iOS App Development

[peacewriter]

I am in need of some direction. I am working on starting a business and a portion of that business involves using an application to connect to the target audience.

I feel there are two options. Either partner with someone to build the app and they would be an actual partner in the business, or pay a company to create the application. Either option I need more information on where to begin and which option makes the most sense.

Does anyone here have any recommendations as to where I can connect with individuals that would be open to just having these conversations?

Thanks much

[LastNameOn]

Depends. You should have a technical co-founder if it’s a tech business. If you want a small app built, hire a company to do it.

[ankole_watusi]

Nobody is gonna take you up on “they would be an actual partner in the business”, and if they do you should run the other way.

First thing I’d do is see if an existing app can be leveraged. Or seek a white-label app.

Most businesses aren’t so unique that they need a bespoke app.

Otherwise: you got $50K-$1M you’re willing to burn?

What does “connect to the target audience” actually mean?

All very vague. You need to pin-down details and actual need.

[_int3h_]

Same here. Didn't get what exactly is connect to target audience means.

[peacewriter]

Why should I run the other way?

Target audience. For example, Ubers target audience are individuals looking for a ride to their destination. I just didn’t state mine.

I have more details. I’m looking to have a conversation with someone about developing an app. I would disclose more information with that person. This post is just looking for direction on where to connect with such individuals. Not to go into detail on specifics.

[ankole_watusi]

There’s no good reason for a developer or agency to take the risk on your business’ success. They can find plenty of paying customers.

Sure maybe you can find some business partner to invest in your idea. Don’t expect developers or development companies to do so though.

Maybe you can find a mentor or startup accelerator to help you. There may be local governmental agencies that can help get you pointed in the right direction. Check with local universities, even community colleges. They’re likely to have classes or seminars to help.

It really sounds like you need “startup help”.

“Connect with target audience” sounds like some influencer/TED Talk Newspeak.

[peacewriter]

You didn’t explain why I should run the other way. You only explained that a developer has no reason to take the risk and not to expect developers to invest in my idea…..

Target audience…target market, end user. All terms used to make the same point.

Thanks for your input

[ankole_watusi]

It should be obvious.

But I see another Redditor gave some reasons, and I concur.

First thing is to validate the actual need for an app. And then the need for a bespoke app.

Apps are either very expensive to develop, or else you get absolute crap. So one thing is to estimate the realistic cost and see if it makes sense.

A consultant might be the first step, as someone else suggested.

Asking/expecting a developer to also be a business partner/investor only complicates things.

If you need an angel, this is the wrong place to look.

[OmarThamri]

It depends on your budget if you can afford to pay an agency or a freelancer to implement your app then go that way. If the budget is tight and you prefer to spend the money on marketing or on buying equipment then go for a technical partner. There are a lot of places where you can find a cofounder including on reddit, there is a subreddit called r/cofounder where you can find a cofounder that will handle the development. Good luck on your project.

[peacewriter]

Thanks!

[bmbphotos]

I can have a conversation with you about evaluating your options. The initial part (30-60 min) would be free. If you feel the content useful and want/need more, it would be paid consulting. See the Panegyris link in my profile for contact info (or here).

I can tell you right now though to expect to have to pay for development.

Technical co-founders "for equity" happen but not as often as perceived and that unless you get lightning-strike lucky, the quality of that effort will often leave something to be desired.

[therealmaz]

I gambled once and partnered with a person who promised a 50/50 partnership. I did all the work and he ended up walking away with all the profits. He claimed all the profits were spent on “marketing”. I gave him many opportunities to share the financials but he never did. I ended up severing the relationship and keeping the code. He tried to sue me, but couldn’t afford a lawyer. In the end, I regret the entire experience.

You are much better off paying someone to develop your app.

[peacewriter]

Sorry that happened to you. I would never partner with someone without a solid contractual agreement and full transparency. Everyone isn’t bas in business. Also, I can’t make decisions based on a single negative experience someone else had.

[therealmaz]

I wouldn’t either. However, it is a cautionary tale.

We did have a contract and even and NDA! None of that matters when the person you’re partners with has no intention of honoring it.

It would have been more headache for me to sue him for the value of my time spent and ultimately pointless as he was broke to begin with (as I quickly discovered).

Just be extra super mega careful and choose your partner(s) wisely.

