If you want to build a web application, the first thing to find out is the cost of web application development. Estimating the cost may be tricky because there are too many factors that can influence the price. So what do?
In this article, we will go over all the main aspects that go into the web app development cost estimation, so you will be able to make an informed decision after reading this review.
First, Define Your Scope
The first step to estimating the cost of your website application is to define the scope of a project. In simple words, the scope is a detailed description of what your web app will do and how it will do it. More features and functionality in your application will mean a greater expense, calculated by a pro team like Digiteum.
Start by compiling a list of the core features you wish to have in your app. The more complex these features are, the more time and effort they’ll take to develop, directly impacting cost. Clearly defining the scope right at the beginning of the project saves from unexpected expenses.
Key Cost Factors
The development of a web application includes several factors that will in turn influence the final cost when an expert dev team like Digiteum will handle the project. Here are some key elements to consider.
The design of your web application may significantly influence its success, but it may at the same time heavily affect the cost. Of course, a custom design will be much more expensive because then absolutely everything will be done from scratch, while pre-designed templates will cost less. But by having a custom design, you’ll be able to have as much control as possible over what your application looks like.
One of the major cost factors of web app development depends on the complexity. Basic web applications that contain very simple functionality, will be much cheaper. Also, responsive design, where the content automatically adjusts to the size of the screen, is key too. But it introduces a new layer of complexity and man-hours—and cost, of course.
If your application requires integration with third-party APIs—like payment systems or customer relationship management systems—then the time and the cost will increase too. This leads us to another point: the general tech stack used to achieve all these hefty goals.
Tech stack refers to the programming languages, frameworks, and tools used in the development. Some technology stacks are more costly than others because the skills required for their implementation are rarer, or because they are just more time-consuming.
For example, having more advanced technology means involving highly professional developers like Digiteum at higher rates. On the contrary, picking up widely used stacks makes everything much cheaper, because they are used by more devs. Which leads us to the start of the night.
The Development Team
Who you hire to build your web app will make huge a difference in the cost of the web app development. There are a few different options for sourcing your development team:
In-House vs. Outsourcing
Outsourcing to an in-house development team gives you full control over the project, but it is usually the most expensive option. You will need to pay for salaries, benefits, and overheads. In such scenarios, it might make more sense if your project is long-term or if you plan on continuing development well after the launch.
Outsourcing from an agency or hiring freelancers is cheaper. Agencies provide a whole team of developers, designers, and project managers under one roof. They can ease the whole process, while freelancers can be more flexible and cheaper.
The development rate also varies by a huge margin depending on their location. For example, hiring developers in North America or Western Europe will generally be more expensive than hiring in regions such as Eastern Europe, Latin America, or Asia.
General Expertise and the Project Itself
The price is also influenced by the competence of your developers. The more years of experience a developer has, the higher the rates. Senior developers can often complete tasks in less time and with fewer errors. Depending on the complexity of your app, you may need to invest in more experienced developers.
Your project timeline can also affect the cost. Short deadlines often make developers rush things up while increasing the cost. At the same time, in projects where the timeline is longer, dragging on could result in higher overall expenses.
There will also be milestones. Those are critical points during the cycle of development when you take a step back and see how progress is going. This allows you to make sure your project isn’t derailed. Setting milestones helps you stick to the budget because you can make adjustments to either the scope or the timeline depending on the progress.
The costs don’t stop once your web app goes live—oh no! You will need to consider further expenses in maintaining your app. This includes bug fixes, updates, and security patches. Such updates help the app stay up and running without hitches and prepare it against any vulnerability.
Read also Unlocking Revenue Growth: The Power of a Sales Accelerator Program
How to Get a More Accurate Estimate
The more you can discuss with developers upfront, the more precise an estimate you will get for your web application project. This would include:
- detailed specifications;
- wireframes;
- UX/UI design;
- third-party services or integrations;
- post-launch support.
It would be a good idea to approach different developers or agencies to hear out their proposals, so you can compare the costs and services. Remember, it’s important to choose the ones you see the most potential in, while staying on budget.
Conclusion
Though it is daunting to estimate the cost of developing a web application, you can make well-informed decisions if you understand the main factors that drive pricing. Keep in mind that the lowest price is not always the best. It’s better to invest in quality to make sure your app is functional, scalable, and secure. With accurate estimates and careful planning, you’re closer to creating a successful web application.
