Does your website need an API integration? Do you want an internal company portal to manage your employee data? Is it time to modernise your legacy software?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, it sounds like you could use the magic touch of an agency's custom development services!
But unlike off-the-shelf software, custom development requires a highly skilled team of professionals to bring your ideas to life.
So, how do you ensure that you choose the right custom development agency for your project?
You can either spend a long time researching options or follow these simple steps.
#1. List Your Requirements
Before approaching a custom development agency, list your requirements.
This will give you a framework to work with and allow the agency to understand your project's scope and goals.
Make sure to include both technical and non-technical aspects, such as budget, timeline, and target audience.
#2. Research Potential Companies
Whether you find your potential partners through Google search, directories, or word-of-mouth, it doesn't really matter where you find a custom development agency. What matters is that they meet your needs, and you have the flexibility to choose the method that suits you best.
#3. Zoom In On Portfolios
Each company will have a portfolio of projects that they have worked on in the past. Take a closer look at these projects to get an idea of their style and quality of work.
If possible, try to find projects similar to what you are looking for to see if the company has experience in that particular area. For instance, if you want a certain plugin developed for your website, check if the company has experience developing similar plugins.
#4. Check Customer Reviews
Reading reviews from previous clients is a great way to get an understanding of the custom development agency's reputation and customer satisfaction.
Reviews can be found on the agency's website, social media pages, or Google Business Listing.
Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded view.
#5. Inquire About Their Development Process
Every project has a development lifecycle, and it's important to know how the agency handles each step.
Make sure to ask about their development process and how they communicate with clients throughout the project.
This will help you understand if their approach aligns with your expectations and preferences.
#6. Ask About Their Team
The success of a custom development project relies heavily on the skills and expertise of the team working on it.
Ask about the team members' qualifications, experience, and roles in the company. You can also inquire about their availability for ongoing support or updates after the project is completed.
#7. Ask For Quotes
Custom development pricing can vary greatly depending on the complexity and scope of the project.
It's important to get a quote early on to make sure it fits within your budget.
Make sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of costs and any potential additional fees that may come up during the project.
#8. Discuss Communication
Communication is key.
You might have certain preferences for staying in touch with the development agency, such as regular check-ins or access to a project management tool.
Make sure to discuss these expectations with the agency and see if they can accommodate them.
#9. Consider Ongoing Support
After your custom development project is complete, you may require ongoing support for updates or maintenance.
Ask about the agency's policies and costs for ongoing website maintenance support and make sure it aligns with your needs.
Choose Us For Your Custom Development Needs!
Our team at Starbright has over 30 years of experience in custom web development and a solid track record to show for it.
Contact us today for a consultation and see how we can help bring your vision to life!