How to choose the right software development company

Determine your goals and expectations

Before you can choose a software development company, you need to set your goals. What do you need from this project? What do you expect from the development partner you choose?

Answering these questions will give you a benchmark for the software project. You can use this benchmark to compare and contrast different development providers. Here's what to think about:

How to initiate your search

Now that you've got your goals and expectations, it's time to begin the search. Here's how to get started and find the right development partner:

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  General search engines

  A quick Google search is always a good way to look for developers.

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  Social media channels

  Developers will have social media accounts. Search on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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  Freelancer platforms and agencies

  Freelance developers will often use specialized platforms to advertise their services. Agencies may match you with a developer, but they might have a directory you can browse too.

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  Client review sites

  Find out how developers are performing with reliable reviews.

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  Personal recommendations

  Ask friends and colleagues for tips on who to choose.

How to choose a software development company

Follow this handy checklist and find the right partner for your project:

Measure expertise

You need to work with an expert software developer. Look for accreditations that prove this expertise. For example, the developer might have a Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect accreditation. Or they may have received Google Cloud certification.

They may also have received awards and other acknowledgments. Just make sure that all these accreditations and awards are relevant. Refer to your aims and expectations. Does the developer's expertise tick all the right boxes for your software project?

Look at the tech stack

The tech stack refers to the tools and technologies your software developer is using. For instance, they might use MySQL for databases and Swift for iOS app development. They might use the Python or Java programming languages. They may use the ReactJS or AngularJS front-end frameworks.

Smaller developer firms won't have the resources to be experts in all technologies. Instead, they will specialize in just a few of these tools and solutions. Larger firms may have wider-ranging skill sets. Be wary of small companies that claim to be experts in everything. They may be a "jack of all trades," but they might also be "master of none."

Check their portfolio

Take a look at your potential partner's portfolio. This will give you some idea of what they are capable of, so you can assess if they are a good fit for you.

Keep these points in mind:

• Look for information on the entire development process, not just the end result.
• Look for projects relevant to your business and your sector.
• Remember that the portfolio will be a little biased in favor of the developer.
• Ask about specific aspects of the portfolio during your consultation — more on this later.

Measure deployment frequency

High deployment frequency means releasing updates every week. If they are releasing updates every couple of months, deployment frequency is low. The very best developers will be able to release updates on demand.

But note that this is not the be-all and end-all. A developer may have a high deployment frequency but fall short in other areas. However, this metric gives a good idea of their capability. Where possible, look for a high deployment frequency from your software development candidate.

Choose a flexible partner

You don't want a generic piece of software you can buy from a store. Instead, you want software that meets your precise needs. In other words, you need a software development partner who can adapt to your requirements.

Make sure the developer is flexible enough to deliver on your project. Refer to those goals and expectations you listed back at the start. A flexible developer who can hit these project-specific points might be a good fit.

Check their development methodology

Once upon a time, it was all about the Waterfall method of development. These days, software developers are more likely to use Agile methodology. But Agile can mean many different things. The development team might use the Kanban method. They might be devotees of Scrum development. Or they might use something else, like feature-driven development (FDD).

There's not really a right or wrong way to do Agile. But your candidate should have a clear reason for their choice. Ask them to explain their decision-making. Find out how their chosen method will help your project.

Take a look at the structure

Your software development company needs a well-defined structure. This shows you they are professional and well-organized. The structure might look like this:

• The project manager — the professional heading up the development project
• The design team — the team in charge of visual elements and structural design
• The development team — the coders and programming wizards (these should be experts in their chosen technologies)
• The support and onboarding team — the team in charge of implementation and assistance
• The client liaison team — the team that stays in communication with you and your own teams

Find out about communication and collaboration

We just mentioned that all-important word — communication. Software development is a two-way street. You don't just want a company that is going to "get on with it." You want someone who stays by your side, working with you rather than just for you.

Remember, this is your software. You have valuable ideas and inputs that the development team will need to take into account. Find out about the communication channels your candidate uses. Ask about their collaborative processes. Discover how they will work with your own in-house teams.

Back it up with testimonies

Your software development company candidate can tell you a great deal about what makes them so great. But to get to the heart of the matter, you need insights from those who really know. This means finding client testimonies. Where possible, find software reviews from clients in your specific field and sector.

Check out the reviews of your development candidate. Look at the mid reviews, as well as the glowing and not-so-glowing ones. Read reviews that offer real insight into the development process. Bear in mind that all companies get bad reviews, but look at how the developer responds to these bad reviews. If they take the time to turn bad experiences into good ones, this may be a good sign.

Get a consultation

You can read hundreds of reviews and examine pages of software development case studies. But before you make your decision, you need to speak to your candidate face-to-face. This means using some of the communication channels we've discussed above. Set up a Zoom meeting or use another platform. Chat about your project and learn more about what the development team can do.

The initial consultation is vital for both parties. This is your chance to ask the candidate any questions about the project. This is also a chance for the candidate to learn more about you. They'll discover the specifics of your business and your software. Just make sure there are no obligations attached to the consultation.