7 Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring A Developer

Building a mobile app isn’t just a technical decision—it’s a business one. And for startup founders, product managers, and business owners alike, choosing the right app developer can mean the difference between a successful app and a costly misstep.

According to CB Insights, 23% of startup failures happen because of the wrong tech or team decisions. That includes choosing under-qualified developers, ignoring cultural fit, or hiring developers who lack domain experience.

In this blog post, we’ll walk through 7 mistakes to avoid, especially when selecting app developers for a high-stakes app development project. Whether you’re outsourcing development or building in-house, these lessons apply, and understanding the hiring process is crucial to avoid these pitfalls.

Understanding Your App Development Needs

Define Your Project Requirements

Before you even start searching for an app developer, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your specific needs. Defining your project requirements is the foundation of a successful mobile app development project. Start by identifying the type of app you want to create—whether it’s a native app, a cross-platform solution, or an Android app. Determine the core functionalities and features your app must have and prioritise them accordingly.

Consider the following factors when defining your project requirements:

• Purpose: What is the primary goal of your app? Is it to solve a specific problem, entertain, or provide a service?

• Target Audience: Who will be using your app? Understanding your users’ needs and preferences is key to designing a successful mobile app.

• Features and Functionalities: List the essential features your app must have. Prioritise them to ensure the most critical elements are developed first.

• Budget: What is your budget for the project? Knowing your financial constraints will help you find an app developer who can deliver within your means.

• Timeline: What is your desired timeline for the project? Setting clear deadlines will help keep the development process on track.

We thought we were clear, but our old dev team built something we didn’t even need. We lost 3 months and over $40K. EB Pearls helped us realign—and we finally launched something users wanted.
— Founding Team, FinTech Startup (Australia)

Mistake #1: Starting App Development Without Clear Project Requirements

Why it matters: If you don’t know what you’re building—or why—you can’t expect your developers to. A lack of clarity leads to budget overruns, scope creep, and often, product-market misfit.

The risk: You build the wrong thing, waste resources, and delay your go-to-market.

How to fix it:

• Define your app’s goals, audience, and core features.

• Decide if you need a native app, Android app, or cross-platform.

• Work with a dev partner who runs a proper discovery phase.

Mistake #2: Hiring Developers Based on Cost, Not Capability

Why it matters: Low quotes are seductive—but in app development, they usually come at a higher long-term cost. Cheap teams often cut corners on testing, UI/UX, security, or maintainability.

The impact: You risk rework, poor user reviews, or total rebuilds.

How to avoid it:

• Focus on value, not just price.

• Vet their technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and programming language fluency.

• Ask if they’ve built a successful mobile app in your industry or with similar scope.

Mistake #3: Not Reviewing App Developers’ Previous Work

Why it matters: Past performance says a lot. Reviewing previous work helps you see how a team approaches UI, stability, and real-world delivery.

The risk: You partner with someone who’s never solved the kind of problem you’re hiring them for.

Smart move:

• Review their portfolio—not just the visuals, but how the apps function.

• Ask how their apps performed in app stores.

• Check reviews on online platforms like Clutch or GoodFirms.

• Ask for client references or success metrics.

Mistake #4: Skipping the Interview Process and Ignoring Cultural Fit

Why it matters: Great code isn’t enough—you’re building a relationship. A mismatch in communication style, values, or expectations creates friction that slows everything down.

The risk: Missed feedback loops, clunky collaboration, and misaligned goals.

What to do:

• Conduct interviews—just like hiring an internal team.

• Evaluate soft skills and communication rhythm.

• Choose a development company whose company culture and project managers fit your working style.

Understanding the Development Process

Understanding the app development process is crucial for managing your project effectively. The development process typically involves several stages, each with its own set of tasks and deliverables. Familiarising yourself with these stages will help you work more effectively with your app developer and ensure the success of your app development project.

Here’s an overview of the app development process:

• Planning: Define scope, budget, goals
• Design: Wireframes, UI/UX, branding
• Development: Frontend, backend, integrations
• Testing: QA, security, performance
• Deployment: App stores, go-live support
• Post-launch: Feedback, updates, new features

By following this structured approach, the new sections will seamlessly integrate into the existing article, providing valuable insights and practical advice to readers.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Post-Launch Support from Your App Development Company

Why this matters: Launching an app is only the beginning. Most apps require ongoing maintenance, bug fixes, performance optimisations, and new feature releases. If your chosen app development company doesn’t offer long-term support, you’ll be scrambling when users report issues or platforms evolve. Ongoing support is crucial for the app's success, as it ensures the app remains effective and profitable in the market.

The risk: You’re left unsupported when the app hits the market.

Your checklist:

• Choose app development companies that offer long-term partnerships.

• Ask about constructive feedback loops, release plans, and versioning.

• Ensure your app stays current with new technologies and operating systems.

Mistake #6: Not Protecting Intellectual Property Rights in Contracts

Why this matters: Your app is your IP—and your business depends on owning it. If you don’t define intellectual property rights in writing, you could end up with legal disputes, grey ownership areas, or being held hostage by your vendor. A proper contract protects your idea, your future roadmap, and your ability to pivot.

The risk: You may not legally own the app’s code or design.

Protect yourself:

• Ensure all agreements clearly state ownership.

• Include non-disclosure agreements and SLAs.

• Define your project scope, milestones, and exit clauses with your development company.

Mistake #7: Failing to Evaluate Technical and Communication Skills Together

Why it matters: The best app developers write clean code and collaborate well. You need a team that’s proactive, clear, and responsive throughout the development process.

The result: Smooth delivery, faster pivots, and fewer headaches.

How to succeed:

• Assess both technical skills and soft skills.

• Choose a developer-focused team that values communication.

• Ask: “How do you handle scope changes or feedback during development?”

Final Takeaway: Choose the Right App Developer with Confidence

You’re investing time, energy, and capital. Make it count.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you protect your app development project from unnecessary risk—and dramatically increase your odds of launching something your users love.

A great app development company will help you:

• Define the right product
• Guide you through decisions
• Build with future growth in mind

EB Pearls has helped launch over 500 successful apps in FinTech, HealthTech, marketplaces, and SaaS—from funded startups to enterprise platforms.

Whether it’s a native app, Android app, or something cross-platform, choosing the right app developer is the first—and biggest—step to success.

Need help navigating your app development journey?

Choosing the right app developer isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a decision that shapes your product, your user experience, and your business outcomes.

Whether you’re starting with just an idea or already knee-deep in wireframes, our team at EB Pearls is here to help you move forward with clarity. We won’t throw jargon at you. We won’t push you into something you’re not ready for. Instead, we’ll meet you where you are, unpack your vision, and help you figure out what makes the most sense—technically, financially, and strategically.

We’ve helped over 500 founders and innovation teams avoid the same mistakes you’ve just read about—launching mobile apps that are not only well-built, but well-backed by user insight, strong tech foundations, and long-term support.

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