What is web application development services?
Web Application Development Services is the process of planning, prototyping, designing, coding, testing, and bug fixing to create a web-based application for a business by second-party vendors. Using the term “services,” you will hire a freelancer or partner with a tech company to create a web application based on your requirements.
Web application development company also provides additional services such as content writing and SEO optimization for web apps. Even though an agency develops your web apps, you will still have the source code ownership.
Why should you consider web application development services?
1. It’s more cost-effective
Not all businesses have the resources to start and maintain an in-house tech team with 4 to 6 members to build their web app, especially for startups. The average web application developer’s salary is between $65,000 to $90,000/ a year, depending on the level.
Plus, some web application projects might last a few months. Afterward, you only need 1 or 2 developers to maintain, fix bugs and update it daily. Thus, investing in an entire in-house team can be unnecessary. Using a web app development service will be more cost-effective. Yet, unless your business’ revenue relies on online website conversion and engagement. In this case, having an in-house team is beneficial in the long run.
2. Hiring from start can be daunting
Recruitment is getting more challenging and not every candidate matches your requirements. If you are considering building an in-house team, you must prepare in case the hiring period takes longer than expected.
Many companies choose web application development services while building their team. They will work with the partner to develop the foundation of the web app and then transfer it back to the in-house team for maintenance, optimization, and future upgrades.
3. Pools of web experts
A con of the in-house team is that they can lack experience in certain aspects. This does not mean that they are unqualified. Web applications are a big world with lots of technology. Thus, it’s understandable that your team members don’t know some parts.
Meanwhile, there are many freelancers with different expertise to choose from. For example, you can hire a ReactJS front-end developer in a short period. Same as a web app agency, they have a plethora of tech experts to build your web app.
Another thing to note is that these experts have worked with many web app projects before so they can consult the best technology for your web app development.
Types of web application design & development services
1. Custom web application development services
This development service will cover the whole process from A to Z, including prototype, design, front-end and back-end development, testing, and launching. Some providers will recommend you continue with them for maintenance. However, you will decide if you need it or not for this step.
The word “custom” means they will develop whatever you ask for. Sometimes, they will give input and recommendations for better UX/UI, design, or code quality. Yet, it’s still up to you for final decisions.
A wide range of technologies and programming methods will be used for custom web app development services. You can ask the vendor to use specific tech stacks, frameworks, a CMS or hire them to build from scratch. Because of the complexity, it’s best to carefully consider every vendor and make sure they have the experience in what you ask for.
2. Front-end/ Back-end web application development
We have met many companies that only need a web application service for a specific part of the development rather than the whole project. Many services can help you with front-end and back-end programming with different technology and frameworks as you require.
Make sure that the tech stacks they use are compatible with the existing system. However, only some web development companies offer these kinds of services. Thus, you might consider hiring a small team of freelancers for these short-term projects.
3. eCommerce applications development
Almost every eCommerce Website you see nowadays is a web application. They used a plethora of advanced features, such as a payment gateway, search filtering, product listing, high-quality media resources, chatbot, integration with shipping, inventory, and CRM system. Plus, an eCom Web application requires a robust UX/UI for better engagement and conversion. Because of all this, it’s much more complicated than an average website and basic web app.
In this case, a team of web experts will benefit you by preventing bugs, ensuring code quality for a stable and high-performance web application. You can develop one from scratch or use eCommerce platforms such as Magento, Shopify, and BigCommerce for cost-effective and shorter development.
4. Web portal applications development
Businesses can leverage web application technology to build solid self-service portals. These portals give specific groups of user access to information and data while ensuring privacy and security. In some cases, a web portal application will require integration with the existing system to create a comprehensive business platform. For this, you might need an outsourcing company with experience to ensure seamless and safe integration.
5. Web application upgrade, support & maintenance
This web application development service comes in three different types:
- Monitoring: meaning that you hire someone to oversee your system 24/7 to detect potential threats and bugs
- Remediation: this type includes issues resolutions by a developer or team of developers
- Management: this is a combination of monitoring and remediation to ensure a bug-free for your web application
To simplify, many companies hire a non-tech person to monitor their web. This person can be a content executive who daily updates content for the web app. Or they can be IT Support who log in to the web app daily. Or they can be anyone in your company. If a bug occurs, you will report it to your web app outsourcers/ vendors for remediation and maintenance.
