Imagine this: you’ve got a brilliant app idea that could revolutionize your business, take it to new heights, and transform your entire customer experience. But without the right team to develop it, that idea is nothing more than a dream.
In the world of mobile app development, choosing the right development partner is everything. The difference between a successful app and one that flops often comes down to who’s behind the code.
Think about the companies you know: Uber, Instagram, Spotify — their apps didn’t just appear overnight. They were meticulously built by teams who didn’t just understand the tech but also understood the business goals behind them.
So, how do you find that team? How do you ensure your app isn’t just another download lost in the app store?
Building a successful app isn’t easy. It takes more than just a great idea; it requires the right expertise. That’s where choosing the right mobile app development company comes in.
The truth is, more than 60% of companies are choosing to outsource app development because it gives them access to specialized expertise that they can’t build in-house. And it’s not just startups—major enterprises are doing it too. Why? Because outsourcing lets you focus on your core business, while experts focus on bringing your app to life.
Now you’re probably thinking, “How do I choose a right app development company?”
Whether you’re planning to launch a brand-new app or upgrade an existing one, this guide will help you choose a development team that fits your goals, budget, and vision.
So without further ado, let’s dive in and find out how to hire an app development company that truly aligns with your goals.
⦿ The Shifting Sands: Key Mobile App Development Trends in 2025
The mobile app development industry is fast-moving, constantly shaped by new technologies and innovations.
For startups and businesses aiming to build an app in 2025—whether it’s to upgrade an existing product or build an app from scratch, it’s crucial to stay updated on the latest trends. This knowledge will guide your decisions and ensure you choose the right mobile app development company.
By understanding these trends, you’ll be better equipped to select a development partner who doesn’t just follow the trends, but also helps you stay ahead of the curve in today’s rapidly evolving digital world.
Trend
Description
AI and Machine Learning
Smarter, more personalized apps that adapt to user behavior.
5G Technology
Faster connectivity enabling richer AR/VR and IoT experiences.
Low-Code/No-Code
Simplifies the app development process, allowing quicker delivery with minimal coding.
AR/VR/Metaverse
Immersive, interactive user experiences beyond traditional apps.
Mobile Commerce
Increased shopping directly through mobile apps.
Foldable/Wearable Apps
Apps designed for new-age devices like foldables and wearables.
Security & Privacy
Stronger focus on data protection and user privacy.
⦿ Outlining the Requirements for Your Mobile App Project
Before you begin, it’s important to clearly outline the key elements of your app:
App Features: List the main functions, unique features, business objectives, and the target audience for your app. Also, decide whether you want a native, web, or cross-platform app.
Budget and Timeline: Set a reasonable budget and timeline. Make sure you strike a balance between cost and quality to avoid compromising either.
Target Audience: Understand the specific needs, preferences, and behaviors of your target users to ensure the app fits their expectations.
Long-Term Goals: Think about the future. Consider your app’s potential for scalability, updates, and long-term growth.
⦿ Understanding the Different Types of Mobile App Development
These apps are built specifically for one platform (iOS or Android). They provide the best performance and user experience but are limited to a single platform.
2. Cross-Platform App Development
Using frameworks like Flutter or React Native, this approach allows you to build apps that work across multiple platforms with a single codebase, saving time and resources.
3. Hybrid App Development
A mix of web and native approaches, hybrid apps are faster to develop and cost less. However, they may not offer the same level of performance as native apps.
4. Progressive Web App (PWA) Development
PWAs combine the best features of web and mobile apps. They are accessible through a browser, but behave like a native app, offering offline capabilities, push notifications, and fast loading times. PWAs are a cost-effective option for businesses that want to deliver a native app-like experience without the need for app store deployment.
⦿ Understanding the Cost of Mobile App Development in 2025
Before diving into the development process, one major question stands out: What’s the real cost of building a mobile app in 2025?
Understanding the financial side of app development is essential for effective planning and avoiding unexpected budget overruns.
Unlike purchasing off-the-shelf software, building a mobile app is a custom process. The final cost depends on various factors that are all connected.
Let’s break down the key factors that affect the mobile app development cost.
• Design Complexity
A simple app design will cost less than a more complex, visually stunning one. If your app requires advanced UI/UX design, custom graphics, and advance features, it will need more time and skills, leading to a higher cost.
• Platform Choice: Android, iOS, or Both?
