Tips Before Working With a Software Development Agency

Finding the right software development agency can be difficult. With lots of agencies around the world all claiming to be the perfect fit for your project, how can you choose correctly?

In this article, we’ll discuss some tips you should consider before working with a software development agency. Check them out!

Ask for Their Portfolio

Ask the agency to show you their best portfolio. This should be no problem if the agency is experienced. Examples of their previous work will help you how good (or bad) they are at meeting client’s expectations.

Other times, you’ll be able to dig up their previous works by yourself. You may even find past projects that are similar to your project.

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All of these will help you know what to expect from them if you do hire or work with them. You might want to check a San Diego-based software development agency’s work to see what quality looks like.

Check Their Online Reputation

You can also gauge a software development agency’s efficiency and effectiveness through their online reputation. If reviews are available, take time to read them and know what other clients have experienced.

Check social media or forums for comments from previous clients or workmates about their workflow and project management.

Search for testimonials about their time management, methods of communication, tech stacks used, specializations, and more — all of these will help you gauge how fit they are for your project.

Talk to Former Clients

On top of checking their online reputation, you must also speak with their former clients if you can. Ask the agency for references. They should be able to give you enough references as a sign that they’re proud of their work.

If they appear reluctant or unsure of what reference to give you, consider than a red flag. There are other software development red flags to consider, too.

Gauge Their Business Interest

This step is more effectively done during face-to-face meetings or even virtual interviews.

Are they only in it to make money? Or do they have a vision of a better working relationship with clients as well as an important contribution to the industry?

While you’re at it, ask them how they deal with unexpected problems. Understand how they work under pressure, tight deadlines, and unpredictable circumstances, such as the pandemic.

Pro tip: excellent development agencies always look to learn lessons from whatever experience they have. Ask them what they’ve learned during times of turmoil or disasters in the project.

This will help you decide whether you can trust them to push for excellence despite challenges.

Ask for Their Long-Term Commitment

Whether your project is a web app, a mobile app, custom software, or an internal platform, you’ll need ongoing support and maintenance.

Ask the agency if they’re able to commit long-term. You don’t want to change development teams now and then, because the period of adjustment isn’t always easy.

To properly gauge their long-term commitment, think about the following:

• Are they willing to work directly or integrate with your team? If they are, ask them how they plan to communicate and co-manage the project with you.
• Are they creative and critical thinkers? Long-term commitments seldom go smoothly. Over time, there’ll be challenges and opportunities that will require their creative and critical thinking prowess.
• How engaged are their team members? The developers the agency will allocate to your project should also be willing to stay for the long term. You don’t want to change project leaders and developers every year. Employee turnover is costly.

Remember that commitment goes both ways: you should also be willing to commit with the team. Thus, you must a team that’s not only willing to commit to you but also can convince you to commit to them. This will ensure smooth workflows and a solid relationship.