Mobile & Web App Development for Online Messaging Platform
- Mobile App Development Web Development
- $50,000 to $199,999
- Mar. - Sep. 2022
- Quality
- 5.0
- Schedule
- 5.0
- Cost
- 5.0
- Willing to Refer
- 5.0
“Fahrenheit Marketing made the process simple.”
- Other industries
- Cleveland, Georgia
- 1-10 Employees
- Phone Interview
- Verified
A messaging platform hired Fahrenheit Marketing to design and develop their Android mobile app, iOS 16 mobile app, and web application. The team integrated Stripe as the payment gateway from the backend.
The client was happy with Fahrenheit Marketing’s detailed work and their proactive response to the release of iOS 16 to ensure an updated app. They were responsive, engaged, communicative, and transparent. Their integrity in considering the client’s needs before their own stood out.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the owner of PreWill, an online messaging service that allows users to send personalized messages through apps and phones to their loved ones in the event of their death. The app tracks users’ activity on their devices and, based on that activity, sends messages out when a death event occurs.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Fahrenheit Marketing?
When I had the concept for the company and a specific direction and goals in mind, I came to Fahrenheit Marketing and hired them to help me with mobile app and web design.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
Fahrenheit Marketing designed and developed one mobile app for Android and one for iOS 16. They also designed and built a web application. All three apps are integrated into one server that houses all their information and integrates with a payment gateway. They used TestFlight for testing and Stripe as a payment gateway.
Initially, we signed an NDA and discussed our goals for the mobile app. We had a call with the Fahrenheit Marketing team, and I gave them an in-depth flow chart of what I wanted the software to do and how I wanted it to integrate. The team created storyboards and specced out the entire project. From there, they gave me a week to provide feedback and raise issues. They broke down the process and answered questions as we went through each step.
The app allows users to register for a service that costs around $3 a month and enter their payment information. They get directed to a screen where they can drag and drop recipient folders that allow them to write personal messages to their loved ones. For example, users can input their spouse’s name and phone number and then type their message. Each user can choose up to 12 recipients, and they have to allow the app to track their activity.
On the backend, the platform tracks when users lock and unlock their devices; I chose this method because I didn’t want the app to track users’ personal information. The system can track multiple devices, even for different platforms, such as an iOS tablet and an Android phone. Apple had never had an app that tracks devices this way, so the approval process took two weeks. Fahrenheit Marketing helped us jump through the necessary hoops to get the approval.
What is the team composition?
I worked with at least six teammates from Fahrenheit Marketing, including Ricardo (CEO), Tim (CTO), Brandon (Digital Strategy & Project Management), Greg (Project Management & Content Strategy), a designer, and a developer. Although I didn’t meet them, I know more people were working on my account.
How did you come to work with Fahrenheit Marketing?
I found them through Google while searching for marketing companies that also developed apps. Fahrenheit Marketing was number three on someone’s ranking of development companies; they were from Austin, Texas, while the first two were from England and Australia, respectively.
I emailed the company in England and Fahrenheit Marketing and then had a call with both. Within 10 minutes, I knew I was more interested in Fahrenheit Marketing; there was something about working with someone I could meet when spending my life savings.
How much have you invested with them?
We spent approximately $100,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
The project lasted from March–September 2022. I pay them for server space monthly, and they will provide maintenance for the app.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Fahrenheit Marketing was very detailed in working through the process. This was a very ambitious project with more complexity than other products they were working on, and they accomplished it in just over six months. Moreover, they were easy to work with and built trust very quickly.
The team was comprehensive in their approach and slowed me down at the start of the process. They suggested delivering the storyboards and scope for under $10,000 and then letting me decide whether I wanted to continue with them or take those documents to another company. Before they completed that process, I knew I wanted them for the entire project. Overall, it was a great business venture, and I'm excited to get the platform started.
Due to the complexity of the project, we had a small group of four testers, plus myself. I wanted everything to be completed before releasing the app. I launched the app in the past two weeks and started advertising it today. Although I would love to use Fahrenheit Marketing for marketing, I'm not financially able to pay for that service, so I'm doing it on my own. Therefore, I don't have any metrics yet.
How did Fahrenheit Marketing perform from a project management standpoint?
They were very responsive and engaged. Although the initial timeframe was four months, Apple announced they were updating to iOS 16, which was a big change. Fahrenheit Marketing suggested we put off the project until the new version launched so that I could submit the app with the updated OS. As soon as Apple dropped the information, they researched and determined the best course of action.
They never left me hanging and gave me feedback very quickly. In some cases, we had very tight deadlines, and I wanted to launch the app as soon as iOS 16 launched. When the team couldn't deliver something I wanted, they were very quick to explain what they were doing and why it took the time it did.
Throughout the process, we had one-on-one meetings to follow up on what they had done. I'm very detailed, so I asked many questions throughout the project, and Fahrenheit Marketing made the process simple. Although they went over the budget, I can see why and how they lost some money. Based on other companies I looked at, they were more affordable.
We communicated virtually and via phone calls and text messages. They had Google Meet meetings and showed me their progress. As soon as we got a working device, I used TestFlight and an Android tester to see the app in real-time. Overall, I had a great relationship with Fahrenheit Marketing.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Fahrenheit Marketing's integrity distinguishes them from other providers. Any other company would have finished the project three months earlier and put it on the older version of iOS because it would have been simpler for them. Meanwhile, Fahrenheit Marketing didn't do what was easiest for them and instead thought of me and my needs, which was very important to me. They ensured I didn't deviate from the budget since, thanks to them, I won't have to upgrade the app so soon.
Are there any areas they could improve?
The only challenge we had was that, at times, the technical jargon needed to be simplified and clearer for me. However, although the concepts were hard to follow, I went back and figured out the verbiage on my own later and understood it in more detail.
Moreover, I understand why they didn't stop to explain as much. I work in healthcare, and if I were in the middle of working on a patient, I wouldn't turn around and explain every term I'm using because it would slow down the process.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Communication is key on both sides. I got the most out of my engagement with Fahrenheit Marketing because I was the squeaky wheel at times. If something was bothering me or concerning me, I quickly emailed them, and they were always responsive. Don't worry about the meeting times; they're good at getting back to you anytime.
RATINGS
-
Quality
5.0Service & Deliverables
"There were no issues with the product they put out, and it exceeded my expectations."
-
Schedule
5.0On time / deadlines
"They changed their timeline because of what was best for me as a client."
-
Cost
5.0Value / within estimates
"They gave me a breakdown of the hours and stayed true to the project."
-
Willing to Refer
5.0NPS