Choosing between a single platform (Android or iOS) or both will significantly impact the cost. Native apps for each platform require separate codebases, meaning higher development costs. Cross-platform or hybrid apps, on the other hand, are generally more affordable.
• Feature Selection
The features you want in your app will greatly influence the cost. A simple MVP (Minimum Viable Product) with basic features will be less expensive than an app with advanced features like GPS, real-time data processing, or integration with third-party services.
• App Complexity
The complexity of your app is the biggest factor that affects development cost. A simple app with a basuc features will be more affordable, while a feature-rich, custom solution will require more time, testing, and experienced developers — leading to a higher investment.
• Location of the Company You Choose
The location of the mobile app development company you select can affect the cost of your project. Companies in different parts of the world have different pricing models.
For example, hiring a company in countries like India or Eastern Europe, may offer you more affordable rates. On the other hand, companies in regions like North America or Western Europe may charge higher rates due to higher labor costs.
• Post-Launch Maintenance and Updates
Launching your app is just the beginning. You need to budget for ongoing maintenance, bug fixes, security updates, and any future upgrades. These recurring costs should be part of your overall financial planning.
⦿ Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mobile App Development Company
1. Experience & Expertise
Choose a company with a solid track record in mobile app development. Industry-specific experience is a plus, but what really matters is their ability to deliver high-quality, functional apps that align with modern trends.
2. Portfolio Evaluation
Review their portfolio carefully. Look for apps similar in complexity to your project. If possible, download and test a few to evaluate performance, design, and usability.
3. Security Standards
Make sure the company follows strong data security practices. Ask how they handle user data, encryption, and compliance with privacy regulations.
4. Technical Proficiency
Ask about the technologies they use — programming languages, frameworks, tools, and how up-to-date they are with the latest in mobile development.
5. Reviews & References
Check client testimonials, ratings, and case studies. Don’t hesitate to request references and speak with past clients about their experience.
6. Transparent Pricing
Ensure the company provides a clear, detailed cost estimate. Understand their pricing model, payment terms, and whether there are any hidden or extra charges.
7. Post-Launch Support
Ask about maintenance and support after your app goes live. Do they offer updates, bug fixes, or improvements? How quickly do they respond to issues?
8. Timeline Commitment
Review their proposed timeline. Make sure they set clear milestones and can realistically deliver on schedule. Ask how they handle delays or unexpected changes.
9. Client-Centered Communication
The best companies focus on your goals. They should listen to your needs, offer honest advice, and keep communication open throughout the project.
⦿ Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Mobile App Development Partner
• Vague Proposals
Be cautious of proposals that are unclear about the features, timelines, pricing, or development process. A good company should provide detailed and transparent information.
• Unrealistic Timelines
If a company promises to deliver a complex app in an unusually short time (or takes too long), it’s a warning sign. Rushed timelines often lead to poor quality, and overly long ones may show a lack of efficiency or understanding.
• Weak or Irrelevant Portfolio
If the company can’t show you real examples of past work — or if their projects are totally unrelated to what you’re building, it’s best to look elsewhere. A strong, relevant portfolio shows they know what they’re doing.
• No Post-Launch Support or Testing Strategy
A reliable partner should offer clear support after your app goes live and have a strong testing process in place. If they don’t mention either, they may not be thinking long-term.
⦿ Conclusion: Make the Right Move for Your App’s Future
Choosing the right mobile app development company isn’t just a technical decision — it’s a business move that can define your app’s success. With the mobile app market booming in 2025, you need a partner who understands your goals, aligns with your vision, and has the experience to bring your ideas to life.
Whether you’re a startup looking to turn your idea into reality or a growing business aiming to scale, the right partner can help you build an app that delivers real value.
⦿ Ready to Launch a Successful App? Partner with Xongolab
Well, you have a vision. And we’ve the knowledge and skillset to turn it into a powerful, high-performing app that drives real results.
In today’s fast-moving tech world, you need more than just developers — you need a team that understands the latest trends, prioritizes quality, and solves real business problems.
At Xongolab, we don’t just build apps — we create digital solutions that drive business growth, enhance user experiences, and help you thrive in a competitive market.
Contact us today and let’s build something great together.
We all have witnessed the buzz in the world of beauty & wellness, and it’s booming every day thanks to the fast-paced and stressful lifestyle.
In an era where time is the most precious luxury, the convenience of placing appointments with a few clicks has revolutionized the personal care experience.
