10 Tips for Working With an Offshore iOS Developer

In today’s globalized world, it is common for businesses to work with offshore developers. An offshore iOS developer can provide a cost-effective solution for iOS app development, but you may need to factor in the cultural and logistical challenges that cme with bringing an offshore developer on board.

In this blog post, we will provide tips for working with an offshore iOS developer and how to hire an iOS developer from India. Let’s jump right in.

Why Work with an Offshore iOS Developer?

Working with an offshore iOS developer can be advantageous for several reasons:

• Cost-effectiveness: Offshore developers usually charge lower hourly rates compared to their counterparts in other countries. This can result in significant cost savings for businesses, especially those with limited budgets.
• Quality of work: Offshore developers are known for their technical skills and expertise. Many of them have excellent educational backgrounds and experience working on complex projects. With the right developer, you can expect high-quality work that meets your requirements and specifications.
• Time zone advantage: Working with an offshore developer will give you the sense of your business being done overnight. Confused? Well, working with offshore developers, there will be a time zone gap, and if you hire someone from sub-continent then they will work at night for you.
• A large pool of talent: Working with the developers in your city will not provide you with many options. If you go offshore, you can choose from a vast selection of iOS developers with different skills and experience levels. This means that you can find the right developer for your project, no matter how complex it is.

The takeaway: Working with an offshore iOS developer can be an excellent choice for businesses looking to develop high-quality iOS apps while keeping costs down. However, it’s essential to do your research and find a reputable and experienced developer to ensure that your project is a success.

Practical Tips for Working With an Offshore iOS Developer

1. Communication is Key:

You may have heard it time and time again, but communication is crucial when working with an offshore iOS developer. You must establish clear communication channels to ensure that both parties are on the same page. This includes communication channels such as email, instant messaging, and video conferencing to ensure regular communication.

One effective way to achieve this is to use project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Basecamp. These tools allow you to set tasks, milestones, and deadlines and assign them to specific team members.

Additionally, use video conferencing apps like Zoom or Skype to discuss project progress and provide feedback in real-time.

2. Set Realistic Expectations:

Another must-have when working with an offshore iOS developer is to set realistic expectations regarding project timelines and outcomes.

You must:

• Provide the developer with clear instructions and objectives from the outset, including project scope, budget, and timelines
• Be upfront about your expectations, and communicate any changes or challenges that arise along the way

3. Choose an Experienced Developer:

Ensure that you choose an experienced offshore iOS developer with a proven track record of delivering high-quality projects. Follow these tips:

• Look for developers with experience in developing iOS applications, familiarity with the latest iOS development tools, and a portfolio of successful projects.
• Check their reviews, ratings, and testimonials to gauge their level of expertise and reliability.

4. Provide Clear Documentation and Be Specific in Your Requirements:

To ensure that your offshore iOS developer can deliver the project according to your specifications, provide them with clear and comprehensive documentation. 

This includes project scope, wireframes, mockups, design specifications, user stories, and any other relevant materials. You must also ensure that the documentation is accessible and understandable to the developer and that they have access to the necessary tools and resources.

Finally, provide detailed requirements for the iOS developer to avoid any misunderstandings. This includes providing clear instructions and expectations for the project and defining deliverables, timelines, and milestones.

5. Foster a Positive Working Relationship:

Building a positive working relationship with your offshore iOS developer is crucial to the success of the project. Try these strategies to build a solid working relationship:

• Take the time to get to know the developer and their culture, and show appreciation for their hard work and contributions.
• Offer regular feedback, positive reinforcement, and support to help them achieve their goals.
• Foster an open and collaborative working environment that encourages ideas, creativity, and innovation.
• Respect the developer’s skills, experience, and recommendations to achieve the best possible outcome for your project.

6. Consider Time Zone Differences:

Working with an offshore iOS developer means dealing with time zone differences, and it’s essential to be flexible with time zones to accommodate the developer’s working hours. You may need to adjust your work schedule to accommodate theirs.

So, plan your work schedule accordingly, and ensure that you have overlapping hours during the day to communicate with the developer. You can also use asynchronous communication tools like email, instant messaging, or project management software to communicate outside of overlapping hours.

7. Ensure Intellectual Property Protection:

Protecting your intellectual property is crucial when working with an offshore iOS developer. You must ensure that you have a clear and comprehensive agreement that outlines the terms of the project, including ownership and confidentiality clauses.

Additionally, make sure that the developer adheres to ethical and professional standards and does not engage in any activities that compromise your intellectual property.

8. Test Early and Test Often:

Testing is a critical part of the iOS app development process, and it’s essential to test early and often.

As a thumb rule, encourage your offshore iOS developer to test the app regularly, provide regular feedback on the developer’s work to ensure that the project is on track, and make improvements as needed. You can use tools like TestFlight or HockeyApp to facilitate app testing and gather user feedback.

9. Stay Agile and Flexible:

Agile development methodologies can be highly effective when working with an offshore iOS developer. Agile development focuses on iterative development, frequent feedback, and continuous improvement.

This approach allows you to adjust the project’s scope, timeline, and objectives as needed and respond quickly to changes or challenges.

10. Understand Cultural Differences

India has a rich cultural heritage, and it’s essential to understand the cultural differences to work effectively with an offshore developer. So, make sure to learn about their holidays, customs, and communication styles to avoid any miscommunication.

Useful Tips on How to Hire an Offshore iOS Developer

If you’re looking to hire an offshore iOS developer, here are some tips to help you find the right candidate:

• Research potential candidates: Look for iOS developers on job portals, LinkedIn, or through referrals. You can also check their experience, portfolio, and ratings/reviews from previous clients.
• Evaluate their skills: Have a technical screening process to evaluate their proficiency in iOS development, including Swift programming language, Xcode, and iOS frameworks.
• Communication: Ensure that the candidate’s communication skills are strong, as clear and effective communication is crucial for remote teams.
• Culture fit: Assess whether the candidate is a good cultural fit for your organization. This is important to ensure that they will work well with your team and share your company’s values.
• Contract and payment terms: Make sure to have a well-drafted contract outlining the scope of work, milestones, and payment terms.

In Conclusion

Hiring offshore iOS developers can be a great option for businesses looking to reduce costs while maintaining the quality of work.

Remember that approaching the working relationship with care and due diligence will help you find the right developer for your project. So, follow these tips and increase your chances of hiring a skilled, reliable, and communicative developer who will deliver high-quality work on time and within budget.