This post aims to guide you on how to pick an IT firm that will genuinely enhance your business value. The selection procedure is dual-pronged. It’s crucial to conduct thorough research before engaging in discussions with potential vendors on your list.
The need for software development services, especially web development outsourcing, has seen a consistent rise over the past few years. Last year it exponentially increased due to the ongoing pandemic crisis. Numerous businesses have transitioned a significant part of their operations online, embracing remote work.
This shift has resulted in a pressing demand for superior software development or IT services. Businesses are looking to automate most of their processes and hence, require expert web or software development support. Fortunately, this demand is met by a vast supply. Current data shows that there are 1.6 million software and web developers in the USA, equipped to tackle any job type (source: https://www.cyberstates.org/).
A certain percentage of these are freelancers, but the majority are employed by IT firms. As per the same source, there are just under 560,000 tech business entities in the U.S. While this is a remarkable proposition, it poses a significant challenge. Many business owners struggle when choosing a trustworthy software development partner.
They need to navigate through countless questions. How to select an IT service provider who will create a product that meets all their expectations and serves them flawlessly for the foreseeable future? Don’t worry! We’ve compiled some insightful tips for those still undecided. Follow them, and hopefully, you’ll sidestep many common traps when selecting a web or software development agency.
8 Guidelines on Choosing a Development Company That Suits You Best
#1: Clearly Define Your Future Project’s Requirements
The initial step doesn’t involve any specific development company. It requires you to dedicate time and effort to clearly outline your needs and requirements. Write down a description of each feature you want the IT firm to develop, explaining why you need it and how it can benefit your customers or clients.
This will make the subsequent interviewing process simpler and save time and money. For instance, do you require a payment gateway integrated into your site? How do you envision the checkout page? Product pages?
#2: Discover What Others Think About a Specific IT Service Provider
Ideally, you wouldn’t want to opt for an IT services firm that has just started. Look for a seasoned IT company with a strong track record of successful projects. One way to verify this is by checking their past clients’ testimonials.
Every software development company website showcases positive client reviews on its homepage. While we won’t question the legitimacy of these testimonials, vendors will undoubtedly highlight only positive feedback, so you’ll need to delve deeper to uncover the full picture. How?
Visit various specific websites where clients of web and software development companies can share their experiences. This feedback is meticulously reviewed by the administrators, ensuring its reliability. Some examples:
- Clutch
- Glassdoor
#3: Select a Development Company Based on Its Ranking Among Other Agencies
Consider the ranking of an IT company among other vendors
One way to guarantee you’re partnering with a reputable web or software development company is to check its ranking among competitors. You can do this by visiting one of many rating websites, such as:
- DesignRush
- Top IT Firms
- Top Ecommerce Development Companies
- Web Design Rankings
- TopDevelopers
IT companies are evaluated based on a wide array of criteria, including:
- Past projects
- Industry awards
- Team
- Client reviews
…and more.
#4: Review an IT Company’s Previous Work
Just as you would evaluate an architect’s past constructions before hiring them to build your home, similarly, it’s crucial to assess the previous projects of an IT company. Most reputable companies showcase their accomplished projects on their website.
Inspect these thoroughly. Do they align with your requirements? What sectors does the company cater to? For instance, a banking application will be vastly different from a training app.
#5: Assess the Quality and Information on Their Website
A professional and informative website is a good indicator of a competent IT company. If the website appears to be created using a basic website builder, it may raise doubts. Leading IT companies custom design their websites to ensure uniqueness, superior user experience, and quick load times.
Beyond aesthetics, the website should be informative and error-free. Opt for an IT company whose website is devoid of grammatical or spelling errors. Ensure that you can locate all the necessary client information. Look for responses to queries like ‘How is communication handled?’ or ‘How many experts are on the development team?’
Ideally, the website should also display pictures of all team members.
#6: Choose a Development Company with Fair (not the Cheapest) Prices and Appropriate Pricing Models
Top software development firms don’t lure clients with low rates. They understand that crafting a quality product requires significant skill and effort to add real value to a business. While staying within budget is important, be wary of providers offering unusually low rates.
This is similar to purchasing a cheap car that constantly breaks down, costing you more in repairs than if you’d invested in a pricier vehicle.
Hence, our suggestion is to look for a web or software development partner with fair, not suspiciously low rates. Such an offer usually indicates the provider lacks experience, may deliver a poorly designed/coded app or website, and may take too long to complete the project.
Beyond rates, also consider the pricing models an IT company uses. For less complex or time-consuming projects, a flat rate might be the best choice. In such cases, opt for an IT development company that charges hourly rates.
#7: Understand an IT Company’s Data Protection Measures
In today’s digital age, any reliable web or software development service provider prioritizes personal data protection. The Internet is rife with freelancers and small IT firms with unclear data protection practices. They might disappear suddenly, leaving their clients uncertain about their valuable data.
Thus, when choosing a web development company, ensure they have a strong data protection system in place. A legally binding contract and a non-disclosure agreement are essential for any company in this field.
#8: Ensure Transparency and Ease of Communication Regarding Project Progress
The commencement of a project, from discussing the initial requirements to its initiation, is merely the starting point. As the web or software development process unfolds, numerous aspects may arise.
You may realize you require an additional business feature or wish to inquire about the current phase of the development work. The developers may stumble upon a more efficient resolution to your issue and need your input. The scenarios are endless.
Seamless and transparent communication is crucial in these situations. Opt for a web development firm that offers various methods for exchanging pertinent information (such as Skype, Slack, Email, Live Chat, etc.), starting with your preferred mode.
A dedicated project manager should be available to promptly address your questions or update you about any modifications or concerns from the agency’s end.
Conclusion
Successfully selecting a web or software development company involves a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, it requires in-depth research into customer reviews and the company’s ranking among competitors.
Secondly, examining the company’s past projects and the quality of its own website can offer crucial insights into their capabilities and professionalism.
Thirdly, the pricing structure should be considered carefully; while affordability is important, unusually low rates may indicate a lack of experience or quality. Lastly, the company’s data protection measures and their commitment to transparency and easy communication are crucial for a successful partnership.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and select the right IT partner for your business.