Besides, the beauty & salon business has witnessed a seismic shift in customer engagement & appointment management, all thanks to online salon booking apps.
Now, customers can easily schedule, modify, and manage their appointments within minutes from home, avoiding the frustration of calls & hassle of going to the salon.
The unparalleled comfort and convenience these apps offer to clients and salon owners have given rise to the salon appointment booking app development.
And the surge is not a feeling thing; it reflects the fundamental shift in consumer behaviour.
The global salon services market was valued at $247.02 billion in 2024. It is projected to grow from $264.93 billion in 2025 to $447.76 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 7.79% during the forecast period.
The beauty and personal care products industry worldwide is expected to reach a projected revenue of $1874.3 million by 2030.
One of the most notable and inspiring success stories in the salon appointment booking industry is that of Fresha.
Famous for its intuitive design, smart features, and outstanding user experience, Fresha takes the beauty services app market to the next level.
Its success has not only transformed the beauty salon industry but also redefined the user experience, making it a benchmark for aspiring businesses trying to dip their toes in the market.
⦿ What is Fresha App and Why is it Popular?
Fresha is a revolutionary salon booking app that has carved out a unique place in the market by offering a comprehensive yet user-friendly platform for both businesses and customers.
But what makes the journey of the Fresha app so compelling and inspiring?
Well, first of all, we can say that Fresha has evolved beyond just an online appointment booking platform—it is now a complete business management solution.
⦿ Fresha’s Growth and the Success Mindset Behind It: A Detailed Case Study
• Core User and Business Experience:
Fresha offers a robust online booking system, allowing users to easily schedule, modify & cancel appointments anytime, any day.
The app integrates seamless payment processing while eliminating the need for separate POS systems and streamlining the operations for businesses.
With a suite of powerful marketing tools, email & SMS campaigns, promos & loyalty programs, Fresha helps businesses enrich their clientele.
• Intuitive Interface Experience
Fresha offers intuitive UX, which makes app navigation easy, offering a flawless experience to the guests and salon owners.
While guests enjoy the ease of booking appointments and managing their schedules, businesses benefit from streamlined daily operations, thanks to the well-organized dashboard.
• Freemium Model
The freemium model has been the shining star, bringing popularity to Fresha.
These important business tools offer small businesses the occasion to dissect the request & make a mark in the competitor territory while the big sharks are thriving.
• Market Impact of Fresha
Fresha has revolutionized the traditional salon appointment booking experience and has resulted in 1 billion+ appointments so far.
Fresha offers a potential option to expensive and subscription-based platforms, due to which it has successfully partnered with 120,000 businesses and 450,000 hairstylists and professionals till now.
Fresha’s freemium model doesn’t require any monthly charges. Rather, it generates profit through commission from new client bookings, making it more affordable.
With a global presence in over 120 countries and rapid growth, Fresha demonstrates its ability to meet the diverse needs of the beauty and wellness sector.
Moreover, Fresha was ranked 59th in the top 100 marketplace platform in 2023, highlighting its rising prominence in the industry.
⦿ How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Salon Booking App Like Fresha?
The cost of developing a salon appointment booking app varies based on several factors, including app complexity, UI/UX design, platform choice(Android, iOS, or both), development team, and project management requirements.
However, to give you a rough estimate, the cost to build an app like Fresha can range from $15,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the features, third-party API integrations, and overall development approach.
Let’s understand this in detail:
I. App Interface & Design
To build a salon booking app like Fresha, you need to consider top-notch design elements and intuitive design to enhance the user experience.
However, the more complex the design, the higher the development cost.
A well-structured, user-friendly design ensures easy navigation and seamless operation, making the app more customer-friendly.
So, while aiming for Fresha’s level of intuitiveness and quality, it’s crucial to balance features and budget to optimize development costs effectively.
II. Platform Choice
Selecting the right platform for your app is a critical decision. Choosing between native development (iOS or Android), cross-platform solutions, or multiple platforms will significantly impact the budget.
Native development typically incurs higher costs due to separate codebases, while cross-platform solutions can reduce development and maintenance expenses.
To make an informed decision, it’s essential to analyze your target audience, budget, and long-term business strategy.
III. Essentail Features
The inclusion of both basic and advanced features in your app will significantly impact the overall development cost.
The more feature-rich and complex the app becomes, the higher the development cost.