Which is better: Freelancer or web company?
The truth is it’s challenging to compare what choice is better for a web project without understanding the project scope, requirements and goals. In some cases, a freelancer can outweigh a web agency and vice versa. We have prepared a side-by-side comparison to learn the best of the two types and when to choose which.
| Freelancer | Web Company | |
|---|---|---|
| Who are they | Usually, one developer/ designer or a small team of 2-3 people, mainly developer or designer, work together as a part-time or full-time remote job. | A Tech company for web development and design with many different roles and expertise, from Business Analyst, Project Manager, Developer, and Designer to Tester/QA. Some Web agencies have content marketing and SEO executive roles to help with your web performance. |
| What they do | They usually work for a small part of a web development project. For example, programming a function, front-end or back-end, working with a framework/ coding language for a small part of the website. | Usually work from A to Z for a project, from design, develop to test the website. They work with a variety of tech stacks and web frameworks. Depending on what you need, they provide. |
| Experiences | From junior to senior level in web development or coding experience. | As a company, they have any level in web development and coding experience. A good web application development services provider will ensure a good number of seniors for a project for the best results |
| Flexibility | Limited. A freelancer usually has expertise in certain aspects, you can’t expect them to be master in everything | Wider. They have multiple people that good at different aspects |
| Long-term support | Limited. Freelancer work is done after the result is delivered and accepted. They rarely go for long-term support | Yes. You can sign a maintenance contract after the project is done if wanted |
| Price | Pay per hour, from $10 to $50 for one freelancer. | Different methods of payment: Pay per hour from $25 to $100 for a developer, fixed rate or pay per pages/ features |
| How/ Where to Hire | Upwork, Fiverr are the popular freelancer platforms | Google Search or Clutch, G2, Goodfirms are the top agency/ company review site |
| Working process | You can approach them first or post the requirement on a freelance platform for applicants. After selection, discussion and agreement, the work starts. When the work is delivered, you pay them. | As mentioned above. The main difference here is you usually approach the provider first and use review sites to check their credentials. The process for final decision on who to partner with is longer than hiring a freelancer. |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| When to use | If you need help with a small part of your website If the job is short-term If the job is urgent and don’t require much effort | If you want someone to working through a whole web project If the project is long-term If the project is complicated |
The best web application development service is the one that fits your budget and projects requirements. It should also ensure good quality and on-time delivery.
Most used technologies and frameworks in web app development Services
1. Technologies
There are many types of web applications, but the most popular technologies in recent years are:
Progressive Web App that has functions and can be used like a mobile app, but it works on a browser and does not require downloading from the app store. Some features that make it outweigh traditional web applications and websites are push notifications, offline mode, automatic updates, dynamic interface, and fast load. This technology aims for a robust user experience with convenience.
Single Page Application that does not reload pages after an action. For example, the URL stays the same when you click on a picture, upload media, or submit a text. Only part of the web app is changed, while the others stay the same. This technology brings seamless surfing without interruption or slow loading.
Multi Page Application, or Traditional Web Application is what you mostly see and interact with daily. Even though it’s the earliest technology for web apps, it’s very solid and easy to develop for businesses. Multi-page applications may provide little to no difference for users compared to other technologies. Yet, traditional web apps may fall behind in terms of user experiences and fast load.
Using Serverless Architecture for your Web Applications is another emerging web app tech. It prevents data loss, mitigates system overload and decreases deployment costs. Unlike other types of web application, it does not use a server but instead integrates with a cloud system. This leads to one downside of Serverless: you must rely on providers.
2. Frameworks
Using a web app framework can help your development process faster with efficiency. It supports your development with a standard set of design and development rules. Each framework focuses on specific aspects of web application development. Some of the best frameworks that web application development services use are:
- ReactJS for building front-end web applications in JavaScript
- ExpressJS, NodeJS for developing back-end web applications in JavaScript
- AngularJS for single-page application
- VueJS for single-page application
- Lavarel for developing web applications in PHP
- Django for web applications in Python
How much does web application development services cost?
Hourly rates for web application development services can vary depending on location, years of experience, and what technology you require.