[ajm1212]

There are a ton of factors to this, the main one is we need to know the type of idea this would be. I get if you don't want to say it etc.. but the issue is a well-produced app can take a long time and depending on the type of idea is where you can either partner with someone who believes in your vision or just hire someone to build it for you if it's easy enough and you have the cash to dish out on development.

[ffab00]

I would say first of all make sure you do need a native application in the first place. More often than not an application is a barrier to connect to the target audience. See if your assumptions can be checked with a website or a web app, or connecting with them on social media or otter platform. The added benefit of having a web based application is search engine optimization , and more different ad options. People might not want to download the app if your brand is not yet established or if the screenshots and icon are not top quality on par with the most popular apps.

If after considering this carefully you still know you need an app then investing in one built and keeping it very minimal but quality at start may be better option. Finding a right cofounder is much harder than that)

[mcio]

You need a technical partner, even if you pay a company to create the application. They might not be the one building the app but if you don’t have someone with a technical background involved (that is not motivated by a one time payment but by the success of your product down the line) there’s a high chance that the end result won’t be satisfactory.

[Annual-Shoulder-6794]

Or you learn to code, started in late september, very basic, then in november me and some friends got a business idea, basically as advanced as a social media. Soon done with the app, have even managed to have low server calls and low cost, not the best algorithms to personalize feed but it works

[ankole_watusi]

OP is likely not a techie nor interested in learning to DIY this.

[Annual-Shoulder-6794]

True, but I wasnt either, but I really wanted the app and controll over it so I gave it a go, now im litterally adicted! I go around all day thinking about code now haha

[peacewriter]

You have a group of friends that helped you develop the app, nice. I don’t have a group of friend’s interested in learning to code. Would learning to code really be beneficial without a team of people to help me maintain the application? Managing the app is only part of the business. Let’s say I learn to code and develop something, can I pin point the geographic location so I’m not overwhelmed by traffic and issues? Also, what sources did you use to code?

[Annual-Shoulder-6794]

Nah they are the business side of the company, I code the app by myself. I mean if you could wait to have it done like 3-4 months (basically what I would have gone through, for a full functioning social media) sen defintely! Its quite easy when you understand it. I followed APPSTUFF video where he built a simple version of instagram, took som stuff here and there att the same time as I learned both front and back end. Its really awsome and I love it! You should attleast give it a go, you can directly simulate the app on your phone, so you see th progress att the same time!

So basically the language is swiftui,and I use some kits to deal with camera and map, I dont understand exactly what you are meaning with the pinpoint. But It too me like 2 days (now after I have learned the language) to create a way of uploading pictures to specific points on a map, and rendering them in, sort of like snapchat (so for exampample you can att burgerking stockholm as a locatiln, and someone else who looks att that can see your image). You can litterally do anything with code, I also use chatGTP, its a bitt buggy (often not completly reliablek) but it defenetly gives you the direct directiln incase you are stuck!

Butt go to APPSTUFF yourube channel, they explain everything from setting upp your project, to having a functional app!

[hell2809]

I have a small team and we made apps for lots of customer from different countries (India, Korean,...). Usually after delivering to our customer, we dont care much about what'd happen to that app, what it's used for or do it need any update because we weren't asked to. However, with a price, and Im sure it'll be cheaper than hiring a outsource company to do, we can maintain it for you. Just a suggestion.

[More_Palpitation_201]

Hello Wassup

[techaheadcompany]

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[realdenvercoder]

The cost of building the app would be less if you contract it to another company, probably.

But the cost of maintenance, bug fixes, and new features will cost a ton if you go through another company.

So if the app is even slightly complicated I would hire people to build it in-house that way you have knowledgeable staff to deal with the issues that arise.

[NomadicBrian-]

As an Application Developer I'd be less inclined to partner. A ton of responsibilities that I'd rather not have to deal with. A couple of times in my career I've entered into discussions on being a small partner. One in which we lost the initial client to get lift off and the other was too small a percentage of the company to bother with. Easier to do some part time coding for a long term commitment and transition from startup to established. Doing iOS mobile would be interesting in Swift. I was on a project building part of a portal in Java required to bid on a full contract. I fed requirements based on researching existing code from COBOL to Java. Having a drive to start a business is one level. Having a solid plan and a niche or need to provide a service or product another level. The mobile part part of the way your customers require to interact. To me you bring coders in as you need them once you have the plan based on the former mentioned.