, too. This helps you get a sense of the type of work they do and helps you to see if they’re a good fit for you.

If possible, work with an agency or individual developer who has worked with businesses like yours, too, and created apps or software programs like the one you want.

This increases the likelihood that the team will know what you need. They will also, in most cases, have an easier time helping you to achieve your goals and get the outcomes you desire.

Contact Previous Clients

Ask for references from previous clients as well. Any agency or individual worth hiring will be happy to connect you with past clients who can verify their work.

If someone is hesitant about doing so or doesn’t provide references after you ask, that’s a huge red flag. It could be a sign that they might not be a good person or company for you to outsource to.

Ask About Their Process

It’s a good idea to ask about an agency or individual developer’s process, too.

What steps do they go through when working on a new app or software? How long, on average, does it take to complete a project like the one you want?

The best developers will be happy to walk you through their process and answer all your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for lots of details, especially if you’re feeling nervous about outsourcing and need some extra assurance.

Ask About Pricing

Of course, you’ll need to take finances into account before outsourcing app development or software development.

To get the most accurate numbers possible, set up a consultation to discuss your project and get a quote. This will make it easier for you to budget and compare pricing when looking into different developers.

Remember, price is important. However, it’s generally not a good idea to go with the cheapest agency or individual developer.

As with anything in life, when it comes to app and software development, you get what you pay for. Trying to cut costs now could come back to haunt you later.

Read Contracts with Care

Always review contracts with care before signing anything. Look at the fine print and avoid agreeing to work with someone until you know exactly what they’re offering, what they charge, and what their terms of service are.

Start Outsourcing App Development Today

Are you ready to outsource your business’s app development efforts? If so, keep the tips listed above in mind so you can outsource to the right professionals and see the best results.

Feel free to reach out to us today at Alpha Bravo Development, too, to book a consultation or get a quote.

We’re happy to answer all of your outsourcing-related questions and work with you to get the best app or software possible.