It is crucial to strike a balance between must-have features to build an app like Fresha while keeping the budget in mind, ensuring a powerful yet cost-effective solution as per your needs.
Customer App Features
1. Register and Login
A secure registration and login process ensures user authentication, data protection, a personalized experience, and access to appointment history and preferences.
2. Online Booking and Cancellations
It allows guests to view hairstylists’ available time slots, book appointments, and cancel or register them directly through the app, which is accessible 24/7.
3. Online & Cash Payment Options
Provides guests with secure online payment methods (credit/debit cards, digital wallets, UPI) while also offering cash payment options to enhance convenience and security.
4. Service Catalogue
A comprehensive salon roster offers service options, easy service discovery for users & promotes informed decision-making, and enhances service bookings.
5. User Profiles
This feature offers individual customer information, history, and preferences. Therefore, the business can produce individualized service recommendations and appointment operations and, hence, improve customer connections.
6. Customized Service Configuration
With this option, salons can offer highly individualized services, customized packages, and unique service add-ons in order to produce a tailored customer experience.
7. Makeup Tryon Integration
With the help of AR, this feature allows guests to try on the makeup or hairstyles.
The guests can also upload their photos to get an idea about the looks after product or service use.
Also, e-commerce integration with these features can allow users to directly buy the tried products.
8. eWallet Integration
This service allows guests to make online payments for services and products, earn rewards, and store money within the app, enhancing convenience and security.
9. Reviews and Ratings
Allow users to leave reviews and ratings for salons and individual service providers, enhancing transparency and strengthening client relationships.
Salon Side Features
1. Appointment Management and Staff Scheduling
This feature provides tools for efficient operations, including:
Managing client appointments and scheduling
Assigning staff based on their availability
Handling time-off requests
It helps optimize staff utilization, reduce scheduling conflicts, and improve workflow and time management.
2. Stylist’s Profile Management
This feature helps the business to manage the staff profiles & availability, thus improving centralized staff information, communication, and streamlined staff management.
3. Revenue Management
Revenue management tools help businesses track and manage financial transactions, including client payments, salaries, deductions, inventory procurement, and profits.
These tools provide valuable financial insights and assist in developing optimized business strategies.
4. Appointment Status updates
This feature offers real-time updates on the status of the appointment to improve appointment tracking, better client-staff communication & proper appointment operations.
5. Service Management
This allows businesses to efficiently manage their services, including details, pricing, and durations. This promotes better service information for clients, easy service updates & pricing strategies for the salon.
6. Customer Communication Tools
This feature offers direct communication with the customer regarding query management, assistance, appointment status updates, and reminders.
It allows salons or businesses to make marketing campaign strategies, promos, sales, discounts, seasonal offers & loyalty programs.
This feature helps businesses with improved customer management, targeted marketing & campaign ROI.
8. Inventory Management
Inventory Management tools offer inventory status tracking, stock management & purchase order generation when needed. This promotes reduced stock outs, optimized stock management & reduced product waste.
9. Payment Management
This feature encompasses secure payment operations within the app. It includes secure payment through all online gateways, refund management, transaction history & developing financial reports.
10. POS Integration
Point-of-sale (POS) integration allows seamless data synchronization, inventory management & transaction recording. This feature provides centralized data management, streamlined operations in the salon/salons, and better physical to online data management.
11. Customer Database Management
This feature stores, organizes, and manages customer data within the app.
It provides businesses with access to each customer’s information, appointment history, preferences, and inquiries.
This allows businesses to offer personalized services, implement targeted marketing, gain valuable data insights, and improve customer relationships.
Admin Panel Features
1. Powerful Dashboard
An intuitive and visually appealing dashboard provides high-quality KPIs and real-time insights on bookings, earnings, and client engagement. It includes customizable widgets and intuitive elements like charts and graphs for comprehensive data reporting.
2. Client and Staff Data Management
This feature allows businesses to view and manage customer and salon information. It enhances user and staff operations, improves data analysis, and enables personalized customer service.
3. Stylist Management
This tool enables the admin panel to manage stylist profiles, schedules, and performance metrics. It helps optimize staff operations, improve scheduling, and facilitate performance analysis.
4. User Profile Management
This feature allows the admin to manage client accounts, including activation, deactivation, password resets, and account recovery. It provides better control over user permissions, data security, and overall business safety.
5. Manage Salon Profile
This feature helps manage salon profiles, including biographies, contact details, locations, and services. It enhances business visibility, improves searchability, and improves the overall client experience.