The US, for example, is the highest-paying country for web development, with around $50 per hour per developer, as their need for web coders is in high demand. According to Salary Expert, other countries’ average rate for a web developer is:
- Australia/ New Zealand: From $35 to $45
- Canada: around $37
- United Kingdom: From $30 to $35
- Europe: From $30 to $45
- Singapore: $35
- China: $25
Some developers have crossed the average paid line with $50 to $100 per hour. In this case, you are paying more for their level of expertise:
- Entry level web developer made around $65,000/ year
- Mid-level web developer made around $80,000/year
- Senior web developer made around $95,000/year to more
A JavaScript developer can cost more than a Java or HTML/CSS developer. Yet, the most paid web developer is Python coder.
With such high prices, many companies opt for outsourcing web application development services, where they hire developers from other countries. The top choices are Vietnam, India, Ukraine, Bangladesh, APAC, with around $10 to $25 per developer. The communication barrier is the most noticeable drawback of Outsourcing. Otherwise, these web developers are skillful, with years of experience that can outweigh many top-paid countries.
A total web application development service can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000, not counting the maintenance package.
Workflow when working with a web app development outsourcing
The process of creating a web app with a provider is not much different to a normal development process with 7 basic steps:
- Analyzing: Ask yourself questions about your products, brands, customers and business’ goals. By identifying these, you understand what the purpose of your web app is, who your future users are and how the web app serves them.
- Planning: After knowing what you want, it’s time to gather your team and plan for the development. After that, note down the features you want for your web app and find some inspiration.
- Choosing your vendor: In this step, you will look for web application development outsourcing. First, write down all the requirements and ideas that you found on step 2 and check with the vendor to see if they can do it and how they will do it. The clearer the scope, the better your vendor understands your needs and wanted results. You might ask them for a proposal if needed.
The best-suited vendor should have a clear workflow to develop your website, know how to do it, clearly communicate with your team and fit your budget.
- Sketching and Designing: Create the layout and wireframe of your web application. When designing these, consider UX/UI friendliness, as this is an important criterion to retain your user engagement.
- Developing: This is the step that requires coding. Work closely with your vendor during this step to ensure a robust web application with a solid back-end and dynamic front-end.
- Testing and launching: Take multiple testing methods manually and automatically to ensure web app functionality. Also, remember to fix any bugs and errors before launching your web app.
- Maintaining: The process doesn’t stop after it launches. You still need to regularly check its performance and upgrade it to match the user’s satisfaction. You can keep partnering with your web application development services under a maintenance contract or establish an in-house to take care of the web app.
While working with a web app development service, it’s essential to maintain transparent communication and workflow between two teams. As said, you need to clear up the roles and responsibilities of each member.
Tips for choosing a good web application development solution
There are many web application development services and companies in the market. To choose a good one and avoid scam, here are a few things you need to prepare:
- Clearly identify the project scope.
- Understand the differences between what you want your website to be, what you need your website to have, and what your website can have with that budget. Suppose you want a 3D element for your web design, but your budget is limited. Ask yourself if the 3D feature matters and contributes to your traffic, web ranking, and user engagement. But if you have a budget, just go for it.
Avoid bad services that can be “scam” if they:
- Have little or no information on the Internet, social media, or review site. It’s even worse if they don’t have a website or their web contains little information.
- Hesitate to send you a portfolio and proposal.
- Messy workflow and lack of communication.
- Talk a lot about past projects, results and achievements but not mention anything related to your project or how they will solve your problem. Experience is good, but it’s better to know what they will do. Sometimes, even top agencies don’t have expertise in certain areas.
Questions to evaluate an agency/ a freelancer:
- What is their tech stack?
- What types of web applications have they developed?
- Do you provide maintenance, hosting, security and testing?
- What is your web application development process?
- How many revisions are you willing to do?
- What monthly deliverables do you offer?
- What’s your method of communication?
Synodus – Leading web design & development company in APAC
Looking for a web application development partner? We are a Full Services Web Application Design & Development Company with 300 experts and experiences in building eCommerce Web apps, Web Portals, Single Page Applications, Progressive Web Apps, and Custom Web applications for dozens of businesses of all levels. View our portfolio!
Using the most innovative tech stacks with PHP, JavaScript, Magento, Shopify, etc, we ensure a high-performance back-end, responsive front-end, and robust UX/UI for your future web applications. Transparent communication, seamless workflow, and on-time delivery are among the many benefits of working with our pool of developers.
We aim to become your long-term tech partner with integrity and high quality, not just a web application development services provider!
