According to the latest stats, software development costs range between $50,000 and $250,000. The lower the price tag—the simpler the app developed. The price can go much higher for software that will boast third-party integrations, custom UI/UX design, and an array of built-in functionalities.
Developing your custom business software is a massive investment—one that must be done properly to pay off and help you achieve a desirable ROI. But with so many providers on the market, how do you find and choose the perfect custom software development company?
In this article, we outline seven key steps that will help you seal the deal with the best software development agency.
#1 Define Project Deliverables & Objectives
You won't be able to find the perfect software provider if you lack a clear definition of the product you want to build. By not specifying your project requirements in terms of functionalities, technologies, or timeframe, you'll be only wasting your team's precious resources and, potentially, partner with the wrong software agency.
Of course, you can't have everything defined. Perhaps your team is on the fence when it comes to the best technologies for software development. Or, meetings with prospective providers yield additional ideas on the features and functionalities of the final product.
So, for initial pitches to companies, jot down a simple list of your objectives along with all other details you can provide at this stage. This will ensure the prospects accurately assess the technical, budget, and timeline estimates.
#2 Find and Assess Software Development Companies
Before reaching out to any of the companies, do your homework well.
First, search for providers using Google, or browse the renowned B2B marketplaces such as Clutch or DesignRush. Build a list of potential software development companies, gathering as much info as possible.
In your list, include companies' size and structure, experience with similar projects, hourly rates, technology expertise, and services provided. Add the software providers' notable project portfolios and customer reviews and rankings, especially those you find on third-party websites.
By the end of this step, you'll probably end up with an enormous, information-packed table—but also a better understanding of which software development companies definitely don't fit your needs.
#3 Evaluate What the Chosen Providers Can Offer
In this stage, you'll start reaching out to software development companies you have shortlisted in the previous step. Craft a professional email, summarize your key project points, and request an offer and, preferably, a meeting with the company's sales team.
Pay attention to how your prospective agency treats you. The best software development agencies will want to make sure that they're on the same page as you. A serious software prospect will
- Send you a detailed offer
- Ask additional questions
- Set up a meeting to learn more about your business
- Advise you on how to maximize your software-building process.
Remember that professionalism goes both ways—so act the way you expect your ideal software partner to behave toward you.
#4 Check the Company's Development Practices
Before putting in your signature, you'll need to discuss the company's development processes and methodologies. Most software development agencies nowadays rely on either Scrum or Agile. Still, there are myriads of in-betweens to how teams approach problem-solving.
Names aside, your project's development methodology should incorporate adaptive planning, frequent project updates, and effective communication tools. Each of these helps both sides stay on top of every task and information related to the project.
In addition, you'll want to know your software development prospect's security practices. After all, they will handle lots of your sensitive information—and you need to ensure your business ideas, products, and other confidential materials are handled appropriately.
#5 Examine Their Team Specialists & Dynamics
Of course, numbers don't have to mean anything. Sometimes, a software development startup with a single-digit employee count will prove to be a better fit than an international agency.
Still, it is good to be in the know about the number of specialists that will work on your project, and their experience and expertise.
A professional software development company will share the CVs and portfolios of those who will be assigned to your project per your request. However, if you want to dig a bit deeper, LinkedIn is the place to go.
Also, feel free to ask about the structure of your project's management team. You want to be sure that your software development process will be managed in the best way possible and thus ensure no unwanted issues or delays.
#6 Get To Know the Company's QA and Testing Process
The biggest part of a software product's success is its quality. Even if the software is intended for your company's internal purposes, you'll want a bug-free, fast-loading, and secure product.
So, before signing a contract with a software development company, ask them for an in-depth explanation of their testing and quality assurance procedures.
Ideally, your software provider will conduct testing throughout all development stages. Ongoing testing and validation will help improve the development process and keep the project moving forward as agreed.
Moreover, your team will want to consider if backup, support, and maintenance of your future product are included in the software developer's offer. And if so, for how long will the development company provide you with these services, and are there potential extra costs?
#7 Don't Be Afraid to Ask Anything That Comes to Your Mind
The software development process is a complex, lengthy, and expensive endeavor in which many different people take part, and it intertwines the unique perspectives and objectives of each side involved. This is why you shouldn’t refrain from asking questions.
An issue may arise from even the smallest misunderstanding or misalignment between your and your agency's team. Therefore, ensure transparent communication and ask for an in-depth explanation whenever you feel in the dark.
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