6. Everyday Bookings Management
Provides a real-time, comprehensive view of daily transactions and bookings, allowing admin to oversee scheduling and resource allocation efficiently.
7. Services Management
This enables the admin to add, edit, and delete service listings, ensuring accurate and up-to-date service information. Additionally, it helps manage service orders, pricing, and descriptions while facilitating the creation of promotional packages and discounts for loyal customers.
8. Service Appointment Handling
Allows admin to process and manage service requests from users, enhancing service efficiency, streamlining request operations, and improving client satisfaction.
9. Manage Payment
This feature allows the admin to view and manage payment transactions, including online and cash payments. The admin can approve refunds, resolve payment disputes, and generate sales reports.
10. Analytics Report
This feature generates reports on business profits and earnings from bookings, commissions, and other revenue streams. It helps businesses make informed decisions on profit strategies, such as optimizing pricing structures, commission rates, and subscription plans.
11. Client Support & Communication
This feature provides a centralized platform for client communication, offering 24/7 support and handling inquiries. It also enables ticket assignment to support staff, tracks issue statuses, and ensures efficient resolution.
IV. Choosing the Right Development Partner
Selecting the right development team is crucial for building a high-quality salon booking app and ensuring a successful launch.
A highly skilled team can deliver superior results, but it also significantly impacts the overall development cost.
Key factors such as team size, expertise, and the location of an app development company play a major role in determining the budget.
Striking the right balance between budget and team selection is essential to developing a feature-rich, cost-effective solution.
Push Notifications and in-app messaging – Twilio, Push.io
For Database – MongoDB, HBase, Postgres
Appointment Scheduling – Calendar API
Security – SSL Encryption, OAuth 2.0
Analytics – Google Analytics, Amazon EMR, Mixpanel
Real Time Communication – WebSockets, Firebase Cloud Messaging
VI. App Maintenance & Security
After developing the app, post-launch maintenance, security, and regular updates are essential to ensure long-term performance and reliability.
App maintenance includes routine updates, bug fixes, feature enhancements, and performance optimizations to provide a seamless user experience.
Implementing robust security measures may increase development costs, but it is crucial for protecting both the app and user data, ensuring customer trust and privacy.
Additionally, ongoing maintenance and security efforts safeguard your platform, enhance user satisfaction, and foster long-term customer loyalty.
Since the cost of salon app development depends on the various factors mentioned above, here’s a brief breakdown of the estimated budget.
App Complexity
Features
Estimated Cost
Basic MVP
Basic and essential features, suitable for smaller businesses
$10,000 – $15,000
Moderate Complexity App
All basic features, real-time tools, payment & marketing integrations, and enhanced user profiles—ideal for businesses looking to expand their digital presence and user engagement.
$15,000- $30,000
Highly Complex App with Features Like Fresha
Smart recommendations, advanced geo-location, in-depth analytics, and robust marketing & inventory management—ideal for large salons or chains seeking a fully integrated solution.
$30,000- $50,000 or more
⦿ How to Make Money from a Salon Booking App?
A salon booking app can generate revenue through multiple streams, making it a profitable business model. Here are some of the most effective monetization strategies:
Commission-Based Model
A popular revenue model, this approach charges a percentage-based commission on every transaction made through the app. If you’re building a salon booking app like Fresha, this strategy is worth considering, as it’s their primary monetization method.
Advertisements
Generate revenue by allowing brands to run targeted promotional ads based on user preferences, location, and market trends. Additional income can come from pay-per-click models. However, ensuring ad relevance is crucial to maintaining a seamless user experience.
Subscriptions-Based Model
Offer paid subscription plans with extra benefits, such as priority booking, exclusive discounts, or premium features. This provides a steady monthly or yearly income while enhancing user experience.
Partnerships & Affiliated Marketing
Collaborate with beauty and skincare brands to offer direct sales through the app. This proven monetization method not only boosts revenue but also enhances user engagement by providing valuable product recommendations.
Summing up
The market is filled with various on-demand apps, but creating a successful salon booking app like Fresha requires the right balance of features, technology, and cost management.
Developing a high-quality, budget-friendly app demands expertise, experience, and the right strategic approach.
At Xongolab, we provide tailored solutions and effective monetization strategies to help you maximize excellent ROI.
Ready to transform your business with a powerful salon booking system?
Contact us today and take the first step toward success!
